Is ventilation necessary for water heaters?

• <div><p>Not all <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/types-of-water-heaters.htm">types of water heaters</a> require a venting system. Electric tankless water heaters don’t use natural or propane gas, so no venting is required. Instead, they use electric burners to heat water quickly and efficiently. However, any system that does use gas or propane will require ventilation. </p></div>

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>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Jesup, IA

Q: What size tankless water heater to replace a 50-gallon water heater?

• <div><p>A tankless water heater with a flow rate of 10 GPM should replace a conventional 50-gallon water heater. To avoid a surprise cold shower or two and to keep your energy costs in check, it's important to replace a conventional tanked water heater with the equivalent tankless water heater. Your household size and the number of hot-water-using devices you use at once can help you determine the best-size tankless water heater. </p></div>

Q: How do hot water heater expansion tanks work?

• <div><p>When the water expands in a hot water heater, it puts pressure on your hot water pipes and can cause leaks or a rupture in the hot water tank under certain conditions. Pipes or water heaters may split due to the pressure where there is a backflow preventer that prevents the hot water heater from diffusing pressure by releasing water back to the public water line.</p><p>In these scenarios, a hot water heater expansion tank provides a place for the hot water heater to relieve pressure and prevent bursts and leaks.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to vent a gas water heater out of the wall or roof?

• <div><p>Venting a gas water heater out of the roof is preferable in most cases. Heated exhaust gases naturally rise, so a vertical vent pipe is efficient. If you&rsquo;re trying to vent through a pipe exiting a wall, the angle of the pipe may be more horizontal than vertical, making the venting system less effective. If you go through a wall, you may need to add a fan to ensure a successful expulsion of the gases outdoors.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Jesup, IA

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Jesup, 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 Jesup, 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 August 02, 2026

Reviewed in August 2026
My mother paid these guys (one was basically a kid) $150 to get a pool pipe unclogged. It was problem after problem after problem. They said they needed to cut the whole pipe to put a scope through to see where the blockage was. He kept trying to cut the pipe before the water was below the...
Roto Ruger Drain Cleaning
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Reviewed in June 2021
The company busted my water line after finishing his job, so I had to spend money to get it fixed and now he would not answer my calls.
Sunset Tree Service
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Reviewed in October 2019
Nic, was very professional. He was knowledgable and friendly. Installed my new water heater and explained things in detail. Thanks Nic.
Rain Soft of NE Iowa
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Reviewed in August 2019
We had several companies out that looked at our plumbing and also said they could do is the hot water. we even had another plumber come in and we wanted them to move our turn off valve to where we wanted to water softener all say did is move the turn off valve of foot up and said it couldn't be...
Rainsoft Of NE Iowa Inc
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Reviewed in February 2019
Josh Kneeland did a very good job checking the furnace and even replaced the water line & water-filter for the humidifier that is connected to the furnace for me.
Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2016
After another local company and the FEMA inspector differed about which appliances in my basement needed replaced and a second H&P company could not make an appointment for over 2 weeks, I contacted Fereday. They were my 3rd contact. They came the next day and inspected my furnace, including...
Fereday Heating and Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in April 2016
They tightened it up so tight that it cracked, and it caused a water leak to spring. We had another plumbing company come out and inform us of this.
Curran Plumbing Inc
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Reviewed in July 2014
Added it to his busy schedule in order to prevent water damage - some of the loose or recent missing shingles were down to the paper lining which would have leaked through nail holes. Explained that the price would be higher than the past as he had to use scaffolding due to the pitch of our...
H & L ROOFING
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Reviewed in September 2013
Mr Pins was very prompt. He was here the day and time he said he would be here. He and the <br /> electrician were here at the same time and they both worked well with each other. Ron had to replumb <br /> the clothes washer to be able to move the water tothe island I had installed. He was...
Ron's Plumbing & Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in March 2013
The fitting on our water booster pump cracked and was leaking water all over the basement floor. Of course, it was a Sunday. We called another plumbing company, and they wanted $175 just to come out. So, we called Mr. Rooter in Brandon. The response was immediate. Because it was a specialty...
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Dubuque
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Find Water heater pros in Jesup

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 Jesup, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"We pay yearly but we have this is included with our rental property. They are pretty good on most things. We had a hot water heater replaced and they did an excellent job on that. They are very quick on their response. They dont come out here. It is all done on the internet. I just like the idea that one time service charge is so much better than trying to hiring someone to come in. It is more about convenience. It pays for itself."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - RepairWater Heater - Install or Replace+1 more

Serving Jesup, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

L&S Plumbing is dedicated to providing our clients with the very best in service for your plumbing needs. We are a locally owned and operated company with over 16 years of industry experience. We specialize in a variety of residential and commercial services and take pride in the attention to detail put into each of the projects we're involved with. At L&S Plumbing, we're known for the quality of our work, commitment to outstanding results and the integrity of our business. We look forward to building long term relationships with our clients, and guarantee your satisfaction.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Apex Property Solutions

5.0(

)

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

Serving Jesup, 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

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Freedom Plumbing LLC

New to Angi

Water Heater - Install or Replace

Serving Jesup, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

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7 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Picturesque Plumbing LLC

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - InstallWater Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Jesup, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Welcome to Picturesque Plumbing LLC, proudly servicing Merengo and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to complete your project to perfection. We look forward to building long lasting relationships with the customers that we serve. We look forward to serving you. Call us today! You will not be disappointed.

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

Not all types of water heaters require a venting system. Electric tankless water heaters don’t use natural or propane gas, so no venting is required. Instead, they use electric burners to heat water quickly and efficiently. However, any system that does use gas or propane will require ventilation.

A tankless water heater with a flow rate of 10 GPM should replace a conventional 50-gallon water heater. To avoid a surprise cold shower or two and to keep your energy costs in check, it's important to replace a conventional tanked water heater with the equivalent tankless water heater. Your household size and the number of hot-water-using devices you use at once can help you determine the best-size tankless water heater.

When the water expands in a hot water heater, it puts pressure on your hot water pipes and can cause leaks or a rupture in the hot water tank under certain conditions. Pipes or water heaters may split due to the pressure where there is a backflow preventer that prevents the hot water heater from diffusing pressure by releasing water back to the public water line.

In these scenarios, a hot water heater expansion tank provides a place for the hot water heater to relieve pressure and prevent bursts and leaks.

Venting a gas water heater out of the roof is preferable in most cases. Heated exhaust gases naturally rise, so a vertical vent pipe is efficient. If you’re trying to vent through a pipe exiting a wall, the angle of the pipe may be more horizontal than vertical, making the venting system less effective. If you go through a wall, you may need to add a fan to ensure a successful expulsion of the gases outdoors.

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.

The Jesup, IA 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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