- HEP Plumbing
- Failed Water Heaters

Failed Water Heaters
Failed Water Heaters | Emergency Plumbing | Plumbing | Greeneville
When a water heater gives out in the middle of a chilly Greeneville night, comfort disappears fast. HEPâs licensed technicians arrive with fully stocked trucks, ready to diagnose failing elements, leaking tanks, or sputtering pilot lights on the spot. Our round-the-clock dispatch means you wonât spend hours guessing what went wrong or wrestling with cold water; we isolate the problem quickly, explain your options in plain language, and restore hot water with parts backed by solid warrantiesâall while treating your home like our own.
Because breakdowns rarely wait for business hours, our team specializes in emergency plumbing that blends speed with craftsmanship. From temporary bypasses that get you through the night to complete, code-compliant replacements, we keep safety and transparency at the forefront. Call HEP any timeâdaybreak, dusk, or the dead of nightâand experience why Greeneville homeowners trust us to turn frustration into relief in a single visit.
FAQs
What are the most common signs that my water heater has failed and I need emergency service?
Watch for no hot water at any tap, banging or rumbling noises from the tank, visible leaks or pooling water around the unit, rusty-colored or foul-smelling hot water, and a tripped circuit breaker or extinguished pilot light that wonât stay lit. Any of these issuesâespecially active leakingâcan quickly cause water damage, scalding risks, or even gas and electrical hazards, so call an emergency plumber immediately.
How fast can your Greeneville plumbers get to my home in a water-heater emergency?
We maintain a 24/7 on-call team for Greeneville and surrounding communities (Tusculum, Afton, Baileyton, Mosheim, and Chuckey). In most cases we arrive within 60 minutes of your callâday or night, weekends and holidays included. Our vans are fully stocked with common replacement parts so we can start repairs right away instead of making multiple trips.
What should I do before the plumber arrives to minimize damage and stay safe?
1. Turn off the water supply: Locate the cold-water shutoff valve on top of the tank and turn it clockwise. If you canât reach it safely, shut off the homeâs main water valve instead. 2. Cut power or gas: For electric units, switch the dedicated breaker to OFF. For gas models, set the thermostat to the OFF position and close the gas shut-off valve if you smell gas. 3. Drain or contain leaks: Place towels, buckets, or a shallow pan under the leak. Only drain the tank if instructed by the plumber. 4. Stay clear of hot water: Escaping water can be scaldingâkeep children and pets away. 5. Call us with the model and serial number if visible; this speeds up parts matching.
Can you repair or replace all types and brands of water heaters?
Yes. Our licensed technicians are trained on traditional tank, hybrid, and tankless units powered by electricity, natural gas, propane, or heat-pump technology. We service major brands such as Rheem, Bradford White, A.O. Smith, State, Navien, Rinnai, Noritz, and more. If repairs are not cost-effective, we can install a new, energy-efficient model that meets Tennessee code requirements the same day.
What does an emergency water-heater service visit include?
After ensuring the area is safe, we perform a multi-point diagnostic: pressure-relief valve test, element or burner inspection, thermostat calibration, anode-rod assessment, leak detection at connections and the tank shell, gas-line integrity check, and electrical continuity testing. Weâll then explain findings, quote repair or replacement options in writing, and obtain your approval before any work begins. All workmanship is backed by our parts & labor warranty.
How much will emergency water-heater repair cost, and do you offer financing?
Pricing depends on the problem, the age and type of unit, and whether parts are readily available. Minor repairs (thermostats, elements, flex-line leaks) typically run $150â$350. Major component replacements or full tank swaps range from $550â$1,800. After-hours service has a modest dispatch fee, but we waive it if we perform the repair. Youâll receive a firm, upfront estimateâno surprises. We also offer 0% interest financing for replacements and accept all major credit cards to ease the burden of unexpected emergencies.