Get matched with top water heater pros in Bantam, CT

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.

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.

Every city and state will have its own set of installation codes and laws. Some won’t require you to obtain a permit before replacing your water heater, though we recommend you do, regardless of the local codes. On the other hand, some cities and states might require secondary permits for plumbing and electrical work related to the installation. Check with a local water heater installation company and local building codes to confirm which permits are required and what the specific laws are.

No, boilers and water heaters are not interchangeable because they serve different primary functions. Boilers are used for central heating systems, providing hot water or steam to heat your home. In contrast, a water heater's purpose is to supply hot water for daily household use, such as for faucets and showers. A water heater alone cannot supply the warm water or steam needed for a central heating system.

While they are not interchangeable, it is common to have both a boiler and a water heater. In fact, a conventional boiler often works best when a water heater system is already in place. The two systems can be combined to provide both heating and hot water, either by pairing a boiler with an indirect water heater or by installing a premade combination boiler-water heater unit. For home heating, some homeowners may also opt for a furnace instead of a boiler.