Complete Tank Swaps
Complete Tank Swaps | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Riceville
When your trusty tank water heater starts showing its age, HEP’s Complete Tank Swaps make the upgrade effortless for every home in Riceville. Our licensed plumbers arrive with everything needed to drain, remove, and replace your old unit—often in just one visit. From securing permits to hauling away the rusty relic, we handle every detail while you relax and enjoy uninterrupted hot showers. With transparent, up-front pricing and a lineup of high-efficiency models, we help you choose the perfect capacity so you never run out of steaming water on laundry day or chilly mornings.
Clients love that a new system from HEP isn’t just a swap; it’s an investment in lower energy bills and peace of mind. We inspect your water lines, update code-required safety features, and offer optional smart controls that let you monitor usage right from your phone. Backed by generous warranties and our “On the Way” satisfaction promise, Riceville homeowners can trust HEP to turn a stressful breakdown into a smooth, budget-friendly upgrade.
FAQs
What exactly is a "complete tank swap" for a water heater, and how do I know when it’s time to schedule one?
A complete tank swap is the process of disconnecting and removing your existing storage-tank water heater and installing a new unit in its place. It includes shutting off water, gas or electricity, draining the old tank, updating supply lines, reconnecting venting or electrical, testing for leaks, and hauling away the old heater. Most homeowners in Riceville consider a swap when the current tank is 8–12 years old, shows signs of leaking or corrosion, delivers rusty or lukewarm water, or requires frequent repairs. Upgrading is also common when you want greater capacity or better energy efficiency.
How long does a tank water-heater swap usually take in Riceville homes?
For a straightforward, like-for-like replacement, our licensed plumbers typically complete the job in 2–4 hours. This timeline covers draining the old unit, making all plumbing and gas/electrical connections, filling and purging the new tank, relighting the burner or energizing the elements, and performing safety checks. If your installation involves relocating the heater, repairing venting, bringing the gas line up to code, or upgrading the expansion tank, plan on an additional 1–3 hours.
Do I need a permit or inspection for a tank swap in Riceville?
Yes. McMinn County and the City of Riceville both require a plumbing/mechanical permit for water-heater replacements to ensure the new unit meets current safety codes—especially for temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valves, seismic strapping, and gas venting. After the swap, a city or county inspector will verify that the installation is code-compliant. When you hire us, we pull the permit, schedule the inspection, and provide you with all paperwork for your records and for future home resale disclosures.
What size and fuel type of replacement tank should I choose?
Sizing depends on household demand (number of occupants, simultaneous showers, laundry loads, etc.). A quick rule of thumb is 30–40 gal for 1–2 people, 40–50 gal for 3–4, and 50–80 gal for 5+. In Riceville, natural gas is common because it reheats faster and costs less per BTU than electricity, but high-efficiency electric heat-pump models are gaining popularity. We offer free on-site assessments to calculate your peak-hour demand and recommend ENERGY STAR–rated gas, electric, or hybrid units that balance capacity, recovery rate, and operating cost.
How much does a complete tank swap cost, and what factors affect the price?
In Riceville, a standard 40- or 50-gallon like-for-like swap generally ranges from $1,250 to $2,100, including the new heater, permit, labor, parts, and hauling away the old tank. Costs rise when you choose larger capacities, high-efficiency or heat-pump models, require venting or gas-line alterations, add an expansion tank, or need significant plumbing re-piping. We provide a detailed, upfront quote so there are no surprises, and we can discuss financing or utility rebates that may apply to energy-efficient models.
Why should I hire a licensed Riceville plumber instead of doing the swap myself?
A water-heater replacement involves gas line connections, high-voltage wiring, scald-prevention settings, proper venting, and pressure-relief safeguards. Mistakes can lead to gas leaks, carbon-monoxide back-drafting, water damage, or voided warranties. Our licensed plumbers understand Tennessee Mechanical Code, secure permits, and carry insurance for your protection. We also handle disposal of your old tank, register manufacturer warranties, and leave you with a documented, code-compliant installation that adds value and safety to your home.