- HEP Plumbing
- Licensed Plumbers

Licensed Plumbers
Licensed Plumbers | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Talbott
Nothing disrupts your routine like a lukewarm shower or a suddenly silent tap. HEP’s licensed plumbers bring fast, friendly expertise to every tank water heater in Talbott, restoring dependable hot water and real peace of mind. From precise installations and energy-saving upgrades to troubleshooting leaks or replacing aging units, we handle the whole job with transparent pricing and a tidy workspace, so you can get back to relaxing instead of worrying about your utility room.
Call, click, or wave us down—our trucks are already in the neighborhood. We stock the right parts on every van, offer clear-cut warranties, and back all work with the HEP Happiness Guarantee. When your tank water heater needs professional attention, count on local pros who treat you like a neighbor and your home like it’s their own.
FAQs
What size tank water heater do I need for my Talbott home?
In most single-family homes around Talbott, a 40- to 50-gallon electric or natural-gas tank is sufficient for a household of 3–4 people, while larger families may benefit from a 55- to 75-gallon unit. We calculate the right size by looking at your peak-hour demand, fixture flow rates, and the unit’s First Hour Rating (FHR). During your free in-home estimate, our licensed plumber measures your usage patterns, checks available space, and confirms electrical or gas service capacity so you get a heater that delivers hot water without excessive standby loss.
How long does it take a licensed plumber to replace a tank water heater in Talbott?
For most straight replacements—swapping a same-size gas or electric tank in an easily accessible location—our Talbott team completes the job in 2–4 hours. This includes draining and removing the old unit, updating shut-off valves, installing the new heater, filling and purging air, reconnecting power or gas, and testing for leaks. If we must relocate the heater, reroute venting, upgrade the flue, or add an expansion tank, plan on 4–6 hours. We schedule installations at your convenience and haul away the old tank for recycling.
Do I need a permit to install a new water heater in Talbott or Jefferson County?
Yes. Jefferson County requires a mechanical or plumbing permit for any water heater installation or replacement that involves gas, venting, or electrical work. As licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers, we handle the permit application, inspection scheduling, and code compliance for you. Our techs adhere to the 2021 International Plumbing Code and Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s gas codes, ensuring proper temperature-pressure relief valve (TPR) orientation, seismic strapping, and combustion air clearance.
How can I extend the life of my tank water heater?
1) Flush the tank annually to remove sediment common in Talbott’s moderately hard water. 2) Replace the sacrificial anode rod every 3–5 years to prevent internal corrosion. 3) Keep the thermostat at 120 °F to reduce scaling and energy use while still preventing bacterial growth. 4) Test the TPR valve twice a year. 5) Insulate exposed hot-water lines and the tank jacket (unless the manufacturer advises against it). We offer affordable maintenance plans that cover these tasks, which can push tank life from the average 8–12 years to 15 years or more.
Are energy-efficient tank water heaters eligible for rebates in the Talbott area?
Yes. Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) and Appalachian Electric Cooperative (AEC) customers can earn $150–$300 for installing a high-efficiency electric heat-pump hybrid or ENERGY STAR® gas tank water heater. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) also provides low-interest financing on qualifying units. We’ll help you select models with Uniform Energy Factors (UEF) above 0.64 (gas) or 2.7 (electric hybrid) and submit the rebate paperwork, cutting your upfront cost and reducing monthly utility bills by up to 20 %.
What are the warning signs that my tank water heater needs repair or replacement?
Watch for: 1) Rust-colored or metallic-tasting hot water, indicating tank corrosion. 2) Rumbling or popping noises caused by sediment buildup. 3) Water pooling under the heater, even a small drip from the tank seam or TPR valve. 4) Fluctuating water temperature or running out of hot water faster than usual. 5) A gas burner that keeps cycling or a pilot light that won’t stay lit. If your heater is over 10 years old and shows any of these symptoms, call us. We’ll inspect, quote repairs when cost-effective, or recommend replacement when safety or efficiency is compromised.