Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN BLAINE
Blaine Water Heater
Replacement
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See what replacement costs ↓BLAINE AT A GLANCE
Replacing a water heater in Blaine.
Yes, you need a permit to replace a water heater in Blaine. It costs $75 plus the state surcharge on the 2026 fee schedule, and you apply online through the city's iMS system. Most of Blaine gets power from Connexus Energy, which offers a $100 heat pump water heater rebate through 2026. City well water is very hard, at 18 to 21 grains.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- Yes · City of Blaine Building Inspections
- Permit fee
- $75 plus the state surcharge for a home water heater (2026 fee schedule, in effect since January 1, 2026).
- Who gets the permit
- If you hire a contractor, the contractor must pull the permit with an iMS Pro account. Homeowners doing the work themselves can apply with a regular user account.
- Electric utility
- Connexus Energy and Xcel Energy
- Gas utility
- CenterPoint Energy, Xcel Energy and Centennial Utilities
- Water
- City of Blaine Public Works (groundwater wells, four iron/manganese treatment plants) · 18 to 21 grains per gallon (city FAQ, as of 2023)
- Rebate worth checking
- Connexus Energy heat pump water heater rebate (Active)
- Typical home
- Built 1996 (median) · 85% owner-occupied
- Companies found
- 12 that advertise water heater work
01 / TYPICAL PRICES
What a new water heater costs.
Know before you call.
Heat-pump tank
$2,500–$5,000Typical cost, including installation
Tankless
$2,400–$5,400Typical cost, including installation
AI equipment illustrations; models vary and images are not to scale. Typical national prices from Home Depot ↗, checked September 28, 2026. The source doesn’t say how many jobs the ranges are based on. These are not Blaine averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in Blaine
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local permit fee$75 plus the state surcharge for a home water heater (2026 fee schedule, in effect since January 1, 2026).. City of Blaine Building Inspections fee source ↗
- Local company’s advertised price7 of the companies listed for Blaine post water heater prices or specials on their websites: Aquarius Home Services, Bonfe Plumbing, Heating & Air, Dean's Home Services, McQuillan Home Services (McQuillan Bros.), MSP Plumbing Heating Air, Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains, Plumb Right. Each offer has its own conditions.
- Measured local dataNot collected yet, so no Blaine average is shown.
What can change the price in Blaine?
Under Minn. Stat. 326B.197, only plumbing contractors with a mechanical bond may do gas pipe work, other than a simple reconnection with no new fittings or pipe. Replacing a whole plumbing or mechanical system is $200 plus surcharge.
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in Blaine?
Companies that advertise water heater replacement here, with what their water heater customers say.
Companies we found in our research. They are not Ember & Tank providers or partners. We show selected reviews, not a rating or every review. How we choose reviews →
Air Mechanical
Lists Blaine among the areas it serves. Based in 16411 Aberdeen St NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Customers praised knowledgeable plumbers who explained water heater condition and options, and a repair that avoided a full replacement.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked; one Yelp reviewer said technicians consistently try to upsell extras, though without pressure.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
Aquarius Home Services
Lists Blaine among the areas it serves.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
Published price: Current offers (expire September 30, 2026): $400 off tank model water heaters (includes basic installation); $1000 off tankless water heaters (includes basic installation); $149 water heater flush & inspection (excludes tankless); $59 water heater & sump pump safety check —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Customers praised fast replacements (including same-day installs), technicians who offered repair-or-replace options without pressure, and clear explanations.
Worth knowing One BBB reviewer said a plumber found water-pressure problems that should have been caught when their water heater was replaced, which led to an unexpected higher expense; no BBB complaints about water heater work were visible.
5 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Greater Minneapolis
Lists Blaine among the areas it serves. Based in Ramsey.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Customers praised same-day water heater replacement, quick diagnosis of water heater problems, and technicians who explained maintenance.
Worth knowing One BBB reviewer said the lowest of three water heater replacement estimates they got from the company was $2,800 more than another reputable plumber's quote; no company response was shown.
5 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
Bonfe Plumbing, Heating & Air
Lists Blaine among the areas it serves. Based in Saint Paul.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Water heater repair: '$99 diagnostic fee (waived if repair is completed)' — offers page also lists '$100 OFF Plumbing Services' —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback One reviewer praised a quick replacement after their water heater failed, knowledgeable staff and 0% financing.
Worth knowing BBB reviewers alleged high water heater replacement prices (one said $4,391 for a 50-gallon unit after discounts), pressure to add a paid membership to get a discount, a delayed invoice, and one said a technician did not address gas leaks found near a water heater; no company responses were shown on these reviews.
5 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
Dean's Home Services
Lists Blaine among the areas it serves. Based in Maple Grove.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
Published price: Specials (expire 09/30/26): 'Purchase a new water heater and we'll buy back your old one for up to $650'; '$30 Water Heater Flush' (with free water quality test); 'Up to $1,000 Off Water Softener & Water Heater'; '30% Off Water Softener with Water Heater Install'; '$100 OFF PLUMBING Repair or Install' —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Customers praised same-day water heater appointments and installations, clear explanations, help with financing and a strong warranty.
Worth knowing In BBB complaints, one landlord said Dean's replaced a 20-year-old water heater (about $1,800) when the real problem was a utility-locked gas meter, and another said a new water heater installed without a relay kept their boiler running; Dean's responded to both, citing the heater's age and saying it fixed the boiler controls and offered a hotel stay (both listed as Answered).
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
McQuillan Home Services (McQuillan Bros.)
Lists Blaine among the areas it serves. Based in St. Paul, MN (street address not shown on pages checked).
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Water heater repair diagnostic $99 (repair page); water heater pages show 'Financing as low as $138/mo' and a '$700 off' banner whose offer details were not shown in page text — ;
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback No water-heater-specific praise was found in the sources checked; one complainant said earlier experiences with McQuillan had been good.
Worth knowing BBB complainants and reviewers alleged unexplained membership and warranty charges, no choice of water heater model, very high quotes and slow warranty-part follow-up; McQuillan defended its pricing in one review response, and both complaints are listed as Resolved.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
MSP Plumbing Heating Air
Lists Blaine among the areas it serves. Based in 2415 Ventura Dr, Woodbury, MN 55125.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
Published price: Tank water heater installation: $2,000 starting price; $3,000 average/most common; $4,000+ higher end. Tankless installation: $6,000 starting; $8,000 average; $10,000+ higher end. Trip fee $88. Coupons: $125 off tank install, $300 off tankless install, $49 water heater drain & flush — ; ;
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Customers praised fast same-day and weekend replacements, online booking, and technicians who explained options and checked gas supply for a larger heater.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked; one reviewer described the company as a little spendy.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains
Lists Blaine among the areas it serves. Based in 5720 International Parkway, New Hope, MN 55428 (Twin Cities location; also a Rochester, MN location).
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupons: water heater tune & flush only $29; $500 off tankless water heater; free plumbing service call with repair ($89 value) —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Customers praised same-day water heater replacements, quick responses to leaks, a careful warranty diagnosis, and a technician who avoided an unnecessary replacement.
Worth knowing BBB reviewers alleged very high water heater quotes (cheapest $6,300 in one case), a salesperson rather than a plumber sent to an urgent leak, and pressure to replace water heaters during unrelated visits; the company replied to several reviews saying it would review the feedback with its team.
6 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Customers praised quick, often same-day water heater replacements, clean work, and technicians who laid out repair and replacement options without being pushy.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
5 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
Plumb Right
Lists Blaine among the areas it serves. Based in Brooklyn Park.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
Published price: Coupons page: $100 off water heater installation/replacement; $100 off tankless water heater installation/replacement; $50 off water heater repair; $50 off tankless repair (not valid for trip charge or diagnostic fee; page headed 2025, no expiration shown) —
What the reviews say
We haven’t found reviews that mention this company’s water heater work yet.
Also listing Blaine: Ryan Plumbing & Heating, Water Heaters Now.
Order: companies based in Blaine first, then companies whose water heater reviews we’ve read. Each group is alphabetical. These businesses are not our employees or vetted partners and do not receive requests from Ember & Tank. We haven’t checked their license, insurance or quality of work. Minnesota plumbing license lookup (DLI iMS) ↗.
FROM COMPANIES SERVING BLAINE
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN BLAINE
What Blaine homes are like.
1996Median year built
28%Built before 1980
85%Owner-occupied
88%Heat with utility gas
83%Single-family homes
The median home was built in 1996. A first or second replacement is common in homes this age.
88% of homes heat with utility gas, so gas water heaters with existing venting are common here.
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey ACS 2024 5-year ↗ (2020-2024). Heating fuel is what homes use to heat the house. It often, but not always, matches the water heater’s fuel.
LOCAL CONDITIONS
What’s different in Blaine.
Very hard water
Blaine says its water is 18 to 21 grains hard (2023 figure). City plants take out iron and manganese, but the city doesn't say it softens the water.
Plan ahead for permit review
The city says review of a mechanical permit can take up to 15 business days, longer in the busy building season. Inspections need 3-4 business days' notice.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies Blaine homes.
Energy
- Electric: Connexus Energy (most of Blaine)
- Electric: Xcel Energy (small portion of Blaine)
- Gas: CenterPoint Energy
- Gas: Xcel Energy
- Gas: Centennial Utilities (also listed by the city)
Blaine: Other utility providers (electric and natural gas) ↗
Water
City of Blaine Public Works (groundwater wells, four iron/manganese treatment plants): 18 to 21 grains per gallon (city FAQ, as of 2023)
Blaine FAQ: What is the water hardness level? ↗ · Blaine Drinking Water Reports ↗
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for Blaine homes.
For Connexus Energy, Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy and Centennial Utilities customers in Blaine. Ask installers for the price before rebates, then check with the program that you qualify.
- Connexus Energy heat pump water heater rebate ↗Active$100 for each ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater rated EF 2.0 or higher, one per member account.
- Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate (Minnesota electric) ↗Active$400 for an eligible electric heat pump water heater, or $500 for a smart heat pump water heater.
- Natural Gas Water Heater Rebate (Minnesota gas) ↗Active$75 for a standard gas tank water heater at 0.64 UEF (medium draw) or 0.68 UEF (high draw); $250 for a gas tankless water heater at 0.87 UEF or higher.
- Residential Water Heater Rebate (Minnesota) ↗ActiveReplacement rebates: $250 for a gas tank of 55 gallons or less (0.64 UEF medium draw or 0.68 UEF high draw), $500 for a gas tankless at 0.87 UEF or higher, $1,000 for a combination tankless plus air handler unit, and $200 for an indirect storage tank.
- Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) ↗EndedCovered improvements made through December 31, 2025.
Checked September 29, 2026. Who qualifies and the conditions: Minnesota rebates · How to check an incentive.
PERMITS & LICENSING
Permits and licenses in Blaine.
Permits and who issues them
Blaine says you need a permit to replace a water heater or other gas appliance. Apply online through the iMS system and include the make and model of the new heater. Review can take up to 15 business days. After that come a mechanical rough-in and a final inspection; schedule them at 763-785-6170, option 1.
Every contractor must register in Blaine's iMS system. Blaine also has its own mechanical license, which needs a mechanical bond, proof of insurance and a $70 fee. A plumber who runs gas pipe to a gas water heater must add a Blaine mechanical license to their pro account.
City of Blaine Building Inspections ↗ · Blaine Mechanical permits page ↗ · Blaine 2026 fee schedule ↗
Check the installer’s license
Ask for the license number and search it yourself on the Minnesota plumbing license lookup (DLI iMS) ↗. A listing on Ember & Tank is not a license check. Minnesota licensing explained →
NEARBY CITIES
Compare places near Blaine.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mounds View | 4 mi | Required | $65 | Xcel Energy |
| Lino Lakes | 5 mi | Required | $11 | Xcel Energy, Connexus Energy |
| Coon Rapids | 5 mi | Required | $62 | Xcel Energy, Connexus Energy |
| Ham Lake | 6 mi | Required | $10 | Connexus Energy, Xcel Energy |
| Fridley | 7 mi | Check with city | — | Xcel Energy |
| Shoreview | 7 mi | Required | $65 | Xcel Energy |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Blaine water heater questions.
What does a water heater permit cost in Blaine?
$75 plus the state surcharge for a home water heater, on the fee schedule in effect since January 1, 2026.
If I hire a plumber, who gets the permit?
The contractor does. Contractors must register in Blaine's iMS system, and gas work needs a Blaine mechanical license.
How hard is the water in Blaine?
18 to 21 grains, according to the city's 2023 numbers.
More guides: Minnesota water heater replacement · All local guides