- HEP Plumbing
- High-efficiency Replacement

High-efficiency Replacement
High-efficiency Replacement | Toilet Upgrades and Replacements | Plumbing | Ooltewah
Flush away high water bills and outdated fixtures with HEPâs high-efficiency solutions right here in Ooltewah. Our licensed plumbers specialize in toilet upgrades and replacements, fitting your bathroom with sleek, low-flow models that use up to 60% less water while delivering powerful, clog-resistant performance. From touch-free flushing to comfort-height seating, we help you choose the perfect features to boost home value, style, and sustainabilityâall backed by transparent, upfront pricing.
When you book with HEP, youâre getting punctual, neighborly pros who treat your home with care, haul away the old unit, and fine-tune every detail before we leave. Whether youâre remodeling, chasing LEED points, or simply tired of that constant running water sound, we make the whole process effortless so you can start enjoying cleaner lines, lower utilities, and dependable flushes the very same day.
FAQs
What qualifies a toilet as âhigh-efficiency,â and how much water can I expect to save in Ooltewah?
A high-efficiency toilet (HET) carries the EPA WaterSense label and uses no more than 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf). Older fixtures installed before the early 1990s can use 3.5â7 gpf, so swapping one out typically reduces water use by 20â60 %. In an average Ooltewah household that flushes about 5,000 times per year, the switch can save roughly 11,000â13,000 gallons of water annuallyâabout $50â$70 on local water/sewer bills every year. Over the life of the toilet, that translates to hundreds of dollars in utility savings while conserving a vital natural resource.
Will a high-efficiency replacement toilet fit my existing plumbing and rough-in?
Almost all homes in Ooltewah have a standard 12-inch rough-in (distance from the finished wall to the flange bolts), and most WaterSense-rated models are built for that dimension. If your bathroom has a 10- or 14-inch rough-in, our technicians carry specialty compact or offset models to guarantee a snug fit. We also verify flange height, shut-off valve condition, and supply-line length during our free pre-installation inspection. In 98 % of cases, no major pipe alterations are needed, and we can complete the retrofit without opening walls or floors.
Are there rebates or incentives available for installing a WaterSense toilet in Hamilton County?
Yes. Tennessee American Water and the City of Chattanoogaâs Water Quality Program periodically fund $40â$75 bill credits for WaterSense HETs, and Hamilton County offers a $50 credit for dual-flush models when you provide proof of purchase and installation. Funds are limited and issued on a first-come, first-served basis, so weâll help you complete the paperwork and submit serial numbers immediately after installation. In many cases these rebates offset most of our labor cost, shrinking your payback period to less than two years.
How long does a typical toilet replacement take, and what does the process involve?
From start to flush, installation averages 90 minutes. We arrive at the scheduled time, protect your flooring, shut off the water, drain and detach the existing unit, and haul it away for eco-responsible recycling. A new wax (or wax-free) seal, stainless-steel closet bolts, and braided stainless supply line are included. After leveling the bowl, we torque bolts to spec, caulk the base, adjust the fill valve, and perform five test flushes. Before leaving, we show you how to use any dual-flush features and clean up the work area as if we were never there.
How much will a high-efficiency toilet replacement cost, including installation?
Installed pricing in Ooltewah runs between $450 and $950. The variation depends on bowl style (elongated vs. round), flushing technology (single 1.28 gpf, pressure-assisted, or dual-flush 0.8/1.28 gpf), skirted designs, color upgrades, and whether the bathroom requires a new shut-off valve or flange repair. All quotes we provide are flat-rate and include disposal of the old fixture, new wax ring, supply line, and a one-year labor warranty. Because the average family saves around $60 per year on water costs, many models pay for themselves in 6â10 years while increasing home value and comfort.
What maintenance differences should I expect with a new high-efficiency toilet?
Modern HETs rely on precision-engineered trapways and pressurized or double-cyclone rinse patterns, so they tend to stay cleaner using less water. Routine care is the sameâmild, non-abrasive cleaners and a soft brush. Components like flappers, canister seals, or fill valves are readily available at local hardware stores and cost $8â$25 if they need replacement after 5â7 years. Because the tank holds less water, condensation (âsweatingâ) is rare even in humid Tennessee summers. As long as you avoid bleach tablets that can degrade rubber parts, your high-efficiency toilet should deliver decades of low-maintenance service.