Hot Water
Hot Water | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Loudon
Nothing ruins a Loudon morning faster than an unexpected blast of cold water. When your trusted tank water heater falters, count on HEP to bring back the steady, soothing flow your family relies on. Our licensed plumbers repair every make and model, arrive with fully stocked trucks, and test each connection to guarantee reliable hot water for showers, dishes, and laundry alike—all while treating your home with the respect it deserves.
Thinking about an upgrade? We’ll walk you through high-efficiency options, provide transparent, upfront pricing, and handle permits, haul-away, and clean-up in a single visit. From emergency fixes to scheduled replacements, HEP delivers hometown service backed by decades of experience, so you can get back to living comfortably in Loudon without giving hot water a second thought.
FAQs
How long does a typical tank water heater last in Loudon’s hard-water conditions?
With proper installation and routine maintenance, a standard natural-gas or electric storage-tank water heater in Loudon can last 8–12 years. Loudon’s moderately hard water accelerates mineral buildup on the tank’s interior and heating elements, so annual flushing and anode-rod inspections are essential to reach the upper end of that life span.
How often should I have my tank water heater serviced?
We recommend a professional service visit once a year. A Loudon-licensed plumber will flush sediment, test the temperature-and-pressure (T&P) relief valve, inspect the anode rod, check thermostats and heating elements, and verify the unit meets current Loudon County plumbing codes. Regular service keeps energy costs down and prevents surprise leaks.
What size tank water heater do I need for my household?
Sizing depends on your home’s peak-hour demand. A household of 2–3 people in Loudon usually needs a 40-gallon tank; 3–4 people need 50 gallons; 5 or more may require 66–80 gallons. We calculate your First-Hour Rating (FHR) during an in-home consultation, factoring in appliance use, number of bathrooms, and simultaneous hot water tasks.
Do I need a permit to replace my water heater in Loudon?
Yes. Loudon County Building & Codes requires a mechanical/plumbing permit for all water-heater replacements. As a licensed contractor we pull the permit, schedule any needed inspections, and ensure compliance with safety measures such as seismic strapping, proper venting, and expansion-tank installation when required.
Are high-efficiency tank water heaters worth the extra cost?
High-efficiency (UEF ≥ 0.64 for gas, ≥ 0.93 for electric) tanks cost more up front but lower utility bills 10–25%. In Loudon, where electricity rates average 11–12¢/kWh and natural gas averages $1.30/therm, most homeowners recoup the difference in 3–5 years. Additionally, qualifying ENERGY STAR tanks may earn TVA or local utility rebates that shorten payback time.
What should I do if my tank water heater starts leaking?
Turn off power (electric breaker or gas shut-off) and close the cold-water supply valve at the top of the tank. Attach a garden hose to the drain valve and direct it to a floor drain or outdoors. Then call our 24/7 Loudon emergency line. Small leaks from fittings can sometimes be repaired, but a leak from the tank body usually means replacement is necessary.