Old Hickory, TN · Davidson County
Water Heater Installation & Replacement in Old Hickory, TN
Older Old Hickory homes weren't designed with today's water heaters in mind. Southern Sun Plumbing replaces tank water heaters here and handles the fitting-in that older houses usually need.
Southern Sun Plumbing is an owner-operator residential plumber based in Mount Juliet — just across the river from Hermitage — run by Will Pontius, TN Master Plumber License #651. When you call, you're talking to the person who'll actually do the work.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google · Licensed & Insured · Upfront pricing

What we do
We install and replace standard tank water heaters, gas and electric. That means sizing the new tank for your household, hauling the old one off, bringing the connections, venting, and relief valve up to code, and making sure you have hot water before we leave.
Water Heater Installation & Replacement in Old Hickory homes
In smaller cottages, water heaters are often tucked into a back porch closet, a kitchen corner, or a crawlspace-level utility area. Newer tanks can be taller or wider than what was there before, and older connections may need updating to work with them safely.
Old Hickory is a quick trip from Mount Juliet.
Calls we get from Old Hickory
A new tank doesn't fit the old spot
We find a model that fits the space or adjust the connections so it can sit where it needs to.
Old gas connections
We replace aging gas connectors and check the venting when swapping a gas unit.
Moving from gas to electric
If you're switching, we'll explain what's involved and what an electrician may need to add.

A tip from Will Pontius
Measure the height and width of the space around your water heater before you call. It speeds up getting the right tank.
Signs you may need water heater replacement
- •Rust-colored hot water or a metallic smell
- •Popping or rumbling noises from the tank
- •Water pooling around the base of the heater
- •Running out of hot water faster than you used to
- •A tank that's 10 to 12 years old or older
How it works
- 1.Text us a photo of the tank's label so we can see size, fuel type, and age.
- 2.We quote the replacement up front — tank, parts, labor, and haul-off.
- 3.We drain and remove the old unit and set the new one.
- 4.We check for leaks, light or power it up, and walk you through the settings.
Why it matters
A failing tank rarely gives a polite warning — replacing it on your schedule beats a flooded garage or utility closet.
Common causes of water heater replacement problems
Sediment buildup
Middle Tennessee water carries minerals that settle at the bottom of the tank. That sediment causes popping and rumbling noises, lowers efficiency, and shortens the tank's life.
Corroded tank lining
Once the anode rod is used up, the tank itself starts to rust. Rusty hot water or a leak at the base usually means the tank is at the end of its life.
Failed heating parts
On electric tanks, elements and thermostats wear out. On gas tanks, thermocouples and gas valves can fail. Sometimes a repair makes sense; on an older tank, replacement usually does.
Relief valve problems
A dripping temperature and pressure relief valve can signal excess pressure or a worn valve — a safety issue worth checking promptly.
How we diagnose water heater replacement problems
Before we quote a water heater replacement in Old Hickory, we look at the tank's age, size, fuel type, and location, plus the venting, gas or electrical connection, and relief valve piping. Texting us a photo of the label speeds this up. If a simple repair will get a newer tank going again, we'll tell you that instead of selling you a new one.
Your water heater replacement options
Like-for-like replacement
The same size and fuel type in the same spot — usually the fastest and most affordable path back to hot water.
Right-sizing
If your household has grown or you're always running out, we can talk through a larger tank.
Code updates
Installs include bringing connections, venting, and relief valve discharge up to current code where needed.
What affects the price
You get the price before we start — no surprises. These are the things that move it:
- •Tank size and gas vs. electric
- •Location (garage, closet, attic, or crawlspace)
- •Venting, gas line, or electrical updates needed
- •Haul-off and disposal of the old unit
- •Expansion tank or drain pan requirements
Prevention tips
- ✓Flush the tank periodically to clear sediment
- ✓Have the anode rod checked on tanks a few years old
- ✓Test the relief valve once a year
- ✓Keep the area around the tank clear and dry
Why Old Hickory homeowners call Southern Sun Plumbing
Southern Sun Plumbing is a residential, owner-operator plumbing company based in Mount Juliet. Will Pontius holds TN Master Plumber License #651, answers his own phone, and does the work himself. We're rated 5.0 on Google, we're licensed and insured, and we price jobs up front. If you're searching for a water heater replacement near Old Hickory, you'll get straight answers and careful, clean work.
Water Heater Installation & Replacement in Old Hickory: common questions
Do you install water heaters in small Old Hickory homes?
Yes. We pick a tank that fits the space and install it to code.
Do you haul away the old water heater?
Yes, removal of the old tank is part of the job.
What type of water heaters do you install in Old Hickory?
Standard tank water heaters, both gas and electric. We size the new tank to your household and haul the old one away.
How do I know my water heater needs replacing?
Common signs are water at the base of the tank, rusty hot water, rumbling noises, or hot water running out faster than it used to. A tank past about ten years old is worth checking.
Can you tell me if my water heater just needs a repair?
Yes. If a part like a thermostat or element is the problem on a younger tank, repair may make more sense, and we'll tell you honestly.
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Areas of Old Hickory we cover
Need water heater replacement in Old Hickory?
Call or text 615-975-9052. Texting a photo is often the fastest way to get a price range.
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Phone: 6159759052
