Can a water heater element be replaced without draining the tank?

• <div><p>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. </p></div>

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>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Remsen, IA

Q: How long will a water heater last after it starts leaking?

• <div><p>A leaking water heater could potentially last for a few weeks or months before you need to repair it. However, it's not advisable to wait too long. Once your water heater starts leaking, it's likely that the underlying cause of the leak is getting worse as time goes on. Without immediate repair, your water heater could fail. Instead of using a leaky water heater, you should turn it off and call a pro to fix it.</p></div>

Q: Can a water heater element be replaced without draining the tank?

• <div><p>No, you&rsquo;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&rsquo;t always need to drain it completely. If you&rsquo;re only replacing the upper heating element, you can drain the tank until the water line is below the element. If you&rsquo;re replacing the lower element, you&rsquo;ll need to drain the whole thing. </p></div>

Q: Do you have to replace expansion tanks at the same time as your hot water heater?

• <div><p>You don&rsquo;t have to replace expansion tanks at the same time as your hot water heater. You may be able to go six to 12 years or more before needing to replace your expansion tank. At <b>$150 to $450</b>, hot water heater expansion tanks are usually much more affordable than the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-water-heater-installation-cost.htm">cost of hot water tanks</a> themselves, which average about $1,190.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Remsen, IA

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Remsen, 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 Remsen, 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 16, 2025

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 September 2016
Excellent! The problem was solved with the diagnosis from Neighbors.I had been having problems with drains in one of my rental homes. I was in New York when it happened. Water was coming down through the ceiling and into the basement. I asked neighbors to come and help diagnose the problem and...
Neighbors Heating Cooling Plumbing & Geothermal
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Reviewed in August 2013
My water heater sprung a leak on Sunday. I called Marcus Lumber first thing Monday morning & they were out with a new water heater a few hours later & had it installed within a couple hours. I also had my air conditoner raised due to heavy rains flooding the back yard area. They built a heavy...
Marcus Lumber
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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 June 2013
Mike arrived right on time and got started after introductions. He did a thorough job inspecting both buildings for a very reasonable price. He climbed up on the roofs of both inspected gutter chimneys, then around both foundations. Then inside checking both furnaces and AC units. Windows,...
The BrickKicker
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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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Find Water heater pros in Remsen

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Customers say: Super punctual

30821 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

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!

AM Heating & Cooling inc.

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AM Heating & Cooling inc.

No reviews yet

12 years of experience

All of your Heating & Cooling needs

FIX-A-LOT Handyman Service

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FIX-A-LOT Handyman Service

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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

Marcus Lumber

5.00(

)

Marcus Lumber

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Showing 1-10 of 25

Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

A leaking water heater could potentially last for a few weeks or months before you need to repair it. However, it's not advisable to wait too long. Once your water heater starts leaking, it's likely that the underlying cause of the leak is getting worse as time goes on. Without immediate repair, your water heater could fail. Instead of using a leaky water heater, you should turn it off and call a pro to fix it.

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.

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.

You don’t have to replace expansion tanks at the same time as your hot water heater. You may be able to go six to 12 years or more before needing to replace your expansion tank. At $150 to $450, hot water heater expansion tanks are usually much more affordable than the cost of hot water tanks themselves, which average about $1,190.

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.

The Remsen, 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.
Timothy Moore
•
May 29, 2025May 29, 2025
How Much Does a Water Heater Expansion Tank Cost? [2025 Data]
Wondering how much a water heater expansion tank costs? Use this cost guide to get an accurate estimate and learn how to choose the right one for your home.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Jun 3, 2025Jun 3, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Hot Water Heater? [2025 Data]
Running out of hot water too quickly or hearing strange noises when you call for hot water? Use this water heater repair cost guide to see what a fix will cost.
C.E. Larusso
•
Apr 18, 2025Apr 18, 2025
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.
Kate Fann
•
Apr 23, 2025Apr 23, 2025
Electric Hot Water Heater Not Heating? Here Are 9 Potential Causes
A lack of hot water can easily upset the household. Here are nine reasons why your electric hot water isn't heating and what you can do next.
Barbara Bellesi Zito
•
Oct 22, 2025Oct 22, 2025
How Many Watts Does a Water Heater Use?
Learn how much electricity the average water heater requires to run, plus how to calculate the daily and monthly cost to run your water heater.