What are the pros and cons of electric water heaters?

• <div><p>Every type of water heater has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding those can help you decide the best type for your situation and budget. </p><p>Pros</p><ul><li><p>Safer than gas or propane</p></li><li><p>Doesn’t require extensive venting systems</p></li><li><p>Lower upfront costs</p></li><li><p>Simpler to operate</p></li><li><p>No pilot light</p></li><li><p>Easier installation</p></li><li><p>More efficient heating than gas models</p></li><li><p>Available as point-of-use (POU) and whole-house units</p></li></ul><p>Cons</p><ul><li><p>Slower to heat water</p></li><li><p>Longer recovery time</p></li><li><p>Possibly higher operating costs</p></li><li><p>Doesn’t work during a power outage</p></li><li><p>Costs can increase without a 240-volt connection</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Q: What is the average lifespan of a water heater?

• <div><p>The lifespan of a water heater depends on its type, usage, and maintenance schedule. Traditional tank-style water heaters typically last between 8 and 12 years, though the range can be as wide as 6 to 15 years. Within this category, gas models often last 8-12 years, while electric models may last 10-15 years. In contrast, tankless water heaters have a significantly longer lifespan, often lasting up to 20 years or more. Factors like heavy usage, hard water, and sediment buildup can shorten a unit's life. To extend its lifespan, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank annually and scheduling professional inspections. If your unit is over a decade old and shows signs of rust, leaks, strange noises, or inconsistent heating, it is likely time for a replacement.</p></div>

Q: Can you vent a gas water heater out the side of the house?

• <div><p>You can and should vent the gas from your hot water heater to the outside of your home. Traditionally, these gases were vented back to other gas appliances, like stoves or furnaces, but many jurisdictions have outlawed this practice due to the risks it provides. </p><p>Most water heaters today use atmospheric venting that exhausts the gas out of the home through a pipe.</p></div>

Q: Which types of gas appliances might require installation or replacement services?

• <div><p>Examples include gas stoves, ovens, and water heaters. Confirm with your provider for specific items.</p></div>

Q: What are some common issues with a water heater?

• <div><p>Often, the first issue you might encounter is a lack or loss of power&mdash;this could be caused by a tripped switch or a failed heating element. If your hot water is not producing enough power and its size is not the issue, you might need to replace one of its heating elements. A leaking water heater could be caused by tank erosion. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Plainview, MN

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Plainview, 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 Plainview, 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 June 17, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
We found MN Building Contractors at the Rochester home show. The bid was comparable to the 8 contractors who bid. Bill offered suggestions and options we felt would improve the overall appearance, which is why we choose him. We had new windows, storm doors, siding, facia, soffit and gutter...
Minnesota Building Contractors
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Reviewed in May 2026
Mad City was great to work with from the start to the finish. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in April 2026
Everything was done perfectly and was flexible with my schedule and at a good price. Thank you!
Z&M Services
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Reviewed in March 2024
Greenguard won't come replace shingles that are heaved. I've been dealing with Nick from Greenguard and Atlas shingles for 1.5yrs. Both companies put blame on one another. Greenguard saying it is the Atlas shingle Manufacturer and Atlas saying it's because Greenguard didn't use correct ice and...
GreenGuard Construction
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Reviewed in April 2023
Ryan and the whole Gray Duck Roofing crew were wonderful to work with. Communication was very clear and I never once had to reach out for an update, they were always calling me even if there werenâ t any major updates. We have an old 1900 house that had roof damage from wind and hail and they...
Gray Duck Roofing, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
Anthony, Billy and Gunner worked very efficiently on my project, thanks River Valley Remodelers.
River Valley Remodelers, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2022
Very fast first response High concern to make things correct and safe witch is very important to me and the safety of my grandchildren. Thank you
Innovation Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2021
I hired KARV Home Solutions to clean the gutters on my house. This is something I typically would have tried to do myself, but my house is three stories in the back, which is too high for me to safely do. Kohl and his colleague had the equipment, know-how, and skill to do it correctly. They...
KARV Home Solutions
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Reviewed in June 2021
They were excellent and no complaint with the service. They did a great job.
Kruger Electric
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Reviewed in February 2015
First visit (1/27/15): I had contacted Tonna to check the flame sensor on my furnace. the burner was cycling often. During the first visit the technician confirmed my suspicion that the flame sensor was bad. He also found that the drain for the exhaust fan was plugged and the burners were...
Tonna Mechanical
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Find Water heater pros in Plainview

K&A Plumbing, LLC

4.9(

)

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

Serving Plainview, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Derrick and Eric, did a terrific job, they replaced our water heater the same day that I Called. Derrick even replace a water shut off control that had been bothering us They are a couple of guys that really do a great job for their customers. They are really service oriented. They are my first and only call for my plumbing needs. A +++"

25 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by55%of homeowners

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Plainview, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Caleb was recommended by a friend and I could not be happier that I took the advice! He fixed my water heater issue in a timely manner and is just a nice guy. Stop looking and call Felton Plumbing."

Response time1 day

Recommended by91%of homeowners

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Install or Replace - For Business

Serving Plainview, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"They responded right away, and we were able to get the installation of the water softener done in a very reasonable amount of time. Would highly recommend this company."

Response time3 hrs

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 Plainview, 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

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Petteys Plumbing LLC

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - InstallWater Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Plainview, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We've built an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction by providing quick estimates, a great attention to detail, and competitive pricing. \nBeing a screened and approved professional gives you the peace of mind you need to allow us to give your home the attention it deserves. Call us today and let's get started!\n

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B&F Plumbing & Sons

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - InstallWater Heater - Install or Replace

Serving Plainview, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

We are 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.\n

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Household Water Softening

New to Angi

Water Heater - Install or Replace

Serving Plainview, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

20 years of experience.

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QualityFast

New to Angi

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Repair or ServiceWater Heater - Repair or Service - For Business

Serving Plainview, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

QualityFast 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

The lifespan of a water heater depends on its type, usage, and maintenance schedule. Traditional tank-style water heaters typically last between 8 and 12 years, though the range can be as wide as 6 to 15 years. Within this category, gas models often last 8-12 years, while electric models may last 10-15 years. In contrast, tankless water heaters have a significantly longer lifespan, often lasting up to 20 years or more. Factors like heavy usage, hard water, and sediment buildup can shorten a unit's life. To extend its lifespan, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank annually and scheduling professional inspections. If your unit is over a decade old and shows signs of rust, leaks, strange noises, or inconsistent heating, it is likely time for a replacement.

You can and should vent the gas from your hot water heater to the outside of your home. Traditionally, these gases were vented back to other gas appliances, like stoves or furnaces, but many jurisdictions have outlawed this practice due to the risks it provides.

Most water heaters today use atmospheric venting that exhausts the gas out of the home through a pipe.

Every type of water heater has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding those can help you decide the best type for your situation and budget.

Pros

Safer than gas or propane
Doesn’t require extensive venting systems
Lower upfront costs
Simpler to operate
No pilot light
Easier installation
More efficient heating than gas models
Available as point-of-use (POU) and whole-house units

Cons

Slower to heat water
Longer recovery time
Possibly higher operating costs
Doesn’t work during a power outage
Costs can increase without a 240-volt connection

Examples include gas stoves, ovens, and water heaters. Confirm with your provider for specific items.

Often, the first issue you might encounter is a lack or loss of power—this could be caused by a tripped switch or a failed heating element. If your hot water is not producing enough power and its size is not the issue, you might need to replace one of its heating elements. A leaking water heater could be caused by tank erosion.

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