Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
Columbia Heights Water Heater
Replacement
Take a photo of your old water heater to start a replacement quote.
Get a water heater quotePhotos optional. No payment or booking.
See what replacement costs ↓COLUMBIA HEIGHTS AT A GLANCE
Replacing a water heater in Columbia Heights.
Yes, Columbia Heights requires a plumbing permit to replace a water heater. Its 2026 fee schedule lists $65 for a home, plus the state surcharge, and contractors need a valid state or city license. Xcel Energy supplies power, CenterPoint Energy supplies gas, and the city buys soft Minneapolis water, about 4.5 grains per gallon.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- Yes · City of Columbia Heights Community Development Department (Building Permits & Inspections)
- Permit fee
- $65 plus the state surcharge for a home water heater plumbing permit (fee schedule adopted January 1, 2026).
- Electric utility
- Xcel Energy
- Gas utility
- CenterPoint Energy
- Water
- City of Columbia Heights (water purchased from the City of Minneapolis; Mississippi River source) · Averages 80 ppm (4.5 grains per gallon); the city calls it medium soft and says residential softening is not necessary (city water page; year not stated).
- Rebate worth checking
- Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate (Minnesota electric) (Active)
- Typical home
- Built 1963 (median) · 66% owner-occupied
- Companies found
- 8 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 Columbia Heights averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in Columbia Heights
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local permit fee$65 plus the state surcharge for a home water heater plumbing permit (fee schedule adopted January 1, 2026).. City of Columbia Heights Community Development Department (Building Permits & Inspections) fee source ↗
- Local company’s advertised price4 of the companies listed for Columbia Heights post water heater prices or specials on their websites: Aquarius Home Services, Bonfe Plumbing, Heating & Air, McQuillan Home Services (McQuillan Bros.), MSP Plumbing Heating Air. Each offer has its own conditions.
- Measured local dataNot collected yet, so no Columbia Heights average is shown.
What can change the price in Columbia Heights?
Gas pipe counts as a $10 fixture (with a $65 minimum) in both the plumbing and home mechanical fee tables. New electrical work needs a state electrical permit.
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in Columbia Heights?
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 Columbia Heights 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 Columbia Heights 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 Columbia Heights 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 Columbia Heights 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.
McQuillan Home Services (McQuillan Bros.)
Lists Columbia Heights 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 Columbia Heights 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.
TJK Plumbing Inc
Lists Columbia Heights among the areas it serves. Based in Maple Grove.
- Tank
- Emergency service
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.
Ryan Plumbing & Heating
Lists Columbia Heights among the areas it serves. Based in Minneapolis & Saint Paul, MN (site gives phone numbers for both areas; no street address shown).
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
We haven’t found reviews that mention this company’s water heater work yet.
Order: companies based in Columbia Heights 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 COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
What Columbia Heights homes are like.
1963Median year built
72%Built before 1980
66%Owner-occupied
79%Heat with utility gas
70%Single-family homes
About 72% of homes were built before 1980. Older homes often have older venting, smaller closets and shutoff valves that should be checked before install day.
79% 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 Columbia Heights.
Soft water from Minneapolis
Columbia Heights buys its water from Minneapolis. The city says it's about 4.5 grains per gallon hard and you don't need a home softener.
New franchise fees on utility bills in 2026
In October 2025 the city approved franchise fees on gas and electric service. They're set to show up on Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy bills starting February 2026.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies Columbia Heights homes.
Water
City of Columbia Heights (water purchased from the City of Minneapolis; Mississippi River source): Averages 80 ppm (4.5 grains per gallon); the city calls it medium soft and says residential softening is not necessary (city water page; year not stated).
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for Columbia Heights homes.
For Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy customers in Columbia Heights. 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 30, 2026. Who qualifies and the conditions: Minnesota rebates · How to check an incentive.
PERMITS & LICENSING
Permits and licenses in Columbia Heights.
Permits and who issues them
Columbia Heights' 2026 fee schedule lists a home plumbing permit for a water heater, and the city says you need permits before any work starts. Apply in the city's online permit portal. Schedule inspections at 763-706-3670. Electrical permits come from the State Board of Electricity.
Every contractor working in the city needs a valid state license, a City of Columbia Heights contractor license, or both.
City of Columbia Heights Community Development Department (Building Permits & Inspections) ↗ · Columbia Heights Building Permits & Inspections ↗ · Columbia Heights 2026 Fee Schedule ↗ · Columbia Heights New Resident Guide ↗
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 Columbia Heights.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Brighton | 2 mi | Required | $52.50 | Xcel Energy |
| Fridley | 3 mi | Check with city | — | Xcel Energy |
| Brooklyn Center | 4 mi | Required | $85 | Xcel Energy |
| Mounds View | 4 mi | Required | $65 | Xcel Energy |
| Robbinsdale | 4 mi | Required | $125 | Xcel Energy |
| Roseville | 5 mi | Required | $87 | Xcel Energy |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Columbia Heights water heater questions.
What does a water heater permit cost in Columbia Heights?
$65 plus the state surcharge, on the 2026 fee schedule.
Do I need a water softener in Columbia Heights?
The city says no. Its water comes from Minneapolis, averages about 4.5 grains per gallon, and doesn't need softening at home.
Where do I get an electrical permit?
From the State Board of Electricity. The city doesn't issue them.
More guides: Minnesota water heater replacement · All local guides