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: 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 long do heat pump water heaters last?

• <div><p>Traditional gas or electric water heaters last an average of six to 11 years. However, with excellent maintenance, they can last up to 15 years. Heat pump water heaters, on the other hand, last an average of between 12 and 15 years and potentially longer with proper maintenance. In both cases, your home's water quality can be a determining factor regarding the lifespan of your water heater.</p></div>

Q: How big should a hot water heater expansion tank be?

• <div><p>The size needed for your expansion tank is determined by the size of your home's water heater. Expansion tanks are available in 2-gallon and 4.5-gallon sizes. A 2-gallon tank will be appropriate for water heaters up to 50 gallons. An adequately sized tank should have a volume that equals 2% to 5% of the water volume within the system. A plumber can evaluate your home's water pressure, water heater size, and other factors to provide suggestions for picking out the best 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>

Q: Are water heater thermocouples universal?

• <div><p>A thermocouple is a pretty simple device. It simply tells the control valve if heat is present. Most water heaters can use a universal thermocouple, provided it's the correct length. Getting one that's long enough for your appliance is crucial for success. However, some water heater models require model-specific thermocouples, which is why it's essential to take your existing one to the store to find the right match.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Water Heater Service pros in Chetek, WI

*The Angi rating for Water Heater Service companies in Chetek, WI 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 Chetek, WI 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 13, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
L.A.D.S / Danielle was wonderful to work with. She was responsive to my emails, texts, calls, questions —- and repeated questions! Equal to that was the stellar cleaning that she and her team did for our home. I had experienced severe allergies from exposure to mold in our floor where the water...
L.A.D.S. Western Division
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Reviewed in March 2026
I can not say enough positive things about this company, they called me back within minutes, after leaving a message in the evening. A kind , knowledgeableand compassionate person called me back and another representative called me the next morning to offer their expertise service even though we...
Renew by Grewe Restoration, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2025
Set up security cameras outside. He repaired a leaky bathroom sink drain. He put in proper outlets in my kitchen and disconnected the sink disposal unit. He has a good work ethic and finished work in a timely fashion.
Stephens Services
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Reviewed in December 2023
I am having a great experience with this company! I always receive great customer service! Iâ m hiring them again next summer.
Yardwork Lawn Care Services LLC
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Reviewed in November 2022
They did an excellent job, recommended.
Awesome Carpet Cleaning & Restoration
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Reviewed in September 2022
Very satisfied with there work. Have used this company for several years now at two different properties and have always been happy with there service. Very responsive to problems when I need them, and great customer service. Would recommend then to anybody.
1st Choice Pest Solutions, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2021
They arrived on time Gave us Vinapol option for our wood windows we just are not sure that is the way we want to go.
Right Choice Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2021
We had our windows installed last year. Before I rated them I wanted to see how they performed over one of the northern Wisconsin winters. Made it thru the winter in great shape. I couldn't be more pleased with the 12 new windows that we had installed. I would gladly recommend them to...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in September 2019
We are so glad we decided to do this shower remodeling. The results are beautiful. Doug helped us pick out what materials to use and he recommended ways to get rid of water pooling and what nice finishing touches to use. The results are exquisite! Doug takes care of even the smallest details....
D and S Construction
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Reviewed in November 2016
Matt came out and gave an estimate for the repair.($125 for estimate which he notified me of prior to coming out so it was expected.) We needed approximately 20 bricks replaced on our chimney but the lining was still in good shape . Our home is 110 years old. The chimney has not had much if...
Nick's Chimney Service & Duct Cleaning
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Find Water heater pros in Chetek

Aquarius Home Services

4.6(

260

)

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

Serving Chetek, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Paul did excellent work on replacing our pressure tank. Also, redid plumbing pipes by water heater."

Response time12 hrs

Response rate100%

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

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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 Chetek, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"He was very nice to talk with and repaired our washing machine. He even helped sweep the water out."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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Goettl & Verbracken Plumbing, Inc.

5.0(

)

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Install or Replace - For BusinessWater Heater - Repair or Service+1 more

Serving Chetek, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Brian with Goettl & Verbracken Plumbing and Heating Inc is a reputable plumber with over 10 years of experience. He is very prompt and willing to help you out with all of your project needs.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Chetek, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Owner operated. I am Jack of all trades. No job to big or small. We do everything from hauling to painting , Plumbing electrical , rental unit turnovers , trash outs roofing , windows and doors. My contact information has been outdated on here for a while. sorry to any customers who tried to reach me. And as always a 20% VETERANS & senior discount.

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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J R Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

New to Angi

Water Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Install or Replace - For Business

Serving Chetek, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Locally owned and operated. We make customer satisfaction a top priority. Give us a call today and let us kbnow how we can help with your home project!

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Remco Heating & A/C

New to Angi

Tankless Water Heater - InstallWater Heater - Install or Replace

Serving Chetek, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Remco Heating & A/C is your number one installations, service, and repair company for all your plumbing and HVAC needs. We guarantee that we are the lowest bid! Give us a call today for a free estimate!

Tankless Water Heater - InstallWater Heater - Install or ReplaceWater Heater - Install or Replace - For Business+2 more

Serving Chetek, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Waterworks has been independently owned and operated with over 10 years experience in professional Plumbing Contracting Services. Please come see our new business profile for services provided or call today!!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Handyman Solutions

New to Angi

Water Heater - Install or Replace

Serving Chetek, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We're a locally owned and operated company with over 5+ years of industry experience. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of Home Improvement services that are customizable to each individual project. We specialize in handyman/carpentry work and a variety of related service and repair projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

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Water Heaters questions, answered by experts

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.

Traditional gas or electric water heaters last an average of six to 11 years. However, with excellent maintenance, they can last up to 15 years. Heat pump water heaters, on the other hand, last an average of between 12 and 15 years and potentially longer with proper maintenance. In both cases, your home's water quality can be a determining factor regarding the lifespan of your water heater.

The size needed for your expansion tank is determined by the size of your home's water heater. Expansion tanks are available in 2-gallon and 4.5-gallon sizes. A 2-gallon tank will be appropriate for water heaters up to 50 gallons. An adequately sized tank should have a volume that equals 2% to 5% of the water volume within the system. A plumber can evaluate your home's water pressure, water heater size, and other factors to provide suggestions for picking out the best expansion tank.

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.

A thermocouple is a pretty simple device. It simply tells the control valve if heat is present. Most water heaters can use a universal thermocouple, provided it's the correct length. Getting one that's long enough for your appliance is crucial for success. However, some water heater models require model-specific thermocouples, which is why it's essential to take your existing one to the store to find the right match.

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