Should I consider an electric water heater?

• <div><p>Choosing between an <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/gas-vs-electric-water-heaters.htm">electric water heater vs. a gas water heater</a> comes down to personal preference. Overall, electric heaters are more energy efficient than their gas competitors. They’re also quieter to operate, take up less room, and don’t come with a risk of gas leaks. </p><p>The downside is that electric water heaters cost more to operate than gas. They might also struggle to heat water fast enough for households that use large amounts of hot water. Lastly, a power outage could cause your electric water heater to stop working, whereas gas water heaters may still function.</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>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Madison, SD

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>

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: Can you install an expansion tank anywhere?

• <div><p>No. Expansion tanks must be installed on the supply side (where heated water flows out) of the boiler. There&rsquo;s also a list of other requirements for most boilers, including being above the pressure relief valves, being on the inner side of any circulator, and more. Your installation manual should have more information on expansion tank installation requirements and what sort of tank the system is made for. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Madison, SD

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Madison, 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 Madison, 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 July 21, 2026

Reviewed in July 2026
Eric worked as hard as he could to get it to work in our budget, and spent a great deal of time describing the product and company.
DaBella - Sioux Falls (Siding)
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Reviewed in January 2026
Rebuild a storm damaged building
RH General Construction
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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 July 2025
Everything was great, no missed appointments, and the installation was done in a half a day. I can feel and hear a difference right now (July 4th) between the old windows and new windows.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in January 2025
Got the job done right. Very professional, knowledgeable. High attention to detail and keeps the work area clean.
Haiar Craftsman, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
Wills Painting was very professional. Had excellent suggestions on colorâ s and very knowledgeable on solving issues that occur with an older home. Job was completed on time and we would definitely recommend this company.
Wills Painting
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Reviewed in February 2024
Nnthing it was great. Thanyou
Merit Heating and Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in January 2023
I had an amazing experience from start to finish with my new custom home build with full landscaping. The house is exactly what was planned for and is beyond our expectations. For the landscape I had a paver patio, gazebo, deck, hot tub, fire pit, stone table, outdoor kitchen, sod with...
SD Alternative Services Corp
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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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Find Water heater pros in Madison

Sioux Falls Plumbing LLC

5.0(

)

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

Serving Madison, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers 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.

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Ekern Plumbing Heating and A/C

5.0(

)

Water Heater - Install or Replace

Serving Madison, 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(

5,689

)

Solar Water Heater System - InstallTankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For Business+6 more

Serving Madison, 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 Madison, 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 Madison, 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

Choosing between an electric water heater vs. a gas water heater comes down to personal preference. Overall, electric heaters are more energy efficient than their gas competitors. They’re also quieter to operate, take up less room, and don’t come with a risk of gas leaks.

The downside is that electric water heaters cost more to operate than gas. They might also struggle to heat water fast enough for households that use large amounts of hot water. Lastly, a power outage could cause your electric water heater to stop working, whereas gas water heaters may still function.

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.

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.

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.

No. Expansion tanks must be installed on the supply side (where heated water flows out) of the boiler. There’s also a list of other requirements for most boilers, including being above the pressure relief valves, being on the inner side of any circulator, and more. Your installation manual should have more information on expansion tank installation requirements and what sort of tank the system is made for.

The Madison, 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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