How often should electric water heaters be replaced?

• <div><p>Electric water heaters typically last 10 to 20 years, though proper maintenance can extend their lifespan. If your unit is over a decade old and showing signs of inefficiency—such as higher energy bills, frequent repairs, or leaks—replacement is a smart investment. Tankless models last over 20 years, which can make them a longer-lasting alternative to traditional tank water heaters.</p></div>

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>

Do electric water heaters waste electricity?

• <div><p>If you have a tank-type electric water heater, it runs regularly to keep the water at the desired temperature. If you live in a home where you don’t use much hot water, it could seem wasteful to run power to heat water that you’re using infrequently. You could save some power by using a smaller tank, insulating the tank, or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-turn-up-water-heater-temperature.htm">lowering the temperature of the water heater</a>. </p></div>

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Q: How often should a gas water heater be replaced?

• <div><p>You should replace your gas water heater when it&rsquo;s reached the end of its lifespan, which is a maximum of 12 years in most cases. If your unit is over a decade old and showing signs of inefficiency, leaks, or frequent malfunctions, it may be time to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-replace-gas-water-heater.htm">replace your water heater</a>. Research how to best maintain your gas water heater to help extend its lifespan.</p></div>

Q: Will a larger water heater require a larger circuit breaker?

• <div><p>A <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-breaker-for-water-heater.htm">larger heater requires a larger breaker</a>&mdash;unless there&rsquo;s one already installed. The longer answer to this question is more nuanced. Do you place demands on the heater at the same time as running other heavy-duty appliances like ovens and washing machines? Do you live in an older home that may not have considered the higher electrical demands we have now? Breakers need to be sized at 125% of the load. To find that load, you should call a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/electrical/">local electrical pro</a>. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Backus, MN

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Backus, 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 Backus, 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 October 09, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Just and FYI if you are thinking of calling any company to do work on your property DO NOT call North Country Construction LLC out of Pequot Lakes MN. Owner of company if Jayden Cadias.We had him install a kitchen floor which cost $9300 and the tiles are separating. We made him aware of this,...
North Country Construction LLC
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Reviewed in July 2025
Steamboat Plumbing's owner Luke Ewert exceeded my expectations! He was incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional, taking extra time to ensure I understood my new water softener's operation, including navigating cycles and settings. He also walked me through shutting down my cabin's...
Steamboat Plumbing
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Reviewed in July 2024
We had a house fire and needed the condenser moved to the new house. They were working on it in a couple days, way sooner than expected. Very professional and good at what they do. This is my second time having them work on my ac/heating, will call them for all my needs in the future.
Lake Shore Heating and Cooling, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
Justin was on time and very friendly respected our home cleaned up after job was done and made sure we knew how to use the water softener before he left
Range Water Conditioning
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Reviewed in December 2021
Swenson Electric does great work. The electricians are friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
Swenson Electric
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Reviewed in September 2021
Same day service to replace water heater;Professional .friendly,and timely.
Water Heaters Now, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2021
They work very well with the customer and help you determine what the needs you have of your pool service
Sunburst Pool Maintenance and Repair
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Reviewed in July 2018
Despite assurances from owner and son that their paint finish on cabinets would not come off even if kitchen used frequently and wiped down regularly, paint has peeled, worn thin, and chipped off even in areas that are not used. Owner repainted some of the cabinet doors first year, but did not...
Crow Wing Cabinets
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Reviewed in December 2017
Jim was very prompt, fit us in quickly to his schedule. Price for installing water softener was very reasonable compared to other quotes we had received. We would definitely use him again!
Finken, Inc.
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Find Water heater pros in Backus

Aquarius Home Services

4.6(

260

)

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

Serving Backus, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Paul did excellent work on replacing our pressure tank. Also, redid plumbing pipes by water heater."

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by91%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 Backus, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"He was very nice to talk with and repaired our washing machine. He even helped sweep the water out."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For BusinessTankless Water Heater - Repair+3 more

Serving Backus, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Steamboat Plumbing's owner Luke Ewert exceeded my expectations! He was incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional, taking extra time to ensure I understood my new water softener's operation, including navigating cycles and settings. He also walked me through shutting down my cabin's plumbing system for the fall, allowing me to video record the process. Luke's clear explanations, patience, and personal touch made the experience seamless. His dedication to customers is impressive. I appreciated the opportunity to chat with him about his background and family, which added a nice touch to the service. I highly recommend Steamboat Plumbing and Luke Ewert for exceptional service, expertise, and customer care. I will definitely use Steamboat Plumbing again in the future!"

Response time1 day

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Lakes Area Water Works

4.8(

)

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For BusinessTankless Water Heater - Repair+5 more

Serving Backus, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. 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.

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

Electric water heaters typically last 10 to 20 years, though proper maintenance can extend their lifespan. If your unit is over a decade old and showing signs of inefficiency—such as higher energy bills, frequent repairs, or leaks—replacement is a smart investment. Tankless models last over 20 years, which can make them a longer-lasting alternative to traditional tank water heaters.

You should replace your gas water heater when it’s reached the end of its lifespan, which is a maximum of 12 years in most cases. If your unit is over a decade old and showing signs of inefficiency, leaks, or frequent malfunctions, it may be time to replace your water heater. Research how to best maintain your gas water heater to help extend its lifespan.

A larger heater requires a larger breaker—unless there’s one already installed. The longer answer to this question is more nuanced. Do you place demands on the heater at the same time as running other heavy-duty appliances like ovens and washing machines? Do you live in an older home that may not have considered the higher electrical demands we have now? Breakers need to be sized at 125% of the load. To find that load, you should call a local electrical pro.

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.

If you have a tank-type electric water heater, it runs regularly to keep the water at the desired temperature. If you live in a home where you don’t use much hot water, it could seem wasteful to run power to heat water that you’re using infrequently. You could save some power by using a smaller tank, insulating the tank, or lowering the temperature of the water heater.

The Backus, MN 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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