Water Heater
Water Heater | Plumbing | McMinnville
When cold showers threaten your comfort in McMinnville, HEP’s licensed experts arrive with the right parts, the right tools, and a reputation for fixing water heaters fast. From gas and electric units to the latest tankless models, we diagnose issues on the spot, provide clear up-front pricing, and back every repair or replacement with a satisfaction guarantee. Homeowners trust us for meticulous flushing, anode-rod changes, thermostat calibration, and leak detection that keep hot water flowing year-round.
Need a total swap-out? We’ll size your new heater for peak efficiency, haul away the old tank, and leave your space spotless—all in one visit. Count on friendly advice, 24/7 emergency response, and workmanship rooted in decades of local experience. For water-heater peace of mind, choose HEP’s unmatched plumbing service today.
FAQs
What types of water heaters do you install and service in McMinnville?
Our licensed plumbers work on all major water-heating technologies used in Yamhill County, including traditional gas and electric storage tanks, high-efficiency tankless (on-demand) units, hybrid electric heat-pump models and indirect water heaters tied to hydronic boilers. We service and install units from leading brands such as Rheem, Bradford White, Navien, Rinnai and A.O. Smith, and we can also maintain older or less-common makes as long as parts are available.
How do I know whether my water heater needs repair or full replacement?
Age is the first clue—most storage tank heaters last 8–12 years, while tankless units average 15–20 years. Signs that point to replacement include rusty or sandy-colored hot water, recurring leaks around the base of the tank, rumbling or popping noises (caused by excessive sediment), and a noticeable spike in energy bills despite normal usage. Minor issues like a failing thermostat, heating element, pilot assembly or pressure-relief valve can usually be repaired economically. During our visit we’ll inspect the unit, measure the efficiency drop, test safety controls and give you an honest, up-front recommendation.
Are permits required for water-heater replacement in McMinnville, and do you handle that paperwork?
Yes. Under the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) and the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC), any replacement that involves altering the plumbing, gas or electrical connections requires a permit and, in many cases, an inspection by the City of McMinnville Building Division. As part of our turnkey service we obtain the correct plumbing/mechanical permit, schedule the inspection and provide the final code-compliance documentation to you at no extra charge—saving you the time and hassle.
How long does a typical water heater installation take?
A straightforward like-for-like tank replacement (same fuel type, capacity and venting) usually takes 2–4 hours, including draining the old unit, making new water/gas connections, filling, testing and hauling away your old heater. A first-time tankless installation or a conversion from electric to gas (or vice-versa) can take 5–8 hours because we may need to upgrade venting, electrical circuits, gas lines or condensate drains. We’ll give you a precise timeline before work begins so you can plan your day.
What size water heater is right for my household?
For storage tanks, a rough rule of thumb is 30–40 gallons for 1–2 occupants, 40–50 gallons for 2–3 occupants, 50–60 gallons for 3–4 occupants, and 75 gallons or a tankless system for households of 5 or more. With tankless units we focus on simultaneous flow rates: a household that wants to run two showers and a dishwasher at once needs about 6–7 gallons per minute at McMinnville’s average incoming water temperature of 50–55 °F. Our technicians perform a detailed usage audit (showers, tubs, laundry, peak-hour habits) and factor in efficiency, recovery rate and local water hardness to recommend the perfect capacity.
Do you offer emergency water heater service in McMinnville?
Absolutely. We provide 24/7 emergency dispatch for no-hot-water situations, active leaks, gas odors or pressure-relief valve failures anywhere in McMinnville and neighboring communities such as Lafayette, Amity and Carlton. A technician will arrive with common parts, fittings and leak-containment gear, usually within 60–90 minutes. If replacement is required outside of regular business hours, we’ll secure the area, shut down utilities to prevent damage, and schedule an expedited installation for the next available window.