- HEP Plumbing
- Water Heater

Water Heater
Water Heater | Plumbing | South Pittsburg
When a chilly Tennessee morning greets you with an unexpected cold shower, HEP is the neighbor South Pittsburg trusts to bring the heat back fast. Our licensed technicians specialize in diagnosing, repairing, and replacing all makes and models of water heaters, from traditional tanks to high-efficiency hybrids. Because water heater issues rarely happen at a convenient hour, we keep the trucks stocked and the phones answered 24/7—so you can get expert plumbing help exactly when you need it.
Whether your unit is leaking, rumbling, or simply can’t keep up with demand, we’ll arrive on-time, explain every option, and deliver a solution that fits your home and budget. Backed by transparent pricing and our “Happy HEP” satisfaction guarantee, we handle the hot water so you can get back to what matters: enjoying life in beautiful South Pittsburg. Call or click today, and let HEP turn that cold shower into comforting, reliable warmth.
FAQs
What types of water heaters do you service and install in South Pittsburg?
Our licensed plumbers work on every major style and fuel source found in South Pittsburg homes and businesses. That includes traditional storage-tank units (both natural gas and electric), high-efficiency tankless systems, hybrid electric heat-pump models, point-of-use heaters, and commercial-grade water heaters up to 100 gallons. We install trusted brands such as Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, Rinnai, and Navien, and we keep a full inventory of common replacement parts so most repairs can be completed on the first visit.
How can I tell whether my water heater needs repair or complete replacement?
Age is the first clue: most standard water heaters last 8–12 years in our region. Other red flags include rumbling or popping noises, rusty or discolored hot water, water around the base of the tank, a sudden drop in hot-water volume, or unexplained increases in energy bills. Minor issues such as a failed thermostat, heating element, or T&P valve are usually repairable. However, if the tank itself is leaking, corrosion is extensive, or the unit is past its typical lifespan, replacement is the safer and more cost-effective option. We offer free inspections and will provide an honest assessment so you can decide with confidence.
Do I need a permit to replace my water heater in South Pittsburg, TN?
Yes. Both the City of South Pittsburg and Marion County require permits for water heater replacements when plumbing, electrical, or gas lines are modified. As a licensed plumbing contractor, we obtain all necessary permits on your behalf, schedule the city or county inspection, and ensure the installation meets current International Plumbing Code (IPC) and National Fuel Gas Code (for gas units). This includes proper venting, seismic strapping, temperature-and-pressure (T&P) relief valve installation, and expansion tank placement when required.
How long will I be without hot water during an installation?
Most like-for-like replacements (for example, swapping a 40-gallon gas tank for a new one) take 2–4 hours, which means you’re typically without hot water for just a couple of hours. Converting from tank to tankless or relocating the heater can extend the process to 6–8 hours because we must reroute water, gas, or electrical lines and install new venting. We’ll give you a precise time estimate beforehand and can schedule installations around your business hours or family routines to minimize disruption.
What routine maintenance will extend the life of my water heater?
1) Drain and flush the tank at least once a year to remove sediment—South Pittsburg’s moderately hard water (9–11 grains per gallon) accelerates scale buildup. 2) Test the temperature-and-pressure relief valve every 6 months to ensure it opens freely. 3) Set the thermostat to 120 °F; higher settings waste energy and promote mineral scaling. 4) Inspect or replace the anode rod every 2–3 years; it protects the tank from corrosion. 5) Insulate hot-water pipes and, for older units, add an insulating jacket. 6) Schedule an annual professional tune-up to check gas pressure, electrical connections, and combustion efficiency.
Do you provide emergency service, and what areas do you cover outside South Pittsburg?
Absolutely. We offer 24/7 emergency water heater repair for leaks, no-hot-water situations, and pressure-relief valve failures. Our on-call technicians arrive within 60 minutes in most cases. In addition to South Pittsburg, we serve Kimball, Jasper, New Hope, Kimball Industrial Park, Bridgeport (AL), Stevenson, Monteagle, and surrounding Marion and Jackson county communities. Travel fees are waived within a 25-mile radius of downtown South Pittsburg.