Emergency Response
Emergency Response | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Oakdale
When your shower runs icy or a rusty leak is spreading across the floor, every minute without hot water feels endless. HEP’s emergency response team is on call 24/7 in Oakdale, arriving fast, fully stocked, and ready to tame any crisis involving your tank water heater—from blown elements and gas valve failures to burst relief valves and corroded tanks. Our licensed technicians diagnose on the spot, walk you through clear repair or replacement options, and back their work with straightforward, up-front pricing so you’re never left guessing.
Oakdale homeowners count on HEP for more than quick fixes; we restore comfort and peace of mind. We haul away failed units, secure all permits, and leave your space cleaner than we found it, all while maintaining honest communication throughout the job. Call us day or night, and feel the relief of having a hometown crew that treats your emergency like their own.
FAQs
What qualifies as a tank water-heater emergency, and how fast can your Oakdale team get here?
Any situation that risks flooding, scalding, or loss of hot water is considered an emergency. Typical examples include a ruptured tank, a failed relief valve discharging hot water, gas leaks at the heater, or a total loss of hot water in winter months. Because we have technicians on call 24/7 in the Oakdale area, our average arrival time is 60–90 minutes from the moment you authorize dispatch. In major storms or city-wide outages we triage by severity but will always give you an honest ETA before you commit.
What should I do while I’m waiting for the emergency plumber to arrive?
1. Turn off the water: Locate the cold-water shut-off valve on top of the tank and close it clockwise. 2. Cut power or gas: Switch the circuit breaker to OFF for electric models, or turn the gas control knob to the OFF position for gas heaters. 3. Relieve pressure: If it is safe, open a hot-water faucet in a sink or tub to depressurize the system. 4. Contain leaks: Place towels, a bucket, or a drain pan under any dripping points. Wet-dry vacuums can help remove standing water. 5. Ventilate: If you smell gas, leave the building and call us (and 911) from outside. These steps limit water damage and reduce the risk of burns or fire until we arrive.
Can you usually repair my existing tank water heater the same day, or will I need a replacement?
Roughly 70 % of roadside calls in Oakdale end with a same-day repair. Common fixes include replacing thermostats, elements, thermocouples, T&P valves, flex connectors, or leaking drain valves. If the steel tank itself is rusted through or the unit is over 10–12 years old, replacement is often more economical and safer. Our trucks carry universal parts for Bradford White, Rheem, A.O. Smith, and State heaters, so we can restore service immediately if the tank is still sound.
How much does emergency tank-water-heater service cost in Oakdale?
Pricing has three components: an emergency dispatch fee ($99 nights/weekends, waived during business hours), a diagnostic fee ($69, credited toward the repair), and the repair or replacement cost. Typical same-day repairs range from $150–$450 parts and labor. Full replacement, including removal of the old unit, new flex connectors, gas or electrical reconnection, and permit filing, starts around $1,550 for a 40-gallon gas unit and $1,350 for electric. We provide upfront, written estimates before work begins, and we accept major credit cards, checks, and financing.
Do you carry replacement tanks and parts on the truck, or will I have to wait?
For emergencies we stock the most common components—thermocouples, thermostats, elements, T&P valves, gas flex lines, anode rods, and ¾-inch copper/Pex fittings—on every truck. We also keep two of the most frequently requested replacement heaters (40-gallon natural-gas and 50-gallon electric) in our Oakdale warehouse, 10 minutes from downtown. If you need a less common size or a high-efficiency model, we can pick it up from our supplier the same day, provided the call comes in before 3 p.m.
Are permits or code inspections required for water-heater replacement in Oakdale?
Yes. The City of Oakdale Building Division requires a mechanical/plumbing permit for any water-heater replacement, even if it’s like-for-like. The installation must comply with Minnesota Plumbing Code §504, including seismic strapping, proper venting, expansion-tank sizing, and a working temperature-pressure relief valve terminating within 18 inches of the floor. As licensed, bonded plumbers we pull the permit, schedule the inspection, and leave you with the final approval sticker so you stay fully compliant with local regulations and your homeowner’s insurance policy.