Emergency Repair
Emergency Repair | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Lancing
When a midnight leak or a surprise cold shower brings your day to a halt, HEP’s emergency plumbers are already on the road to your Lancing home. Our licensed technicians arrive fast, diagnose even faster, and bring fully stocked vans so most repairs are finished on the first visit. Whether it’s a ruptured pipe flooding the basement or a sputtering tank water heater ruining morning routines, we combine decades of know-how with straightforward pricing to restore comfort without the drama.
Customers choose HEP for reliability that doesn’t sleep. We answer the phone 24/7, back every fix with industry-leading warranties, and treat your property with the same care we give our own. From draining and refilling a corroded system to replacing faulty thermostats and heating elements, we handle every emergency with precision and a friendly smile—because in Lancing, hot water isn’t a luxury, it’s a promise.
FAQs
What is considered an emergency tank water-heater issue and when should I call your Lancing team?
Anything that threatens safety, causes significant water damage, or leaves you completely without hot water is an emergency. Typical examples include a leaking or burst cylinder, water pouring from the pressure-relief valve, a gas leak or smell of gas near a gas-fired heater, electrical burning smells, or the unit repeatedly tripping the breaker. If you notice any of these symptoms—or if the water temperature suddenly drops to cold and won’t recover—switch off the power or gas supply where it is safe to do so and call us immediately. Our 24/7 dispatch line for Lancing residents connects you straight to a certified engineer who can advise you over the phone and head to your property right away.
How fast can a plumber reach my property in Lancing for an emergency repair?
Because we keep engineers based in and around Lancing and stock common replacement parts on our vans, our typical response time is 30–60 minutes from the moment you confirm the call-out. During peak periods (such as freezing weather) it can stretch slightly, but we’ll always give you an honest estimated time of arrival, track the engineer’s progress, and keep you updated by SMS. If you live in surrounding areas such as Shoreham-by-Sea, Sompting, or Worthing, our target window is still under one hour.
Which makes and models of tank water heaters can you repair?
Our Gas Safe and NICEIC-registered plumbers are trained to diagnose and fix virtually every major brand sold in the UK, including Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal, Baxi, Ariston, Rheem, Megaflo, and unvented stainless-steel cylinders. We service both gas and electric storage heaters, vented and unvented systems, as well as direct and indirect cylinders connected to boilers or solar thermal panels. If your model is older or the label has worn off, we can usually identify it on site and source compatible parts through our local suppliers in West Sussex.
What if the full repair can’t be completed right away—do you provide a temporary solution?
Yes. Our first priority is to make the situation safe and stop further damage. If a specialist component needs ordering or the entire cylinder has to be replaced, we can isolate the faulty section, cap leaking pipes, fit temporary valves, or install portable electric immersion heaters so you still have hot water for basic needs. These interim measures are always explained in writing along with the final repair options, estimated costs, and turnaround times. Once the required parts arrive—usually within 24–48 hours—we return at a scheduled time convenient for you to finish the job.
How much does an emergency tank water-heater repair cost in Lancing?
We charge a transparent fixed call-out fee that covers the first hour of labour, regardless of the time of day. After the first hour we bill in 15-minute increments, so you only pay for the time we spend on site. Replacement parts are charged at trade prices plus a small handling margin, all itemised on your invoice. Before any work starts you’ll receive a written quote and we will not proceed until you approve it. Because each emergency differs, an exact figure can’t be given over the phone, but most repairs resolve within the first hour, keeping costs down. We accept card payments, bank transfer, or cash on completion and provide digital receipts for insurance claims.
What steps can I take to minimise the risk of future water-heater emergencies?
1) Schedule an annual service: Our preventative maintenance includes flushing sediment, inspecting the anode rod, checking thermostat accuracy, and testing safety valves. 2) Fit a scale-reduction device: Lancing’s water is moderately hard, so a softener or magnetic scale reducer can extend cylinder life. 3) Install a leak-detection alarm: Battery-powered sensors placed in the drip tray alert you to small leaks before they become floods. 4) Keep the temperature at 60 °C: This is hot enough to kill bacteria but not so high that it accelerates tank corrosion. 5) Insulate exposed pipes: Prevents heat loss and reduces the risk of burst pipes in winter. Following these tips—and calling us at the first sign of trouble—can add years to your tank water heater and avoid costly emergencies.