How much does water expand in a water heater?

• <div><p>Water expands when heated and also when freezing. When water is heated, it expands by around 4%. For a full water heater, this is one of the main reasons malfunctions occur—the hot water has nowhere else to go but out. Due to the constant expansion and reduction in volume, it’s recommended (required in most places) that an expansion tank be installed. </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>

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Q: How long does it take to replace a hot water heater element?

• <div><p>It takes between one and three hours to replace a hot water heater element, depending on whether you hire a pro or do the work yourself. For example, a professional plumber with all the necessary tools and experience can often finish the job in one to two hours, whereas DIY will take two to three hours because it'll involve more preparation and troubleshooting.</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>

Q: Are new water heaters better than old ones?

• <div><p>Newer models are packed with newer technologies that decrease energy consumption and increase output, giving you more bang for your buck in more bills than one. </p><p>If you&rsquo;re trying to decide whether you want to repair or replace your new heater, consider factors like your utility bills, repair costs, and even your carbon footprint to help you decide whether it makes sense to buy a new one instead.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Custer, MI

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Custer, MI 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 Custer, MI 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 June 21, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Ashley and her team did a great job on our drywall repair, trim, and paint project after we had water damage from flooding in our basement. The work was done in a timely manner and the work itself was top notch. We would definitely hire Coastal Finish again for other projects!
Coastal Finish, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2026
I recently had a new roof replaced and a new furnace and water heater installed and working with Fredricks Company of Muskegon was a great experience from start to finish. I would not hesitate to recommend Fredricks to do whatever work you need done. They were friendly, their work was top...
Fredricks Co Inc
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Reviewed in July 2024
n…do not walk away. Run. Run. Run. Our unfortunate experience with Ayers Basement Systems began with an impressive sales pitch. Our sales person was Robert. He had a PowerPoint presentation and explained to us that we would not have to worry about a wet basement ever again. That was huge...
Ayers Basement Systems
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Reviewed in January 2023
Timothy did a great job. Heâ s very punctual - he actually arrived early! He was well prepared for the job and worked quickly and efficiently. While here he actually ended up doing a second job for us. He removed an unused water softener unit. And when he was done he hauled all the material...
Lunetta Handyman Co
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Reviewed in August 2021
Stay clear of them. They caused water to come in my attic, now I have mold, rodents, and insects, and will do nothing.
Sir Home Improvement, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2021
Dan and Broc Cameron saved us during the worst time in our life. It was 4th of July weekend, our grandson had just passed away and then our well pump went out. Dan was able to find us a motor and have our water back up and running within rather quickly. Thank you so much
Cameron Brothers Well Drilling
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Reviewed in February 2021
All employees were very professional. They did a good job installing the hot dawg heater in my garage. Now I can keep my garage at 40 degrees during the winter months and if I want to work out in the garage, I can bump the heat up. Thanks again.
Jim Leach Mechanical
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Reviewed in December 2018
Price quoted was almost 2/3 higher than another local company my family hired just a few months ago. I understand that the water heater was old, but $2,100 for a 50-gallon gas replacement is, quite frankly, ridiculous. The technician was prompt and friendly, but the quoted price would dissuade...
Bumble Bee Home Services
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Reviewed in January 2018
A very through job was done from start to finish. The project & secondary project was evaluated along with recommendations at the start along with an estimate of cost. The work was completed efficiently & professionally. System checks were conducted which included flushing the water line from...
Briggs & Son Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2015
It took two months to get a working water heater.still not sure it is.The first unit that was installed was the wrong size 30 gallon which I ordered a 40 gallon.They return to remove that one and reinstall a 40 gallon. Now every time the wind blows hard the pilot light goes out the last time was...
Village Plumber LLC
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Find Water heater pros in Custer

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

Serving Custer, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"He was able to quickly diagnose that the water leak from the water heater was a result of a ruptured tank, resulting in the need to replace the entire water heater."

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

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

Serving Custer, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"We pay yearly but we have this is included with our rental property. They are pretty good on most things. We had a hot water heater replaced and they did an excellent job on that. They are very quick on their response. They dont come out here. It is all done on the internet. I just like the idea that one time service charge is so much better than trying to hiring someone to come in. It is more about convenience. It pays for itself."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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All Rooter

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - RepairWater Heater - Install or Replace+1 more

Serving Custer, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Contact All Rooter, Inc. and get all the plumbing and sewer services you need for your residential or commercial property. Our skilled professionals have the experience to provide quality plumbing services to large retailers throughout the US as well as homeowners. We can also help you protect your investment and prevent more expensive repairs.

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

It takes between one and three hours to replace a hot water heater element, depending on whether you hire a pro or do the work yourself. For example, a professional plumber with all the necessary tools and experience can often finish the job in one to two hours, whereas DIY will take two to three hours because it'll involve more preparation and troubleshooting.

Water expands when heated and also when freezing. When water is heated, it expands by around 4%. For a full water heater, this is one of the main reasons malfunctions occur—the hot water has nowhere else to go but out. Due to the constant expansion and reduction in volume, it’s recommended (required in most places) that an expansion tank be installed.

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.

Newer models are packed with newer technologies that decrease energy consumption and increase output, giving you more bang for your buck in more bills than one.

If you’re trying to decide whether you want to repair or replace your new heater, consider factors like your utility bills, repair costs, and even your carbon footprint to help you decide whether it makes sense to buy a new one instead.

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

The Custer, MI 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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