- HEP Plumbing
- Failed Water Heaters

Failed Water Heaters
Failed Water Heaters | Emergency Plumbing | Plumbing | Cookeville
When a water heater fails in the middle of a Cookeville night, you don’t have time to scroll through endless listings—you need swift, skilled help that arrives when the water is still pooling on the floor. HEP’s certified technicians answer the call 24/7 with fully stocked trucks, advanced leak-detection tools, and the experience to diagnose anything from blown heating elements to catastrophic tank ruptures on the spot. We’ll isolate the problem, stop the damage, and walk you through clear repair or replacement options so you can get back to hot showers and peace of mind without delay.
Our reputation for rapid response and transparent pricing has made us the go-to team for emergency plumbing across Putnam County. Whether you wake up to frigid water, hear a sudden pop from the attic unit, or spot rusty streaks around the garage heater, one call to HEP brings licensed professionals who treat your home like their own and never leave until the job—and the cleanup—is done right.
FAQs
What situations count as a water-heater emergency and when should I call for immediate service in Cookeville?
Any condition that threatens property damage, safety, or a total loss of hot water should be treated as an emergency. Common examples include a burst or heavily leaking tank, scalding-hot water coming from taps, no hot water at all, the smell of gas near a gas heater, sparking or tripped breakers on an electric unit, or water pooling around the base that won’t stop. If you notice any of these signs—or simply aren’t sure—shut off the unit’s power or gas supply if you can do so safely and call our 24/7 emergency line right away.
What should I do while waiting for the emergency plumber to arrive?
1. Turn off the cold-water inlet valve located on top of the water heater to stop additional flooding. 2. For electric units, switch the breaker to the OFF position; for gas models, set the gas control to PILOT or OFF. 3. Mop up standing water to reduce floor damage and slip hazards. 4. Move valuables and stored items away from the leak area. 5. Do not attempt major repairs yourself—temporary fixes such as placing a bucket under a drip are fine, but anything more can worsen the issue or void your warranty. 6. Keep children and pets clear of the area until our licensed technician arrives.
Can you repair my existing water heater, or will it need to be replaced?
We always begin with a thorough diagnostic. Many failures—such as a faulty thermostat, heating element, thermocouple, or relief valve—can be repaired the same day because we stock common parts on our service trucks. If the tank itself is rusted through, the unit is more than 8–12 years old, or repairs would exceed 50% of the cost of a new heater, we usually recommend replacement for long-term reliability and efficiency. We carry high-efficiency conventional and tankless models sized for Cookeville homes and can install them on the spot if needed.
How fast can your Cookeville emergency plumbing team reach me, and how long will the repair take?
Our on-call technicians are stationed within Putnam County and surrounding areas. In most cases we arrive anywhere in Cookeville within 60 minutes of your call—often sooner for in-town addresses. Initial assessment takes about 15 minutes. Simple component swaps (elements, thermostats, valves) can be completed in under an hour. More complex repairs or a full replacement typically run 2–3 hours, but we carry new heaters on our trucks to eliminate supply-house delays. We keep you informed of timing and progress at every step.
Are emergency water-heater services really available nights, weekends, and holidays, and will I pay extra?
Yes. We operate 24/7/365, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and severe-weather days. Because hot water is essential, we never outsource after-hours calls—you will reach a local dispatcher and licensed Cookeville technician. There is a modest emergency diagnostic fee that covers travel and priority scheduling, but our labor and parts pricing remains the same as daytime rates. You’ll receive a written, flat-rate quote before any work begins, so there are no surprises on your final bill.
How can I prevent future water-heater failures, and do you offer maintenance plans in Cookeville?
Annual maintenance extends the life of your heater and helps you spot problems early. Our preventive service includes draining and flushing sediment, inspecting the anode rod, testing safety valves, checking gas pressure or electrical connections, and recalibrating thermostats. We also examine expansion tanks and venting. Homeowners who enroll in our Water Heater Protection Plan receive a yearly tune-up, priority scheduling, and a 10% discount on repairs. You can further reduce risk by setting temperature to 120°F, installing a leak-detection alarm, and ensuring clear space around the unit for ventilation and access.