Water Heater Replacement and Installation in Knoxville, TN
Same-Day Water Heater Replacement in the Knoxville Area
You may not think about your water heater often, but it’s a critical part of your home, so when it stops working it can throw a wrench into your normal everyday routine. While water heaters are generally reliable and minor repairs can offer short-term solutions, they still endure wear and tear like any other plumbing fixture – and eventually, they will need to be replaced.
Many homeowners wonder when it’s better to replace their water heater rather than continuing with repairs. While several factors play a role, the average lifespan of a water heater is typically between 8 to 12 years, depending on how well it’s maintained. Over time, components can corrode or wear out, causing a decrease in performance and higher energy costs. When repairs become frequent and no longer cost-effective, replacing your water heater may be the best long-term solution.
So, when you are selecting a new water heater, it’s important to consider factors such as fuel type, size, energy efficiency, and your family’s water usage to ensure it meets your home’s specific needs while maximizing long term savings. Whether you opt for a traditional “tank style” model or a more efficient tankless unit, remember that proper water heater maintenance is essential for ensuring comfort in your everyday routine.
If your water heater has finally stopped working, you should explore all your options for replacing or installing a new unit. If you choose Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling to help with your water heater decision, one of our plumbing experts will first assess your specific needs and then present a variety of replacement choices tailored to your home.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment so you can review the best options and make a confident investment in your home, all while staying within your budget.
What To Consider When Installing a New Water Heater
Replacing or installing a new water heater doesn’t have to be stressful. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process to ensure everything goes smoothly so that your home has hot water again in no time.
To determine the type of water heater that’s best for you, you will need to consider different factors such as:
- Choosing a fuel type: Most water heaters use natural gas or electricity. We will help you decide on the best option for your home.
- Choosing a style: While storage tanks or conventional “tank style” models are the most common choice, a tankless water heater might be better option if you’re looking to reduce your water heating costs, although each style has different benefits.
- Size your water heater: We can help you find the right balance between having sufficient hot water and keeping your operating costs low. We will account for the size of your home, the number of people in your household, how often you bathe and wash clothes/dishes, and peak hours for hot water usage.
- Location: Your water heater should be in an area with proper ventilation, accessible for maintenance, and near necessary utilities like water and gas (if applicable).
- Plumbing & connections: Proper connections are essential to ensure efficiency and zero leaks. Install water shut-off valves and consider using flexible water supply lines.
- Venting & insulation: For gas water heaters, appropriate venting is crucial to remove combustion gases safely. Insulating the hot water pipes and the water heater itself can improve energy efficiency and reduce heat loss.
- Compare efficiency ratings: Investing in high-efficiency models may have a higher upfront cost, but it can save you money on your monthly utility bills in the long run.
- Installing the water heater: Water heater replacement or installation isn’t a DIY project. At Pipe Wrench, we’ll ensure your water heater is installed correctly, with proper venting, spacing and sizing for safe operation.
The experts at Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are proud to offer same-day water heater installation in Knoxville, TN and the surrounding communities of Farragut, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Lenoir City and beyond.
We offer a wide range of water heater makes and models including conventional “tank style” and tankless units from the most reputable brands you know and trust in the market such as Bradford White and Navien.
What Are Signs You Need a New Water Heater?
When your water heater has a problem, it can be difficult to decide whether you need water heater repair or replacement. The good news is that Pipe Wrench is here to help! Contact us today, and we’ll send a certified plumbing professional to your home for an inspection. After diagnosing the issue, we’ll provide transparent, upfront cost estimates for both repairing and replacing your water heater. This information and our recommendations will equip you to make an informed decision.
Here are some common signs that it might be time to replace your water heater:
- Old water heater: If your water heater is over 10 years old, then it may be worth replacing your water heater instead of repairs, as most water heater lifespans range from 8-12 years depending on the type, water use, and maintenance.
- High repair cost: If the repair estimate for your water heater is more than half the cost of a replacement, and if the unit is nearing the end of its lifespan, a replacement may be the more cost-effective option.
- Frequent repairs: You need a water heater you can depend on. If you find yourself facing ongoing issues, it might be time to stop investing in repairs that aren’t solving the problem.
- Inconsistent Water Temperature: Is your water heater not providing hot water at the usual temperature? Do you notice inconsistent water temperatures? There’s likely a problem with the heating element. If there is no hot water at all, contact us for an immediate inspection.
- Rust or Sediment in the Water: Your water heater tank may have accumulated sediment and abrasive minerals over time, especially if you have untreated hard water. Flushing the tank annually will help reduce the sediment, but if the buildup has started to corrode the tank and it’s leaking, repair won’t help. In this case, replacing the unit is more cost-efficient.
- Leaking Tank: A leaking water heater tank, which can be detected by a pool of water around your water heater, is often difficult to repair and will likely require you to replace your entire water heater. If a leaking tank isn’t handled right away, the tank can burst and result in greater water damage.
- Visible tank corrosion: If your water heater tank is rusted on the outside, that likely means that it has corroded through the inside and can’t be repaired.
- Increased utility costs: Even if your water heater is still functional, it might be worth upgrading to a more efficient model to help lower your monthly energy bills.
Contact us today to schedule water heater replacement or installation services in the greater Knoxville area with Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
Why choose Pipe Wrench for Water Heater Replacement or Installation:
If you water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, and you are looking to invest in a new system, don’t trust just anyone and turn to the knowledgeable plumbing professionals at Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Choosing a new water heater replacement doesn’t need to be stressful and our expert technicians will guide you through the entire process and then present the best options specific to your home. We offer FREE onsite estimates for water heater replacements so don’t wait and schedule your appointment today!
With years of hands-on experience and the latest tools, our certified technicians ensure a smooth and efficient water heater installation process. The Pipe Wrench team is proudly certified by top water heater brands like Navien, Noritz, Rinnai, State Water Heaters, and more – giving you peace of mind that your system is in expert hands. Our goal is to keep your water heater performing at its best, extending its lifespan while helping you save on energy costs.
New water heaters can be a significant investment, so if budgets are tight, we also offer flexible payment options, including 0% financing, to help make unexpected expenses easier to manage. We offer x2 standard industry warranties on all our products so be sure to ask about our different warranty options that best suits your needs, including parts and labor, so you don’t spend a cent down the road on unexpected costs!
We also offer expert guidance on improving your water heater’s efficiency with the newest makes and models. As Knoxville’s first green plumbers we’re committed to helping you reduce both your utility bills and your environmental impact.
Looking for a reliable and expert plumber for water heater replacement or installation in Knoxville, TN? Your search ends here. Contact Pipe Wrench today for prompt service and guaranteed quality workmanship.
Water Heater Replacement and Installation FAQs
What is the life expectancy of a water heater?
A water heater’s lifespan can depend on several factors, including the type of water heater, the energy source, the type of local water supply you have, and how well the unit is maintained.
On average, most conventional “tank style” water heaters last between 8 and 12 years but some can last up to 20 years with regular maintenance, particularly tankless models.
How do you know when a water heater needs to be replaced?
Although there are several factors to consider, it may be time to replace your water heater if it’s more than 10 years old, leaks from the tank or water lines, requires frequent repairs, if your water bills have increased significantly, if it delivers inconsistent water temperatures, or if any repair cost is more than 50% of the replacement cost.
If you need a new water heater, be sure to contact the plumbing experts at Pipe Wrench who will help simplify the replacement process by providing the best recommendations tailored to your home and needs.
Why do most water heaters fail?
Water heaters typically fail due to a combination of factors, including but not limited to old age, sediment buildup, tank or component corrosion, faulty heating elements, thermostat issues, faulty valves, and high-water pressure.
What size water heater do I need?
To determine the right size of conventional “tank style” water heater, you should consider your household size, typical hot water usage habits, along with peak demand times when you typically use the most hot water.
- Home with 1–2 people – A 30–40 gallon tank is usually sufficient.
- Home with 2–3 people – A 40–50 gallon tank should work.
- Home with 3–4 people – A 50–60 gallon tank is recommended, particularly if you have substantial hot water needs.
- Home with 5+ people – A 60–80 gallon tank is often required regardless of hot water usage.
If you have a large family or have high hot water demands, a tankless water heater could be a better alternative over a conventional tank water heater. Although they don’t store water, they efficiently heat water on demand that can provide long-term cost savings, and near unlimited hot water.
What should you consider before installing a new water heater?
Before installing a new water heater, you should consider several factors including the type or model (tankless or conventional storage tank), fuel source (natural gas or electricity), size (tanks range from 30–80 gallons), energy efficiency, and installation costs. You also should consider the size of your home, your family’s hot water needs and usage, and the available space needed to house your water heater.
Can I install a water heater myself?
Although you can technically install a water heater yourself, it’s highly recommended hiring a licensed professional plumber like the experts at Pipe Wrench for water heater installation, particularly for gas models. The installation process involves handling plumbing, electrical, and sometimes gas connections, all of which can be complicated, potentially dangerous, and must comply with local codes and safety standards.
