Does a water softener ruin a water heater?

• <div><p>The chemicals in a water softener can wear down the anode rod in the heater and shorten its life span. However, for most people, the benefits of the softener outweigh this potential drawback.</p><p>Have a plumber inspect the anode rod annually for damage, as replacing the anode rod is far less expensive than replacing the entire water heater. </p></div>

How long does an electric water heater last?

• <div><p>If your water heater continues to have issues, you may wonder <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-does-electric-water-heater-last.htm">how long an electric water heat lasts</a>. On average, these units last between 10 to 15 years. Following a proper maintenance schedule can help the water heater live to the end of its average lifespan or longer.</p></div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Canton, SD

Q: How often should you replace an anode rod?

• <div><p>Most hot water heater manufacturers recommend replacing the anode rod about once every three to five years. Anode rods sacrifice themselves by collecting iron, limestone, and other minerals that would otherwise corrode your hot water heater tank. This abuse wears them out long before your water heater does. Check the rod when you remove it and replace it if more than 50% of the metal has been consumed. Check the rod more frequently if you have hard water or use a water softener. </p></div>

Q: Does an electric water heater need its own circuit breaker?

• <div><p>A water heater is one of the heaviest hitters in your home, and it needs as much power as possible to help it run efficiently and effectively.</p><p>Your water heater should be on its own dedicated circuit breaker, with no other power sources running to it. This is required to meet the National Electric Code&ndash;and to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.</p></div>

Q: Should I replace my 20-year-old gas water heater?

• <div><p>If your gas water heater is over 20 years old, it should be replaced. Gas water heaters can last up to 12 years and while they can exceed this expectancy if well-maintained, a heater that's 20 years old would require replacement. The heater is unlikely to run as efficiently as a new model and could be more expensive to do so.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Canton, SD

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Canton, SD 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 Canton, SD 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 August 13, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
I was experiencing my gutters overflowing. Every rainfall, water would spill out of my gutters instead of my downspouts. I was very frustrated. I did some research and discovered Mr. Handyman. They were WONDERFUL. They came and cleaned out piles of leaves from the previous years and now my...
Mr. Handyman of Greater Sioux Falls
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Reviewed in July 2025
Do NOT trust this company? Did a remodel project at my home.. Did not bother to pull building permit for the majority of the project.. Completed HVAC and electrical work that he isn?t competent enough to do.. For the first time living at my home- we now have water coming in our mechanical room...
Daggett Construction Services, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
Piercen did an awesome job and went above and beyond on our garage heater installation.
Dr. HVAC
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Reviewed in July 2018
I really liked the quick response and customer experience with both owner and workers, but... I wish they would go through more details before work, because I did not think they did all of what was expected from me. Need more fill around concrete work after they were done, Floor level was a...
S&G Specialty Concrete
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Reviewed in October 2017
It was replaced. It took 4 hours. We were charged the same amount for installation as we had been charged the first time, 3 years prior. This was legal but it seemed wrong. We were sent a letter on their letterhead signed by their secretary and owner saying it was legal. I have all the...
Hander, Inc. Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in May 2017
Contractor said the water heater needed replacing and needed the addition of a water softener. They provided my wife a quote of $5,500 for the water heater and $1,000 for the softener. Anyone that knows anything about water heaters knows there is not a system in the world that should cost any...
Comfort Heroes Plumbing, Heating & Air
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Reviewed in November 2016
Our water heater quit and they came out to repair it the same day. It quit again within a day and had to be replaced. They came right away and replaced the entire water heater and tore up the bill from the previous visit.
Frisbee Plumbing Heating Air Conditioning & Electr
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Reviewed in March 2016
I should have had them out a long time ago, when the water pressure had dropped, I had apparently waited long enough that the filters had become clogged and stopped up. The service tech showed up within the allotted time window, but at the very end of it. I was wondering if he was even going to...
Culligan Water of Sioux Falls SD
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Reviewed in March 2011
Our heater stopped working on one of the coldest days of the year. I called and they were able to send someone out within a few hours. They arrived and after inspecting the heater showed me how I could read the flowchart on my furnace and determine what the color coded lights meant so in the...
SCHEMPP HEATING & AIR COND INC
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Find Water heater pros in Canton

J-Pimentel, LLC

4.3(

)

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For BusinessTankless Water Heater - Repair+5 more

Serving Canton, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

At J-Pimentel, LLC we pride our ourselves in quality, value, and service! We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular project. We look forward to earning your business!

Response time1 day

Recommended by70%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 Canton, SD 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

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Canton, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.\n

Response time50 mins

Recommended by88%of homeowners

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605 Plumbing & Heating

New to Angi

Water Heater - Install or Replace

Serving Canton, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

605 Plumbing and Heating, is a locally owned and operated business out of Yankton, SD. We provide our customers with what our 10 years of industry experience has taught us the importance of timeliness, integrity, and quality of work. Give us a call for a free quote!

Response time10 hrs

Response rate100%

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Emerald River Plumbing & Drain

New to Angi

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

Serving Canton, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Residential Plumbing and Service.\nDrain Clearing, water heater install /repair, home repipes, gas lines, leaking toilets and fixtures. 10 Years Experience

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

Most hot water heater manufacturers recommend replacing the anode rod about once every three to five years. Anode rods sacrifice themselves by collecting iron, limestone, and other minerals that would otherwise corrode your hot water heater tank. This abuse wears them out long before your water heater does. Check the rod when you remove it and replace it if more than 50% of the metal has been consumed. Check the rod more frequently if you have hard water or use a water softener.

A water heater is one of the heaviest hitters in your home, and it needs as much power as possible to help it run efficiently and effectively.

Your water heater should be on its own dedicated circuit breaker, with no other power sources running to it. This is required to meet the National Electric Code–and to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.

The chemicals in a water softener can wear down the anode rod in the heater and shorten its life span. However, for most people, the benefits of the softener outweigh this potential drawback.

Have a plumber inspect the anode rod annually for damage, as replacing the anode rod is far less expensive than replacing the entire water heater.

If your gas water heater is over 20 years old, it should be replaced. Gas water heaters can last up to 12 years and while they can exceed this expectancy if well-maintained, a heater that's 20 years old would require replacement. The heater is unlikely to run as efficiently as a new model and could be more expensive to do so.

If your water heater continues to have issues, you may wonder how long an electric water heat lasts. On average, these units last between 10 to 15 years. Following a proper maintenance schedule can help the water heater live to the end of its average lifespan or longer.

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