How much water should come out when draining a water heater?

• <div><p>The average water heater holds between 40 and 60 gallons, but the exact amount of water that comes out during draining will depend on your unit’s capacity. The amount of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-drain-water-heater.htm">time it takes to drain a water heater</a> averages from 10 to 30 minutes.</p></div>

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: What factors affect the cost of water heater installation?

• <div><p>Price variations arise from size, type (tankless or tank), efficiency grades, and installation complexity, including labor and materials.</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: What is the average lifespan of a water heater?

• <div><p>The lifespan of a water heater depends on its type, usage, and maintenance schedule. Traditional tank-style water heaters typically last between 8 and 12 years, though the range can be as wide as 6 to 15 years. Within this category, gas models often last 8-12 years, while electric models may last 10-15 years. In contrast, tankless water heaters have a significantly longer lifespan, often lasting up to 20 years or more. Factors like heavy usage, hard water, and sediment buildup can shorten a unit's life. To extend its lifespan, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank annually and scheduling professional inspections. If your unit is over a decade old and shows signs of rust, leaks, strange noises, or inconsistent heating, it is likely time for a replacement.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Hardwick, VT

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Hardwick, VT 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 Hardwick, VT 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 January 23, 2024

Reviewed in January 2024
Josh and his crew did a great job enclosing my porch. He was able to match both the exterior and interior with my existing cabin so it looks beautiful. He insulated it very well so it stays warm and toasty with just an electric heater. Very happy with his workmanship!
Josh's Handyman Service
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Reviewed in November 2023
Went really well! We had to leave our home right after it broke and Robert made Sure the water was not leaking and repaired the problem as soon as we received the replacement from the town
Robert Rathbone Handyman
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Reviewed in January 2021
Steppy and Terry are fantastic to work with! They are creative, thorough and dedicated. And, they bring enthusiasm to all aspects of the job and work collaboratively throughout. I was left in the lurch at the beginning of December by a prior contractor who bailed on my project due to "bad...
The Master Construction
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Reviewed in December 2020
I had the pleasure of working with Chris on 12/27/20. We had the unpleasant task of a major sewer line backup and overflow in an apartment building that I manage. The ceilings on the first floor had fallen in, and poo water was everywhere. He was absolutely no nonsense professional in getting a...
PAUL DAVIS RESTORATION
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Reviewed in October 2019
We had our roof leak.In LESS than 1 year. The rain was pouring onto a bedroom floor.In our air b and b suite.I repeatedly called Doug to address the problem. He did not return our calls. I also tried to reach him on FB. He finally left a message .A week later. His worker had the flu would come...
Scotch Pine Inc
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Reviewed in December 2016
<p>December 9, 2016</p> <p>It was 20 degrees outside this morning. I came downstairs to a comfortably warm house. I was wearing a Tshirt. My 13-year-old Avalon gas heater was keeping the house warm. I put wood on the embers of a fire in my 13-year-old Avalon woodburning stove, then fed the dog...
The Chimney Sweep II
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Reviewed in November 2013
Did a great job from the get go. <br /> Came to our house and looked over the job and later sent written estimate for <br /> rough in and installation of toilet and sink. <br /> Time and materials estimate was clear.. In the end, final cost came in below the estimate. <br /> This job was...
Middlesex Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in July 2013
So far the wall was removed - the outside area grated and water piping to remove water installed. As we were unable to stay for the completion of the job (the basement floor and the "water guard system") we left it to Matt and his crew to complete with complete confidence that it would be...
Northern Basement Systems
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Reviewed in December 2012
Fantastic. They came out to my house, took samples and tested on the spot. Showed me the results, had a sample filter in the vehicle and ran some water through to show me the difference. <br /> They showed up on time discovered that my well-saver was ware logged, and that would need to be...
CLEAR WATER FILTRATION
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Reviewed in August 2012
Zero issues. The representative showed up on time, fixed the problem, and then answered some of my questions regarding the installation of a full-system water filter. I had them come back to do the installation of the filter and that went fine too. Cost was reasonable - actually less than...
County Plumbing and Heating
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Find Water heater pros in Hardwick

BKR Plumbing & Heating

4.5(

)

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceTankless Water Heater - InstallWater Heater - Repair or Service+1 more

Serving Hardwick, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"He installed a heat pump for me last summer just before the heat wave hit us. It was raining the day he came and he still completed the install in a timely manner. It was great to have the A/C for the really hot days. I was even happier this winter when I used it for heat. It saved me the cost of about 400 gallons of oil for the winter and my electric bill on the coldest months was still a little cheaper than the oil would have been. He is also registered with efficiency Vermont and I was able to get a low interest loan to pay for it. Overall I had a great experience with BKR plumbing and heating."

18 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by54%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 Hardwick, VT 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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Vermont Precision Contracting

4.9(

)

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

Serving Hardwick, VT and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

Vermont Precision Contracting is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

+17

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Green Mountain Skylights & Solar

5.0(

)

Solar Water Heater System - Install

Serving Hardwick, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We specialize in the sales, installation and servicing of Velux solar systems, skylights, sun-tunnels and roof windows. Use the sun to lower your carbon footprint and brighten up your home.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Thompson Bros HVAC

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - InstallTankless Water Heater - Install - For BusinessWater Heater - Install or Replace+1 more

Serving Hardwick, VT and surrounding areas

At Thompson Bros, we believe in treating every customer like family. We stand behind our work, communicate clearly, and make sure every job is done right the first time. Whether it’s a sweltering summer day or a freezing winter night, you can count on us for dependable comfort and peace of mind.

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jake mott

New to Angi

Water Heater - Repair or Service

Serving Hardwick, VT and surrounding areas

15 years of experience \n

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

Price variations arise from size, type (tankless or tank), efficiency grades, and installation complexity, including labor and materials.

The average water heater holds between 40 and 60 gallons, but the exact amount of water that comes out during draining will depend on your unit’s capacity. The amount of time it takes to drain a water heater averages from 10 to 30 minutes.

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 lifespan of a water heater depends on its type, usage, and maintenance schedule. Traditional tank-style water heaters typically last between 8 and 12 years, though the range can be as wide as 6 to 15 years. Within this category, gas models often last 8-12 years, while electric models may last 10-15 years. In contrast, tankless water heaters have a significantly longer lifespan, often lasting up to 20 years or more. Factors like heavy usage, hard water, and sediment buildup can shorten a unit's life. To extend its lifespan, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank annually and scheduling professional inspections. If your unit is over a decade old and shows signs of rust, leaks, strange noises, or inconsistent heating, it is likely time for a replacement.

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.

The Hardwick, VT 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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