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.

a picture of a leaking water heater about to be replaced by the water heater replacement experts at Thrasher Service of Des MoinesLeaks & 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 NeighborhoodsSkyline of Des Moines with a Thrasher Service Heating and Cooling logo in the upper coner
  • 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.

what our customers
are saying

star star star star star

"Had an emergency situation which they responded to quickly (earlier than they'd estimated originally) and were extremely helpful from the get-go. They'll be my first point of contact for plumbing issues from here on out. Reasonably priced and worked clean. Recommend!"

SUE HOSS