Endless Hot Water
Endless Hot Water | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Oak Ridge
Ready to swap bulky storage tanks for limitless comfort? HEP’s Endless Hot Water Plumbing team brings the future of home efficiency to Oak Ridge with a seamless tankless water heater install that fits right into your daily routine. Our certified technicians size the perfect unit for your household, mount it neatly on the wall, and fine-tune every connection so you enjoy piping-hot water the moment you twist the tap—no standby heat loss, no running out mid-shower, and no oversized footprint in your utility room.
From transparent pricing to meticulous cleanup, we handle every detail with the same hometown care Oak Ridge families have trusted for decades. Beyond lower energy bills, you’ll gain valuable square footage and a system designed to last twice as long as a traditional tank. Give your home an upgrade that pays you back in comfort and savings—call HEP today and experience endless hot water on demand.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of installing a tankless water heater in my Oak Ridge home?
A tankless (on-demand) water heater heats water only when you open a hot-water tap, eliminating standby heat loss from a storage tank. This delivers endless hot water, lowers energy bills by 20–40 % compared with standard tanks, frees up floor space, and typically lasts 18–20 years—almost twice the life span of a conventional unit. In Oak Ridge’s variable climate, the consistent performance of a tankless system also prevents the “cold-water sandwich” that many storage-tank owners experience.
How long does a professional tankless water heater installation usually take?
A straightforward replacement—swapping a tank unit for a gas or electric tankless model in the same location—usually takes 4–6 hours. If we need to upsize gas lines, run new venting, install condensate drainage, or add a dedicated electrical circuit, the project can extend to a full day. For new-construction or major remodels in Oak Ridge, we coordinate with other trades so your installation fits the overall timeline without delays.
Will my existing gas or electrical service support a tankless unit?
Tankless heaters demand higher instantaneous BTU (for gas) or amperage (for electric) than storage tanks. During our in-home assessment we measure your current gas supply, regulator capacity, venting path, and electrical panel load. Most Oak Ridge homes built after the mid-90s already have adequate ¾-inch gas lines, but older properties may need a gas line upgrade. Electric models often require one or two 40-60 amp breakers and heavy-gauge wiring. We give you a written estimate for any needed utility modifications before work begins.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills?
Savings depend on household hot-water demand, fuel rates, and the efficiency of your old heater. The U.S. Department of Energy reports gas tankless units are 24–34 % more efficient for homes using less than 41 gallons of hot water per day, and 8–14 % more efficient for heavier usage. In Oak Ridge, where natural-gas and electricity rates are moderate, homeowners typically recoup $80–$150 per year, meaning the payback period often falls between 5 and 8 years when replacing a working tank, and even faster if the old tank is failing.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater require in Oak Ridge’s water conditions?
East Tennessee’s water is considered moderately hard, so mineral buildup can reduce efficiency if left unchecked. We recommend a basic annual service: flushing the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution, cleaning the inlet screen, checking venting, and testing carbon-monoxide levels for gas units. Our Oak Ridge service plan includes this flush plus a comprehensive safety check. Following the maintenance schedule preserves your warranty and keeps the unit running at peak efficiency.
Is a recirculation system necessary to get instant hot water at distant fixtures?
By default, tankless heaters still need to pull unused cool water from the pipes before hot water arrives at a faucet far from the unit. If your bathrooms or kitchen are 50 ft or more from the heater, we can add an efficient demand-based recirculation pump. It keeps a small volume of hot water in the line only when you press a wireless button or when motion sensors detect usage, cutting wait times to seconds without wasting energy. Many Oak Ridge homeowners retrofit this feature for comfort and additional water savings of up to 12,000 gallons per year.