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>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Backus, MN

Q: Can you ask a pro what’s the best breaker size for your water heater?

• <div><p>If you are having trouble determining the right breaker size for your water heater, it is a great idea to contact an electrician near you to help. They can help you determine the best option for your home and install the circuit breaker for you, ensuring that you have all the proper permits and that your circuit breaker won&rsquo;t overload, which could lead to fire and other damage.</p></div>

Q: Is 20 years too old for a water heater?

• <div><p>If your water heater is about to celebrate the big 2-0, you may want to consider sending it off to greener pastures. While the water heater may seem to be working well, any conventional, tanked water heater over 10 years of age is at risk of failure. If your water heater is 20 years or older, your best move is to replace your aging heater before it completely breaks down.</p></div>

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: 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>

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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

)

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."

Response time12 hrs

Response rate100%

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

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

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(

)

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

Request Quote

Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

If you are having trouble determining the right breaker size for your water heater, it is a great idea to contact an electrician near you to help. They can help you determine the best option for your home and install the circuit breaker for you, ensuring that you have all the proper permits and that your circuit breaker won’t overload, which could lead to fire and other damage.

If your water heater is about to celebrate the big 2-0, you may want to consider sending it off to greener pastures. While the water heater may seem to be working well, any conventional, tanked water heater over 10 years of age is at risk of failure. If your water heater is 20 years or older, your best move is to replace your aging heater before it completely breaks down.

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.

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 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.

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

Heather Ayer
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
How Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost? [2026 Data]
Looking to replace or upgrade your water heater? Use this water heater replacement cost guide to see what the work will cost and what factors affect your total.
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•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Flush a Water Heater? [2026 Data]
A water heater flush costs $160 on average but can vary based on the unit size, type, labor, location, and more. Keep reading to learn how much you could pay.
Haley Nothstein
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does a Water Heater Expansion Tank Cost? [2026 Data]
Wondering how much a water heater expansion tank costs? Use this cost guide to get an accurate estimate and learn how to choose the right one for your home.
Dan Simms
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire a Water Heater Installation Pro
Done with cold showers and dish washing? Hire a water heater installation pro near you to get back to comfort and safety quickly.
Kyle Schurman
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Who Can Install a Water Heater In Your Home?
Who can install a water heater for you? Look to hire a water heater installation pro or a licensed plumber for this job because of the challenges involved.
C.E. Larusso
•
Jul 20, 2026Jul 20, 2026
How Long Do Water Heaters Last?
The average lifespan of water heaters is 6 to 15 years for conventional models and up to 20 for tankless ones, but it can be less if they are not properly maintained.