Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN BLOOMINGTON
Bloomington Water Heater
Replacement
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Replacing a water heater in Bloomington.
Yes, Bloomington requires a permit to replace a water heater. It's a plumbing permit that costs 2% of the job's value, with a $65 minimum for homes, plus the state surcharge. An electric heater also needs a separate electrical permit. You can do the work yourself if you own and live in the home (homestead); if not, a state-licensed plumber pulls the permit. Xcel Energy supplies power, CenterPoint Energy supplies gas, and city water is softened at the plant to about 5.2 grains per gallon.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- Yes · City of Bloomington Building and Inspection Division
- Permit fee
- 2% of the job's value plus the state surcharge (value x 0.0005), with a $65 minimum for homes plus surcharge. A 10% plan review fee applies only to jobs over $50,000. An older FAQ page still shows a $55 minimum.
- Who gets the permit
- A plumber licensed by the State of Minnesota (a plumbing contractor license with a master plumber on record), or a homeowner working on a homesteaded home they own and live in. If the home isn't homesteaded, the owner must hire a licensed contractor.
- Electric utility
- Xcel Energy
- Gas utility
- CenterPoint Energy
- Water
- City of Bloomington Utilities (city wells and lime-softening plant, blended with water purchased from Minneapolis) · Softened at the city plant from about 19 grains per gallon to about 5.2 gpg (2026 Water Quality Report)
- Rebate worth checking
- Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate (Minnesota electric) (Active)
- Typical home
- Built 1972 (median) · 66% owner-occupied
- Companies found
- 13 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 Bloomington averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in Bloomington
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local permit fee2% of the job's value plus the state surcharge (value x 0.0005), with a $65 minimum for homes plus surcharge. A 10% plan review fee applies only to jobs over $50,000. An older FAQ page still shows a $55 minimum.. City of Bloomington Building and Inspection Division fee source ↗
- Local company’s advertised price8 of the companies listed for Bloomington post water heater prices or specials on their websites: Aquarius Home Services, Bonfe Plumbing, Heating & Air, Dean's Home Services, Genz-Ryan, 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 Bloomington average is shown.
What can change the price in Bloomington?
Electric water heaters need their own electrical permit. Mechanical and HVAC work costs 1.5% of the job's value ($65 minimum for homes, plus surcharge). Work between the street and the building needs a city water and utility license.
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in Bloomington?
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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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.
Genz-Ryan
Lists Bloomington among the areas it serves. Based in Burnsville.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupons page (expires 10/31/26): 'Same-Day Water Heater Installation — Guaranteed' or $150/day compensation (eligible replacements); 'Buy a Water Heater, Get a Free Water Softener'; $26 Water Heater Flush & Fill + water quality test; water heater financing 'as low as $3/Day'; $99 off any plumbing repairs —
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback A testimonial on the company's site praised a technician who replaced a badly corroded water heater and softener and stayed late so the family would not be without water.
Worth knowing BBB reviewers and complainants alleged a water heater install that failed inspection with three missed return visits, the wrong water heater type delivered, high replacement pricing and a 24-hour guarantee that excluded water heaters; Genz-Ryan resolved the wrong-heater complaint, reached a confidential settlement on the pricing and membership complaint, and said the other plan covered only heating and cooling.
5 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
McQuillan Home Services (McQuillan Bros.)
Lists Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of the Twin Cities North
Lists Bloomington among the areas it serves.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
We haven’t found reviews that mention this company’s water heater work yet.
Also listing Bloomington: Plumb Right, Ryan Plumbing & Heating, Water Heaters Now.
Order: companies based in Bloomington 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 BLOOMINGTON
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN BLOOMINGTON
What Bloomington homes are like.
1972Median year built
67%Built before 1980
66%Owner-occupied
75%Heat with utility gas
62%Single-family homes
About 67% of homes were built before 1980. Older homes often have older venting, smaller closets and shutoff valves that should be checked before install day.
75% 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 Bloomington.
The city softens your water for you
Bloomington is one of the Minnesota utilities that softens water with lime at the plant. Its 2026 report says this means homeowners don't need their own softeners. The water that reaches homes is about 5.2 grains per gallon.
Vent size depends on the heater's BTU rating
The city's building FAQ says a gas water heater rated 39,000 BTU or less needs a 3-inch vent. One rated 40,000 BTU or more needs a 4-inch vent.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies Bloomington homes.
Energy
- Electric: Xcel Energy
- Gas: CenterPoint Energy
Water
City of Bloomington Utilities (city wells and lime-softening plant, blended with water purchased from Minneapolis): Softened at the city plant from about 19 grains per gallon to about 5.2 gpg (2026 Water Quality Report)
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for Bloomington homes.
For Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy customers in Bloomington. Ask installers for the price before rebates, then check with the program that you qualify.
- 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 Bloomington.
Permits and who issues them
Bloomington follows the Minnesota State Building Code. The city treats a water heater replacement as plumbing work, with a fee based on the job's value. If the heater is electric, the city says you must send in an electrical permit application along with the plumbing one. Apply on the city's permit portal or call 952-563-8930.
Plumbing contractors need a state PC license with a master plumber on record. Bloomington also has a city contractor license, renewed every year, for mechanical trades like gas installer, HVAC and hot water/steam. Gas Class B work, which includes water heaters, needs a mechanical contractor bond on file with DLI.
City of Bloomington Building and Inspection Division ↗ · Bloomington plumbing and mechanical permit fees ↗ · Bloomington Building & Inspections FAQ ↗ · Bloomington contractor licensing and testing ↗
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 Bloomington.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richfield | 3 mi | Required | $65 | Xcel Energy |
| Edina | 5 mi | Required | By job value (from $200) | Xcel Energy |
| Burnsville | 5 mi | Required | $82 | Xcel Energy, Dakota Electric Association, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) |
| Savage | 5 mi | Required | $70 | Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC), Xcel Energy |
| Eden Prairie | 7 mi | Required | By job value (from $600) | Xcel Energy, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) |
| Eagan | 8 mi | Required | $75, | Dakota Electric Association, Xcel Energy |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Bloomington water heater questions.
How much is a water heater permit in Bloomington?
2% of the job's value plus the state surcharge (value x 0.0005). The minimum for homes is $65 plus surcharge.
Can I put in my own water heater in Bloomington?
Yes, if the home is homesteaded and you own and live in it. If it isn't homesteaded, a licensed contractor has to do the work.
Do I need a water softener in Bloomington?
The city says no. It softens the water at the treatment plant to about 5.2 grains per gallon.
More guides: Minnesota water heater replacement · All local guides