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>

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>

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Q: What size tankless water heater to replace a 50-gallon water heater?

• <div><p>A tankless water heater with a flow rate of 10 GPM should replace a conventional 50-gallon water heater. To avoid a surprise cold shower or two and to keep your energy costs in check, it's important to replace a conventional tanked water heater with the equivalent tankless water heater. Your household size and the number of hot-water-using devices you use at once can help you determine the best-size tankless water heater. </p></div>

Q: Are hot water heater expansion tanks necessary or required by code?

• <div><p>While not all homes require a hot water heater expansion tank, they are necessary in most newer homes and are often mandated by local building codes. Codes typically require an expansion tank if your plumbing system is a 'closed-loop' system, which often includes a backflow preventer or pressure regulator on the main water line. Some municipalities have specific requirements. Installing an expansion tank on a closed system is crucial, as it prevents excess pressure that can damage your water heater and other appliances, potentially shortening their lifespan. However, tankless water heaters do not require an expansion tank.</p></div>

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>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Colman, SD

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Colman, 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 Colman, 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 September 16, 2026

Reviewed in September 2026
We had an exceptional experience with Xtreme Xteriors. We were able to do window replacement on our 1978 built home. They turned out great. After that project, we had them do a bathroom remodel for us. They replaced our old fiberglass tub with a nice new walk-in shower. They did everything start...
Xtreme Xteriors, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2026
Tj and phoenyx did a good job designing my house with James hardie fiber cement
DaBella - Sioux Falls (Siding)
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Reviewed in December 2025
Chris did an AMAZING job! He is so personable, professional, timely, and knowledgeable. Thank you, CHRIS!!
Triple H Electric LLC
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Reviewed in November 2025
I had my very old tub removed and replaced with walk-in shower. Kosta and Nick did an outstanding job! The shower looks amazing! When the project was over they cleaned up both inside and outside. I highly recommend Mad City for bath remodel!
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in March 2025
They were professional, knowledgeable. They even did part of project on a Sunday afternoon. Cost was great. They will be completing more electrical projects for our new home for us as well in the near future. Great company to work with.
Regal Electric
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Reviewed in July 2024
Stewart does an amazing job! We have hired him twice to trim trees on our acreage and for stump removal. Stewart and his team are professional and we will only use him in the future. Hes honest keeps you informed and prices are definitely reasonable.
Stewart Tree Experts
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Reviewed in December 2023
All aspects of the job from initial inspection and estimate to job completion have been handled in a very professional manner. I would certainly recommend them to anyone!
Koala Insulation of Sioux Falls
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Reviewed in October 2022
They will be coming back to my house next year!! They exceeded my expectations. The window cleaners were so nice they asked questions & made sure everything was done, they were quick & out of here in no time. My windows have NEVER been this clean. They did my windows inside & outside & my...
Window Genie of Sioux Falls
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Reviewed in April 2022
Seth was very easy to work with and was accommodating to our schedule. He did really great work.
Morgan Welding, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2022
They have always been there when I needed help. I have used them for demolition after water damage and in the rebuilding they have great foresight on any project they have done for me.I have also used them for building my lawn furniture. Great Workmanship!
A&H Construction LLC
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Find Water heater pros in Colman

Ekern Plumbing Heating and A/C

5.0(

)

Water Heater - Install or Replace

Serving Colman, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1947

Warranties offered

Credit card accepted

"Ekerns did a great job when we built our house in 2008 with heating, A/C,and plumbing. If we have a problem they will either come out the same day or the next. They also did a great job when we built living quarters in our shed for our daughter this year."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%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 Colman, 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 Colman, 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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Emerald River Plumbing & Drain

New to Angi

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

Serving Colman, 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

Every type of water heater has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding those can help you decide the best type for your situation and budget.

Pros

Safer than gas or propane
Doesn’t require extensive venting systems
Lower upfront costs
Simpler to operate
No pilot light
Easier installation
More efficient heating than gas models
Available as point-of-use (POU) and whole-house units

Cons

Slower to heat water
Longer recovery time
Possibly higher operating costs
Doesn’t work during a power outage
Costs can increase without a 240-volt connection

A tankless water heater with a flow rate of 10 GPM should replace a conventional 50-gallon water heater. To avoid a surprise cold shower or two and to keep your energy costs in check, it's important to replace a conventional tanked water heater with the equivalent tankless water heater. Your household size and the number of hot-water-using devices you use at once can help you determine the best-size tankless water heater.

While not all homes require a hot water heater expansion tank, they are necessary in most newer homes and are often mandated by local building codes. Codes typically require an expansion tank if your plumbing system is a 'closed-loop' system, which often includes a backflow preventer or pressure regulator on the main water line. Some municipalities have specific requirements. Installing an expansion tank on a closed system is crucial, as it prevents excess pressure that can damage your water heater and other appliances, potentially shortening their lifespan. However, tankless water heaters do not require an expansion tank.

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.

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.

The Colman, SD 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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