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: How do hot water heater expansion tanks work?

• <div><p>When the water expands in a hot water heater, it puts pressure on your hot water pipes and can cause leaks or a rupture in the hot water tank under certain conditions. Pipes or water heaters may split due to the pressure where there is a backflow preventer that prevents the hot water heater from diffusing pressure by releasing water back to the public water line.</p><p>In these scenarios, a hot water heater expansion tank provides a place for the hot water heater to relieve pressure and prevent bursts and leaks.</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: 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>

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 water heater installation laws change in different states?

• <div><p>Every city and state will have its own set of installation codes and laws. Some won&rsquo;t require you to obtain a permit before replacing your water heater, though we recommend you do, regardless of the local codes. On the other hand, some cities and states might require secondary permits for plumbing and electrical work related to the installation. Check with a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/water-heater-installation/">local water heater installation company</a> and local building codes to confirm which permits are required and what the specific laws are.</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

When the water expands in a hot water heater, it puts pressure on your hot water pipes and can cause leaks or a rupture in the hot water tank under certain conditions. Pipes or water heaters may split due to the pressure where there is a backflow preventer that prevents the hot water heater from diffusing pressure by releasing water back to the public water line.

In these scenarios, a hot water heater expansion tank provides a place for the hot water heater to relieve pressure and prevent bursts and leaks.

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.

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.

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.

Every city and state will have its own set of installation codes and laws. Some won’t require you to obtain a permit before replacing your water heater, though we recommend you do, regardless of the local codes. On the other hand, some cities and states might require secondary permits for plumbing and electrical work related to the installation. Check with a local water heater installation company and local building codes to confirm which permits are required and what the specific laws are.

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