Does Piedmont Natural Gas Install Water Heaters? Key Facts

You just found out your 12-year-old tank water heater is leaking from the bottom drain valve. The pilot light keeps going out, and the burner makes a sound like a small jet engine. You call Piedmont Natural Gas because they send you a bill every month, so surely they handle this, right?

Here’s the direct answer: Yes, Piedmont Natural Gas does install water heaters, but not with their own employees. They run a program where vetted, licensed local plumbers do the actual work. You pay Piedmont, and they coordinate everything. You don’t have to call around for quotes or worry about whether a random contractor pulled the right permit.

This article walks through what Piedmont actually offers, how much you’ll likely pay, tank versus tankless trade-offs, and what happens on installation day. You’ll also learn what to do after the new unit is in so it lasts past the warranty period.

If your existing water heater’s gas control valve is the problem rather than the whole tank, a replacement valve like the Reliance Water Heater Natural Gas Control Valve 100112336 can sometimes fix it without a full replacement. That part is compatible with A.O. Smith, Reliance, State, and American-branded tanks. Just know that swapping a gas valve is not a DIY job — improper installation can void the manufacturer warranty, so have a professional do it.

Does Piedmont Natural Gas Install Water Heaters? (The Short Answer)

Piedmont Natural Gas does not employ installation technicians. They contract with authorized, licensed plumbing companies in their service areas across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. You order through Piedmont’s website or by phone, and their partner schedules a visit.

The advantage is accountability. If something goes wrong, you have a utility company backing the work, not just a random handyman. Piedmont also handles the permit process in most municipalities, which many homeowners forget is required for gas appliance work.

One thing to watch: Piedmont’s service area is huge, and contractor coverage varies by zip code. You might get a quote in one week in Charlotte but wait three weeks in a rural part of East Tennessee. Call early and ask for the current lead time.

Tank vs. Tankless: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Most Piedmont customers default to a 40-gallon tank because that’s what they already have. But the decision deserves more thought than just matching the old unit’s size.

Tank Water Heaters: Pros and Cons

A standard tank unit stores 30 to 80 gallons of hot water, keeps it at 120°F, and fires the burner when the temperature drops. The upfront cost is lower, the installation is simpler, and replacement parts are cheap and common.

Downsides: you pay to keep 40 gallons hot all day even when nobody’s home. That standby heat loss runs 10-15% of your total water heating bill. A tank also has a shorter lifespan — typically 10-12 years — because sediment builds up at the bottom and corrodes the steel.

Tankless Water Heaters: Pros and Cons

A tankless unit heats water on demand with a high-BTU burner, usually 150,000 to 200,000 BTUs. No storage tank means no standby loss. You get endless hot water as long as the gas line can feed the burner.

The catch is the installation. A tankless unit needs a larger gas line in many homes, plus a different venting system (often PVC instead of metal). That can add $500-$1,500 to the job. The unit itself costs two to three times more than a tank. But it lasts 20 years or more, and the energy savings typically run $80-$150 per year depending on your household usage.

If you have a large family that takes back-to-back showers, tankless wins. For a single person or a couple, the payback period might stretch past 10 years, which makes a high-efficiency tank a smarter financial move.

Feature	Tank Water Heater	Tankless Water Heater
Upfront cost (unit + labor)	$800 – $1,800	$2,200 – $4,500
Lifespan	10-12 years	20+ years
Energy efficiency (UEF)	0.60 – 0.80	0.90 – 0.98
Space required	~5 sq ft footprint, 60 inches tall	Wall-mounted, about the size of a small suitcase
Hot water capacity	Limited by tank size (40-50 gal typical)	Unlimited, but limited by flow rate (usually 6-10 GPM)
Maintenance	Annual tank flush recommended	Annual descaling with vinegar or citric acid
Best for	Budget-minded, small households	Large families, homes with high hot water demand

How Much Does a New Water Heater Cost?

Piedmont’s pricing varies by region and by which contractor picks up the job in your area. But you can expect the total — unit, labor, permits, and removal of the old heater — to land in these ranges.

Unit Price vs. Installation Fees

A basic 40-gallon natural gas tank from a major brand like Rheem or A.O. Smith costs $500-$700 at retail. Piedmont’s installed price for that same class of unit usually runs $1,200-$1,600. The difference covers the contractor’s labor (typically 2-4 hours), hauling away the old unit, and the permit fee.

If you need a 50-gallon tank or one with a taller first-hour rating, add $200-$400. A power-vented tank — one that uses a fan to push exhaust through a side wall instead of a chimney — adds another $300-$500 because the vent kit and electrical hookup cost more.

Tankless installations start around $2,500 and climb quickly. If your gas line needs upsizing from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch, that’s an extra $300-$600. If the new venting requires cutting through an exterior wall, budget another $200-$400.

Financing Options and Rebates

Piedmont offers appliance financing plans that spread the cost over monthly payments. The terms depend on your credit and the total amount, but they typically run 12 to 60 months. Ask about promotional 0% APR offers, which appear periodically.

Rebates are worth chasing. Piedmont itself sometimes runs seasonal promotions on high-efficiency models. Your state energy office or local utility may also offer incentives for ENERGY STAR-rated units. A tankless with a UEF above 0.95 can qualify for $150-$300 in combined rebates in some areas. Check Piedmont’s current offers and your state’s database before you commit.

The Installation Process: Step-by-Step

Knowing what actually happens on installation day helps you avoid surprises and ask the right questions.

1. Quote and scheduling. Piedmont sends a contractor to measure your space, inspect the gas line, and check the venting. They give you a firm price and a date. Expect this visit to take 30-45 minutes.
2. Permit pull. The contractor pulls a mechanical permit from your local building department. This usually costs $50-$150 and is included in your quote. Never skip this — an unpermitted gas water heater can cause problems when you sell your home.
3. Shutoff and drain. On installation day, the crew turns off the gas valve and the cold water supply, then drains the old tank. If the tank is in a basement, they may run a hose to a floor drain or sump pit.
4. Disconnect and remove. They disconnect the gas line, the vent pipe, and the water connections. The old unit gets hauled out — most contractors recycle the steel.
5. New unit placement. The new tank goes in, level on a pan if required by code. They connect the gas line with a new flexible connector (never reuse an old one), attach the vent, and refill the tank.
6. Testing and inspection. The crew turns the gas back on, checks for leaks with a soap solution or an electronic sniffer, and lights the pilot. They verify the thermostat holds temperature and the vent draws properly. A building inspector may visit later to sign off on the permit.
7. Cleanup and walkthrough. They remove all debris, show you where the shutoff valve is, and explain the new unit’s controls. Ask them to write the model and serial number on the receipt — you’ll need it for warranty claims.

Why Choose Piedmont Natural Gas for Your Installation?

The main reason people use Piedmont’s program is convenience. One phone call, one bill, and the utility stands behind the work. If the contractor damages your drywall or leaves a gas leak, Piedmont has an incentive to make it right because their name is on the transaction.

That said, it’s not always the cheapest route. A local independent plumber might quote $200-$400 less because they don’t have the same overhead. The trade-off is that you’re responsible for vetting the plumber’s license, insurance, and reputation yourself.

For most homeowners, the Piedmont premium is worth the peace of mind. You’re dealing with a regulated utility, not a stranger from a flyer. And if you ever need warranty service, Piedmont’s contractor handles it directly instead of making you chase the manufacturer.

Maintaining Your New Water Heater for Maximum Efficiency

A new water heater is not set-and-forget. Annual maintenance adds years to its life and keeps the efficiency numbers close to the sticker rating.

Once a year, drain a few gallons from the tank’s bottom valve to flush out sediment. Hard water areas may need a full flush — attach a hose, open the drain, and let it run until clear. This simple step prevents the burner from working overtime against a layer of insulating scale.

Check the anode rod every two to three years. This sacrificial metal rod corrodes instead of your tank’s steel lining. If it’s down to less than 1/2 inch of core wire, replace it. A $40 rod and an hour of work can add five years to the tank’s life. You can learn more about anode rods to understand the details.

For tankless units, descaling is mandatory. Run a vinegar or citric acid solution through the heat exchanger once a year using the built-in service valves. Skip this and mineral scale builds up inside the copper coils, reducing flow and eventually causing the unit to overheat and shut down.

Finally, test the temperature and pressure relief valve annually. Lift the lever, let it snap back, and confirm water discharges. A stuck T&P valve is a safety hazard — it’s the one component that prevents the tank from becoming a steam bomb.

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Heater Installation

Does Piedmont Natural Gas sell water heaters, or only install them?

Both. Their website has a water heater shop where you can browse models and request a quote. You can also buy a unit from a big-box store and hire your own plumber, but Piedmont’s installed price includes the unit, so there’s no advantage to splitting the purchase.

Can I install a water heater myself to save money?

Legally, in most jurisdictions, only a licensed plumber can do gas work. Even where DIY is allowed, the manufacturer warranty often requires professional installation. A gas leak from a bad connection can cause an explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. The $200-$400 you save isn’t worth that risk.

How long does the installation take?

A straight tank-for-tank swap takes 2-3 hours. A tankless installation can take 4-6 hours if the gas line needs upsizing or the venting route is complicated. The contractor will usually tell you the estimate when they arrive.

What happens to my old water heater?

The contractor hauls it away and recycles the steel. There’s no extra fee for this — it’s included in the quoted price. Some contractors will also take your old unit to a scrap yard and give you a few dollars, but that’s not standard.

Does Piedmont offer a warranty on their installation?

Yes, typically a one-year labor warranty on top of the manufacturer’s warranty on the unit itself. That means if the contractor’s workmanship fails within a year — a leaky connection, a misaligned vent — they come back and fix it at no charge. Ask for the warranty terms in writing before you sign the quote.

What to Do Right Now

You have options, and the right one depends on your situation.

• Call Piedmont Natural Gas for a quote if you want a single point of accountability and don’t mind paying a small premium for it.
• Get two or three quotes from independent licensed plumbers if budget is your top concern — just verify their license and insurance before hiring.
• Compare tank versus tankless based on your household’s hot water usage, not just the sticker price. A tankless unit only pays off if you actually use the endless hot water it provides.
• Ask about current rebates and financing before you commit. A $300 rebate can change the payback math significantly.
• Schedule annual maintenance from day one. Flush the tank or descale the heat exchanger, and check the anode rod every couple of years.
• Keep the model and serial number handy, along with the installation date and the contractor’s name. You’ll need all three for any warranty claim.
• If your old unit is less than eight years old and the problem is the control valve, a replacement part might save you the cost of a full installation. Have a professional diagnose it first.

Piedmont Natural Gas makes the process easy, but you still need to know what you’re buying. Use the table above to match the unit to your home, and don’t skip the maintenance. A water heater is a 10-to-20-year investment, and a little attention each year keeps it running efficiently for the long haul.