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>

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Q: How do I know when it's time to replace a hot water heater?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/when-should-i-replace-my-water-heater.htm">average lifespan of a water heater</a> is eight to 12 years. If your water heater is approaching its first decade of life and is giving you problems, talk to a plumber about your replacement options.</p><p>Keep in mind that certain parts of a water heater, such as the anode rod, may need replacement long before the heater itself. An anode rod often has a lifespan of three to five years.</p></div>

Q: Are hot water heater expansion tanks necessary?

• <div><p>While many older homes don&rsquo;t need hot water heater expansion tanks, they&rsquo;re necessary in most newer homes and are required by building codes. These tanks are required by code in areas where there are backflow preventers or pressure regulators on the incoming water pipe between the public water pipes and the water heater. However, tankless water heaters don&rsquo;t require expansion tanks.</p></div>

Q: What is the cost to replace a hot water heater?

• <div><p>The cost to replace a water heater depends on the type you choose (tank versus tankless) and the fuel type. You can expect to pay anywhere from $880 to $1,780 for a one-to-one replacement. If you&rsquo;re switching from one type or energy source to another, labor costs will rise significantly for the extra amount of work. </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>

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>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Brooksville, MS

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Brooksville, MS 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 Brooksville, MS 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 December 05, 2025

Reviewed in October 2023
I highly recommend working with Donovan. Not only does he do great work, he also is amazing to communicate with,and he always is able to get the job done quickly. He even came to help me one evening with barely any notice when I couldn’t get my water heater working. I have had an absolutely...
DC Electrical Services
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Reviewed in June 2021
I called several plumbers to fix my parents hot water heater pipes that were leaking. Lyles was the only one that called me back. They were able to come out and fix the repair the same day!! Super nice and friendly service! Would highly recommend them!
Lyles Plumbing and Excavation
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Reviewed in August 2020
After loosing electical power during a heat wave, my AC did not cool when the power was restored. When the power came back on the AC was blowing hot air. I called Guerrero's in the morning and they came the same day and repaired the unit. Very professional and adhered to COVID-19 protocol. I...
Guerrero's Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in September 2019
Great job unclog drains check water pressure and cover outside drain
Stewart Plumbing Co
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Reviewed in October 2017
After they arrived and began work I was told that they were not going to install the heat strips. They got the salesman on the phone, and I asked how much of the quoted price he had included for the heat strips. He said "About $20." I was guessing at least $500 to $800, but have since been given...
RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2014
Every part of this job went perfectly - from the coupon ordering - to the first contact - his calls to discuss and confirm the dates - his call when he was on the way and the hours spent working in the Memphis Summer heat. I could not have asked for a better company and crew - there was nothing...
1-855 US Trash
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Reviewed in October 2013
Awful. The man (Marty H.) came with the crew the first day and then left. We did not see him until the job was over. His crew looked like convicts that he had gotten out on work-release. They tore one of the screens upstairs and did not claim respnsibility nor offer to replace it. After a...
Advance Roofing
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Reviewed in August 2013
Have used Matthews Heating and Air Conditioning for over 12 years. Always professional, friendly, neat, fair and prompt.
Matthews Heating & Air Conditioning Svc
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Reviewed in August 2013
Very professional. Drained out the water, removed the two units and put in the new ones without any problems. I have had trouble with providers in the past and they were recommended by our gas company. We did not compare prices with anyone else. We did not call anyone else. Not sure if the...
Mid Mississippi Heating & Cooling / Raymond
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Reviewed in April 2013
We have been their customer for about 13 years now. They do all of our heating, air, and plumbing services. We feel like they are very honest. If something ever goes wrong after a repair, they come out immediately to repair the issue.
Mitch Wright Plumbing Heating & Air
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Find Water heater pros in Brooksville

Tate Construction, LLC

4.50(

)

•Approved Pro

Tate Construction, LLC

4.50(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

15 local quotes requested

At Tate Construction, LLC, we are your premier choice for all your home improvement needs. We have provided high quality work and friendly customer service for years. Choose the best not the rest. We will not let you down. Great work at a great price. A+ quality. Call today!

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Tyrekes S on February 2022

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Tyrekes S on February 2022

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

Customers say: Super punctual

27799 local quotes requested

9 years of experience

NEW! Appliance Consultation – Just $35 Get expert advice before you spend on repairs or replacements. A Neli technician will evaluate your issue and help you decide if your appliance can be fixed—or if it’s time for a new one. Virtual Appliance Diagnosis and Repair - Just $45 Service Description: Diagnose or repair your appliance virtually—no need for anyone to enter your home. Neli’s certified technicians guide you step-by-step via secure video chat. How It Works: Book online at nelihome.com or call 833-876-0900 Connect with a tech through our video platform Diagnose or fix the issue in real time Get expert advice and confidence in your next steps What’s Included: Real-time video guidance from a certified technician Diagnosis of the issue OR full repair (when possible) Step-by-step guidance using your smartphone or tablet Safe, contact-free service - no one in your home Flexible scheduling—appointments available daily Perfect For: Appliance fixes HVAC troubleshooting DIY-savvy homeowners Saving time and money on service calls

"Super helpful"

Michele H on November 2025

"Super helpful"

Michele H on November 2025

Triton Construction Company

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Triton Construction Company

No reviews yet

10 years of experience

Triton Construction Company has 3 employees! We have a page on Facebook where are pictures of our jobs are it is under Triton Construction Company! We love helping people for a cheap and reasonable price. Thanks and have a great day!!!

Krell Distributing Co Inc

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Krell Distributing Co Inc

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53 years of experience

Additional DBA - Krell Industries. Family owned & operated. Nationwide service.

Southern Sewer And Drain

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Southern Sewer And Drain

No reviews yet

10 years of experience

Locally owned and operated, family plumbing services dedicated to providing all customers with Quality and Dependable customer service. We do it all, The complete plumbing service.

David's Plumbing

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David's Plumbing

No reviews yet

24 years of experience

From plumbing repairs to installations, we can help with your pipe problem! Need pipe, septic, water heater, or irrigation system fix? With over 14 years of experience, we can help you through our reliable and affordable service.

Solar Wolf Energy

2.00(

)

Solar Wolf Energy

2.00(

)

10 years of experience

Solar Wolf is a full service solar company with a great reputation and an old world belief to our customers. To under-promise and over-deliver, period. We have 18 years experience in construction, remodeling, roofing, solar water heaters, solar pv systems, battery back-up systems and much more. See what Solar Wolf Energy can do for you!

Trust our proven reputation to take care of your plumbing needs. We have been voted reader's choice best plumber in the triangle for 2 years running. As we're licensed, bonded, and insured master plumber, you can count on us.

Liberty Plumbing LLC.

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Liberty Plumbing LLC.

No reviews yet

With over 20 years of experience, we're the best choice for all your plumbing needs.

Showing 1-10 of 28

Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

The average lifespan of a water heater is eight to 12 years. If your water heater is approaching its first decade of life and is giving you problems, talk to a plumber about your replacement options.

Keep in mind that certain parts of a water heater, such as the anode rod, may need replacement long before the heater itself. An anode rod often has a lifespan of three to five years.

While many older homes don’t need hot water heater expansion tanks, they’re necessary in most newer homes and are required by building codes. These tanks are required by code in areas where there are backflow preventers or pressure regulators on the incoming water pipe between the public water pipes and the water heater. However, tankless water heaters don’t require expansion tanks.

The cost to replace a water heater depends on the type you choose (tank versus tankless) and the fuel type. You can expect to pay anywhere from $880 to $1,780 for a one-to-one replacement. If you’re switching from one type or energy source to another, labor costs will rise significantly for the extra amount of work.

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.

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.

The Brooksville, MS 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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