Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN COTTAGE GROVE
Cottage Grove 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 ↓COTTAGE GROVE AT A GLANCE
Replacing a water heater in Cottage Grove.
Yes, Cottage Grove requires a permit; water heaters are on its plumbing permit application. The 2026 home fee is $61 (one fixture included) plus the $1 state surcharge, and you apply online. Xcel Energy supplies power, gas comes from Xcel Energy or CenterPoint depending on your address, and city well water is 17 grains per gallon hard.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- Yes · City of Cottage Grove Building Division
- Permit fee
- Home mechanical or plumbing changes: $61 base fee (one fixture included), plus $12 for each extra fixture, up to $231, plus the $1 state surcharge (2026 Fee Table).
- Who gets the permit
- The plumbing application asks for a state license number. Minnesota requires licensed plumbers, with a limited exception for homeowners working on their own homestead. The city's page doesn't spell out what homeowners may do.
- Electric utility
- Xcel Energy
- Gas utility
- Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy
- Water
- City of Cottage Grove (13 municipal wells with treatment plants) · 298 mg/L (17 grains per gallon) per the city's Water Quality/Hardness page, which links the 2025 Water Quality Report.
- Rebate worth checking
- Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate (Minnesota electric) (Active)
- Typical home
- Built 1990 (median) · 88% owner-occupied
- Companies found
- 10 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 Cottage Grove averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in Cottage Grove
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local permit feeHome mechanical or plumbing changes: $61 base fee (one fixture included), plus $12 for each extra fixture, up to $231, plus the $1 state surcharge (2026 Fee Table).. City of Cottage Grove Building Division fee source ↗
- Local company’s advertised price6 of the companies listed for Cottage Grove post water heater prices or specials on their websites: Aquarius Home Services, Bonfe Plumbing, Heating & Air, Genz-Ryan, McQuillan Home Services (McQuillan Bros.), MSP Plumbing Heating Air, Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains. Each offer has its own conditions.
- Measured local dataNot collected yet, so no Cottage Grove average is shown.
What can change the price in Cottage Grove?
Gas work falls under the same home mechanical/plumbing fee. The city also issues home electrical permits (its fee table has an electrical section), so a new circuit for an electric or heat pump heater gets a city permit. Re-inspections cost up to $61 a visit.
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in Cottage Grove?
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 →
Aquarius Home Services
Lists Cottage Grove 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.
Bonfe Plumbing, Heating & Air
Lists Cottage Grove 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.
Genz-Ryan
Lists Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove 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.
Master Plumbing Services
Lists Cottage Grove among the areas it serves. Based in Woodbury, MN (address listed only as city on site).
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
We haven’t found reviews that mention this company’s water heater work yet.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of the Twin Cities North
Lists Cottage Grove 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.
Ryan Plumbing & Heating
Lists Cottage Grove 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.
Water Heaters Now
Lists Cottage Grove among the areas it serves. Based in Burnsville.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
What the reviews say
We haven’t found reviews that mention this company’s water heater work yet.
Order: companies based in Cottage Grove 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 COTTAGE GROVE
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN COTTAGE GROVE
What Cottage Grove homes are like.
1990Median year built
37%Built before 1980
88%Owner-occupied
82%Heat with utility gas
91%Single-family homes
The median home was built in 1990. A first or second replacement is common in homes this age.
82% 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 Cottage Grove.
A city license for contractors
Cottage Grove charges contractors $60 a year for a city license. Mechanical contractors with a state license or bond are exempt.
Hard well water
City water from 13 wells is 298 mg/L (17 gpg) hard. A new Intermediate Zone Treatment Plant is being built.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies Cottage Grove homes.
Energy
- Electric: Xcel Energy
- Gas: Xcel Energy (depends on address)
- Gas: CenterPoint Energy (some addresses)
Cottage Grove Electric & Gas Providers directory ↗ · Cottage Grove Resident Phone List ↗
Water
City of Cottage Grove (13 municipal wells with treatment plants): 298 mg/L (17 grains per gallon) per the city's Water Quality/Hardness page, which links the 2025 Water Quality Report.
Cottage Grove Water Quality/Hardness ↗ · Cottage Grove Water Utilities ↗
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for Cottage Grove homes.
For Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy customers in Cottage Grove. 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 Cottage Grove.
Permits and who issues them
Cottage Grove's plumbing permit application lists 'Water Heater' as a permit item. The city takes all permits in its online system. For help, email building@cottagegrovemn.gov or call 651-458-2800.
Yes. The 2026 Fee Table lists City Contractor Licensing at $60 a year. Mechanical and sign contractors with a state license or bond don't need it.
City of Cottage Grove Building Division ↗ · Cottage Grove Residential Permits ↗ · Cottage Grove Plumbing Permit Application 2025 ↗ · Cottage Grove 2026 Fee Table ↗ · Cottage Grove City Fees ↗
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 Cottage Grove.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hastings | 6 mi | Required | $75 | Xcel Energy, Dakota Electric Association |
| Woodbury | 6 mi | Required | $75 | Xcel Energy |
| Inver Grove Heights | 7 mi | Required | $80 | Xcel Energy, Dakota Electric Association |
| South St. Paul | 8 mi | Required | — | Xcel Energy |
| Rosemount | 9 mi | Check with city | $70 | Dakota Electric Association, Xcel Energy |
| West St. Paul | 10 mi | Required | $100 | Xcel Energy |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Cottage Grove water heater questions.
How much is a water heater permit in Cottage Grove?
In 2026, the home plumbing fee is $61 with one fixture included, plus a $1 state surcharge.
Who supplies gas in Cottage Grove?
The city lists both Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy. Check your bill or your address to see which one you have.
How hard is the water in Cottage Grove?
298 mg/L, which is 17 grains per gallon.
More guides: Minnesota water heater replacement · All local guides