Top Water Heater Installation Companies in Nashville, Tennessee Ranked

Ensuring your Nashville home has a reliable supply of hot water is essential for daily comfort, from morning showers to washing dishes. Water heater installation and replacement is a significant home investment that directly impacts your energy bills and convenience. This guide will help you understand your options, from traditional tanks to modern tankless systems, and how to navigate the process of finding a qualified local professional for your hot water needs.

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

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

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

Aqua Clear Water Systems

5510 E Division St Suite 122, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

Aqua Clear Water Systems is a family-owned provider of water filtration and softening solutions based in Nashville, TN. They specialize in whole home water filtration systems, water softeners, and water heater installation and repair. Serving East and Middle Tennessee, Aqua Clear offers services including water analysis, installation of salt-free water conditioners, sulfur filtration, and bacteria disinfection systems. The company has been in business since 2005 and provides an industry-leading 10-year warranty on Kinetico systems. Aqua Clear also offers emergency services and financing options.

5.0

459 Reviews

Smooth Saling Plumbing & Water Heater Replacement

3511 Gallatin Pike Office 318, Nashville, TN 37216

Smooth Saling Plumbing & Water Heater Replacement offers a range of plumbing services in Nashville, TN, including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, and gas line installation. The company serves Nashville and surrounding communities such as Franklin, Brentwood, Mt. Juliet, and Murfreesboro. Their licensed team provides expert plumbing solutions tailored to local homes, with capabilities including safe and precise gas line work. Smooth Saling Plumbing has been serving the Nashville area for several years, focusing on transparent pricing and customer satisfaction.

5.0

268 Reviews

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Understanding Your Water Heater Options

Choosing the right water heater for your Nashville home starts with knowing the different types available. The main categories are traditional storage tank, tankless (on-demand), and hybrid heat pump models. Each has distinct advantages in terms of upfront cost, operating efficiency, and hot water capacity.

• Traditional Storage Tank Water Heaters: This is the most common and budget-friendly type. It stores and continuously heats a reservoir of water (typically 40 to 80 gallons). While cost-effective to purchase and install, it can run out of hot water during high-demand periods and loses heat through the tank walls, a phenomenon known as "standby heat loss." ^{1 2}
• Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heaters: These units heat water directly as it flows through the device, providing an endless supply of hot water. They are compact, energy-efficient because they eliminate standby heat loss, and have a longer lifespan than traditional tanks. The trade-off is a higher initial purchase and installation cost. ^{3 4 2}
• Hybrid (Heat Pump) Water Heaters: These highly efficient systems work by extracting heat from the surrounding air and transferring it to the water. They can be two to three times more energy-efficient than conventional electric resistance models, making them an excellent choice for modern homes looking to reduce utility costs. ^{5 6}

Fuel Types: Gas vs. Electric in Nashville

The fuel source for your water heater is a critical decision that affects performance, operating costs, and installation requirements.

• Natural Gas: In Nashville, natural gas is often a cheaper fuel source than electricity, making gas water heaters more cost-effective to operate over the long term. ^{7 8} They also typically heat water faster and are better suited for high-demand households. Installation can be more complex and costly if gas lines are not already in place.
• Electric: Electric water heaters generally have a lower upfront cost for the unit and simpler installation, as they don't require venting. However, electricity rates can make them more expensive to operate monthly compared to gas models in our area. ^{5 6}

When Is It Time for a Replacement?

Knowing when to replace your water heater can prevent an unexpected cold shower and potential water damage. Key signs include:

• Age: The average lifespan of a traditional tank water heater is 8 to 12 years. If yours is within or beyond this range, start planning for a replacement. ^{7 9}
• Rust and Leaks: Visible rust on the tank or connections, or water pooling around the unit, often signals tank corrosion and impending failure.
• Inconsistent Performance: Fluctuating water temperature, running out of hot water faster than usual, or unusual noises like rumbling or popping indicate sediment buildup or component failure.
• Rising Energy Bills: A gradual increase in your gas or electric bill can point to declining efficiency as the heater works harder to do its job. ⁹

The Professional Installation Process

A proper water heater installation is not a simple DIY project. It involves gas, water, and electrical connections, and must comply with local Nashville codes. Here's what a professional installation typically entails: ^{7 3 10}

1. Assessment and Selection: A qualified plumber will assess your household's hot water usage, available space, and existing fuel lines to recommend the right type, size, and model.
2. Permitting: Reputable installers will pull any necessary permits from local authorities to ensure the work meets all safety and building codes.
3. Removal and Disposal: The old unit is safely disconnected, drained, and removed from your home. Professionals handle the proper disposal or recycling of the old heater.
4. Installation: The new unit is positioned, leveled, and connected to the water supply, fuel line (gas or electric), and pressure relief valve. For gas models, proper venting is installed.
5. Testing and Inspection: The system is filled, purged of air, and tested for leaks and proper operation. The installer will ensure the temperature and pressure settings are correct and explain the unit's basic operation to you.

Factors Influencing Water Heater Cost in Nashville

The total cost for a new water heater in Nashville varies widely based on several factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively.

• Unit Type and Size: A standard 50-gallon storage tank is the most common and affordable option. Tankless and hybrid systems command a higher price for the unit itself. Larger capacity tanks (e.g., 80-gallon) also cost more. ^{1 11 12}
• Fuel Source: Switching from electric to gas (or vice versa) can add significant cost if new fuel lines or electrical circuits are required.
• Installation Complexity: The labor cost depends on the job's difficulty. Straightforward replacements are less expensive. Jobs requiring new venting, gas lines, upgraded electrical service, or relocation of the unit will increase the price. ^{3 4}
• Permits and Code Upgrades: Permit fees and any mandatory upgrades to bring the installation up to current code (like adding an expansion tank or a new drain pan) are part of the final cost.

Based on local data, you can expect a general price range in Nashville:

• Standard 50-Gallon Tank (Electric or Gas): $1,200 - $1,900 for a full replacement. ^{1 11}
• Tankless Water Heater: $2,500 - $5,500+, with the higher end reflecting complex installations or whole-home systems. ^{1 3 12}

Benefits of Modern, High-Efficiency Models

Upgrading from an old, inefficient water heater to a modern high-efficiency model offers tangible benefits for Nashville homeowners.

• Lower Utility Bills: High-efficiency units, especially tankless and hybrid models, use significantly less energy to heat the same amount of water. This can lead to substantial savings on your monthly gas or electric bill. ^{8 5 6}
• Endless Hot Water: Tankless systems provide hot water on demand, eliminating the worry of running out during back-to-back showers.
• Space Savings: Tankless units are compact and can be mounted on a wall, freeing up valuable floor space in your utility room or garage.
• Longer Lifespan: With proper maintenance, tankless water heaters can last 20 years or more, nearly double the life of a standard tank model.

Maintaining Your New Water Heater

To protect your investment and ensure optimal performance, regular maintenance is key. For tank-style heaters, this includes an annual flushing to remove sediment buildup, which improves efficiency and extends tank life. Checking the anode rod every few years is also crucial, as it sacrificially corrodes to protect the tank lining. For tankless models, descaling the heat exchanger annually is recommended, especially in areas with hard water. A professional plumber can perform these services and keep your system running smoothly for years.

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