How often should electric water heaters be replaced?

• <div><p>Electric water heaters typically last 10 to 20 years, though proper maintenance can extend their lifespan. If your unit is over a decade old and showing signs of inefficiency—such as higher energy bills, frequent repairs, or leaks—replacement is a smart investment. Tankless models last over 20 years, which can make them a longer-lasting alternative to traditional tank water heaters.</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>

What is the difference between a boiler and a water heater, and can they be used together?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Clinton, IA

Q: What is the proper vent pipe for a water heater?

• <div><p>Due to the high temperature, using stainless steel vent pipes for your tankless water heater&rsquo;s exhaust vent is best. Also, it is safe to use a flexible vent duct as the exhaust fan. If installing the exhaust fan yourself, make sure you are using heat-resistant silicon to connect the exhaust vent and the duct on your water heater.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to install or replace a water heater?

• <div><p>The time it takes to install or replace a water heater depends on the type of heater and the complexity of the job. A professional can typically replace a standard tank-style water heater in one to three hours. However, if the work area is tight, such as a small closet or crawl space, the job could take four to five hours. Replacing an existing tankless unit takes about two to three hours, while upgrading from a tank-style to a tankless water heater is more complex and can take four to six hours. The project will take longer if you are switching fuel sources, such as installing a gas heater which can add about an hour to the timeline, or if the unit needs to be relocated.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your water heater service project in Clinton, IA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Clinton, IA

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Clinton, IA 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 Clinton, IA 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 March 09, 2023

Reviewed in March 2023
I called in the morning and they came in and had the job done. The water company already paid them. I highly recommend them and they were very nice.
Hugunins Sewer & Plumbing
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2020
These guys were fabulous, Ismail, & the crew were Professional, very thorough in their work, the job was done in a very timely manner. I had a generator installed, water system & the fridge-ice & water system completed to boot. I would recommend these guys & back them 100%. I wish they did...
Hurricane Home Solutions, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2018
Really did a great job. I had a tricky area near the garage, he and his did it right so the water drains away from the garage and house! Very happy with the job and would recommend.
Supreme Services Corp., of The Quad Cities
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2017
They forgot to glue the waste vent line in the attic which caused a leak on to the ceiling of the room. The freeze less hose bib was installed so that it was sloped back into the house which caused water to sit in it and freezes which caused the pipe to crack. They used undersized water line in...
Eggers Plumbing
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2015
We always had water come into our basement after hard rain. We contacted Basement Systems. They are very good and solved our problem.
MidAmerica Basement Systems
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2014
A job they said they couldn't do with a back hoe my husband and friends dug 8 ft down with hand tools. Another company came in the rain and fixed it within an hour and a half. No I would not use them again. We went 12 days without water and was fixed in no time when the new company came. the...
Dependable Drain & Plumbing
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2013
I called on June 28th, and was ready to schedule a date for gutter cleaning. I was told he would be out on the 29th. When he did not show I called the follwing week and was told he would be out on the 6th or 7th. Once again the owner did not all or show. On the 10th I got a call from the...
Agape Construction & Improvement
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2013
Quoted early August 2011 with late August completion date, however work did not start until early September and did not complete until later September. Over all was 4 weeks late. <br /> Keep having to call back checking status of getting started or new completion date. <br /> Work was verbally...
American Electric, Inc.
Request a quote

Find Water heater pros in Clinton

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

Serving Clinton, IA 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

Request Quote

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 Clinton, IA 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

Request Quote

Weigant Home Improvement

4.1(

)

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For BusinessTankless Water Heater - Repair+4 more

Serving Clinton, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We are a reliable, efficient and affordable construction company with the customer always coming first!\n\nKitchen and Bath Remodels are our specialty, but we are skilled in many areas of construction.\n\nLet us help you take that dream or vision you have for your home and turn it into a reality.

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by47%of homeowners

Request Quote

Apex Property Solutions

5.0(

)

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

Serving Clinton, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

APS (Apex Property Solutions) is your one-stop solution for property services. We specialize in residential and commercial cleaning, including carpet and upholstery cleaning. Our expert team also handles wall mounting, general handyman services, home remodeling, and construction site cleanup. Whether you're looking to refresh your space with a deep clean or need help with home improvements, we’ve got you covered. At APS, we pride ourselves on top-quality work and exceptional customer service, ensuring your property always looks its best. Contact us today for a free consultation!

+10

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

WILD ROSE PLUMBING LLC

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - InstallWater Heater - Install or Replace

Serving Clinton, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

With over 10 years of experience WILD ROSE PLUMBING is your trusted choice for all of your plumbing needs. We take pride in our work and can assure your satisfaction with your project. Give us a call today for a free estimate.

Response time1 day

Request Quote

Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

Electric water heaters typically last 10 to 20 years, though proper maintenance can extend their lifespan. If your unit is over a decade old and showing signs of inefficiency—such as higher energy bills, frequent repairs, or leaks—replacement is a smart investment. Tankless models last over 20 years, which can make them a longer-lasting alternative to traditional tank water heaters.

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.

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.

Due to the high temperature, using stainless steel vent pipes for your tankless water heater’s exhaust vent is best. Also, it is safe to use a flexible vent duct as the exhaust fan. If installing the exhaust fan yourself, make sure you are using heat-resistant silicon to connect the exhaust vent and the duct on your water heater.

The time it takes to install or replace a water heater depends on the type of heater and the complexity of the job. A professional can typically replace a standard tank-style water heater in one to three hours. However, if the work area is tight, such as a small closet or crawl space, the job could take four to five hours. Replacing an existing tankless unit takes about two to three hours, while upgrading from a tank-style to a tankless water heater is more complex and can take four to six hours. The project will take longer if you are switching fuel sources, such as installing a gas heater which can add about an hour to the timeline, or if the unit needs to be relocated.

The Clinton, IA homeowners’ guide to water heater services

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

See all articles

Heather Ayer
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost? [2026 Data]
Looking to replace or upgrade your water heater? Use this water heater replacement cost guide to see what the work will cost and what factors affect your total.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Flush a Water Heater? [2026 Data]
A water heater flush costs $160 on average but can vary based on the unit size, type, labor, location, and more. Keep reading to learn how much you could pay.
Angi
•
Apr 6, 2026Apr 6, 2026
How Much Does Tankless Water Heater Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
Find out the average tankless water heater repair cost, what impacts pricing, and how to save. Get expert tips to plan your repair budget with confidence.
Dan Simms
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire a Water Heater Installation Pro
Done with cold showers and dish washing? Hire a water heater installation pro near you to get back to comfort and safety quickly.
Kyle Schurman
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Who Can Install a Water Heater In Your Home?
Who can install a water heater for you? Look to hire a water heater installation pro or a licensed plumber for this job because of the challenges involved.
C.E. Larusso
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
The average lifespan of water heaters is 6 to 15 years for conventional models and up to 20 for tankless ones, but it can be less if they are not properly maintained.