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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Q: Should I replace my 20-year-old gas water heater?

• <div><p>If your gas water heater is over 20 years old, it should be replaced. Gas water heaters can last up to 12 years and while they can exceed this expectancy if well-maintained, a heater that's 20 years old would require replacement. The heater is unlikely to run as efficiently as a new model and could be more expensive to do so.</p></div>

Q: What other home improvement projects should I consider doing at the same time as installing a new furnace to improve energy efficiency?

• <div><p>When installing a new furnace, it's a good time to consider other projects that can enhance your home's energy efficiency. A great first step is to get a home energy audit, which will identify areas for improvement. Common recommendations include sealing or replacing windows and adding insulation to the attic. These upgrades can help you save money on monthly utility costs. You might also consider installing a smart thermostat to make heating your home more convenient and efficient.</p></div>

Q: Can you vent a water heater outside the house?

• <div><p>Typically, only a high-efficiency water heater with an inducer fan can be vented outside the house. Otherwise, your water heater needs to be installed on the inside and vented through the roof. However, certain areas may allow a standard-efficiency water heater to be vented outside. Check your local building codes to be sure.</p></div>

Q: Are hot water heater expansion tanks required for warranty coverage?

• <div><p>Depending on the brand of water heater, you may need to install an expansion tank in order to meet the conditions for warranty coverage. It&rsquo;s important for consumers to read the fine print of the warranty to see if an expansion tank is necessary. Even if an expansion tank isn&rsquo;t required for the warranty, it&rsquo;s usually mandated by building codes&mdash;although not for <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-tankless-water-heater-cost.htm">tankless water heaters</a>.</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>

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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 - P
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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

"The yearly service works out to be $50 a month. We've had two water heaters replaced through them because of a fault in them. They're usually very responsive. I like that I can request the service online. The only thing is, I wish that there was a better avenue for emergency services. If something doesn't work right away usually it takes a couple of days to get someone out and sometimes you can't wait two days without water."

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

If your gas water heater is over 20 years old, it should be replaced. Gas water heaters can last up to 12 years and while they can exceed this expectancy if well-maintained, a heater that's 20 years old would require replacement. The heater is unlikely to run as efficiently as a new model and could be more expensive to do so.

When installing a new furnace, it's a good time to consider other projects that can enhance your home's energy efficiency. A great first step is to get a home energy audit, which will identify areas for improvement. Common recommendations include sealing or replacing windows and adding insulation to the attic. These upgrades can help you save money on monthly utility costs. You might also consider installing a smart thermostat to make heating your home more convenient and efficient.

Typically, only a high-efficiency water heater with an inducer fan can be vented outside the house. Otherwise, your water heater needs to be installed on the inside and vented through the roof. However, certain areas may allow a standard-efficiency water heater to be vented outside. Check your local building codes to be sure.

Depending on the brand of water heater, you may need to install an expansion tank in order to meet the conditions for warranty coverage. It’s important for consumers to read the fine print of the warranty to see if an expansion tank is necessary. Even if an expansion tank isn’t required for the warranty, it’s usually mandated by building codes—although not for tankless water heaters.

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.

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.

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