Licensed Plumbers
Licensed Plumbers | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Sevierville
When your Sevierville home loses hot water, you need a crew that shows up fast, diagnoses correctly, and installs or repairs with no surprises. HEP’s licensed plumbers bring decades of experience to every call, combining small-town courtesy with cutting-edge training to make sure your tank water heater runs safely, efficiently, and for as long as possible. From sediment flushes and anode-rod replacements to full-scale upgrades, we handle the details you never see—so all you feel is a steady stream of perfectly heated water.
Customers across Sevier County trust us for transparent pricing, 24/7 emergency response, and the confidence that every job is backed by HEP’s famous “Happy You’ll Be” guarantee. Whether you’re outfitting a vacation cabin or keeping a busy household humming, we’ll match you with the right capacity, energy rating, and warranty, then haul away the old unit when we’re done. Count on local pros who treat your home like their own and keep your comfort flowing year-round.
FAQs
What size tank water heater is right for my Sevierville home?
The ideal size depends on the number of people, simultaneous hot-water tasks, and your family’s usage patterns. As a rule of thumb, a 40- to 50-gallon unit handles 2–3 occupants, a 50- to 60-gallon tank suits 3–4 occupants, and a 75- to 80-gallon model is recommended for 5 or more. Because Sevierville’s water is moderately hard, we also factor in a little extra capacity to compensate for mineral buildup over time. During a free in-home assessment, our licensed plumber will calculate the proper “first-hour rating” (FHR) based on your showers, laundry, dishwashing, and peak-demand habits so you never run out of hot water yet don’t overpay for a larger unit than you need.
How long does it take your licensed plumbers to install or replace a tank water heater?
Most standard replacements are completed in 2–4 hours. We begin by safely draining and disconnecting the old unit, bringing it up and out of the utility space, setting the new heater, adapting gas or electric connections, installing new shut-off valves, temperature-pressure relief (TPR) piping, and seismic strapping if required. We finish with a complete leak test, thermostat calibration, and haul-away of the old tank. If we have to upgrade venting, relocate the heater, or add an expansion tank, the job can extend to the full day. We schedule appointments Monday–Saturday, and emergency replacements can usually be installed the same day you call.
Are permits required for a water-heater replacement in Sevierville, and do you handle them?
Yes. Both the City of Sevierville and Sevier County require a plumbing permit for any water-heater installation that modifies gas, electric, or potable-water lines. A final inspection ensures the new heater meets the current International Plumbing Code, vent clearances, and safety-valve standards. Our office pulls the permit on your behalf, schedules the inspection, and supplies a copy of the approved permit for your records, so you remain fully code-compliant and protected if you sell your home or file an insurance claim.
How often should I flush or maintain my tank water heater in this area?
Because East Tennessee water tends to be moderately hard, mineral sediment settles at the bottom of the tank and insulates the burner or elements, reducing efficiency and shortening life span. We recommend a full drain-and-flush at least once a year—twice if you have 5+ occupants or notice popping noises. During the service visit, our licensed plumber will also test the anode rod, TPR valve, thermostat accuracy, and gas-combustion draft (if applicable). Annual maintenance keeps your warranty valid, restores up to 15% energy efficiency, and can add 3–5 years to the unit’s life.
What warning signs indicate my current water heater should be replaced instead of repaired?
Consider replacement when you notice (1) rusty or sandy water after flushing, (2) moisture or corrosion on the tank exterior, (3) loud rumbling or popping even after maintenance, (4) inconsistent water temperatures, (5) rising energy bills, or (6) the unit is 10–12 years old (the typical life expectancy in Sevierville’s water conditions). A leaking storage tank cannot be safely repaired, and components like gas valves or heating elements may cost more to replace than the value of an aging heater. Our technicians provide an honest assessment and written estimate so you can decide whether repair or replacement is the most economical choice.
How long will a new tank water heater last and what warranties do you offer?
With regular annual maintenance, most quality glass-lined steel tanks last 10–15 years in Sevierville’s climate. We install leading brands that come with 6-, 9-, or 12-year manufacturer tank-and-parts warranties. Our company adds a one-year labor warranty on top of that, and extended labor coverage is available. Factors that impact life span include your water’s mineral content, whether you keep the thermostat at 120 °F or higher, and how faithfully you flush sediment and replace the anode rod. Ask about our maintenance plans, which include annual inspections and flushes, to maximize the return on your investment.