Water Heater
Water Heater | Emergency Plumbing | Plumbing | Pelham
When a surprise cold shower greets you before work or a leaking tank starts pooling water across the garage floor, you don’t have time to search for help—HEP is already on call. Our local Pelham team specializes in water heater diagnostics, repair, and replacement, arriving fast with fully stocked trucks and factory-trained technicians who can service any make or model. We’ll isolate the problem, explain your options in plain language, and restore hot water with workmanship backed by honest, upfront pricing. Homeowners trust us for flawless installations, efficient flushes, and safety-focused inspections that keep energy bills down and showers comfortably warm.
Of course, life doesn’t follow business hours, so our 24/7 emergency plumbing response is ready whenever you dial. Whether it’s midnight, a holiday, or the middle of a thunderstorm, you’ll speak with a real person who can dispatch certified pros within minutes. From burst pipes feeding your heater to a gas valve that simply won’t ignite, HEP tackles urgent issues with the same courtesy and expertise we bring to every scheduled service—because your comfort, your property, and your peace of mind can’t wait until morning.
FAQs
What constitutes a water-heater emergency and how do I know I should call right away?
Any situation in which your water heater is leaking heavily, spraying scalding water, emitting a burning smell, making loud bang/rumble noises, or tripping the electrical breaker repeatedly is considered an emergency. In Pelham’s dense housing stock, a leaking tank can flood lower units or basements within minutes, so immediate professional help prevents structural damage, mold, and safety hazards. If you are unsure, shut off the water supply valve on top of the heater, turn off the gas or electricity to the unit, and call our 24/7 emergency line for guidance.
How fast can your emergency plumber reach my home or business in Pelham?
Because our dispatch hub is located right on U.S. 31 in Pelham, we average a 45-minute arrival window—often sooner for addresses east of I-65 and around Pelham City Park. Our on-call technicians live locally and drive stocked service vans, so they can head out as soon as your call comes in, day or night, weekends and holidays included. You’ll receive a text with GPS tracking so you can see the technician’s ETA in real time.
What should I do while waiting for the plumber to arrive?
1. Turn off the cold-water shut-off valve on top of the heater (turn clockwise). 2. Switch the heater’s gas control to “OFF,” or flip the dedicated circuit breaker for electric models. 3. If water is leaking, attach a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom and direct it to a floor drain or outside to minimize flooding. 4. Mop or towel standing water to prevent slip hazards and water damage. 5. Do NOT open the T&P relief valve unless directed—escaping steam can cause burns. 6. Keep children and pets away from the area until repairs are complete.
Do you service both tank and tankless water heaters during emergencies?
Yes. Our licensed, insured plumbers are factory-trained to diagnose and repair conventional gas and electric storage-tank heaters as well as high-efficiency tankless (on-demand) units from brands like Rheem, AO Smith, Rinnai, Navien, Bradford White, and more. We carry common replacement parts—thermocouples, gas control valves, elements, thermostats, igniters, and vent kits—so most emergencies are resolved on the first visit. If a unit is beyond repair, we can perform rapid replacement, including same-day installation of a new heater that meets Alabama code and Pelham permit requirements.
How much will an emergency water-heater repair cost in Pelham?
Our transparent pricing includes a flat $89 emergency dispatch/diagnostic fee, waived if you approve the recommended repair. After diagnosis you’ll receive an upfront, written estimate that covers labor, parts, taxes, and required permits—no hidden weekend or after-hours surcharges. Typical emergency repairs (thermocouple, heating element, minor leak at drain valve) range from $185–$450. Major tank leaks or full replacements start around $1,100 for a 40-gallon gas unit installed. We accept cash, cards, and 0% short-term financing to ease unexpected costs.
Are your emergency plumbing services available 24/7, including holidays?
Absolutely. Water-heater failures don’t respect business hours, so our live dispatch center answers calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year—including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. At least two certified plumbers remain on standby during all overnight and holiday shifts to cover the entire Pelham area, from Oak Mountain State Park to the Shelby County Airport corridor. You can request service by phone, website chat, or our mobile app, and we’ll be on our way within minutes.