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>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Aurora, UT

Q: What type of water heater is best for my home?

• <div><p>You have more options for water heaters than ever before. The best one for your home depends on your hot water usage and budget. Some of the more <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/types-of-water-heaters.htm">common types of water heaters</a> are the conventional gas heater, a heat pump water heater, or a tankless heater for smaller homes or those with less water demands. Some uncommon types are solar and point-of-use systems. Some homes may have a combination of two units, such as a large heat pump heater and a backup point-of-use system. </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: 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: Will a larger water heater require a larger circuit breaker?

• <div><p>A <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-breaker-for-water-heater.htm">larger heater requires a larger breaker</a>&mdash;unless there&rsquo;s one already installed. The longer answer to this question is more nuanced. Do you place demands on the heater at the same time as running other heavy-duty appliances like ovens and washing machines? Do you live in an older home that may not have considered the higher electrical demands we have now? Breakers need to be sized at 125% of the load. To find that load, you should call a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/electrical/">local electrical pro</a>. </p></div>

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>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Aurora, UT

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Aurora, UT 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 Aurora, UT 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 March 04, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
Witty tus excavation did an exceptional job removing approximately 1/2 mile of old cement ditch. They hauled off all of the old cement and then leveled and grated the area. I am very pleased with her professional worked and would definitely hire them again.
Witty Tuss Excavation & Garden, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2025
Witty tus excavation did an exceptional job removing approximately 1/2 mile of old cement ditch. They hauled off all of the old cement and then leveled and grated the area. I am very pleased with her professional worked and would definitely hire them again.
Witty Tuss Excavation & Garden, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
Vance was very efficient remodeling an old shower that needed extensive work. He handled the unexpected problems with ease, knowing just what to do to fix the problem. He was dependable, easy to work with and his work is top notch! He made an old unattractive bathroom brand new!
Leeway Handyman LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
Michael was very professional. He shows up at the time he said he would. He explained to me everything that he was going to spray, and how long it should last. I have used him a few times, everytime he makes sure what he is doing, and with what. He is very outgoing, always happy. I would...
Pest Wise
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Reviewed in March 2023
Mike and his team were so professional. I have used this company last summer, the ants were out of control. He sprayed one time, I was very impressed that the ants are gone, They are always available, always answer their phones, or get back with me quickly. I highly recommend this company....
Pest Wise
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Reviewed in February 2023
This company has been amazing to work with. Matt and Seth were so attentive to all of my needs and were willing to do absolutely everything I asked them to. This was not, by any means, an easy remodel, and I am beyond thrilled about how it turned out. They certainly went above and beyond in...
Peaking Engineering and Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2022
They were great and amazing. I deal with a lot of contractors and he is by far the best. He gave me a good bid and came in under budget when the job was complete.
Brazell Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
They were more than willing to do all I asked and to recommend more that needed to be done, without charging more.
Fix it right handyman services
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Reviewed in July 2022
A little pricey but I'm glad to have it done
Sentinel Pest Services
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Reviewed in May 2022
We had some good workers that knew their business and did an awesome job. Our new shower looks fantastic.
West Shore Home Salt Lake City
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Find Water heater pros in Aurora

Emco Heating & Air

4.8(

)

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

Serving Aurora, UT and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Credit card accepted

EMCO Heating & Air is here for all your residential and commercial heating and air conditioning repair needs. As a full-service heating and air contractor serving St. George, Cedar City and the surrounding areas in Southern Utah, our team is highly specialized and can do anything from simple heating and air conditioning repairs to full HVAC designs and installs. Let our friendly HVAC technicians find the perfect heating and cooling solutions for you.

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 Aurora, UT 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

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Jackson Heating & Air

5.0(

)

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

Serving Aurora, UT and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Emergency’s call (385)223-4187 after hours. Free estimates! Jackson Heating & Air offers residential and commercial HVAC repair, replacement, and installation throughout Utah. Our services extend beyond heating and air conditioning to include carpentry, flooring, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and landscaping maintenance, making us a one-stop shop for home and business improvement needs.

+29

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Alternative Power Systems, Inc.

New to Angi

Solar Water Heater System - Install

Serving Aurora, UT and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Design, Sales, Installation & Service of Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal, Wind & Back-up Generators. Products, Technical Training, System Analysis & Advice. Insured & licensed Utah & Nevada #0068796.

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

You have more options for water heaters than ever before. The best one for your home depends on your hot water usage and budget. Some of the more common types of water heaters are the conventional gas heater, a heat pump water heater, or a tankless heater for smaller homes or those with less water demands. Some uncommon types are solar and point-of-use systems. Some homes may have a combination of two units, such as a large heat pump heater and a backup point-of-use system.

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.

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 larger heater requires a larger breaker—unless there’s one already installed. The longer answer to this question is more nuanced. Do you place demands on the heater at the same time as running other heavy-duty appliances like ovens and washing machines? Do you live in an older home that may not have considered the higher electrical demands we have now? Breakers need to be sized at 125% of the load. To find that load, you should call a local electrical pro.

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.

The Aurora, UT 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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