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 is the lifespan of a heat pump water heater?

• <div><p>On average, a tankless water heater should last between 10 and 15 years. Its lifespan will be affected by how much it's used, the effect of weather where your home is on the unit—colder is harsher and will shorten lifespan—and if the heater is maintained appropriately and regularly. There are many signs your <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/4-signs-your-water-heater-about-fail.htm">water heater needs to be replaced</a>, so pay attention to anything that changes with your heater or hot water. </p></div>

Is ventilation necessary for water heaters?

• <div><p>Not all <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/types-of-water-heaters.htm">types of water heaters</a> require a venting system. Electric tankless water heaters don’t use natural or propane gas, so no venting is required. Instead, they use electric burners to heat water quickly and efficiently. However, any system that does use gas or propane will require ventilation. </p></div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Sturgis, MS

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: Do electric water heaters need ventilation around them?

• <div><p>Electric water heaters do not need an attached vent, but the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/does-location-my-water-heater-matter.htm">location of the water heater</a> should allow for roughly 12 inches of clearance around it. This allows cool air to flow around the appliance and allows repair technicians to work on its components safely. The exact amount of clearance space required depends on your local building codes. </p></div>

Q: What are the advantages of replacing a water heater?

• <div><p>Replacing facilitates energy savings, decreases repair frequency, and aligns with modern safety regulations, maximizing safety.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Sturgis, MS

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Sturgis, 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 Sturgis, 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 November 04, 2025

Reviewed in September 2023
They were very fast even with extreme heat
Mighty Dog Roofing
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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 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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Reviewed in March 2007
Salesman very courteous and knowledgeable. Workers arrived on time - worked non-stop until all work was completed - left no mess behind. Seems to be working well - some mud leakage at bottom of retainer wall opening...Not sure if coming from inside the wall or around outside corner of opening,...
Olshan Foundation Repair San Antonio
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Find Water heater pros in Sturgis

Tate Construction, LLC

Tate Construction, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

30 years of experience

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

Triton Construction Company

3072 County Road 41

No reviews yet

Triton Construction Company

3072 County Road 41

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

211 Herald Place

No reviews yet

Krell Distributing Co Inc

211 Herald Place

No reviews yet

53 years of experience

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

Southern Sewer And Drain

56 Shorty Burgess Road

No reviews yet

Southern Sewer And Drain

56 Shorty Burgess Road

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

404 Highway 15 S

No reviews yet

David's Plumbing

404 Highway 15 S

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.

No reviews yet

Liberty Plumbing LLC.

No reviews yet

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

Mark's Home Improvement

119 County Rd 113

5.00(

)

Mark's Home Improvement

119 County Rd 113

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We do a lot of remodeling. Our main concern is to make our customers happy. We are experienced in all of the construction job titles. Quality is the key.

Showing 1-10 of 27

Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

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.

On average, a tankless water heater should last between 10 and 15 years. Its lifespan will be affected by how much it's used, the effect of weather where your home is on the unit—colder is harsher and will shorten lifespan—and if the heater is maintained appropriately and regularly. There are many signs your water heater needs to be replaced, so pay attention to anything that changes with your heater or hot water.

Electric water heaters do not need an attached vent, but the location of the water heater should allow for roughly 12 inches of clearance around it. This allows cool air to flow around the appliance and allows repair technicians to work on its components safely. The exact amount of clearance space required depends on your local building codes.

Not all types of water heaters require a venting system. Electric tankless water heaters don’t use natural or propane gas, so no venting is required. Instead, they use electric burners to heat water quickly and efficiently. However, any system that does use gas or propane will require ventilation.

Replacing facilitates energy savings, decreases repair frequency, and aligns with modern safety regulations, maximizing safety.

The Sturgis, 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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Why Your Water Heater Keeps Tripping the Breaker and What to Do About It
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Tankless Water Heater Not Heating: 8 Causes and Solutions
If your tankless water heater is not heating, there are several common reasons why. Learn the possible causes along with practical troubleshooting tips.