- HEP Plumbing
- Compact Tankless Unit

Compact Tankless Unit
Compact Tankless Unit | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Tellico Plains
Imagine stepping out of a chilly hike in the Cherokee National Forest and straight into a shower that never runs cold—thanks to HEP’s compact tankless units. Our certified plumbers in Tellico Plains remove bulky tanks, fit sleek high-efficiency heaters, and have hot water flowing the very same day. With whisper-quiet operation and up to 40% energy savings, you’ll enjoy endless comfort while freeing up closet or crawl-space real estate for the gear that matters.
Ready to upgrade? Schedule your tankless water heater install with HEP and relax while our local team handles permits, precise gas or electric hookups, and post-install testing. We back every project with a workmanship warranty and 24/7 support, so your home—or mountain getaway—stays reliably warm, season after season. Call or book online today and feel the difference of hot water on demand.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of installing a compact tankless water heater in my Tellico Plains home?
Compact tankless units deliver hot water on demand, so you’re not paying to keep 40-plus gallons hot all day. They have a footprint about the size of a carry-on suitcase, freeing up floor space in cabins and smaller homes common around Tellico Plains. Because water is heated only when a fixture calls for it, you can expect energy savings of 20-40 %, virtually endless hot water for back-to-back showers, and a service life that can exceed 20 years—almost twice that of a standard tank.
How do I determine the right size tankless unit for my household?
Sizing is based on two variables: the temperature rise (ground-water temperature to desired outlet temperature) and the total flow rate you’ll need at peak demand. In Tellico Plains, incoming water averages 55-60 °F. If you want 120 °F at the tap, you need a 60-65 °F rise. Add up the gallons per minute (GPM) of fixtures likely to run simultaneously—e.g., shower (2 GPM) + kitchen sink (1.5 GPM) = 3.5 GPM. A unit that can deliver a 60-degree rise at 4 GPM would meet that demand. Our technicians perform this calculation for you during a free in-home assessment to ensure you get the correct model.
Can a tankless water heater be connected to my existing plumbing, gas, or electrical system?
In most cases, yes. The water lines tie into your existing hot- and cold-water headers. For gas models, we confirm that your natural gas or propane line can supply the higher BTU input (usually 120k-199k BTU). If upsizing is required, we’ll quote it up front. Electric models require a 240-V supply and one or more dedicated 40- to 60-amp breakers. Venting for gas units uses stainless-steel or polypropylene concentric vent pipe that we route through an exterior wall or roof. During the site visit we inspect access, vent path, and panel capacity so you know exactly what modifications—if any—are needed.
How long will installation take and will I be without hot water during the process?
A straightforward replacement in the Tellico Plains area typically takes 4–6 hours. Complex installs that need gas line upsizing or panel upgrades can extend to a full day. You’ll only be without hot water during the actual switchover, usually 1–2 hours. We schedule installations at your convenience, protect work areas with drop cloths, and haul away the old tank at no extra charge.
What maintenance does a compact tankless unit require and can I do it myself?
Annual maintenance keeps efficiency high and preserves your warranty. The two key tasks are flushing the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution to remove mineral scale and cleaning the inlet water filter. Tellico Plains has moderately hard water, so we recommend flushing at least once a year—more often if you’re on a private well. Many homeowners are comfortable performing the flush themselves with a pump kit, but we also offer an affordable maintenance plan that includes a complete system check, gas-pressure verification, and firmware updates on Wi-Fi-enabled models.
Are there rebates or incentives for installing a tankless water heater in Tellico Plains or Monroe County?
Yes. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) periodically offers rebates for high-efficiency gas appliances installed by a qualified contractor. As of this year, residential customers can receive up to $300 back on eligible ENERGY STAR® tankless units. In addition, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) allows a tax credit of 30 % of the installed cost, up to $600. We handle the paperwork, provide the AHRI certificate, and guide you through submitting rebate forms so you capture every available savings.