Best Water Heater Installation Companies in Tennessee Ranked

A properly installed and efficient water heater is essential for daily comfort in any Tennessee home. Whether you're facing an unexpected failure or planning an upgrade for better performance and energy savings, understanding your options and local requirements is key. This guide provides clear, practical information on sizing, types, costs, and Tennessee-specific codes to help you make an informed decision and connect with qualified local professionals for your project.

Mac Plumbing Heating & Air

2968 B, E Old Ashland City Rd, Clarksville, TN 37043

Mac Plumbing Heating & Air has been serving Clarksville and Montgomery County, including Nashville, TN, since 1991. They provide residential plumbing and heating and cooling services, specializing in water heater repair and installation as well as drain cleaning. With over 30 years of experience, they handle repair, replacement, and installation projects throughout the area.

5.0

1.5k Reviews

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

Bradley Maintenance & Air LLC

nashville

Bradley Maintenance & Air LLC provides HVAC and plumbing services in Nashville, TN, including water heater installation and repair. They serve the greater Nashville area, including Brentwood, Antioch, and Murfreesboro. The company offers comprehensive HVAC maintenance, repair, and system changeouts alongside their plumbing solutions.

5.0

670 Reviews

Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric

3470 Tchulahoma Rd, Memphis, TN 38118

Automatic Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric has been serving Memphis, TN, and surrounding areas since 1943. The company offers a wide range of services including water heater repair and installation, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work. They are experienced in handling all sizes of projects and provide 24/7 emergency service for air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical repairs. As a long-standing Carrier partner since 1956, they install and service units manufactured locally in Shelby County and support the local economy.

5.0

650 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

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Understanding Tennessee's Plumbing and Energy Codes

Water heater installations in Tennessee are not just about hooking up a new appliance; they must comply with state-adopted building codes designed for safety and efficiency. The state follows the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC) for plumbing specifics, and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for efficiency standards ^{1 2 3 4 5}. These codes cover everything from required safety devices to proper venting and location.

A key requirement is that all storage tank water heaters must be equipped with an approved temperature and pressure relief (T&P) valve ^{6 7 8}. Furthermore, if the tank is installed in a location where a leak could cause property damage, it must sit inside a properly drained collection pan ^{9 10}. For homes with garages, gas water heaters with an ignition source must be elevated at least 18 inches above the floor unless the unit is certified as flammable vapor ignition-resistant ⁶.

The energy code also mandates that a permanent certificate listing the type and efficiency of the installed water heating equipment be posted on or near the electrical panel ¹⁰. Adherence to these codes is not optional-it's a critical step in ensuring a safe, legal, and insurable installation.

Do You Need a Permit in Tennessee?

In most Tennessee municipalities, a permit is required for water heater installation or replacement, especially when the work involves modifications to gas lines, electrical circuits, or plumbing ⁹. The permit process ensures the installation will be inspected by a local building official to verify compliance with all state and local codes.

The need for a permit and the specific requirements can vary by county and city. It's always best to consult your local building department before starting any work. A reputable, licensed plumbing professional will typically handle the permit application and scheduling of inspections as part of their service, providing you with peace of mind that the job is done correctly and legally ⁹.

How to Size Your Water Heater Correctly

Choosing the right size water heater is crucial for balancing comfort with energy costs. An undersized unit will leave you with cold showers, while an oversized one wastes energy and money. For traditional storage-tank models, sizing is primarily based on the number of people in your household and their peak hot water usage ^{11 12}.

Here's a general guideline for storage tank capacity:

^{11 12 13}

These are starting points. Your actual needs may be higher if you have multiple bathrooms, a large soaking tub, or other high-demand appliances like a dishwasher or clothes washer running simultaneously. For tankless (on-demand) water heaters, sizing is completely different. It's based on the required flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), needed to run all your hot water fixtures at once ¹⁴. A professional can perform a detailed calculation based on your home's specific fixtures to recommend the properly sized unit.

Types of Water Heaters Available

Tennessee homeowners have several fuel and technology options for water heating. The best choice depends on your home's existing infrastructure, local fuel availability, and your budget.

• Natural Gas: Widely available in many urban and suburban areas of Tennessee, natural gas water heaters are popular for their faster recovery rates (the time it takes to reheat a tank of water) compared to standard electric models ^{15 16}. They often have lower operating costs than electric resistance tanks, though this can fluctuate with market prices.
• Electric (Resistance): The most common type, standard electric tank water heaters are available everywhere and generally have a lower upfront purchase cost. They are simple to install where an adequate electrical circuit exists ^{17 18}.
• Heat Pump (Hybrid) Water Heaters: This is a highly efficient type of electric water heater. Instead of generating heat directly, it uses a compressor to move heat from the surrounding air into the water. This technology can be two to three times more energy-efficient than standard electric resistance models, leading to significant utility savings over time ^{15 19}. They work best in installed spaces that remain between 40°F and 90°F year-round and have at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space around them.
• Propane: In rural areas of Tennessee without access to natural gas lines, propane is a common fuel source for water heaters. It offers performance similar to natural gas ¹⁷.
• Tankless (Gas or Electric): These units heat water on demand, providing an endless supply of hot water and saving space since there is no storage tank. They are more energy-efficient for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily. However, installation can be more complex and costly if upgrades to gas lines or electrical service are needed ¹⁴.

What to Expect: Installation and Replacement Costs

The total cost for a new water heater in Tennessee varies significantly based on the unit type, size, efficiency rating, and complexity of the installation. Professional installation costs generally range from $900 to $3,000 for a standard tank replacement, including the unit and labor ^{9 13 20 21 22}. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• Standard Storage-Tank Water Heater: You can expect to pay between $900 and $2,500 for a complete installation of a new 40- to 50-gallon gas or electric tank unit ^{23 24}.
• Tankless Water Heater: Due to potential requirements for upgraded gas lines, venting, or electrical circuits, tankless system installations typically range from $1,400 to $3,900 ^{23 25}.
• Labor Costs: A straightforward, like-for-like replacement in an accessible location may have labor costs between $500 and $1,500. However, if the installation requires relocating the unit, modifying plumbing, installing a new gas line, or bringing old electrical work up to code, labor can add an additional $1,000 to $3,000 to the total project cost ^{23 26 27 28 29}.

Always get detailed, written estimates from multiple licensed plumbers. The estimate should clearly separate the cost of the unit, materials, labor, permit fees, and any potential charges for old unit disposal.

The Professional Installation Process

A proper installation by a licensed professional involves more than just swapping tanks. A thorough job includes:

1. Assessment and Permitting: Evaluating your home's needs, applying for the necessary permit, and ensuring code compliance.
2. Safe Removal: Draining and disconnecting the old unit, including capping gas or water lines as needed.
3. Preparation: Inspecting and potentially upgrading the water connections, venting system (for gas), electrical supply, and the physical location (including installing a drain pan if required).
4. Installation and Setup: Placing the new unit, connecting all water, gas, and electrical lines, installing the T&P valve and discharge pipe, and ensuring proper ventilation.
5. Testing and Inspection: Filling the tank, checking for leaks, lighting the pilot (for gas), testing the T&P valve, and adjusting the thermostat. The professional will then coordinate the final inspection with the local building department.
6. Cleanup and Review: Disposing of the old unit and walking you through the operation of your new water heater and its warranty.

Investing in a professional installation ensures safety, maximizes efficiency, and protects the validity of your manufacturer's warranty.

Energy Efficiency and Potential Savings

Choosing a more efficient water heater can lead to substantial savings on your monthly utility bills. Look for the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) label on new models; a higher number indicates greater efficiency. Heat pump hybrid models have the highest UEFs among electric tanks, while condensing gas models are the most efficient for gas-fired units.

Homeowners may also qualify for federal tax credits for the purchase and installation of certain high-efficiency water heaters, including heat pump models. Check the U.S. Department of Energy website for the latest qualifications and details ³⁰. While efficient models often have a higher upfront cost, the long-term energy savings can make them a wise financial investment over the lifespan of the unit.

Frequently asked questions

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