Water Heaters — Dickson & Waverly, TN
A water heater going out is rarely convenient. DC P&E keeps a working selection of common residential units on the floor at both stores, stocks the repair parts that often make a full replacement unnecessary, and orders anything we do not have on hand. We have been doing this in Dickson County since 1988.
Before You Replace It — It May Not Need Replacing
If the tank itself is not leaking, the problem is frequently a part rather than the heater. A cold tank on an electric unit is very often a failed heating element or thermostat — both inexpensive, both stocked. Water that runs lukewarm or runs out fast can point to a broken dip tube. A weeping relief line usually means a T&P valve or a thermal expansion problem, not a dead heater.
Water actually pooling under the tank is the exception: once the tank is leaking, it is done. That is the point to look at a replacement.
Bring the old part with you, or the model and serial number off the data plate on the side of the heater, and our counter staff will match it.
Sizing — A Rough Guide
| Tank size | Typically suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30 gallon | 1–2 people | Apartments, small homes, single bath |
| 40 gallon | 2–3 people | The most common residential replacement size |
| 50 gallon | 3–5 people | Multiple baths or a large tub |
| Gas vs electric | — | Gas recovers faster, so a gas unit can often serve the same household one size smaller |
Treat this as a starting point, not a specification. Household habits matter as much as headcount, and your installer or local code may drive the decision. Check the water heater spec sheet for dimensions before you commit — replacement units do not always fit the old closet.
What We Stock
Units
- Electric water heaters, common residential sizes
- Gas water heaters, common residential sizes
- U.S. Craftmaster line
- Other brands and larger capacities by order
Install Accessories
- Thermal expansion tanks
- Drain pans and pan fittings
- Water flex connectors
- Gas flex connectors and shutoffs
- Dielectric unions
- Ball valves and stops
Repair Parts
- Heating elements — multiple wattages and voltages
- Upper and lower thermostats
- Element gaskets and wrenches
- Temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valves
- Anode rods
- Dip tubes
- Drain valves
- Thermocouples and pilot assemblies
- Element access covers and insulation
Printable spec sheets
Dimensions and connection details — worth checking before you buy, since a replacement heater does not always fit where the old one sat.
Which Store?
Which store should you go to?
Dickson — 2403 Hwy 70 E, 615-446-2895. Our contractor counter. Deeper rough-in inventory: pipe, fittings, valves, wire, conduit, panels and the bulk material a job runs on. Dickson store details
Waverly — 1035 W. Main St, 931-296-7511. Our retail counter. Weighted toward repair parts — cartridges, seals, flappers, fill valves, switches, breakers and the pieces a homeowner needs today. Waverly store details
Both stores are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Safety & Permits
Water heater replacement involves gas piping, venting or 240-volt electrical connections, and in most cases a permit. Gas work and electrical work carry real risk. DC P&E supplies the equipment; we do not install it and we do not provide code guidance. If you are not qualified for the work, hire a licensed plumber — see our Trusted Local Pros or service provider list.
Common Questions
Do you have water heaters in stock right now?
We keep a working selection of common residential sizes on the floor at both stores, and we order anything we do not have. Because what is on hand changes, call ahead and we will tell you exactly what is in stock.
What size water heater do I need?
Roughly: 30 gallon for one to two people, 40 gallon for two to three, 50 gallon for three to five. Gas recovers faster than electric, so a gas unit can often serve the same household a size smaller. Habits matter as much as headcount.
Can I just replace the element instead of the whole heater?
Often, yes. If the tank is not leaking, a failed element or thermostat is a common and inexpensive fix. Bring the old element or the model number off the data plate so we can match wattage and voltage.
What water heater parts do you carry?
Elements, thermostats, T&P valves, anode rods, dip tubes, drain valves, thermocouples, expansion tanks, drain pans and the flex connectors and fittings for the install.
Do you install water heaters?
No. We supply the heater and the parts. Replacement involves gas or electrical connections and usually a permit — see our Trusted Local Pros for independent local plumbers.
What brand do you carry?
U.S. Craftmaster, and we can order other lines. Call with what you need and we will source it.
Need a water heater or a part today?
Call before you drive out and we will check the shelf for you.
Dickson — 615-446-2895 Waverly — 931-296-7511 Request a Quote