Get matched with top water heater pros in Oxford, IA

Q: Are hot water heater expansion tanks necessary?

• <div><p>While many older homes don&rsquo;t need hot water heater expansion tanks, they&rsquo;re necessary in most newer homes and are required by building codes. These tanks are required by code in areas where there are backflow preventers or pressure regulators on the incoming water pipe between the public water pipes and the water heater. However, tankless water heaters don&rsquo;t require expansion tanks.</p></div>

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: Can I use multiple tankless water heaters?

• <div><p>You can use multiple tankless water heaters, but that doesn&rsquo;t mean you should. Adding multiple tankless heaters adds considerable cost to your home in both parts and installation costs. Also, you&rsquo;re adding many more points of failure in the system, making plumbing issues harder to diagnose. More heaters mean more maintenance, and insurers may want a word regarding the increased risk of water damage. A single, larger unit makes more sense in most situations. </p></div>

Q: Should I replace my 20-year-old gas water heater?

• <div><p>If your gas water heater is over 20 years old, it should be replaced. Gas water heaters can last up to 12 years and while they can exceed this expectancy if well-maintained, a heater that's 20 years old would require replacement. The heater is unlikely to run as efficiently as a new model and could be more expensive to do so.</p></div>

Q: Are electric water heater venting and installation requirements the same from state to state?

• <div><p>No state requires you to vent an electric water heater. Other installation requirements for water heaters will vary, though, depending on the state and local jurisdiction in which you live. Some places require permits, while others don&rsquo;t. Some may force you to place the appliance a certain distance from any walls or other appliances, while others don't. When you find a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/who-can-install-water-heater.htm">local professional to install a water heater</a>, this expert will ensure you follow all the local regulations. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Oxford, IA

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Oxford, 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 Oxford, 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 November 24, 2025

Reviewed in May 2018
The old water heater sprang and leak and needed to be replaced immediately. Kuenster prioritized my call, pointed out an option that was higher capacity and a bit cheaper that what I was looking for, and came and replaced the water heater the following morning.
Kuenster Heating & Air, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2017
Dan did a good job. No problem. Took care of disposing the old softener and left the area neat and clean. He was also very helpful w making a couple of needed referrals and answered questions I had on my water heater.
Dan's Plumbing Inc
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Reviewed in October 2014
Went fine but felt put off by price quoting. Were going to charge me $2000 for a hot water heater that cost me $700 at mennards. I understand mark up but that's pretty crazy. The technician was polite. Seemed efficient.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
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Reviewed in June 2014
Purchased for my sisters house while she was working. Her outside water wasn't working so don't know how they did what they did, but they did!
Northern Reflections Window Cleaning
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Reviewed in May 2014
We chose with The Water Shop for our water softener installation. All of the staff we dealt with were very professional, and did a good job explaining the options and pros/cons for each option. The price was very competitive with other companies, and included installation and any plumbing work...
The Water Shop
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Reviewed in April 2014
It went well except that after washing windows were left to air dry rather than 'mop dry'. So, there were some water drop spots after air drying of the windows. I might use them again but with full understanding of what I expect which includes mop drying of windows so that the water spots...
Window Genie of Iowa City
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Reviewed in July 2013
They have installed garbage disposal, water heater, water softener, sink w/vanity, etc. etc. over the years. Have always found them to be priced competively, punctual, professional and pleasant to work with.
Valenta Plumbing
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Reviewed in December 2012
I was experiencing water in the basement for no apparent reason. Tim Farnsworth spent approx. 1.5 hrs trying to diagnose where the water was coming from ruling out one possibility after another. He finally settled on a stubbed out toilet drain that we had never finished off & did a water run...
MidAmerica Basement Systems
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Reviewed in December 2012
Good. I will continue to use him for my heating repairs.
Dave Stepp Heating And Air Conditioning, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2012
Our water heater broke from the bottom and flooded our utility room and part of our basement on a friday morning. I called several companies and only Wichhart repairs could come the same day. The owner, Doug, came and replaced the water heater and took out the old at no charge. For 50 or 75$...
Wichhart Repair
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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

While many older homes don’t need hot water heater expansion tanks, they’re necessary in most newer homes and are required by building codes. These tanks are required by code in areas where there are backflow preventers or pressure regulators on the incoming water pipe between the public water pipes and the water heater. However, tankless water heaters don’t require expansion tanks.

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.

You can use multiple tankless water heaters, but that doesn’t mean you should. Adding multiple tankless heaters adds considerable cost to your home in both parts and installation costs. Also, you’re adding many more points of failure in the system, making plumbing issues harder to diagnose. More heaters mean more maintenance, and insurers may want a word regarding the increased risk of water damage. A single, larger unit makes more sense in most situations.

If your gas water heater is over 20 years old, it should be replaced. Gas water heaters can last up to 12 years and while they can exceed this expectancy if well-maintained, a heater that's 20 years old would require replacement. The heater is unlikely to run as efficiently as a new model and could be more expensive to do so.

No state requires you to vent an electric water heater. Other installation requirements for water heaters will vary, though, depending on the state and local jurisdiction in which you live. Some places require permits, while others don’t. Some may force you to place the appliance a certain distance from any walls or other appliances, while others don't. When you find a local professional to install a water heater, this expert will ensure you follow all the local regulations.

The Oxford, 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

Allie Ogletree
•
May 2, 2025May 2, 2025
How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Cost? [2025 Data]
Tankless water heater costs depend on the size of your water heater, location, fuel type, and more. Keep reading to calculate your expenses.
Angi
•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
How Much Does Tankless Water Heater Repair Cost? [2025 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.
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•
Oct 27, 2025Oct 27, 2025
How Much Does a Solar Water Heater Cost? [2025 Data]
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Kate Fann
•
Apr 8, 2025Apr 8, 2025
Heat Pump Water Heaters vs. Tankless Water Heaters
Trying to decide between a heat pump and a tankless water heater? Take a look at the pros, cons, and costs of these energy-efficient water heaters.
Kate Fann
•
May 1, 2025May 1, 2025
Solutions If Your Water Heater Is Leaking from the Top
If your water heater is leaking from the top, it's time to troubleshoot. Here are common reasons this happens and what your next steps should be.
Nicole Harris Bocianski
•
Apr 23, 2025Apr 23, 2025
Tankless Water Heater vs. Tank: Which Is Right for You?
Hot water tanks heat your home’s water supply. Find out whether to choose a tankless water heater or tank unit based on cost, maintenance, efficiency, and other factors.