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>

How much does it cost to convert a gas water heater to electric?

• <div><p>Converting a gas water heater to an electric one can cost <b>between $870 and $4,100</b>, depending on the installation scope, plumbing and electrical needs, and the water heater model. However, it’s always better to contact a local pro for a more accurate quote. Also, since natural gas is cheaper than electricity in most regions, you should prepare yourself for a higher monthly cost after the initial conversion. </p></div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Sibley, IA

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 hot water heater expansion tanks work?

• <div><p>When the water expands in a hot water heater, it puts pressure on your hot water pipes and can cause leaks or a rupture in the hot water tank under certain conditions. Pipes or water heaters may split due to the pressure where there is a backflow preventer that prevents the hot water heater from diffusing pressure by releasing water back to the public water line.</p><p>In these scenarios, a hot water heater expansion tank provides a place for the hot water heater to relieve pressure and prevent bursts and leaks.</p></div>

Q: What are some common issues with a water heater?

• <div><p>Often, the first issue you might encounter is a lack or loss of power&mdash;this could be caused by a tripped switch or a failed heating element. If your hot water is not producing enough power and its size is not the issue, you might need to replace one of its heating elements. A leaking water heater could be caused by tank erosion. </p></div>

Q: Does installing a water heater yourself void the warranty?

• <div><p>Several things can void the warranty for your water heater. Many water heater manufacturers state that installing your own will void the warranty. However, even if you get away with performing the task yourself, incorrect installation, lack of a building permit, and improper repair work, regardless of licensing status, can all render your water heater unprotected by both the manufacturer's warranty and any installation warranties. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Sibley, IA

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Sibley, 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 Sibley, 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 07, 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 Sibley

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

27825 local quotes requested

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

"Quick and helpful"

Joe U on November 2025

"Quick and helpful"

Joe U 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

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

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.

When the water expands in a hot water heater, it puts pressure on your hot water pipes and can cause leaks or a rupture in the hot water tank under certain conditions. Pipes or water heaters may split due to the pressure where there is a backflow preventer that prevents the hot water heater from diffusing pressure by releasing water back to the public water line.

In these scenarios, a hot water heater expansion tank provides a place for the hot water heater to relieve pressure and prevent bursts and leaks.

Converting a gas water heater to an electric one can cost between $870 and $4,100, depending on the installation scope, plumbing and electrical needs, and the water heater model. However, it’s always better to contact a local pro for a more accurate quote. Also, since natural gas is cheaper than electricity in most regions, you should prepare yourself for a higher monthly cost after the initial conversion.

Often, the first issue you might encounter is a lack or loss of power—this could be caused by a tripped switch or a failed heating element. If your hot water is not producing enough power and its size is not the issue, you might need to replace one of its heating elements. A leaking water heater could be caused by tank erosion.

Several things can void the warranty for your water heater. Many water heater manufacturers state that installing your own will void the warranty. However, even if you get away with performing the task yourself, incorrect installation, lack of a building permit, and improper repair work, regardless of licensing status, can all render your water heater unprotected by both the manufacturer's warranty and any installation warranties.

The Sibley, 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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14 Reasons Your Water Heater Is Not Getting Hot Enough
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