- HEP Plumbing
- Water Heater

Water Heater
Water Heater | Water Purification | Plumbing | Ooltewah
Tucked into the rolling hills of Ooltewah, reliable hot water and crystal-clear drinking water start with HEP. Our licensed plumbers specialize in seamless water heater installations, rapid repairs, and precision-matched filtration systems that remove sediment, chlorine, and stubborn minerals. From tankless upgrades to whole-home water purification, we tailor every solution to the unique demands of Tennessee’s water tables—so every shower, rinse, and sip feels refreshingly clean.
When neighbors call HEP, they get more than parts and pipes; they get punctual service, transparent pricing, and craftsmen who respect their homes as if they were their own. Ready to protect your new water heater, extend appliance life, and enjoy pure, great-tasting water straight from the tap? One call brings our friendly Ooltewah team to your door—tested, trusted, and eager to make your water worry-free.
FAQs
What types of water heaters do you install and service in Ooltewah?
Our licensed plumbers install, replace, and repair all major styles of residential and light-commercial water heaters, including traditional gas and electric tank units, high-efficiency hybrid electric models, and on-demand tankless heaters. We carry popular brands such as Rheem, Bradford White, Navien, and Rinnai, and we stock genuine parts so most repairs can be completed the same day. If you’re unsure which water heater is right for your home, we offer free on-site evaluations and energy-savings calculations tailored to Ooltewah’s utility rates.
How can I tell whether my existing water heater needs repair or full replacement?
Look for these warning signs: • Age: Tank heaters last 8–12 years; tankless units 15–20. If yours is near the end of its life span, replacement is usually more economical. • Rust-colored hot water or visible tank corrosion indicates the internal glass lining has failed. • Popping or rumbling noises suggest heavy sediment buildup, which lowers efficiency and can crack the tank. • Water around the base of the unit often means the inner tank is leaking, a non-repairable condition. • Fluctuating water temperature or rising utility bills point to a failing thermostat, heating element, or burner. Call us for a diagnostic visit; we’ll measure efficiency, test safety valves, and give an honest assessment of repair vs. replacement costs.
What water purification systems work best for Ooltewah’s water supply?
Ooltewah is served by Tennessee American Water, whose treated water meets federal standards but still contains chlorine, trace minerals, and moderate hardness (6–8 grains per gallon). Depending on your goals, we recommend one or a combination of these solutions: 1. Whole-house carbon filtration to remove chlorine taste, odor, and many organic compounds. 2. Salt-based or salt-free water softeners to reduce scale that can shorten water-heater life. 3. Reverse-osmosis (RO) drinking water systems for the kitchen tap when you want near-bottled-water quality. We’ll test your incoming water free of charge, discuss maintenance requirements, and size the equipment so pressure and flow stay strong even during peak demand.
How often should I flush my water heater, and what benefits will I see?
In our area’s moderately hard water, tank-type heaters should be flushed once per year to remove sediment and calcium deposits. Tankless heaters need a vinegar descaling every 12–18 months. Flushing: • Restores energy efficiency (up to 15% savings). • Prevents premature tank corrosion. • Reduces popping noises and extends heating-element life. While many homeowners can perform a basic flush themselves, we offer an affordable annual service that also checks anode rods, temperature-pressure relief valves, and thermostat settings for maximum safety.
Will installing a whole-house filtration or softening system affect my water heater?
Yes—in a positive way. Removing hardness and sediment means less scale forms on heating elements and inside heat exchangers, so your water heater maintains its rated efficiency longer and experiences fewer breakdowns. In fact, most manufacturers state that untreated hard water can void parts of the warranty. After we install a filter or softener, we’ll recalibrate your water heater’s temperature setting (often you can lower it 5–10°F) because chlorine-free, softened water feels hotter on the skin, saving additional energy.
Are tankless water heaters compatible with water softeners or purification systems?
Absolutely. Tankless heaters perform best with softened, filtered water because their narrow copper or stainless heat exchangers are prone to scale. We install bypass valves that let you isolate the unit for annual descaling, and we adjust the heater’s flow sensor so the added head pressure from a filtration system doesn’t cause ignition errors. If you’re considering pairing tankless with reverse osmosis, we can run a dedicated feed so the RO membrane isn’t exposed to hot water, preventing premature failure.