How long does an electric water heater last?

• <div><p>If your water heater continues to have issues, you may wonder <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-does-electric-water-heater-last.htm">how long an electric water heat lasts</a>. On average, these units last between 10 to 15 years. Following a proper maintenance schedule can help the water heater live to the end of its average lifespan or longer.</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>

What size water heater does my house need?

• <div><p>If you're replacing a broken water heater, now is a great time to make sure you're selecting a unit that has the right capacity for your household. According to the<a href="https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/sizing-new-water-heater"> U.S. Department of Energy</a>, a small 50-gallon to 60-gallon tank is sufficient for households with one to three people. A medium-sized 80-gallon tank is considered ideal for three to four people. A larger tank may be needed if your household has four to six people.</p></div>

Get matched with top water heater pros in Chetek, WI

Q: Can you vent a gas water heater out the side of the house?

• <div><p>You can and should vent the gas from your hot water heater to the outside of your home. Traditionally, these gases were vented back to other gas appliances, like stoves or furnaces, but many jurisdictions have outlawed this practice due to the risks it provides. </p><p>Most water heaters today use atmospheric venting that exhausts the gas out of the home through a pipe.</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: Are water heaters covered under a home warranty?

• <div><p>The good news is that most home warranty plans cover hot water heaters, regardless of whether you have a tank or a tankless model. Your hot water heater should be covered by your home warranty because it's considered an essential home appliance. </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%

5 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

You can and should vent the gas from your hot water heater to the outside of your home. Traditionally, these gases were vented back to other gas appliances, like stoves or furnaces, but many jurisdictions have outlawed this practice due to the risks it provides.

Most water heaters today use atmospheric venting that exhausts the gas out of the home through a pipe.

If your water heater continues to have issues, you may wonder how long an electric water heat lasts. On average, these units last between 10 to 15 years. Following a proper maintenance schedule can help the water heater live to the end of its average lifespan or longer.

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.

If you're replacing a broken water heater, now is a great time to make sure you're selecting a unit that has the right capacity for your household. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a small 50-gallon to 60-gallon tank is sufficient for households with one to three people. A medium-sized 80-gallon tank is considered ideal for three to four people. A larger tank may be needed if your household has four to six people.

The good news is that most home warranty plans cover hot water heaters, regardless of whether you have a tank or a tankless model. Your hot water heater should be covered by your home warranty because it's considered an essential home appliance.

The Chetek, WI 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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