Emergency Response
Emergency Response | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Riceville
When a pipe bursts or your trusty tank water heater starts flooding the floor in the middle of the night, Riceville homeowners know they can count on HEP. Our licensed, background-checked plumbers are on call 24/7, arriving fast with fully stocked trucks and the experience to stop leaks, drain water, and restore hot showers before bigger damage sets in.
We don’t just patch the problem and disappear. From pressure-relief valve replacements to complete tank water heater swaps, our team explains every option, offers up-front pricing, and backs the work with a solid satisfaction guarantee. One call to HEP and your emergency turns into peace of mind—so you can get back to living comfortably in Riceville without missing a beat.
FAQs
What situations are considered a tank water heater emergency and how fast can you reach my Riceville home?
Any active leak from the tank or relief valve, an overflowing drain pan, total loss of hot water in winter, visible corrosion threatening a rupture, or the smell of gas around a gas-fired unit is treated as an emergency. Our on-call team is based right here in McMinn County, allowing us to reach most Riceville addresses within 60 minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Do you work on both gas and electric tank-style water heaters?
Yes. Our licensed plumbers are factory-trained to diagnose and repair standard atmospheric gas heaters, power-vent models, and all common sizes of electric storage heaters up to 120 gallons. We carry the most frequently needed gas valves, thermostats, elements, anode rods, and T&P valves on our service trucks to finish the majority of repairs in a single visit.
What steps should I take while waiting for the emergency plumber to arrive?
1. Turn off power or gas to the heater: flip the breaker for electric units or move the gas control to the OFF position for gas units. 2. Shut the cold-water inlet valve located on top of the tank to stop incoming water. 3. Open a nearby hot-water faucet to relieve pressure and prevent siphoning. 4. If water is leaking, place towels or a bucket to limit damage and, if safe, attach a garden hose to the drain valve to direct water to a floor drain. 5. Never attempt to tighten gas fittings or remove the relief valve yourself—wait for our certified technician.
Are your emergency technicians licensed, insured, and background-checked?
Absolutely. Every plumber on our emergency roster holds a current State of Tennessee Journeyman or Master Plumbing license, carries $2 million in liability insurance, and passes annual background and drug screenings. We also maintain ongoing safety and manufacturer training to keep up with the latest water-heater codes and warranty requirements.
If my tank is beyond repair, can you replace it during the same emergency call?
In most cases, yes. We stock 40-, 50-, and 75-gallon gas and electric Bradford White and Rheem tanks in our local warehouse. If the technician determines replacement is the safest option, we can dispatch a helper with a new, code-compliant heater, haul away the old unit, install expansion tank and drip pan if required, and secure your permit—all in one visit—so you are never without hot water overnight.
How much does emergency water heater service cost in Riceville, and do you offer financing?
After a visual inspection we present a flat-rate price before any work starts, so there are no surprises. Typical emergency repair fees range from $189 for simple element replacement to $650+ for gas valve swaps. Full tank replacement, including materials and labor, generally falls between $1,450 and $2,200 depending on size and venting. We partner with Synchrony Bank to provide same-day approval for 0% interest financing for six or twelve months on qualifying replacements, easing the burden of unexpected breakdowns.