Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN MINNEAPOLIS
Minneapolis Water Heater
Replacement
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Replacing a water heater in Minneapolis.
You need a plumbing permit to replace a water heater in Minneapolis. The minimum plumbing fee is $85.20, and gas appliances are priced on a separate burner schedule. Plumbers need a city license. The city's Green Cost Share program adds $400 to $1,500 on top of utility rebates for heat pump water heaters. City water is softened at the plant to about 94 ppm hardness.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- Yes · City of Minneapolis Development Review (Community Planning & Economic Development)
- Permit fee
- Plumbing minimum fee $85.20 (includes the $1 state surcharge). Gas appliances go on the non-heating gas burner schedule: $73.30 up to 399,999 Btu/hr, but the $85.20 minimum still applies. The published schedule has no single line for water heaters.
- Who gets the permit
- Plumbers working in Minneapolis need a city plumbing license (with a $25,000 state surety bond). If you own and live in a single-family home, you can do your own plumbing or mechanical work with a photo ID, but the city says you may not work on gas-fired heating equipment. Corporations, LLCs and partnerships can't get owner permits.
- Electric utility
- Xcel Energy
- Gas utility
- CenterPoint Energy
- Water
- Minneapolis Water Treatment & Distribution Services (city utility, Mississippi River source, softened at the plant) · Plant effluent total hardness averaged 94 ppm (about 5.5 gpg), range 80-113 ppm, in the city's 2025 record of data
- Rebate worth checking
- Minneapolis Green Cost Share Bonus Rebate: heat pump water heaters (Active)
- Typical home
- Built 1951 (median) · 48% owner-occupied
- Companies found
- 15 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 Minneapolis averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in Minneapolis
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local permit feePlumbing minimum fee $85.20 (includes the $1 state surcharge). Gas appliances go on the non-heating gas burner schedule: $73.30 up to 399,999 Btu/hr, but the $85.20 minimum still applies. The published schedule has no single line for water heaters.. City of Minneapolis Development Review (Community Planning & Economic Development) fee source ↗
- Local company’s advertised price8 of the companies listed for Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis average is shown.
What can change the price in Minneapolis?
The plumbing permit page also lists replacing or installing water pipes and hooking gas appliances to gas piping. Gas piping alone costs 1.99% of the job's value or the minimum fee. Emergency repairs can be done first if you apply for the permit by the next business day.
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in Minneapolis?
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 →
Ryan Plumbing & Heating
Lists Minneapolis 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.
Aquarius Home Services
Lists Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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.
TJK Plumbing Inc
Lists Minneapolis 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.
Also listing Minneapolis: Modern Plumbing & Heating, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of the Twin Cities North, Plumb Right, St Paul Pipeworks, Water Heaters Now.
Order: companies based in Minneapolis 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 MINNEAPOLIS
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN MINNEAPOLIS
What Minneapolis homes are like.
1951Median year built
72%Built before 1980
48%Owner-occupied
70%Heat with utility gas
44%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.
70% of homes heat with utility gas, so gas water heaters with existing venting are common here.
Only 48% of homes are owner-occupied. Renters should ask the landlord or property manager; replacing the heater is usually the owner’s decision.
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 Minneapolis.
Owners can't do their own gas-fired heating work
Owners who live in a single-family home can do their own plumbing and mechanical work, but the city says they can't work on gas-fired heating equipment. Check with Development Review before putting in a gas water heater yourself.
Water is softened at the plant
Minneapolis softens its river water at the treatment plants. Water leaving the plants in 2025 averaged 94 ppm hardness, lower than many suburban well systems.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies Minneapolis homes.
Energy
- Electric: Xcel Energy (holds the city's electric franchise)
- Gas: CenterPoint Energy (holds the city's natural gas franchise)
Water
Minneapolis Water Treatment & Distribution Services (city utility, Mississippi River source, softened at the plant): Plant effluent total hardness averaged 94 ppm (about 5.5 gpg), range 80-113 ppm, in the city's 2025 record of data
Minneapolis 2025 plant effluent record of data ↗ · Minneapolis water quality report documents ↗
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for Minneapolis homes.
For Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy customers in Minneapolis. Ask installers for the price before rebates, then check with the program that you qualify.
- Minneapolis Green Cost Share Bonus Rebate: heat pump water heaters ↗ActiveA city bonus on top of the Xcel or CenterPoint rebate for an ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater: $1,500 in a Green Zone or $400 elsewhere.
- Minneapolis Green Cost Share 0% APR energy loan ↗Active0% interest loans up to $20,000 over up to 10 years, for 1-4 unit homes the owner lives in, with household income under 150% of area median income.
- 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 Minneapolis.
Permits and who issues them
The city lists 'replace or install a water heater' as a job that needs a plumbing permit. Homeowners and contractors fill out a PDF plumbing permit application and email it to Development Review. Pre-approved licensed contractors can use the city's express permit tool, which covers installing and replacing water heaters in existing one- and two-family homes.
Yes. Minneapolis issues its own plumbing, gas fitter and HVAC licenses. Plumbing license applicants must provide a surety bond and may need a competency card.
City of Minneapolis Development Review (Community Planning & Economic Development) ↗ · Minneapolis: Plumbing permits (water heater listed) ↗ · Minneapolis Plumbing Fee Schedule (Smartsheet, linked from city fee page updated Feb 27, 2026) ↗ · Minneapolis: Plumbing permit fees ↗ · Minneapolis: Construction permit applicants (homeowner rules) ↗ · Minneapolis: Express limited permits for contractors ↗ · Minneapolis: Plumbing license ↗ · Minneapolis: Construction work exempt from permit ↗
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 Minneapolis.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Valley | 5 mi | Required | By job value (from $500) | Xcel Energy |
| St. Louis Park | 5 mi | Required | $85 | Xcel Energy |
| Robbinsdale | 5 mi | Required | $125 | Xcel Energy |
| Columbia Heights | 6 mi | Required | $65 | Xcel Energy |
| Richfield | 6 mi | Required | $65 | Xcel Energy |
| Roseville | 7 mi | Required | $87 | Xcel Energy |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Minneapolis water heater questions.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Minneapolis?
Yes. The city's plumbing permit page lists replacing or installing a water heater as work that needs a plumbing permit.
Can I install my own water heater?
If you own and live in a single-family home, you can do your own plumbing with a permit. But the city says owners may not work on gas-fired heating equipment, so call Development Review (612-673-3000) before installing a gas unit yourself.
Is there a city rebate for a heat pump water heater?
Yes. The Green Cost Share bonus adds $1,500 in Green Zones or $400 elsewhere for an ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater, on top of the utility rebate. It covers projects finished after Dec 15, 2025, while funds last.
More guides: Minnesota water heater replacement · All local guides