- HEP Plumbing
- Failed Water Heaters

Failed Water Heaters
Failed Water Heaters | Emergency Plumbing | Plumbing | La Follette
When the water heater in your La Follette home suddenly gives up, that first blast of icy water feels like a wake-up call you never asked for. HEP’s licensed technicians arrive fast, armed with replacement parts, diagnostic tools, and the know-how to get hot water flowing again—often on the very first visit. From leaky tanks to failed heating elements, we turn late-night stress into steaming-hot relief with transparent pricing and a neighborly smile.
Our round-the-clock emergency plumbing response means you’re never left waiting until morning while water pools on the floor or the pilot light refuses to stay lit. Whether your system runs on gas, electric, or a newer hybrid setup, trust HEP to restore comfort, protect your property, and back every repair with a satisfaction guarantee that’s as solid as our reputation in Campbell County.
FAQs
What should I do immediately after my water heater fails?
First, turn off the power or gas supply to the unit—use the circuit breaker for electric models or the shut-off valve for gas models. Next, close the cold-water inlet valve on top of the heater to stop incoming water. If you see active leaking, place a bucket or towels to contain the water and prevent damage. Finally, call our La Follette emergency plumbing line. Our dispatcher will gather details, guide you through any additional safety steps, and send a certified technician right away.
How fast can an emergency plumber get to my home in La Follette?
Because we keep technicians on call 24/7 within Campbell County, our average response time inside La Follette city limits is 45–60 minutes. Outlying areas such as Jacksboro, Caryville, and Pioneer are usually reached within 60–90 minutes, traffic and weather permitting. We’ll give you an accurate ETA during your call and provide real-time updates while the plumber is en route.
What warning signs indicate my water heater needs emergency service instead of a standard appointment?
Schedule emergency service if you notice any of the following: • No hot water combined with strange noises (popping, banging). • Visible tank leaks or pooling water around the base. • Rust-colored or smelly hot water coming from faucets. • A tripped breaker or frequent pilot-light outages. • Water temperature suddenly surging to scalding levels. These symptoms suggest component failure, overheating, or a breached tank—issues that can escalate into flooding or safety hazards if not handled promptly.
Can you repair every type and brand of water heater?
Yes. Our plumbers are factory-trained to service conventional tank, tankless, heat-pump, electric, natural-gas, and propane units from all major brands, including Rheem, A. O. Smith, Bradford White, Navien, and Rinnai. We carry a broad inventory of universal parts—thermostats, heating elements, gas valves, igniters, pressure-relief valves, and anodes—on our trucks, allowing us to finish most repairs during the first visit.
If my water heater is beyond repair, can you replace it the same day?
In most cases, yes. We stock 30-, 40-, and 50-gallon tank models in our La Follette warehouse, plus popular tankless units. Once your old heater is diagnosed as non-repairable, we’ll perform a quick load calculation, review efficiency and warranty options with you, pull the required permits, and install the new unit—often within a few hours. All replacements meet Tennessee building and energy codes, and we haul away your failed heater for recycling at no extra charge.
How much does emergency water-heater service cost in La Follette?
Our upfront pricing starts with a $79 emergency diagnostic fee, which is waived if you authorize the repair. Typical repairs—replacing a heating element, thermostat, or gas control valve—range from $180 to $450, parts and labor included. Full tank replacements generally cost $1,100–$1,800, while tankless conversions run $2,400–$3,200 depending on venting and gas-line requirements. You’ll receive a written quote before we begin, and we offer financing and manufacturer-backed warranties for added peace of mind.