Can I switch from a gas water heater to electric or vice versa?

• <div><p>When replacing an old unit, you might want to switch from a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/gas-vs-electric-water-heaters.htm">gas water heater to an electric water heater</a> or vice versa. To do this, you will likely need to add infrastructure to the area. For example, you likely don’t have a gas line that served your old electric water heater. You’d have to call a plumber to put in a new gas line. If you’re replacing a gas unit with an electric one, the plumber will need to safely cap the old gas line. You will then need an electrician to add wiring for the new electric unit.</p></div>

What happens if a water heater is not vented properly?

• <div><p>If your system is not vented properly, you could experience what’s called backdrafting. Backdrafting is when your ventilation system isn’t working as it should, and instead of releasing gases outside, they get trapped inside your home. </p><p>Gas and propane water heaters create a few types of combustion gases, but the most dangerous is carbon monoxide. If there’s too much build-up of these gases inside your home, it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.</p></div>

Can a water heater element be replaced without draining the tank?

• <div><p>No, you’ll need to drain the tank before changing a water heater element, as the water heater element sticks through the side of the tank and uses a gasket to prevent water from pouring out. However, you don’t always need to drain it completely. If you’re only replacing the upper heating element, you can drain the tank until the water line is below the element. If you’re replacing the lower element, you’ll need to drain the whole thing. </p></div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Stephens, AR

Q: What is involved in converting a gas water heater to an electric one and how much does it cost?

• <div><p>Yes, you can convert a gas water heater to an electric one, but it is a complex process. You will need to ensure there is adequate power for the new electric unit, as they require more power than gas models. The project also involves safely closing off the gas lines and ventilation, and some cities may require a permit for the conversion. The cost can range from $1,500 to $4,100, depending on the installation scope, plumbing and electrical work, and the water heater model. For an accurate quote, it's best to contact a local professional. Also, be aware that your monthly utility bills may increase after the conversion, as natural gas is typically cheaper than electricity.</p></div>

Q: Can a water heater element be replaced without draining the tank?

• <div><p>No, you&rsquo;ll need to drain the tank before changing a water heater element, as the water heater element sticks through the side of the tank and uses a gasket to prevent water from pouring out. However, you don&rsquo;t always need to drain it completely. If you&rsquo;re only replacing the upper heating element, you can drain the tank until the water line is below the element. If you&rsquo;re replacing the lower element, you&rsquo;ll need to drain the whole thing. </p></div>

Q: What maintenance is needed for a new water heater?

• <div><p>Flushing biannually, checking the anode rod, and temperature settings maximize equipment lifespan while reducing surprise costs.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Stephens, AR

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Stephens, AR 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 Stephens, AR 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 October 10, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Needed to get my new shop insulated and called 4 States, their work was fast and efficient! The changes that the insulation made were huge!
4 States Spray Foam LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
Very professional. No surprises. Was totally pleased with the outcome.
Titan Paint Co, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
Great people. Very consumer friendly and informative about the work and product. Even the smallest problem concerns them and they work until it is resolved.
Elite Power Services
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Reviewed in March 2024
Very honest owner and professional workers. They did a complete install of a ac and heating unit with new duct work.
TRW HEATING AND AIR, INC.
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Reviewed in April 2022
Very prompt response when I first reached out and they worked with my schedule. I was putting my house on the market and they washed the siding, brick, roof and 2 out buildings. Cost was very fair and work/customer service excellent. My house was under contract after being on the market 5 days...
We Blast- Soft & Pressure Wash
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Reviewed in October 2021
These are some hard working folks that do an excellent job and are very courteous. I highly recommend them for any of your projects.
H&L SERVICES LLC
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Reviewed in September 2021
Professional job, honest, trust worthy, reliable. And did exactly what he said he would do. Very satisfied with this company. Chris H
NGC-11 Construction
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Reviewed in April 2021
Jackie was very professional & did a great job at a very reasonable price. I highly recommend & I will definitely use him again.
J & C Drain Cleaning
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Reviewed in April 2021
Dose really good work and know what he is doing
Carrier Drain & HVAC
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Reviewed in April 2021
The gentleman that came out went above and beyond to make sure the job was done and done right. Would highly recommend to anyone needing their services.
A Trac Excavation & Septic, LLC
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Find Water heater pros in Stephens

Whole Home Services

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - RepairWater Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Stephens, AR and surrounding areas

Approved

Simple handyman service specializing in affordable solutions for our clientele

Tankless Water Heater - RepairTankless Water Heater - Repair - For BusinessWater Heater - Repair or Service+1 more

Serving Stephens, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

J & C Drain Cleaning is here to help get your home or office back into working order. We are professional, quick and easy to work with. We look forward to hearing from you. Give us a call today.

+14

Response time3 hrs

Response rate91%

Recommended by83%of homeowners

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Stephens, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"He was able to quickly diagnose that the water leak from the water heater was a result of a ruptured tank, resulting in the need to replace the entire water heater."

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Stephens, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"The yearly service works out to be $50 a month. We've had two water heaters replaced through them because of a fault in them. They're usually very responsive. I like that I can request the service online. The only thing is, I wish that there was a better avenue for emergency services. If something doesn't work right away usually it takes a couple of days to get someone out and sometimes you can't wait two days without water."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Cherry Plumbing and Septic, LLC

4.9(

)

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For BusinessTankless Water Heater - Repair+5 more

Serving Stephens, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They showed up on time and fixed my water heater in a timely manner"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tankless Water Heater - RepairTankless Water Heater - Repair - For BusinessWater Heater - Repair or Service+1 more

Serving Stephens, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very professional came right out unfortunately I had to end up buying a new water heater but I would recommend"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Tankless Water Heater - RepairWater Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Stephens, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Ryan's Heating & Air is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. We look forward to working with you!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Smith's plumbing

New to Angi

Water Heater - Install or Replace

Serving Stephens, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Been in business for 25 years

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Handyman for the low

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - RepairWater Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Stephens, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1977

Free estimates

Welcome to Handyman For The Low, the leading handyman service in Prescott and the surrounding areas! With over 40 years of experience in handyman projects of all shapes and sizes, we look forward to earning your business. Call today for a free estimate!

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Walter's Plumbing

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - RepairWater Heater - Repair or ServiceWater Heater - Repair or Service - For Business

Serving Stephens, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Walter's Plumbing, is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n\n

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Showing 1-10 of 11

Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

When replacing an old unit, you might want to switch from a gas water heater to an electric water heater or vice versa. To do this, you will likely need to add infrastructure to the area. For example, you likely don’t have a gas line that served your old electric water heater. You’d have to call a plumber to put in a new gas line. If you’re replacing a gas unit with an electric one, the plumber will need to safely cap the old gas line. You will then need an electrician to add wiring for the new electric unit.

Yes, you can convert a gas water heater to an electric one, but it is a complex process. You will need to ensure there is adequate power for the new electric unit, as they require more power than gas models. The project also involves safely closing off the gas lines and ventilation, and some cities may require a permit for the conversion. The cost can range from $1,500 to $4,100, depending on the installation scope, plumbing and electrical work, and the water heater model. For an accurate quote, it's best to contact a local professional. Also, be aware that your monthly utility bills may increase after the conversion, as natural gas is typically cheaper than electricity.

If your system is not vented properly, you could experience what’s called backdrafting. Backdrafting is when your ventilation system isn’t working as it should, and instead of releasing gases outside, they get trapped inside your home.

Gas and propane water heaters create a few types of combustion gases, but the most dangerous is carbon monoxide. If there’s too much build-up of these gases inside your home, it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

No, you’ll need to drain the tank before changing a water heater element, as the water heater element sticks through the side of the tank and uses a gasket to prevent water from pouring out. However, you don’t always need to drain it completely. If you’re only replacing the upper heating element, you can drain the tank until the water line is below the element. If you’re replacing the lower element, you’ll need to drain the whole thing.

Flushing biannually, checking the anode rod, and temperature settings maximize equipment lifespan while reducing surprise costs.

The Stephens, AR homeowners’ guide to water heater services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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