Water across Tennessee
Memphis pumps groundwater from the Memphis Sand Aquifer, which is notably soft and clean. Nashville treats Cumberland River water, which is moderately hard. Knoxville and Chattanooga draw from the Tennessee River system, generally moderately hard as well. Rural homes on limestone wells across Middle and East Tennessee can have hard water with sulfur or iron.
Crawlspaces and floods
Crawlspace foundations are common, and some water heaters live in them, where damp air corrodes fittings and access is cramped. Garage and closet installs dominate newer homes. Heavy rain has caused serious flooding in several Tennessee cities, and any gas heater whose burner or controls went underwater should be inspected and usually replaced.
Licensing, permits and costs
Tennessee licenses contractors through the Board for Licensing Contractors, and many counties and cities, including Metro Nashville, license plumbers locally and issue permits for water heater replacement. Typical repairs run $150 to $600, and a standard gas tank replacement usually costs $1,300 to $3,000. See water heater replacement for details.
Each Tennessee city below covers its own water source, common problems and permit office.