Electric Water Heater

An electric water heater uses heating elements powered by electricity to warm and store water for your home's daily needs, from showers to dishwashing. These units come in traditional tank and tankless styles, each with different efficiency ratings and installation requirements. Whether you're replacing an old unit or upgrading your system, Angi helps you find the right pro and resources to get hot water flowing reliably.

Related to Electric Water Heater Service

Electric Water Heater Service Articles and Advice
Kyle Schurman  •  Apr 10, 2026
Do Electric Water Heaters Need to Be Vented?
Do electric water heaters need to be vented? Because they don’t use combustion, there’s no need to connect these appliances to a venting system.
Barbara Bellesi Zito  •  Apr 10, 2026
How Many Watts Does a Water Heater Use?
Learn how much electricity the average water heater requires to run, plus how to calculate the daily and monthly cost to run your water heater.
Xiao Faria daCunha  •  Apr 5, 2026
How to Replace a Water Heater Element in 8 Steps
If your showers are lukewarm, you could have a water heater issue. This guide explains how to replace a water heater element to solve the problem.
Taylor Sansano  •  Mar 6, 2026
How to Install an Electric Water Heater in 9 Steps
Curious about how to install an electric water heater? Learn more about how to tackle this project yourself (and if you even should) in this guide.
Kate Fann  •  Feb 18, 2026
Electric Hot Water Heater Not Heating? Here Are 9 Potential Causes
A lack of hot water can easily upset the household. Here are nine reasons why your electric hot water isn't heating and what you can do next.
Jacqueline DeMarco  •  Apr 1, 2025
How Long Does an Electric Water Heater Last? Here’s What to Know
How long does an electric water heater last? We’re breaking down what you need to know about electric water heater longevity. Read on to learn more.
Find Plumbers near you
Share your project details and we’ll match you with up to 3 available pros near you.
Common Electric Water Heater Service Questions

Signs your electric water heater is failing include inconsistent water temperature, reduced hot water supply, longer heating times, or discolored water (rusty or cloudy). Unusual noises like popping or rumbling suggest sediment buildup, while leaks or corrosion around the tank signal structural damage. If your unit is over 10 to 15 years old and experiencing frequent issues, it may be time to replace it.

Every type of water heater has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding those can help you decide the best type for your situation and budget. 

Pros

  • Safer than gas or propane

  • Doesn’t require extensive venting systems

  • Lower upfront costs

  • Simpler to operate

  • No pilot light

  • Easier installation

  • More efficient heating than gas models

  • Available as point-of-use (POU) and whole-house units

Cons

  • Slower to heat water

  • Longer recovery time

  • Possibly higher operating costs

  • Doesn’t work during a power outage

  • Costs can increase without a 240-volt connection

If you have a tank-type electric water heater, it runs regularly to keep the water at the desired temperature. If you live in a home where you don’t use much hot water, it could seem wasteful to run power to heat water that you’re using infrequently. You could save some power by using a smaller tank, insulating the tank, or lowering the temperature of the water heater.

Unless you have previous plumbing experience or extensive experience with water heaters, you should avoid replacing your electric water heater yourself. This process involves disconnecting wiring and parts from the old water heater and reinstalling them onto the new one, among other difficult tasks. This job is best left to the pros to make sure that everything is connected correctly to avoid serious leaks or malfunctions.

Electric water heaters do not need an attached vent, but the location of the water heater should allow for roughly 12 inches of clearance around it. This allows cool air to flow around the appliance and allows repair technicians to work on its components safely. The exact amount of clearance space required depends on your local building codes.