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>

What size water heater does my house need?

• <div><p>If you're replacing a broken water heater, now is a great time to make sure you're selecting a unit that has the right capacity for your household. According to the<a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/sizing-new-water-heater"> U.S. Department of Energy</a>, a small 50-gallon to 60-gallon tank is sufficient for households with one to three people. A medium-sized 80-gallon tank is considered ideal for three to four people. A larger tank may be needed if your household has four to six people.</p></div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Rollingstone, MN

Q: How heavy is a water heater?

• <div><p>An average-sized empty water heater weighs around 150 pounds. Tankless water heaters are much lighter, weighing between 10 and 50 pounds. The smaller size and added convenience come at a price, though&mdash;tankless water heaters average about twice the price of their traditional counterparts.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to install or replace a water heater?

• <div><p>The time it takes to install or replace a water heater depends on the type of heater and the complexity of the job. A professional can typically replace a standard tank-style water heater in one to three hours. However, if the work area is tight, such as a small closet or crawl space, the job could take four to five hours. Replacing an existing tankless unit takes about two to three hours, while upgrading from a tank-style to a tankless water heater is more complex and can take four to six hours. The project will take longer if you are switching fuel sources, such as installing a gas heater which can add about an hour to the timeline, or if the unit needs to be relocated.</p></div>

Q: What size wire should I use for a 30-amp hot water heater?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/wire-guage-amp-chart.htm">standard copper wire gauge</a> to use with any 30-amp circuit is a 10-gauge wire. The National Electric Code specifies a 10-gauge wire with appliances like water heaters running on 30 amps. If you try to use a smaller gauge wire, such as a 12 gauge, with a 30-amp breaker, you run the risk of the wire overheating and melting or causing a fire. Because of the safety hazards, the gauge of the wire is not an area to try to cut costs when connecting a 30-amp breaker to a water heater.</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 Rollingstone, MN

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Rollingstone, 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 Rollingstone, 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 07, 2023

Reviewed in July 2023
Rating · 4.4 (3,691 Reviews) Lori Ahl recommends Mad City Windows & Baths. Just now · Shared with Your friends we had all the windows in our house replaced. the crew was extremely professional and did an amazing job. timely and efficient. My husband installed windows for a living at one time,...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in January 2023
If I could give 6 stars I would. I have been extremely impressed and pleased with the courtesy and professionalism of River Valley Remodelers. They called me up when my window arrived and installed it the next day! They are very sociable also, my girlfriend was home alone when they did the...
River Valley Remodelers, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
If I could give 6 stars I would. I have been extremely impressed and pleased with the courtesy and professionalism of River Valley Remodelers. They called me up when my window arrived and installed it the next day! They are very sociable also, my girlfriend was home alone when they did the...
River Valley Remodelers, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2022
River valley remodelers does great work. Alex and Austin did a great job with the presentation. The installation crew was hard working and efficient. Highly recommend!
River Valley Remodelers, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2021
Very nice people to work with - fixed all my small projects - the reason for the 4.5 rating, he couldn't fix the plumbing problem I had in my bathroom. Leaky faucet.
On The Spot Construction - Unlicensed Contractor
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Reviewed in January 2021
Four man crew showed up and started with a review of work order and expectations (basement water drainage system)Quickly organized plan of work and promptly Started in a systematic way and accepted assistance from home owner. The crew was efficient and friendly. On the third day an...
American Waterworks
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Reviewed in August 2017
Wanted to finish basement and eliminate the remaining 10 percent of water issues. Found their website and looked at all the 3 minute videos which was informative. Contacted them by phone and a packet with their services listed arrived shortly after with more info. Had a company rep, Tom, come to...
American Waterworks
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Reviewed in July 2017
I called two other HVAC businesses for estimates. One was Schneider Heating and Air Conditioning in Winona (101 Harvester Ave, 507-454-3001; they also have an office in La Crosse, WI). I spoke to Joe in particular. When I told him I needed an estimate for replacing the outside unit, he asked for...
Schneider Heating & Air Conditioning - La Crosse
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Reviewed in June 2017
In Dave's inspection report, he mentioned a water leak in our pipes in the basement. He had advised us to call the city when it warms up in the Spring for the city to come out and fix our leak. Spring came, we called the city and surely they DID NOT fix the issues that was going on with our...
Dave's Home Inspection Service
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Reviewed in February 2014
The measure of a company is not how they treat you when things go well, but how they treat you when things go bad. And things went really bad (initially) which our Hot Tub. <br /> In October, we decided to purchase a floor model hot tub from Host Springs. The sales staff was friendly and...
HOT SPRINGS SPAS OF LA CROSSE
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Find Water heater pros in Rollingstone

K&A Plumbing, LLC

4.8(

)

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

Serving Rollingstone, 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 +++"

22 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by38%of homeowners

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LIPINSKI Plumbing HVAC Company

4.8(

)

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

Serving Rollingstone, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Lipinski Plumbing did an excellent job. Not only timely service, but they came earlier than scheduled as they had a cancellation. Will definitely hire them again and recommend them"

Response time9 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by79%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

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

Serving Rollingstone, 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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Petteys Plumbing LLC

New to Angi

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

Serving Rollingstone, 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 Rollingstone, 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 Rollingstone, 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 Rollingstone, 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

An average-sized empty water heater weighs around 150 pounds. Tankless water heaters are much lighter, weighing between 10 and 50 pounds. The smaller size and added convenience come at a price, though—tankless water heaters average about twice the price of their traditional counterparts.

The time it takes to install or replace a water heater depends on the type of heater and the complexity of the job. A professional can typically replace a standard tank-style water heater in one to three hours. However, if the work area is tight, such as a small closet or crawl space, the job could take four to five hours. Replacing an existing tankless unit takes about two to three hours, while upgrading from a tank-style to a tankless water heater is more complex and can take four to six hours. The project will take longer if you are switching fuel sources, such as installing a gas heater which can add about an hour to the timeline, or if the unit needs to be relocated.

The standard copper wire gauge to use with any 30-amp circuit is a 10-gauge wire. The National Electric Code specifies a 10-gauge wire with appliances like water heaters running on 30 amps. If you try to use a smaller gauge wire, such as a 12 gauge, with a 30-amp breaker, you run the risk of the wire overheating and melting or causing a fire. Because of the safety hazards, the gauge of the wire is not an area to try to cut costs when connecting a 30-amp breaker to a water heater.

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.

If you're replacing a broken water heater, now is a great time to make sure you're selecting a unit that has the right capacity for your household. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a small 50-gallon to 60-gallon tank is sufficient for households with one to three people. A medium-sized 80-gallon tank is considered ideal for three to four people. A larger tank may be needed if your household has four to six people.

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