How much water should come out when draining a water heater?

• <div><p>The average water heater holds between 40 and 60 gallons, but the exact amount of water that comes out during draining will depend on your unit’s capacity. The amount of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-drain-water-heater.htm">time it takes to drain a water heater</a> averages from 10 to 30 minutes.</p></div>

How much does water expand in a water heater?

• <div><p>Water expands when heated and also when freezing. When water is heated, it expands by around 4%. For a full water heater, this is one of the main reasons malfunctions occur—the hot water has nowhere else to go but out. Due to the constant expansion and reduction in volume, it’s recommended (required in most places) that an expansion tank be installed. </p></div>

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TRUSTED BY KETCHIKAN, AK HOMEOWNERS

4.8
Average homeowner rating
86
Verified water heater services reviews

Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Ketchikan, AK

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Ketchikan, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Heater Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Water Heater Service companies in Ketchikan, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Water Heater Service needs.

Last update on December 03, 2025

Reviewed in May 2020
Arctic Heating and Cooling did an outstanding and professional job with installing my water heater. Customer service was great with scheduling and coordinating work.
Arctic Heating and Cooling
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Reviewed in November 2019
Great he fixed my hot water heater he had to replace my adenoid rod and gas valve
Ravn Handyman Services
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Reviewed in October 2017
Circle works with the Lochinvar (furnace & water heater) company as much as any plumbing/heating company in Anchorage. Lochinvar warranties their products and will replace a water heater for free (lifetime warranty). They'll also cover part of the labor. Unfortunately, Circle will replace with a...
Circle Plumbing & Heating Inc
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Reviewed in March 2017
Only company in the area who responded to my request for quotes to replace a water heater. Arrived promptly after I scheduled an estimate and within 24 hours I had quotes for two options to replace. Install went exactly as quoted. On the day of the install they arrived on time and after...
Paquette Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2016
The service call went perfectly, the technician replaced the failed parts and took the time to tell me how I could upgrade my system both with a side arm hot water heater and external temperature sensor to make the boiler and the very ole hot water heater more efficient year round.
Moore Heating and Cooling
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Reviewed in February 2016
They arrived promptly ontime and got right to work on the water heater. I had mentioned in my contact with them that I had some issues with my faucets dripping. They went ahead and while the heater was draining fixed all my issues at no extra charge! These guys are awesome!
Springer Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2014
The control panel on my Amtrol Boilermate water heater wasn't working. I called Mountain Mechanical Monday AM and Matt came over that same day. He fixed the problem on the spot and I learned a lot about my heating system from him in the process. Will definitely call him for any future...
Always On Call Mountain Mechanical Corp
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Reviewed in September 2013
I had a couple of metal roof panels replaced due to my hot water heater and furnace being replace that do not vent through the roof anymore. They did an excellent job and came in under estimate.
Rain Proof Roofing*
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Reviewed in June 2012
My furnace and water heater was due for its yearly maintenance. And I was having problems with my heater not working properly. I'd come home and the place would be freezing. So I called Anchorage Plumbing & Heating and I'm glad I did. The guys (Mark and Jared) came in cleaned the burners...
Anchorage Plumbing and Heating
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Reviewed in February 2012
They have water which comes from their van instead of hauling water from my house. I have been using them for a very long time. When a pipe breaks or the hot water heater goes berserk they are the ones who come out and clean the water and shampoo the carpet. They will come out anytime whether it...
ServiceMaster of Alaska
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Find Water heater pros in Ketchikan

Lorenzo Enterprises

4.95(

)

Lorenzo Enterprises

4.95(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

A family owned and operated business in Anchorage, Alaska with over 25 years experience, bringing quality and dependability to each and every project that we take. We are Licensed Plumbers certified to install and connect all gas appliances. We stand behind our work 100%. Call for Quotes on any heating and plumbing repairs.

"The old 50 gallon hot water heater needed to be replaced. Mark took the time to level the installation platform, corrected a deficiency in the seismic strapping, and installed the new heater to code. He also went down in the crawl space to show me the location of the anti-sweat mixing valve that is defective and will need replacing. Very friendly and easy to work with."

ed w on April 2018

"The old 50 gallon hot water heater needed to be replaced. Mark took the time to level the installation platform, corrected a deficiency in the seismic strapping, and installed the new heater to code. He also went down in the crawl space to show me the location of the anti-sweat mixing valve that is defective and will need replacing. Very friendly and easy to work with."

ed w on April 2018

Moore Heating and Cooling

4.82(

137

)

Moore Heating and Cooling

4.82(

137

)

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

Moore Heating and Cooling is your go-to expert for all your heating and cooling service and repair needs in Anchorage. With our exceptional expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction, we stand out from the competition. Contact us today to experience top-notch service!

"Very responsive and quick to complete the job"

Julius C on July 2023

"Very responsive and quick to complete the job"

Julius C on July 2023

Plumbing & Heating Doctor

4.64(

)

Plumbing & Heating Doctor

4.64(

)

Customers say: Quality work

2010 years of experience

We are a family owned business with locations in Palmer & Wasilla AK. We service all of the Mat-Su Valley. From repairing your Heating System / Water Heater or replacing them with new equipment, we can solve your problem. We specialize in High Efficiency Units. We also sell and install water treatment systems. Available 24/7 year around, for your plumbing and heating emergencies.

"I called in the morning about a leak under my sink and someone was immediately dispatched to my house! NO WAITING FOR A FEW DAYS! J.D. was very professional and friendly as he fixed the pipe and explained what had caused it. I highly recommend this company!"

Deborah W on November 2023

"I called in the morning about a leak under my sink and someone was immediately dispatched to my house! NO WAITING FOR A FEW DAYS! J.D. was very professional and friendly as he fixed the pipe and explained what had caused it. I highly recommend this company!"

Deborah W on November 2023

Make It Rain LLC

5.00(

)

Make It Rain LLC

5.00(

)

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Alaska’s premiere gutter installation and cleaning service.

"We are so happy with our gutter install by Make It Rain. From the quote to completion, Robby kept us in the loop and we felt confident in our choice. They were installed quickly, efficiently, and at a competitive rate. Highly suggest Make It Rain to anyone needing gutter installation or cleaning!"

Alysha O on April 2021

Alaska’s premiere gutter installation and cleaning service.

"We are so happy with our gutter install by Make It Rain. From the quote to completion, Robby kept us in the loop and we felt confident in our choice. They were installed quickly, efficiently, and at a competitive rate. Highly suggest Make It Rain to anyone needing gutter installation or cleaning!"

Alysha O on April 2021

Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

The average water heater holds between 40 and 60 gallons, but the exact amount of water that comes out during draining will depend on your unit’s capacity. The amount of time it takes to drain a water heater averages from 10 to 30 minutes.

No. Boilers and water heaters are not interchangeable because they serve different purposes. A water heater will never be able to supply warm water or steam for your central heating system. In most homes, a boiler and a water heater may be combined to provide heating and daily use of hot water. Other homes may opt for a furnace over a boiler for their heating needs.

Water expands when heated and also when freezing. When water is heated, it expands by around 4%. For a full water heater, this is one of the main reasons malfunctions occur—the hot water has nowhere else to go but out. Due to the constant expansion and reduction in volume, it’s recommended (required in most places) that an expansion tank be installed.

Yes, this would be an appropriate choice. In order to comply with the National Electric Code’s rules, you'll need to install a circuit breaker that's 125% larger than the intended load. In this case, you'll multiply 30 amps by 1.25 to find the necessary breaker size. Plugging that equation in for your 30-amp water heater will leave you with a 37.6-amp breaker. If your current water heater keeps tripping the breaker, it might be time to talk to a plumber or electrician about upgrading your water heater's setup.

Signs that your water heater needs replacing include rust or corrosion on the tank, persistent leaks, inconsistent heating, strange noises coming from the heater, decreased efficiency, and visible damage. Water heaters over 10 years old may also need to be replaced. However, in some cases, these issues can be fixed with a repair rather than a replacement, so make sure to consult a pro before investing in a new water heater.

The Ketchikan, AK homeowners’ guide to water heater services

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