Should I consider an electric water heater?

• <div><p>Choosing between an <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/gas-vs-electric-water-heaters.htm">electric water heater vs. a gas water heater</a> comes down to personal preference. Overall, electric heaters are more energy efficient than their gas competitors. They’re also quieter to operate, take up less room, and don’t come with a risk of gas leaks. </p><p>The downside is that electric water heaters cost more to operate than gas. They might also struggle to heat water fast enough for households that use large amounts of hot water. Lastly, a power outage could cause your electric water heater to stop working, whereas gas water heaters may still function.</p></div>

What are the signs that a water heater is failing or needs to be replaced?

• <div><p>Several signs indicate your water heater may be failing or in need of replacement. Key indicators include:</p><ul><li><p><b>Age:</b> A water heater older than ten years is approaching the end of its typical lifespan.</p></li><li><p><b>Water Quality:</b> If you notice rusty or discolored water from your hot water faucets, or a foul odor similar to rotten eggs or sulfur, it can signal internal corrosion.</p></li><li><p><b>Unusual Noises:</b> Banging, rumbling, or popping sounds from the tank often mean sediment has built up, causing the unit to overheat.</p></li><li><p><b>Leaks:</b> Any water pooling around the base of the tank or visible leaks are clear signs of failure.</p></li><li><p><b>Performance Issues:</b> A decline in performance, such as water not getting hot enough, taking longer to heat up, low water pressure, or decreased efficiency, suggests the unit is struggling.</p></li><li><p><b>Visible Damage:</b> Obvious rust and corrosion on the exterior of the tank can indicate a more serious internal problem.</p></li></ul><p>While these signs often point to replacement, some issues may be fixable. It's best to consult a professional plumber to diagnose the problem before investing in a new unit.</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>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Munising, MI

Q: What are the different types of water heaters available for installation?

• <div><p>Storage, tankless, heat pumps, and solar water heaters each suit specific space constraints, usage needs, and efficiency preferences.</p></div>

Q: What happens if a water heater is installed incorrectly?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/does-leaking-water-heater-violate-code.htm">Water heater installation code requirements</a> are in place to keep your family and home safe. Water heaters that are installed wrong can simply not work. However, that's an, if you're lucky, type of situation. More commonly, incorrectly installed water heaters pose a real threat from carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, water leaks, and even explosions. </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 Munising, MI

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Munising, 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 Munising, 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 September 08, 2026

Reviewed in September 2026
After paying over $80,000 in labor only. I still never got trim on windows baseboard and steel roofing compleated. Unfortunately I pain in full last year and Nico has not completed the work or returned phone calls.
Borealis Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2026
Very timely, Very good workmanship,would Hire him to do more jobs,many of my friends praised the job also
Eric Gustafson
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Reviewed in January 2026
He’s a very ambitious and professional young man and made sure that everything was done right. We plan to use him for some tree removal in the spring.
Choice U.P Landscaping
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Reviewed in March 2023
EV staff were punctual and very professional. They explained the process and detailed the cost estimate to include the entire job. There were no surprises or hidden expenses..
Enviro-FOAM
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Reviewed in April 2022
Excellent work at s reasonable price. He arrived on time and did not mind when I continually added jobs to the original plan. He patched drywall and made my kitchen, basement, front porch all look like brand new. I would hire him again.
Red White & Blue Paint Crew
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Reviewed in June 2021
Very prompt and finished job promptly. Calls you back right away. Shows up as he says he will
Lakefront Lawn and Landscaping
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Reviewed in July 2020
I had Merrifield Exteriors install new basement windows in our home. They were great to work with and we are very pleased. I recommend them highly.
Merrifield Exteriors, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2020
i was in charge of my Aunts Estate I came from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to perform these duties. Bay Home Remodeling made the job easy with there expertise and service. I would recommend them for home remodeling.
Bay Home Remodeling, Inc.
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Reviewed in November 2019
I would not have been able to stay in Florida if he had not made my steps into my trailer so I could get in easily. He made them exactly like I wanted. I can go up and down easily and safely and I would recommend him to anyone.
Acosta Flooring
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Reviewed in August 2017
Employees are courteous and work hard to complete all requested work.
Hummingbird Landscape and Design, LLC
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Find Water heater pros in Munising

Swick Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electrical

4.0(

)

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Munising, MI and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1977

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Swick provides home services to Marquette, Negaunee, Ishpeming, Munising and the greater area of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Our services include Heating & Cooling, Electric, Plumbing, Electric Stove & Fireplace and related home services. Quality doesn't cost, it pays!

68 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Munising, 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 Munising, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"Service guy came as scheduled. Sent his "service" requirements to home base Home base calls back and lists, a very long list of what needs to be done and a very long list of what is not covered and what each item costs. The overall cost was outrageous and they weren't willing to give it to me in writing. Everything I had to pay for was overpriced, of course! They told me my other option would be to purchase my own water heater and they would reimburse me for what there water heater would cost, but no reimbursement for Labor, building permit, or any upgrades required by the local building department. The requirements of the building department were minimal. I went to Home Depot and had them do the installation and saved many hundreds of dollars. Lesson learned, have AHS do simpler repairs that don't require municipal building department approval. Have AHS pay for the equipment, and purchase installation from a trusted local installer."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Tyriver Plumbing & Heating

5.0(

)

Tankless Water Heater - RepairTankless Water Heater - Repair - For BusinessWater Heater - Install or Replace+2 more

Serving Munising, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Tyriver Plumbing & Heating comes with over ten years experience. Customer service, professionalism, and quality of work are our number one priorities. Reach out to Tyriver today for your plumbing and mechanical needs, we can't wait to get your job done right!

Response time10 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

Choosing between an electric water heater vs. a gas water heater comes down to personal preference. Overall, electric heaters are more energy efficient than their gas competitors. They’re also quieter to operate, take up less room, and don’t come with a risk of gas leaks.

The downside is that electric water heaters cost more to operate than gas. They might also struggle to heat water fast enough for households that use large amounts of hot water. Lastly, a power outage could cause your electric water heater to stop working, whereas gas water heaters may still function.

Storage, tankless, heat pumps, and solar water heaters each suit specific space constraints, usage needs, and efficiency preferences.

Several signs indicate your water heater may be failing or in need of replacement. Key indicators include:

Age: A water heater older than ten years is approaching the end of its typical lifespan.
Water Quality: If you notice rusty or discolored water from your hot water faucets, or a foul odor similar to rotten eggs or sulfur, it can signal internal corrosion.
Unusual Noises: Banging, rumbling, or popping sounds from the tank often mean sediment has built up, causing the unit to overheat.
Leaks: Any water pooling around the base of the tank or visible leaks are clear signs of failure.
Performance Issues: A decline in performance, such as water not getting hot enough, taking longer to heat up, low water pressure, or decreased efficiency, suggests the unit is struggling.
Visible Damage: Obvious rust and corrosion on the exterior of the tank can indicate a more serious internal problem.

While these signs often point to replacement, some issues may be fixable. It's best to consult a professional plumber to diagnose the problem before investing in a new unit.

Water heater installation code requirements are in place to keep your family and home safe. Water heaters that are installed wrong can simply not work. However, that's an, if you're lucky, type of situation. More commonly, incorrectly installed water heaters pose a real threat from carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, water leaks, and even explosions.

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.

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