- HEP Plumbing
- Water Heater

Water Heater
Water Heater | Emergency Plumbing | Plumbing | Elizabethton
When your water heater sputters in the middle of a chilly Elizabethton night, HEP is ready to roll. Our certified technicians arrive fast, armed with fully stocked trucks and the know-how to repair or replace any model on the spot. From hidden leaks and rusted elements to pilot light failures, we diagnose issues quickly, explain your options in plain language, and back every fix with our Satisfaction Guarantee—so you can get back to hot showers and clean dishes without the stress.
We built our reputation on responsiveness, and that means 24/7 availability for true emergency plumbing situations. One call connects you to a local team that treats your home with respect, lays out transparent pricing before the work starts, and cleans up every last drop before leaving. Trust HEP to restore your water heater’s comfort—and your peace of mind—any time trouble strikes.
FAQs
What situations with my water heater are considered an emergency?
Anything that threatens safety or causes significant property damage is an emergency. Examples include a ruptured tank that is flooding the area, scalding-hot water coming from taps, the smell of gas around a gas water heater, sparking or smoking electrical components, or total loss of hot water when it is crucial for health and sanitation. If you are unsure, treat it as an emergency and call us—better safe than sorry.
How fast can your Elizabethton technicians reach my home or business?
Because we keep licensed plumbers on call 24/7 inside Carter County, average arrival time within Elizabethton city limits is 60 minutes or less. Rural addresses just outside town usually see response times of 60–90 minutes. You will get a live dispatcher, an exact ETA, and text updates while the truck is en route.
What should I do while waiting for the emergency plumber to arrive?
1. Shut off the water: Locate the cold-water inlet valve on the heater or the main shut-off for the building and turn it clockwise. 2. Disconnect power: For electric units, switch off the breaker; for gas units, turn the gas control to the OFF position. 3. Contain leaks: Place buckets or towels to limit water spread and, if safe, open the T&P valve slightly to relieve pressure. 4. Ventilate: If you smell gas, open windows and avoid creating sparks; leave the building if the odor is strong. 5. Document: Take photos for insurance purposes. Then wait in a safe area until our plumber arrives with replacement parts and extraction equipment.
Do you service all types and brands of water heaters?
Yes. Our trucks stock common parts for Rheem, A.O. Smith, Bradford White, State, Rinnai, Navien, and other major brands. We repair and replace conventional tank, high-efficiency, hybrid heat-pump, and tankless water heaters powered by gas, propane, or electricity. If a proprietary part is required, we can place rush orders through regional suppliers in Johnson City or Knoxville.
What does emergency water-heater service typically cost?
Costs vary with the problem, parts needed, and time of day. We charge a flat emergency dispatch fee that ranges from $89 during regular hours to $149 after hours and holidays. After diagnosis, you receive an upfront quote for labor and materials—no work begins without approval. Most emergency repairs in Elizabethton fall between $250 and $650; full replacements including a new 40- to 50-gallon tank-type heater average $1,200–$1,800 installed.
Do you offer warranties or maintenance plans after the repair?
Absolutely. All repairs include a 1-year labor warranty in addition to any manufacturer part warranties (usually 3–6 years). If we install a new water heater, you receive up to a 10-year tank and parts warranty, plus our optional Lifetime Leak Guarantee with annual maintenance. We also offer affordable maintenance plans that include yearly flushing, anode-rod inspections, and safety valve testing to keep your unit running efficiently and to satisfy warranty requirements.