What are the pros and cons of electric water heaters?

• <div>Every type of water heater has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding those can help you decide the best type for your situation and budget. Pros<ul><li>Safer than gas or propane</li><li>Doesn’t require extensive venting systems</li><li>Lower upfront costs</li><li>Simpler to operate</li><li>No pilot light</li><li>Easier installation</li><li>More efficient heating than gas models</li><li>Available as point-of-use (POU) and whole-house units</li></ul>Cons<ul><li>Slower to heat water</li><li>Longer recovery time</li><li>Possibly higher operating costs</li><li>Doesn’t work during a power outage</li><li>Costs can increase without a 240-volt connection</li></ul></div>

How long do water heaters last?

• <div>The lifespan of your water heater depends on the type of water. For traditional water heaters, you can expect it to last between 8 and 12 years if gas or 10 to 15 years if electric. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-are-pros-and-cons-tankless-water-heaters.htm">Tankless water heaters</a> can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. The total number of years you’ll get out of your water heater depends on the maintenance it receives and how much it’s used.</div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Primghar, IA

Q: Does an electric water heater need its own circuit breaker?

• <div>A water heater is one of the heaviest hitters in your home, and it needs as much power as possible to help it run efficiently and effectively.Your water heater should be on its own dedicated circuit breaker, with no other power sources running to it. This is required to meet the National Electric Code&ndash;and to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.</div>

Q: How long should a water heater last?

• <div>How long a water heater lasts depends on the type. A conventional tanked water heater has an average lifespan of eight to 12 years. Tankless models typically last a little longer, anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Regular maintenance can help you extend the life of your water heater and keep operating costs in check.</div>

Q: Are water heater expansion tanks required by code?

• <div>Not all homes are required by code to have water heater expansion tanks, though some cities, like Los Angeles, do. Sometimes, municipalities will require a code that asks homeowners to install an expansion tank if their water heater is on a closed system. A closed system setup without an expansion tank can place unnecessary stress on appliances and shorten their lifespan.</div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Primghar, IA

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Primghar, 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 Primghar, 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 December 10, 2025

Reviewed in June 2023
David was personable, prompt, and precise in his installing of a deadbolt and door knob. I would hire him for other work, as well! 5/5
David J. Soukup Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in May 2019
D & E did the fill dirt around our house to help with the water issues in our basement. They did an amazing job and it was very affordable.
D AND E OUTSIDE SERVICES, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2014
I have been a Neighbors customer for 14 years. I have never thought about switching to other companies that provide similar services. Neighbors staff have always been courteous over the phone when scheduling appointments, listening to issues or getting those weekend calls. The service techs...
Neighbors Heating Cooling Plumbing & Geothermal
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Reviewed in July 2013
I had gone without water for two weeks, because the plumbers' businesses in my county did not come when they promised, nor would they return calls, nor say why they didn't want the job, nor give any other professional response. But Mike came within hours of my call, from the next county over. ...
Mike's Plumbing and Pump Service
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Reviewed in March 2013
The water softener doesn't work as well as the softener that we replaced. Service provided to fix the problem is not acceptable. We are going to replace this softener with a different brand from a different company.
Culligan Water of Atlantic
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Reviewed in March 2013
The water faucet leaked water because the seal did not fit the openings in our sink correctly. They came back and sealed it with calk. I could have easily done that myself. I paid for and expected a professional installation job. What I got was a sloppy quick fix. I have now replace the...
MASKER PLUMBING & HEATING
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Reviewed in February 2012
Kevin and Nate first pre-plumbed our drains and well runs before the concrete floor was poured and as soon as the inside was ready for the rough in they came back and worked with us on the locations of everything and talked us through what they would be doing and when. We felt totally...
City Plumbing
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Reviewed in February 2009
Mark the manager and Dave the Mechanic are wonders. They are two honest men. "Only what you need...at a price guaranteed," isn't just a sales come-on. They live by that motto. Dave said, "I've had some success draining/flushing heater cores before. I can't be sure of the results unless I try....
EXHAUST PROS
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Reviewed in November 2008
Tom arrived to do an estimate when he said he would and he was polite and professional. He made it clear that he might not get to my job for weeks because of a backlog of work. I was fine with that. He didn't give me a specific date when the tree would be cut down. In fact, he just showed up one...
FOREVER GREEN TREE SERVICE INC
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Find Water heater pros in Primghar

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Customers say: Super punctual

27670 local quotes requested

9 years of experience

NEW! Appliance Consultation – Just $35 Get expert advice before you spend on repairs or replacements. A Neli technician will evaluate your issue and help you decide if your appliance can be fixed—or if it’s time for a new one. Virtual Appliance Diagnosis and Repair - Just $45 Service Description: Diagnose or repair your appliance virtually—no need for anyone to enter your home. Neli’s certified technicians guide you step-by-step via secure video chat. How It Works: Book online at nelihome.com or call 833-876-0900 Connect with a tech through our video platform Diagnose or fix the issue in real time Get expert advice and confidence in your next steps What’s Included: Real-time video guidance from a certified technician Diagnosis of the issue OR full repair (when possible) Step-by-step guidance using your smartphone or tablet Safe, contact-free service - no one in your home Flexible scheduling—appointments available daily Perfect For: Appliance fixes HVAC troubleshooting DIY-savvy homeowners Saving time and money on service calls

"Super helpful"

Michele H on November 2025

"Super helpful"

Michele H on November 2025

Jordan boyd

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Jordan boyd

No reviews yet

5 years of experience

New and remodels, drain cleaning main drains and smaller drains, water lines, sewer lines, main water valves, water heaters, trailer homes heat tape

Comfortec Heating Cooling & Plumbing Inc

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Comfortec Heating Cooling & Plumbing Inc

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Free onsite estimate

At Comfortec we are honored to work for you. When you invite a Comfortec employee into your Northwest Iowa home we will be on time, courteous and professional. Our technicians use carpet mask, protective shoe covers, and drop cloths to prevent your home from having damages caused by our service.

Krell Distributing Co Inc

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Krell Distributing Co Inc

No reviews yet

53 years of experience

Additional DBA - Krell Industries. Family owned & operated. Nationwide service.

Jer's Appliance & Refrigeration Repair

4.40(

)

Jer's Appliance & Refrigeration Repair

4.40(

)

Customers say: Quality work

19 years of experience

We are a heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, appliance, restaurant, kitchen equipment repair company for commercial and residential customers.

"They did not show up in time. Saide they put new parts in and charge me but did not put any new parts in. When I called them out on it told me I don't know what o was talking about and its still not working after coming out 4 times."

Brice Z on December 2020

We are a heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, appliance, restaurant, kitchen equipment repair company for commercial and residential customers.

"They did not show up in time. Saide they put new parts in and charge me but did not put any new parts in. When I called them out on it told me I don't know what o was talking about and its still not working after coming out 4 times."

Brice Z on December 2020

Solar Wolf Energy

2.00(

)

Solar Wolf Energy

2.00(

)

10 years of experience

Solar Wolf is a full service solar company with a great reputation and an old world belief to our customers. To under-promise and over-deliver, period. We have 18 years experience in construction, remodeling, roofing, solar water heaters, solar pv systems, battery back-up systems and much more. See what Solar Wolf Energy can do for you!

Sanborn Hardware

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Sanborn Hardware

No reviews yet

25 years of experience

We employ 3 full time employees and 4 part time employees. We deliver equipment to homes, and jobsites. We also help customers get the necessary supplies for their numerous projects.

FIX-A-LOT Handyman Service

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FIX-A-LOT Handyman Service

No reviews yet

14 years of experience

Flexible hours to fit your needs. Free estimates. Reliable, professional, insured.

H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning

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H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning

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Terry has been providing the great people of Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, Pella, and the surrounding communities unparalleled service for the last 16 years. Terry not only provides service to residential and commercial customers, he is also the one plumbers call to get the job done. H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning Service is has the lowest prices around. Contact Terry for the following: •Drain Cleaning •Sewer Cleaning •Minor Plumbing •Flooded Basements •Bathroom Drain Clearing • Kitchen sinks unclogged •Toilets and Tubs unclogged •Septic Tank Line Cleaning •Residential •Commercial H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning Service is a locally owned and operated business. Call today for prompt and reliable service! Drain Cleaning Sewer Cleaning Minor Plumbing Basements pumped out Bathroom Drain Clearing Bathroom and Kitchen sinks unclogged Toilets and Tubs unclogged Residential Commercial Ottumwa, Iowa, Oskaloosa, Iowa, Pella, Iowa, Fairfield, Iowa.

Eledge Plumbing

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Eledge Plumbing

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Free onsite estimate

Business CategoryPlumbing Contractors, Plumbers - Commercial, Plumbing - Renovation & Repair, Plumbing Drains & Sewer Cleaning, Water Heaters - Repairing, In-floor Heating, Water Heater - Tankless, Water Heaters - Parts & Supplies Products & Services.This company provides residential and light commercial plumbing contractor services including drain line replacements, water heater repairs, reverse osmosis filters and plumbing repairs. They also offer in-floor heating services. - Radon testing and Mitigation

Showing 1-10 of 23

Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

A water heater is one of the heaviest hitters in your home, and it needs as much power as possible to help it run efficiently and effectively.

Your water heater should be on its own dedicated circuit breaker, with no other power sources running to it. This is required to meet the National Electric Code–and to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.

Every type of water heater has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding those can help you decide the best type for your situation and budget.

Pros

Safer than gas or propane
Doesn’t require extensive venting systems
Lower upfront costs
Simpler to operate
No pilot light
Easier installation
More efficient heating than gas models
Available as point-of-use (POU) and whole-house units

Cons

Slower to heat water
Longer recovery time
Possibly higher operating costs
Doesn’t work during a power outage
Costs can increase without a 240-volt connection

The lifespan of your water heater depends on the type of water. For traditional water heaters, you can expect it to last between 8 and 12 years if gas or 10 to 15 years if electric. Tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. The total number of years you’ll get out of your water heater depends on the maintenance it receives and how much it’s used.

How long a water heater lasts depends on the type. A conventional tanked water heater has an average lifespan of eight to 12 years. Tankless models typically last a little longer, anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Regular maintenance can help you extend the life of your water heater and keep operating costs in check.

Not all homes are required by code to have water heater expansion tanks, though some cities, like Los Angeles, do. Sometimes, municipalities will require a code that asks homeowners to install an expansion tank if their water heater is on a closed system. A closed system setup without an expansion tank can place unnecessary stress on appliances and shorten their lifespan.

The Primghar, 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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