Water Heater
Water Heater | Emergency Plumbing | Plumbing | Charleston
When a water heater bursts at dawn or the pilot light dies during a chilly Lowcountry storm, Charleston homeowners turn to HEP for fast, no-nonsense emergency plumbing. Our licensed technicians arrive 24/7 with fully stocked trucks, ready to diagnose, repair, or replace gas, electric, and tankless units on the spot. From sediment-clogged elements to full-scale leaks flooding your crawl space, we bring decades of local experience, top-tier parts, and transparent pricing—so hot showers and peace of mind return in a single visit.
Every call is answered by a real person, and every solution is backed by our iron-clad workmanship guarantee. We pull permits, haul away old tanks, and even help you choose energy-saving upgrades that fit Charleston’s coastal climate and your budget. Don’t wait for water damage to spread—tap the blue “Call Now” button and let HEP restore comfort to your home before the kettle whistles.
FAQs
What situations count as a water-heater emergency and when should I call?
Any scenario that poses a safety risk, threatens property damage, or leaves you without hot water is considered an emergency. Common examples include a leaking tank, water pooling around the unit, a burst relief valve, no hot water during cold weather, scorched wiring, gas odors, or audible hissing. If you notice any of these issues in your Charleston home or business, shut off the water and energy supply to the heater if it is safe to do so and call our 24/7 emergency line immediately.
How fast can an emergency plumber get to my property in Charleston?
Because we operate multiple service vehicles stationed throughout the Charleston metro, most emergency calls are answered within 60–90 minutes—often faster on the peninsula and West Ashley. Our dispatch team tracks traffic and bridge conditions in real time and will give you an accurate ETA while keeping you updated by text or phone until your technician arrives.
Do you repair every type and brand of water heater?
Yes. Our licensed plumbers are factory-trained to troubleshoot and repair gas, electric, tankless, hybrid, and heat-pump water heaters from all major manufacturers, including Rheem, AO Smith, Bradford White, Rinnai, Navien, and Whirlpool. We carry a wide inventory of universal parts on our trucks, so most emergency repairs can be completed during the first visit, even for older or discontinued models.
What can I do before the plumber arrives to limit damage?
1. Turn off the cold-water supply valve located at the top of the water heater (clockwise to close). 2. If you have a gas unit, rotate the gas control knob to the OFF position; for electric units, switch off the dedicated breaker in the panel. 3. Open a hot-water faucet in a sink or tub to relieve pressure inside the tank. 4. Place towels or a shallow pan under minor leaks and move valuables away from the area. 5. Do NOT attempt major repairs yourself—improper handling can cause scalding or further damage.
Are emergency water-heater repairs covered under warranties or homeowners insurance?
Most manufacturer warranties cover parts that fail due to normal use within the warranty period but do not cover labor for after-hours service. Homeowners insurance generally pays for water damage caused by a sudden rupture but rarely covers the cost of repairing or replacing the appliance itself. After assessing your unit, our technician will identify any warranty-eligible parts and provide detailed documentation for your insurance claim so you can pursue reimbursement when applicable.
How much does emergency water-heater service cost and what payment options do you offer?
Emergency diagnostic visits begin at a flat rate that includes after-hours dispatch and a full system inspection. Once the problem is identified, you’ll receive an upfront, itemized quote for parts and labor—no surprise fees. We waive the diagnostic charge when you authorize repairs. We accept major credit cards, checks, and cash, and offer 0% financing for qualified customers on larger repairs or complete replacements. All work is backed by a written labor warranty as well as any applicable manufacturer coverage.