What happens if a water heater is not vented properly?

• <div><p>If your system is not vented properly, you could experience what’s called backdrafting. Backdrafting is when your ventilation system isn’t working as it should, and instead of releasing gases outside, they get trapped inside your home. </p><p>Gas and propane water heaters create a few types of combustion gases, but the most dangerous is carbon monoxide. If there’s too much build-up of these gases inside your home, it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.</p></div>

What are the pros and cons of electric water heaters?

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

How long does an electric water heater last?

• <div><p>If your water heater continues to have issues, you may wonder <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-does-electric-water-heater-last.htm">how long an electric water heat lasts</a>. On average, these units last between 10 to 15 years. Following a proper maintenance schedule can help the water heater live to the end of its average lifespan or longer.</p></div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Rock Rapids, IA

Q: Are water heater thermocouples universal?

• <div><p>A thermocouple is a pretty simple device. It simply tells the control valve if heat is present. Most water heaters can use a universal thermocouple, provided it's the correct length. Getting one that's long enough for your appliance is crucial for success. However, some water heater models require model-specific thermocouples, which is why it's essential to take your existing one to the store to find the right match.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to repair or replace my water heater?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re having problems with your hot water heater and it&rsquo;s 10 to 15 years old&mdash;the typical life span of a gas hot water heater&mdash;you may want to consider replacing it rather than repairing it. Water heater replacement costs about $1,300 on average. If your water heater is younger than nine or 10 years, paying for repairs is most likely worth it. You can always have a plumber assess your fixture to see what it would cost to fix it and then decide if it&rsquo;s more cost-effective in the long run to replace it.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Rock Rapids, IA

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Rock Rapids, 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 Rock Rapids, 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 15, 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 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 Rock Rapids

SD Lining Solutions

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

SD Lining Solutions

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

16 local quotes requested

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

"Very good people to work with."

Larry M on April 2022

"Very good people to work with."

Larry M on April 2022

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Customers say: Super punctual

30722 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

No reviews yet

Comfortec Heating Cooling & Plumbing Inc

No reviews yet

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

No reviews yet

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

No reviews yet

H1H2O Sewer & Drain Cleaning

No reviews yet

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

No reviews yet

Eledge Plumbing

No reviews yet

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 22

Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

A thermocouple is a pretty simple device. It simply tells the control valve if heat is present. Most water heaters can use a universal thermocouple, provided it's the correct length. Getting one that's long enough for your appliance is crucial for success. However, some water heater models require model-specific thermocouples, which is why it's essential to take your existing one to the store to find the right match.

If your system is not vented properly, you could experience what’s called backdrafting. Backdrafting is when your ventilation system isn’t working as it should, and instead of releasing gases outside, they get trapped inside your home.

Gas and propane water heaters create a few types of combustion gases, but the most dangerous is carbon monoxide. If there’s too much build-up of these gases inside your home, it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

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

If your water heater continues to have issues, you may wonder how long an electric water heat lasts. On average, these units last between 10 to 15 years. Following a proper maintenance schedule can help the water heater live to the end of its average lifespan or longer.

If you’re having problems with your hot water heater and it’s 10 to 15 years old—the typical life span of a gas hot water heater—you may want to consider replacing it rather than repairing it. Water heater replacement costs about $1,300 on average. If your water heater is younger than nine or 10 years, paying for repairs is most likely worth it. You can always have a plumber assess your fixture to see what it would cost to fix it and then decide if it’s more cost-effective in the long run to replace it.

The Rock Rapids, 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

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•
Jun 11, 2025Jun 11, 2025
How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
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How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Hot Water Heater? [2025 Data]
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•
Oct 20, 2025Oct 20, 2025
Who Fixes Water Heaters? Find a Pro to Get Your Hot Water Running Again
Are you not sure who fixes hot water heaters? Find out who does this kind of work and who to call to get your hot water back on tap.
Kyle Schurman
•
Apr 21, 2025Apr 21, 2025
Tankless Water Heater Pros and Cons
Discover all the tankless water heater pros and cons you should know. Learn how these energy-efficient systems can save you money and space while considering their limitations.
Amy Freeman
•
Apr 18, 2025Apr 18, 2025
What Size Tankless Water Heater Do I Need For My Home?
The number of people, flow rate, and water temperature in your home will help you calculate what size tankless water heater you need. This guide walks you through it.