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>

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: What is the most efficient type of hot water heater?

• <div><p>Heat pump water heaters, also known as hybrid water heaters, are the most efficient types of water heaters&mdash;both in terms of carbon emission and energy efficiency. This type of water heater utilizes as little as half of the energy of a traditional water heater while releasing no direct emissions. Tankless water heaters are also extremely efficient, although slightly less so than hybrid heaters.</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: Is it hard to replace an electric water heater?

• <div><p>Unless you have previous plumbing experience or extensive experience with water heaters, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/can-install-water-yourself.htm">you should avoid replacing your electric water heater yourself</a>. This process involves disconnecting wiring and parts from the old water heater and reinstalling them onto the new one, among other difficult tasks. This job is best left to the pros to make sure that everything is connected correctly to avoid serious leaks or malfunctions.</p></div>

Q: Are water heater pans required by code?

• <div><p>Yes, most municipalities have codes that require water heaters to have pans. A pan is necessary when a water heater or hot water storage tank is installed in an area where water leakage could cause damage, such as an attic, second floor, or finished basement. Tankless water heaters are not required to have a pan since there is no storage tank.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Fort Plain, NY

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Fort Plain, NY 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 Fort Plain, NY 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 25, 2025

Reviewed in July 2024
Jim was quick to respond to my query, answer all my questions about the project, describe exactly what would be done, arranged a time to do it and did it quickly and professionally. His price was excellent and his follow-up has been stellar. We are already discussing another project for him to...
J.M. Water Solutions, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2021
The specific job that Michael and his partner at All Trades Plumbing did was install a whole home water filtration system. Michael was very communicative, set us up with an appointment right away and did a fantastic job with all the work. What I especially appreciated was how knowledgeable...
All Trades Plumbing and Construction
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Reviewed in April 2019
Peaceful Valley Painting is fantastic! We had a huge interior painting job that included severely damaged walls, water damage, and removing improperly applied wallpaper. Peaceful Valley not only did a phenomenal job (you would never guess what bad shape the walls were once in now that the job is...
PEACEFUL VALLEY PAINTING
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Reviewed in October 2018
Looking forward to the end of water problems in our basement~ at long last!
Home Healthy Homes, Inc.
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Reviewed in December 2016
Called back same day and came next day at the time he said and fixed the heating elements in the electric water heater when he came. Was quick, neat, professional, and reasonable price.
PROFESSIONAL PLUMBING SYSTEMS & SERVICES
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Reviewed in November 2016
Fantastic! Matt was awesome and so helpful. We had a few hiccups and needed him to do a water test over and he did it that day!
Matthew Maloney
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Reviewed in March 2014
As a mason, Larry himself is wonderful, and does quality work. he really knows his stuff. However, if he is NOT personally doing it, the word nightmare should be used. Larry had his crew work here, while he did other jobs. Luckily, a neighbor spotted that the crew was just using regular...
L M Mason Contractors
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Reviewed in May 2008
Mr. Aldorasi was a pleasure to work with. He returned my phone call a couple of days after I left a message for him (I had indicated that it was no rush, not an emergency). We set up a time in the next week. Although I had to cancel that appointment with little notice, John was very...
J C ALDORASI PLUMBING HEATING & GASFITTING
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Capital Region Plumbing and Heating Services, LLC

Capital Region Plumbing and Heating Services, LLC

Customers say: True professional

29 local quotes requested

6 years of experience

With nearly 20 years experience, capital region plumbing and heating services proudly serves its customers with pride, integrity and attention to the details that matter most to you. This is one of the many things that sets us apart from the rest. We are locally owned and operated. Give us a call today!

"These two gentlemen know what they're doing. Great communication, fast response time,fast installations, i could've have asked for anyone better. They have the experience and they are honest men that want to help you. Avi and John are always my go to guys when I need anything done to my home. "

Briana G on October 2025

"These two gentlemen know what they're doing. Great communication, fast response time,fast installations, i could've have asked for anyone better. They have the experience and they are honest men that want to help you. Avi and John are always my go to guys when I need anything done to my home. "

Briana G on October 2025

Cookinham Construction

Cookinham Construction

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

4 years of experience

Cookinham Construction is owner operated out of the Deerfield, NY area. I can take on any job your home needs except for roofing. I take pride in all of my work and I guarantee customer satisfaction. I started working with my grandfather at a young age. Working is my life and I want nothing more that my business to be successful. Please call us or click for an estimate today!

"Cody is the best. He is very knowledgeable and thorough. Great work job well done. I’m keeping him on speed dial. 5??????????"

Thalia W on January 2022

"Cody is the best. He is very knowledgeable and thorough. Great work job well done. I’m keeping him on speed dial. 5??????????"

Thalia W on January 2022

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Fort Plain, NY

Find Water heater pros in Fort Plain

Capital Region Plumbing and Heating Services, LLC

Capital Region Plumbing and Heating Services, LLC

Cookinham Construction

Cookinham Construction

Standard

Standard

Above & Beyond Unlimited, Corp.

Above & Beyond Unlimited, Corp.

TFG Contracting

TFG Contracting

Ian C Carey

Ian C Carey

action renovationand roofing corp

action renovationand roofing corp

SPH Services LLC

SPH Services LLC

Austin Bros. Contracting

Austin Bros. Contracting

Jaer Baer Enterprises

Jaer Baer Enterprises

The Fort Plain, NY homeowners’ guide to water heater services

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How Much Does a Water Heater Expansion Tank Cost? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Hot Water Heater? [2025 Data]

How to Test Your Water Heater Thermostat

What Is a Water Heater Expansion Tank?

How to Replace a Gas Water Heater In Your Home

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