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>

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There are 19 highly-rated local water heater pros.

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Swampscott, MA

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Swampscott, MA 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 Swampscott, MA 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 October 04, 2025

Reviewed in February 2016
They were honest and straightforward. Had been "cold contacted" by another chimney company who told me I needed $6500 worth of repairs and that my gas hot water heater might cause my house to blow up if it was not fixed. Master Chimney Sweepers did the same inspection and said my hot water...
Master Chimney Sweepers
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Reviewed in April 2016
Master Chimney Sweepers have been top notch time after time. We have used them several times and every experience has been amazing. We use them to install all our high efficiency liners for our HVAC systems. We have also refereed them out to other clients who have also had nothing but great...
Master Chimney Sweepers
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Reviewed in December 2018
Mark was punctual, and professional. He was very good at explaining the process. Cleaned both flues, and did an inspection of the chimney, and water heater venting. He noted all the things that needed fixing, but didn't try to sell me on any of them. He did good job explaining they what and why...
Master Chimney Sweepers
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Reviewed in January 2015
It all went quite well. On the call to set-up the appointment it was clearly explained what they would do, including a call to confirm the appointment. The technician arrived within the expected service window. He outlined what he would do, the concerns he had about what he might find...
Master Chimney Sweepers
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Reviewed in May 2022
Our plumber and his assistant were professional, highly knowledgeable, and highly skilled. They cleaned up afterwards, too. We are very happy with Papalia and look forward to their servicing our furnace and air conditioner in the future as well as attending to our future plumbing needs. A...
Papalia Home Services
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Reviewed in May 2013
The water heater failed suddenly, as they always seem to do. I contacted a few places, but Papalia was by far the quickest to respond and highly professional. They gave us options, recommendations, easily replaced the water heater, and took the old one away. The process was so easy with them. We...
Papalia Home Services
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Reviewed in July 2008
I called them at night and they were there the next morning to install the water heater. They are extremely responsive and professional in their work. They were timely.
Papalia Home Services
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Reviewed in February 2017
Very well. These were the second people who informed us that our direct heating was on an older system, and we should go with a hot water tank. He was able to give us a quote for the job and schedule a date to install it while he was here. They made the process very easy to manage. They use flat...
Papalia Home Services
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Reviewed in January 2020
We have worked with Papalia on a few things and have had an amazing experience with the entire team! Install an old radiator -- Excellent install with no surprises. They found a couple of issues that I would not have caught. avoiding a big mess in the future. Installed a new water heater --...
Papalia Home Services
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Reviewed in September 2020
Very easy and professional to work with. Arrived on time and took everything away after job was done. Very pleased would hire again.
Papalia Home Services
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Find Water heater pros in Swampscott

Super Service Today Inc

Super Service Today Inc

Customers say: Super punctual

213 local quotes requested

15 years of experience

Super Service Today is a full service plumbing and drain cleaning company. Our team is experienced and fully equipped to solve your problem. We are your regular plumber's drain cleaning professional. Your home or business will be treated as if it were our own! Customer service is our number one priority and you will see first hand when you call! We take the time to really listen and understand your goals and needs to make sure you are fully satisfied with the service you receive. Our service experts are trained to offer long term solutions that will best work for you and your family. We are a family owned and locally operated company serving Middlesex County, Essex County, Suffolk County and surrounding communities. Super Service Today, Inc. specializes in all aspects of plumbing, gas work, residential heating, drain cleaning, sewer repairs and main water service relays. We are available to assist you with all of your plumbing requirements from faucet installs to sewer replacements. We are solution experts that you only need to call once. Give us a call today to see how we can help you with all of your plumbing needs. We do not service Window AC units.

"No they are rip off They pray on the elderly saying things are ticking time bonb!"

Mike T on September 2025

"No they are rip off They pray on the elderly saying things are ticking time bonb!"

Mike T on September 2025

Morris Heating & Air Conditioning

Morris Heating & Air Conditioning

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

52 local quotes requested

Morris Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to be Essex County’s most trusted HVAC team since 1998. Whether you need AC or heater maintenance, repairs, or complete replacements and new installations, the local company can handle it. Expect quality work and customer care every time. Morris Heating & Air Conditioning responds quickly, arrives as scheduled, and leaves no mess behind. Additionally, the company is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any emergency heating or cooling in Ipswich or the surrounding areas. Call now to request a service. Morris Heating & Air Conditioning has financing options and special rebates in place to help with budget concerns. Ask about their maintenance plans and online coupons as well to get instant savings.

"Fast, efficient."

David O on December 2024

"Fast, efficient."

David O on December 2024

Sila Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical

Sila Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical

Customers say: Super punctual

653 local quotes requested

36 years of experience

Live Your Most Comfortable Life with a Company You Trust. We offer Same Day Service and Next Day Installation! Sila has been the center of delighting homeowners since 1989, with our team of engineers, certified technicians, and system designers that are proud to deliver the highest level of expertise in the HVAC industry. Whether it’s a repair, replacement, installation, or service, we have an unwavering commitment to keeping you and your family comfortable and safe — season after season. We guarantee satisfaction and are proud to have earned over 7,000 “A” ratings on Angie’s List and its prestigious Super Service Award!

"Charged $2,000 (that's right, $2,000!) to install a new sprayer faucet and soap dispenser in Boston. $1,500 went to labor, which took less than 2 hours. I'm sorry, but $750/hr is outrageous. I did pay it because I wanted to expedite solving the problem for the tenants, but I now regret as their dishwasher is not working and I suspect the plumber failed to reconnect everything probably."

Joel R on August 2025

"Charged $2,000 (that's right, $2,000!) to install a new sprayer faucet and soap dispenser in Boston. $1,500 went to labor, which took less than 2 hours. I'm sorry, but $750/hr is outrageous. I did pay it because I wanted to expedite solving the problem for the tenants, but I now regret as their dishwasher is not working and I suspect the plumber failed to reconnect everything probably."

Joel R on August 2025

Hot & Cold Plumbing & Heating LLC

Hot & Cold Plumbing & Heating LLC

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

34 local quotes requested

SUPER SERVICE AWARD 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019,2018,2017,2016, 2015, 2014 AND 2013 PLUMBING. Hot & Cold Plumbing & Heating LLC is a full service plumbing, heating and gas-fitting company. For an immediate response to all your plumbing and heating needs, CALL (978) 701-1617.

"I would highly recommend Erik for your plumbing work. Very professional, great guy, treats you like a customer. Very fair price, upfront and honest about all the details and options. Eric was there when he said he would and updated me along the way on progress. I hired Erik about 8 years ago to install an outside faucet/spickit and has always worked great. Glad I saved his number!"

Brian D on September 2025

"I would highly recommend Erik for your plumbing work. Very professional, great guy, treats you like a customer. Very fair price, upfront and honest about all the details and options. Eric was there when he said he would and updated me along the way on progress. I hired Erik about 8 years ago to install an outside faucet/spickit and has always worked great. Glad I saved his number!"

Brian D on September 2025

Pioneer Basement

Pioneer Basement

Customers say: Super punctual

86 local quotes requested

41 years of experience

Additional service area - Cohasset, Fitchburg, Worcester, portions of Chelsea-Saugus, Chelmsford Counties. South Shore & Cape Cod and All of Rhode Island. Family owned and operated since 1984. Additional email - [email protected]. Additional phone - (800) 439-0788. Additional DBA - Pioneer Basement Waterproofing Inc.

"Went well. pumps replaced"

Esther H on August 2022

"Went well. pumps replaced"

Esther H on August 2022

Matt Evans Plumbing and Heating

Matt Evans Plumbing and Heating

Customers say: True professional

62 local quotes requested

12 years of experience

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.

"They did a wonderful job and took their time explaining things to me as I was very pleased with the job that they both did. I will continue to use this company and will tell friends about them.."

Mary C on July 2025

"They did a wonderful job and took their time explaining things to me as I was very pleased with the job that they both did. I will continue to use this company and will tell friends about them.."

Mary C on July 2025

BK Sewer & Drain Services

BK Sewer & Drain Services

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

7 years of experience

We pride ourselves on reliability, communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade. We look forward to earning your business! Please call 978-941 5561 For all drain and sewer services

"Bright knows exactly what he's doing and how to fix a major plumbing issue. Very professional, prompt, has very clear communication, is hard working, very hard working, and personable. He has the proper equipment do diagnose and fix the problem in a timely manner. His knowledge of plumbing is also exemplary. It was a pleasure doing business with him and will hire him for future jobs. Thank you Bright!"

Ava D on January 2022

"Bright knows exactly what he's doing and how to fix a major plumbing issue. Very professional, prompt, has very clear communication, is hard working, very hard working, and personable. He has the proper equipment do diagnose and fix the problem in a timely manner. His knowledge of plumbing is also exemplary. It was a pleasure doing business with him and will hire him for future jobs. Thank you Bright!"

Ava D on January 2022

Ken Doherty Plumbing & Heating

Ken Doherty Plumbing & Heating

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

37 years of experience

Whatever plumbing or heating problem you have can be fixed right for a reasonable price. I accept Cash, Check, Credit Cards, PayPal, Venmo, and more.

"Ken is the best!!! Top quality installationÃ¢Â Â¦very professionalÃ¢Â Â¦honest and sincere. Ken has performed many tasks for me in the past and has never ceased to amaze me or let me down. If you want a job done right, you canÃ¢Â Â t go wrong with Ken!!!"

Nancy C on December 2021

Whatever plumbing or heating problem you have can be fixed right for a reasonable price. I accept Cash, Check, Credit Cards, PayPal, Venmo, and more.

"Ken is the best!!! Top quality installationÃ¢Â Â¦very professionalÃ¢Â Â¦honest and sincere. Ken has performed many tasks for me in the past and has never ceased to amaze me or let me down. If you want a job done right, you canÃ¢Â Â t go wrong with Ken!!!"

Nancy C on December 2021

Coastal Plumbing and Heating

Coastal Plumbing and Heating

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

45 local quotes requested

"He was reasonable priced, and fixed the very next day. It was the weekend and I was surprised to find someone to work on weekends. "

Ruben S on September 2025

"He was reasonable priced, and fixed the very next day. It was the weekend and I was surprised to find someone to work on weekends. "

Ruben S on September 2025

Patriot Bath Remodeling LLC

Patriot Bath Remodeling LLC

Customers say: Quick response

308 local quotes requested

1 years of experience

Patriot was established by four industry leaders with over 50 years of collective experience. Drawing from extensive collaboration with major home improvement corporations, we developed a strategic vision that culminated in the formation of Patriot. Our motivation stemmed from identifying inefficiencies within prominent home improvement firms and their impact on everyday consumers. At Patriot, our mission is rooted in a commitment to serve the community.

"Patriot Bath Remodeling (PBR) provided excellent craftsmanship, excellent quality of materials, and excellent communications for my bathroom remodel. I had a very small, dingy, claustrophobic shower (32" x32") in a very cramped bathroom (6' x 6') that was in desperate need of replacement. PBR took the time to understand my needs and the restrictions of the room and transformed the area. PBR coordinated all details of the project from getting permits, to delivery of materials, and to scheduling the plumbers, floor installers, and electrician. Every workman was talented, courteous and professional; best of all they showed upon time and made every effort to minimize the unavoidable mess caused by remodeling in a very old house. I HIGHLY recommend these folks!!! You won’t regret it!! "

Patricia J on July 2025

"Patriot Bath Remodeling (PBR) provided excellent craftsmanship, excellent quality of materials, and excellent communications for my bathroom remodel. I had a very small, dingy, claustrophobic shower (32" x32") in a very cramped bathroom (6' x 6') that was in desperate need of replacement. PBR took the time to understand my needs and the restrictions of the room and transformed the area. PBR coordinated all details of the project from getting permits, to delivery of materials, and to scheduling the plumbers, floor installers, and electrician. Every workman was talented, courteous and professional; best of all they showed upon time and made every effort to minimize the unavoidable mess caused by remodeling in a very old house. I HIGHLY recommend these folks!!! You won’t regret it!! "

Patricia J on July 2025

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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.

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.

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.

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.

By submitting this question, I acknowledge and agree that Angi may publicly display my name, city, state, and question on the website for professionals and others to see.

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