Emergency Response
Emergency Response | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Knoxville
When a tank water heater springs a late-night leak or quits altogether on a frosty Knoxville morning, HEP’s Emergency Response Plumbing team is ready to roll. Our licensed, background-checked technicians arrive fast—tools, replacement parts, and diagnostic gear in hand—to stop flooding, restore hot water, and protect your home from costly damage. We handle everything from pressure-relief valve failures to full-scale tank replacements, all while respecting your property and your schedule.
Knoxville homeowners trust HEP because we pair 24/7 live dispatch with transparent, upfront pricing and workmanship warranties that actually mean something. Whether you need a quick repair to squeeze a few more years out of your current unit or a high-efficiency upgrade installed before the kids’ morning showers, we’ve got you covered. Call, text, or book online and discover why “Happy HEP” has become the city’s go-to name for stress-free, same-day plumbing solutions.
FAQs
What qualifies as a tank water-heater emergency, and when should I call your Knoxville team?
Any situation that poses a safety risk, causes active water damage, or leaves you without hot water when you can’t wait for regular business hours counts as an emergency. Typical examples include a ruptured storage tank, a leaking temperature-and-pressure (T&P) relief valve, a gas smell near the unit, a tripped high-temperature cutoff that won’t reset, or water pouring from supply lines. If shutting off the cold-water inlet or gas/electric power doesn’t immediately stop the problem, call our 24/7 emergency line right away.
How fast can your plumbers reach my Knoxville home or business after I place an emergency call?
Our dispatch center is staffed around the clock. Most addresses inside Knoxville city limits see a licensed technician at the door within 60–90 minutes. Outlying areas in Knox County generally fall within a two-hour window, traffic and weather permitting. We’ll give you a live ETA when you call and send text updates while the technician is en route.
What should I do while waiting for your emergency plumber to arrive?
1. Turn off the water: Locate the cold-water shut-off valve on top of the heater and turn it clockwise. 2. Kill the power: For electric units, switch off the breaker labeled “water heater.” For gas units, set the gas control knob to “OFF.” 3. Drain if necessary: Attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom and route it to a floor drain or outside if water is still escaping from the tank. 4. Ventilate: If you smell gas, open windows and doors and avoid using electrical switches. 5. Document damage: Take photos for insurance before cleanup. 6. Stay safe: Keep children and pets away from the area until the plumber arrives.
Are your technicians trained to work on all types and brands of tank water heaters?
Yes. Our licensed plumbers undergo factory-certified training for major brands such as Rheem, AO Smith, Bradford White, State, and Whirlpool. We carry OEM and universal parts on our trucks for both gas (natural and propane) and electric tank models from 30 to 120 gallons. If your unit is still under manufacturer warranty, we can process most claims on the spot.
How much will an after-hours emergency repair cost?
We charge a flat emergency dispatch fee that covers travel and initial diagnostics. After assessing the problem, your plumber will present a menu of repair options with upfront pricing—no work starts until you approve. Typical emergency repairs such as replacing a failed heating element, T&P valve, or flex-line set range from $150 to $450 plus parts; major repairs like a gas control valve or tank leak isolation can run $500 to $900. If the tank itself has ruptured, replacement is usually more cost-effective; we’ll credit the dispatch fee toward the new installation if you choose to replace.
Should I repair or replace my water heater after an emergency incident?
We weigh four factors: age, extent of damage, energy efficiency, and safety. If your tank is over 10 years old, shows signs of internal corrosion, or has experienced a major leak, replacement is usually recommended. Newer units (less than 6 years old) with replaceable components—thermostats, elements, gas valves—can often be repaired economically. We’ll provide a side-by-side cost and efficiency comparison so you can decide. If replacement is chosen, we can often install a new, code-compliant, high-efficiency tank the same day, haul away the old unit, and file rebate paperwork if applicable in Knoxville or through the TVA EnergyRight program.