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>

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>

Best water heater pros near Shell Rock, IA

Q: Is it hard to install your own water heater?

• <div><p>It is very difficult and dangerous to install your own water heater, so we strongly recommend against tackling this as a DIY project. Not only will you need to wire your water heater, but you&rsquo;ll also need to connect plumbing to the intake and outlet. Sweating copper pipes and connecting wiring properly are skills most DIYers don&rsquo;t have, and even if you do feel confident you can do it, working with water and electricity always leaves the potential for electrocution. Hiring a local water heater installer is well worth the investment.</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: How do you know when your electric hot water heater is going out?

• <div><p>Signs your electric water heater is failing include inconsistent water temperature, reduced hot water supply, longer heating times, or discolored water (rusty or cloudy). Unusual noises like popping or rumbling suggest sediment buildup, while leaks or corrosion around the tank signal structural damage. If your unit is over 10 to 15 years old and experiencing frequent issues, it may be time to replace it.</p></div>

Q: Can a heat pump water heater work in colder climates?

• <div><p>Yes, a heat pump water heater can work in colder climates but it&rsquo;s much more effective where it&rsquo;s warm. The reason is that the heat pump needs ambient warmth in the air to compress. The less warmth, the more compression required, thus using more electricity and offsetting the energy-efficient benefits. </p></div>

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

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Shell Rock, 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 Shell Rock, 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 03, 2023

Reviewed in November 2023
Update, our basement flooded due to substandard practice by these electricians their wiring failed causing our pump to not work and high water alarm to stop working causing a backup and expenses to fix the issue plus all the damage. This company is nothing but hacks as outlined below. These...
WEBER ELECTRIC INC
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Reviewed in August 2021
I didn't care for the sales rep. First, he forgot his water test kit. He also ran down competitive water companies, which is not a good sales practice. Aside from my personal issues with the rep, I liked the features of their systems, and went ahead with the install. The installer was very...
Rain Soft of NE Iowa
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Reviewed in July 2021
Some areas needed some more work after the water dried. The soffit off of the back porch did not get done.
American Power Washing, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2021
Only one person. Had him clean the carpet and sofa. Did not move anything and used my water and dumped used water in the yard. Not a professional cleaning machine. The cost was overpriced for what he did. The sofa was still covered with dog hair and the carpet stayed wet for 24 hrs after he...
Spick & Span Cleaning Service
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Reviewed in July 2020
Very fast response. Not wanting to say he will do this all the time, but he came off vacation to install the water heater in my mother's house after it started to leak. Service was great, kind, considerate, fair price. Awesome job.
Great Oaks Plumbing
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Reviewed in April 2019
Josh O'Connor from Dalton's was on time, courteous, friendly and informative. He helped my husband and I choose the right option for our needs and replaced our water heater quickly without any mess. I highly recommend his work!
Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2019
If you have an emergency do not call this company. Contacted in September, consultant came first of Octoberand down payment for work was made. Mid- January and only half the job done. While Adao Natario was an excellent professional and did a great job sealing up the wall cracks in the...
MidAmerica Basement Systems
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Reviewed in October 2018
It's been a good experience. They have met our expectations. The last time they came in, the pressure of the water from the fridge wasn't very strong. They took a look at it and turned it up and didn't charge me anything since it's something that should have been taken care of during...
Rainsoft Of NE Iowa Inc
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Top-Rated Water heater pros in Shell Rock - Updated Nov 2026

American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

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

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"He was very nice to talk with and repaired our washing machine. He even helped sweep the water out."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Freedom Plumbing LLC

New to Angi

Water Heater - Install or Replace

Serving Shell Rock, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

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1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Water Heaters FAQs, answered by experts

It is very difficult and dangerous to install your own water heater, so we strongly recommend against tackling this as a DIY project. Not only will you need to wire your water heater, but you’ll also need to connect plumbing to the intake and outlet. Sweating copper pipes and connecting wiring properly are skills most DIYers don’t have, and even if you do feel confident you can do it, working with water and electricity always leaves the potential for electrocution. Hiring a local water heater installer is well worth the investment.

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

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.

Signs your electric water heater is failing include inconsistent water temperature, reduced hot water supply, longer heating times, or discolored water (rusty or cloudy). Unusual noises like popping or rumbling suggest sediment buildup, while leaks or corrosion around the tank signal structural damage. If your unit is over 10 to 15 years old and experiencing frequent issues, it may be time to replace it.

Yes, a heat pump water heater can work in colder climates but it’s much more effective where it’s warm. The reason is that the heat pump needs ambient warmth in the air to compress. The less warmth, the more compression required, thus using more electricity and offsetting the energy-efficient benefits.

The Shell Rock, 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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