Best Tankless Water Heater Service Companies in Tennessee Ranked

Switching to a tankless water heater can provide Tennessee homeowners with endless hot water and improved energy efficiency. This upgrade involves a significant installation process that must comply with state and local building codes to ensure safety and performance. The following guide explains the key considerations, costs, and steps for installing or repairing an on-demand water heater in Tennessee, helping you understand what to expect and how to find qualified local professionals for the job.

Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air

10545 US-64, Arlington, TN 38002

Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air is a family-owned plumbing company serving Memphis, TN, and the surrounding area. Founded in 2010, they offer a wide range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, and repiping. The company is known for its upfront pricing and 24/7 emergency availability, ensuring customers have access to help whenever needed. They also specialize in trenchless sewer repair, providing less invasive solutions for sewer line issues. With over 14 years of combined industry experience, Smith's Plumbing, Heating & Air brings professional expertise and community-focused service to their customers.

5.0

1.1k Reviews

The Hot Water Heater Pros

1604 W Main St, Franklin, TN 37064

The Hot Water Heater Pros offers water heater repair, installation, and maintenance services in Nashville, TN. They specialize in both traditional tank water heaters and tankless models, providing expert advice on the right size and type for different household needs. Their services include installing energy-efficient units that may qualify for federal tax credits. The company emphasizes regular upkeep to extend the lifespan of water heaters.

5.0

592 Reviews

100 Percent Plumbing

3200 West End Ave #500, Nashville, TN 37203

100 Percent Plumbing is a plumbing company serving residents in Nashville, TN, and surrounding areas including Green Hills, Brentwood, and Mount Juliet. They offer a wide range of services such as sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and toilet repair. The company provides complete sewer line repair and replacement, along with free video camera inspections to identify piping issues. With 20 years of experience, 100 Percent Plumbing employs master plumbers skilled in handling various plumbing problems for both residential and commercial clients. They also offer after-hours emergency services to address urgent plumbing needs promptly.

5.0

205 Reviews

Creekside Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, LLC

nashville

Creekside Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, LLC is a veteran and family-owned plumbing company based in Nashville, TN. They provide a wide range of residential plumbing services across middle Tennessee, including water heater installation and repair, sewer and drain cleaning, leak detection, and repiping. Their capabilities include sewer camera inspections and handling various types of water heaters such as natural gas, propane, electric, and tankless models. With over 12 years of experience, they focus on delivering quality service and customer satisfaction.

5.0

202 Reviews

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Middle Tennessee

nashville

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Middle Tennessee provides a wide range of plumbing services in Nashville, TN, including drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, sewer line replacement using trenchless technology, leak detection, and gas line services. They serve both residential and commercial clients with licensed and insured professionals who use advanced equipment to address plumbing needs efficiently. The company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to handle urgent issues at any time. Mr. Rooter Plumbing also backs their work with a workmanship promise and transparent flat-rate pricing to keep customers informed and confident in their service.

5.0

168 Reviews

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Understanding Tankless Water Heater Types

The first major decision is choosing between a gas or electric tankless system. Each has distinct installation requirements that impact your home's existing infrastructure.

Gas Tankless Water Heaters (natural gas or propane) are common and provide rapid heating for high-demand households. However, they often require an upgraded gas line with a larger diameter to supply the necessary volume of fuel and specialized venting, typically using PVC or stainless steel, to safely exhaust combustion gases ^{1 2 3}.

Electric Tankless Water Heaters have a simpler mechanical installation but demand substantial electrical capacity. They require dedicated, high-amperage circuits (often 240-volt, 40 to 60 amps or more). Installing an electric model may necessitate an upgrade to your home's main electrical panel to handle the new load ^{1 2 4}.

Key Installation Requirements and Tennessee Codes

A proper installation is not just about mounting a unit on the wall; it's a comprehensive upgrade to your home's utility systems that must meet strict standards.

Electrical Codes: All work must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is adopted in Tennessee. For electric models, this means installing correctly sized breakers and wiring capable of handling the high amperage, with some units requiring circuits up to 120 amps ^{1 5}.

Gas and Venting Codes: Gas line installations must follow fuel gas codes, ensuring the pipe size can support the unit's BTU demand. Proper venting is critical for safety-it must be correctly sized, sealed, and routed to the outdoors to prevent dangerous carbon monoxide buildup ^{1 2}.

Permits and Inspections: In Tennessee, permits are typically required for new tankless water heater installations or major replacements. This process ensures the work is reviewed for compliance with all applicable plumbing, electrical, and building codes. A final inspection by your local building department is a crucial safety step ^{2 4}.

The Tankless Water Heater Installation Process

A professional installation follows a detailed sequence to ensure reliability and code compliance.

1. Initial Assessment and Permitting: A technician evaluates your home's existing water, gas, and electrical systems. They help select an appropriately sized unit and secure the necessary local permits ^{1 2}.
2. System Shut-Down: The installer will turn off the water supply and completely disconnect power or gas to the old water heater.
3. Removal of Old Unit: The existing tank water heater is drained, disconnected, and removed from the premises.
4. Mounting the New Unit: The compact tankless heater is securely mounted to a load-bearing wall in an approved location.
5. Plumbing Connections: New water line connections are made, often including the installation of shut-off valves, pressure relief valves, and sediment filters to protect the unit.
6. Utility Hookups: This is the most intensive phase. For gas units, a new gas line is run and connected. For electric units, a dedicated circuit is installed from the electrical panel.
7. Venting (Gas Models): The intake and exhaust venting system is installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and local code.
8. System Activation and Testing: The unit is powered up, tested for proper operation, and checked for any water or gas leaks. The installer will ensure it passes all preliminary checks before the official inspection ^{1 4 6}.

Cost Breakdown for Tennessee Installations

The total investment for a tankless water heater in Tennessee varies widely based on the unit type and the complexity of supporting upgrades.

• Equipment Cost: The tankless unit itself ranges from $250 to over $3,600. Electric models generally have a lower purchase price than comparable gas models ^{7 8}.
• Installation Labor: Basic labor for a straightforward replacement typically falls between $650 and $1,300. However, this cost can rise significantly-$2,000 to $3,000 or more-if the job requires running a new gas line, upgrading an electrical panel, or installing complex venting ^{7 8}.
• Total Project Cost: For a standard replacement where minimal upgrades are needed, homeowners can expect a total cost between $2,400 and $5,400. Projects requiring major upgrades to home infrastructure can range from $6,000 to over $10,000 ⁷.

Essential Maintenance and Common Repairs

To protect your investment and ensure a long service life, regular maintenance is non-negotiable, especially in areas with hard water.

Annual Descaling (Flushing): This is the most critical maintenance task. A vinegar or descaling solution is circulated through the heat exchanger to dissolve mineral buildup (scale), which can drastically reduce efficiency and lead to overheating ⁹.

Semi-Annual Filter Cleaning: Inline water filters should be checked and cleaned every six months to prevent flow restriction.

Annual Professional Inspection: A yearly check-up should include verifying the condition of combustion components (for gas units), checking the venting system for blockages, and testing safety valves ⁹.

Common repairs for tankless systems include addressing error codes due to ignition failure (gas units), flow sensor issues, or problems with internal valves. Due to the complex electronics and precise gas controls, most repairs should be handled by a certified technician.

Benefits for Tennessee Homeowners

Beyond endless hot water, tankless water heaters offer specific advantages in the Tennessee climate and market.

• Energy Efficiency: By heating water only on demand, these units eliminate the "standby" energy loss associated with storage tanks, which can lead to lower utility bills.
• Space Savings: Their compact, wall-mounted design frees up valuable floor space in garages, basements, or utility closets.
• Longevity: A well-maintained tankless water heater often has a service life that exceeds that of a traditional tank-style unit.
• Increased Home Value: The modern efficiency and convenience of a tankless system can be an attractive feature for potential home buyers.

Choosing to install a tankless system is a significant home improvement decision. By understanding the types, costs, code requirements, and maintenance needs, you can make an informed choice and have productive conversations with local installation professionals.

Frequently asked questions

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