Water Heater Repair & Installation in Des Moines
Hot water out? Call Trasher Service for same-day repair or full replacement—We answer the phone 24/7.
Whether your shower suddenly runs cold or your aging tank starts to leak, Thrasher Service has kept Des Moines metro homes and businesses in hot water (the good kind!) since 1978. Our licensed, bonded plumbers diagnose, repair, and replace every major water-heater brand—fast, clean, and always up-front on price.
Why Choose Thrasher for Your Water Heater Needs?
True 24/7 Dispatch
Real people answer nights, weekends, and holidays—never an answering machine.
Same-Day Solutions
Fully stocked trucks mean most repairs and standard tank swaps happen the first visit.
Installation Expertise
Gas, electric, hybrid, or tankless—we size and install the right unit for your home’s demand and budget.
Local Ownership
Family-run, Des Moines-based, and committed to serving central Iowa communities.
Transparent Pricing
You understand the costs before work begins—no “surprise” charges.
Clean & Respectful
Shoe covers, floor protectors, thorough clean-up, and haul-away of your old tank included.
Common Water-Heater Problems We Fix
No Hot Water
Burned-out elements, faulty gas valves, or broken thermostats—we find the culprit and restore hot showers quickly.
Leaks & Rust Spots
A leaking tank can flood a basement in hours. We stop the leak, assess damage, and recommend repair or replacement.
Inconsistent Water Temperature
Fluctuating water temps often signal sediment build-up or failing sensors. We flush, descale, and recalibrate to stabilize performance.
Discolored or Smelly Water
Rusty or sulfur-smelling water indicates internal corrosion or bacteria. We flush, treat, or replace the tank and install filters as needed.
Rumbling or Popping Sounds
Sediment at the bottom of the tank overheats and makes your heater work harder. Our deep-clean flush restores efficiency.
Not sure what’s wrong? Call Thrasher Service—we’ll talk you through quick safety steps while a tech heads your way.
Repair vs. Replace—Which Is Right for You?
0 – 6 Years
Typical fix: Element, thermostat, anode-rod, or valve replacement
Replace when: Tank ruptures, repairs become frequent, or you need a larger-capacity unit
7 – 10 Years
Typical fix: Flush tank and replace failing parts
Replace when: Efficiency drops, leaks appear, or energy bills rise sharply
10+ Years
Typical fix: Repairs may be cost-prohibitive
Replace when: Any leak develops, water turns rusty, or the unit becomes an energy hog
Tip: Water heaters over 10 years old are typically 20 – 40 % less efficient than today’s high-efficiency or tankless models—so a replacement can often pay for itself through lower utility bills.
New Water-Heater Installation Done Right
Sizing & Fuel Analysis
We calculate household demand, recovery rate, and gas-line/electrical capacity to recommend the best tank or tankless model.
Transparent Quote
You receive a quote including unit cost, permits, labor, and haul-away, all before work begins.
Professional Installation
Our licensed plumbers handle gas-line hookups, venting, electrical, insulation, and code-required safety valves.
Post-Install Walk-Through
We light the pilot (or power on), set optimal temperatures, show you maintenance tips, and register manufacturer warranties.
Recycling & Clean-Up
Your old unit is removed and recycled with no mess left behind.
Tank vs. Tankless—Which Fits Your Home?
Upfront Cost
High-Efficiency Tank: lower
Tankless (on-demand): higher
Operating Cost
High-Efficiency Tank: moderate
Tankless (on-demand): lowest (30 – 50 % savings)
Hot-Water Supply
High-Efficiency Tank: limited to tank size
Tankless (on-demand): endless (when properly sized)
Space Needed
High-Efficiency Tank: 16 – 22 sq ft of floor space
Tankless (on-demand): wall-mounted, less than 4 sq ft
Life Expectancy
High-Efficiency Tank: 10 – 12 years
Tankless (on-demand): 15 – 20 years
Our techs install both systems and will walk you through the pros and cons of each option.
Service Area - We’re Near You
- All Des Moines Neighborhoods

- Ankeny
- West Des Moines
- Urbandale
- Clive
- Altoona
- Pleasant Hill
- Johnston
- Norwalk
Outside those city limits but close by? Call Thrasher Service—we likely already serve your neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Heater Replacement & Repair
How long does a typical water-heater replacement take?
Most standard tank swaps are completed in 2–3 hours. Tankless conversions may take 4–6 hours due to venting and gas-line upgrades.
What brands do you service and install?
We repair all major brands—A.O. Smith, Rheem, Bradford White, Navien, Rinnai, and more. For replacements, we recommend high-efficiency units with robust local parts availability.
Can I get same-day installation?
Same day installation is possible dispensing on the time of your call and availability of your selected model.
Have another question? Call us anytime!
Ready for Reliable Hot Water?
Don’t tolerate cold showers or leaks another day. Schedule your water-heater repair or replacement with Thrasher Service now: 515-262-2229. We’ll restore comfort and efficiency—guaranteed.
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