How much water should come out when draining a water heater?

• <div><p>The average water heater holds between 40 and 60 gallons, but the exact amount of water that comes out during draining will depend on your unit’s capacity. The amount of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-drain-water-heater.htm">time it takes to drain a water heater</a> averages from 10 to 30 minutes.</p></div>

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Q: What size circuit breaker does a water heater need?

• <div><p>Most standard residential water heaters, which are typically around 40 gallons and use 240 volts and between 3,500 and 5,500 watts, require a 30-amp, two-pole circuit breaker. For smaller, point-of-use water heaters using 120 volts and between 1,500 and 3,000 watts, a 30-amp breaker is also often adequate. However, some models may have different needs; units that use more watts than average may require a 40-amp breaker, while smaller units might only need a 20-amp breaker. Newer, tankless, or more energy-efficient models can also require a higher amperage. Having the correct breaker size is crucial for safe and efficient operation, so it's best to consult a licensed electrician to determine the specific needs of your water heater.</p></div>

Q: What maintenance is needed for a new water heater?

• <div><p>Flushing biannually, checking the anode rod, and temperature settings maximize equipment lifespan while reducing surprise costs.</p></div>

Q: How long does a tankless water heater last?

• <div><p>A tankless water heater can last up to 20 years, which is nearly double the lifespan of a conventional tank heater. However, their longevity is highly dependent on several factors. With proper installation and regular maintenance, such as descaling to prevent mineral buildup from hard water, you can expect a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Without proper care, a tankless unit may begin to fail in as little as 12 years. Other factors that affect its lifespan include household usage and the quality of the local water supply. While they have a higher upfront cost, their energy savings, smaller size, and longer life make them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to vent a gas water heater out of the wall or roof?

• <div><p>Venting a gas water heater out of the roof is preferable in most cases. Heated exhaust gases naturally rise, so a vertical vent pipe is efficient. If you&rsquo;re trying to vent through a pipe exiting a wall, the angle of the pipe may be more horizontal than vertical, making the venting system less effective. If you go through a wall, you may need to add a fan to ensure a successful expulsion of the gases outdoors.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Argyle, MN

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Argyle, MN 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 Argyle, MN 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 July 24, 2026

Reviewed in July 2026
First of all I was really impressed with Alex he broke things down for me and my wife to understand what the company was about and who he was I felt like I was part of his family I differently would recommend him and his company for your needs rather if it is a roof new windows they can help you...
DaBella - Minneapolis (Roofing)
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Reviewed in September 2021
They were professional, courteous and cooperative. We have hired many moving companies through the years and we know the difference between movers who know their job. Always asked where I wanted things put. In fact they were so efficient; they kept well below the estimated time and price. I've...
USA Family Moving, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2021
Phil did an excellent job repairing and altering my deck! I have since hired him for many other jobs that I as a homeowner donâ t feel as comfortable completing myself. I also appreciate the input he has by listing out ways and materials to finish projects that I am unaware of.
Phil the Builder, LLC dba Prestige Contracting
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Reviewed in August 2017
They did a great job.
LABINE ELECTRIC
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Reviewed in December 2016
They came within a few hours of my call and did an awesome job! Very friendly ð
After Hours Service, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2009
Very friendly and dependable. The floor looks very nice and he was careful to clean up after himself.
Bishman-Dyer Flooring
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Find Water heater pros in Argyle

BNJ Plumbing & Heating Inc.

5.0(

)

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Repair or ServiceTankless Water Heater - Install+5 more

Serving Argyle, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"The guyâ s response was awesome!! Very professional and the service afterwards was outstanding! I also had them back in the Spring and had them put in a heat pump! Very satisfied with BNJ!"

Response time10 mins

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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High Plains Water, Inc.

5.0(

)

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

Serving Argyle, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Serving North Dakota and Western Minnesota with offices in Grand Forks, Valley City, and Jamestown\nFresh, clean, tasty water is our business! We strive to keep your home's plumbing new by removing the minerals that deposit in pipes and on fixtures. These same minerals prevent your soap from doing its job - cleaning your family and all that you own.\nIn addition, we can filter chlorine, iron, manganese, nitrates, arsenic, cysts, fluoride, and even radium from your water. We specialize in fixing your personal water issues.

High Purity water for a lab in a municipal water treatment plant

Recommended by100%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 Argyle, MN 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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Lee Plumbing & Heating Co

New to Angi

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

Serving Argyle, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1905

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We specialize in all of your home HVAC and plumbing needs for over the past 110 years. Our staff takes pride in providing our homeowners with the highest quality of work and customer service. If you are looking for professionals with experience call Lee Plumbing & Heating Co, today.

Response time4 days

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gatorsplumbing

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For BusinessTankless Water Heater - Repair+1 more

Serving Argyle, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Gators Plumbing LLC is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

Most standard residential water heaters, which are typically around 40 gallons and use 240 volts and between 3,500 and 5,500 watts, require a 30-amp, two-pole circuit breaker. For smaller, point-of-use water heaters using 120 volts and between 1,500 and 3,000 watts, a 30-amp breaker is also often adequate. However, some models may have different needs; units that use more watts than average may require a 40-amp breaker, while smaller units might only need a 20-amp breaker. Newer, tankless, or more energy-efficient models can also require a higher amperage. Having the correct breaker size is crucial for safe and efficient operation, so it's best to consult a licensed electrician to determine the specific needs of your water heater.

Flushing biannually, checking the anode rod, and temperature settings maximize equipment lifespan while reducing surprise costs.

The average water heater holds between 40 and 60 gallons, but the exact amount of water that comes out during draining will depend on your unit’s capacity. The amount of time it takes to drain a water heater averages from 10 to 30 minutes.

A tankless water heater can last up to 20 years, which is nearly double the lifespan of a conventional tank heater. However, their longevity is highly dependent on several factors. With proper installation and regular maintenance, such as descaling to prevent mineral buildup from hard water, you can expect a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Without proper care, a tankless unit may begin to fail in as little as 12 years. Other factors that affect its lifespan include household usage and the quality of the local water supply. While they have a higher upfront cost, their energy savings, smaller size, and longer life make them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.

Venting a gas water heater out of the roof is preferable in most cases. Heated exhaust gases naturally rise, so a vertical vent pipe is efficient. If you’re trying to vent through a pipe exiting a wall, the angle of the pipe may be more horizontal than vertical, making the venting system less effective. If you go through a wall, you may need to add a fan to ensure a successful expulsion of the gases outdoors.

The Argyle, MN 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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