Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN PRIOR LAKE
Prior Lake Water Heater
Replacement
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See what replacement costs ↓PRIOR LAKE AT A GLANCE
Replacing a water heater in Prior Lake.
Yes, Prior Lake requires a permit, and water heater applications are handled at the counter. Each trade needs its own permit. The 2026 schedule has no water heater fee, but lists $74 for home plumbing or mechanical alterations. Power comes from MVEC, Xcel Energy or Shakopee Public Utilities, depending on your address. CenterPoint Energy supplies gas. City water is not softened and measures 19.3 grains per gallon.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- Yes · City of Prior Lake Building Inspections
- Permit fee
- The 2026 fee schedule has no water heater line. Home plumbing and mechanical additions or alterations are $74.00 each (2026 Fee Schedule).
- Who gets the permit
- The city says either a contractor licensed in Minnesota or the property owner can apply. A homeowner who does the work is responsible for meeting code.
- Electric utility
- Xcel Energy, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) and Shakopee Public Utilities
- Gas utility
- CenterPoint Energy
- Water
- City of Prior Lake (wells treated for iron and manganese; not softened) · 19.3 grains per gallon (about 330 ppm), per the city's Water Treatment Facility page; the plant does not soften water.
- Rebate worth checking
- MVEC water heater rebates (Active)
- Typical home
- Built 1998 (median) · 86% owner-occupied
- Companies found
- 9 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 Prior Lake averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in Prior Lake
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local permit feeThe 2026 fee schedule has no water heater line. Home plumbing and mechanical additions or alterations are $74.00 each (2026 Fee Schedule).. City of Prior Lake Building Inspections fee source ↗
- Local company’s advertised price6 of the companies listed for Prior Lake 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. Each offer has its own conditions.
- Measured local dataNot collected yet, so no Prior Lake average is shown.
What can change the price in Prior Lake?
Because each trade needs its own permit, gas piping or venting work would need a mechanical permit, and new wiring an electrical permit. The city FAQ says a state inspector handles electrical inspections.
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in Prior Lake?
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 Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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.
NRG Plumbing
Lists Prior Lake among the areas it serves. Based in Cologne, MN 55322.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Testimonials praised the owner's workmanship and his quick, lower-priced water heater replacement.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
2 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of the Twin Cities North
Lists Prior Lake 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.
Water Heaters Now
Lists Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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 PRIOR LAKE
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN PRIOR LAKE
What Prior Lake homes are like.
1998Median year built
21%Built before 1980
86%Owner-occupied
82%Heat with utility gas
87%Single-family homes
The median home was built in 1998. 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 Prior Lake.
Hard water that isn't softened
Prior Lake's treatment plant takes out iron and manganese but does not soften the water. The city puts hardness at 19.3 grains per gallon and suggests using that number to set your home softener.
Three possible electric providers
The city names MVEC, Shakopee Public Utilities and Xcel Energy as electric providers and links a map of who serves where. Which electric water heater rebates you can get depends on your address.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies Prior Lake homes.
Energy
- Electric: Xcel Energy (depends on address; see the city's service-area map)
- Electric: Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) (depends on address; see the city's service-area map)
- Electric: Shakopee Public Utilities (named by the city for some areas)
- Gas: CenterPoint Energy
Water
City of Prior Lake (wells treated for iron and manganese; not softened): 19.3 grains per gallon (about 330 ppm), per the city's Water Treatment Facility page; the plant does not soften water.
Prior Lake Water Treatment Facility ↗ · Prior Lake 2025 Drinking Water Report ↗
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for Prior Lake homes.
For Xcel Energy, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC), Shakopee Public Utilities and CenterPoint Energy customers in Prior Lake. Ask installers for the price before rebates, then check with the program that you qualify.
- MVEC water heater rebates ↗ActiveFor MVEC members: $600 for any heat pump water heater, or $600 for a Marathon water heater bought from MVEC's Energy Store if you sign up for the Energy Wise program.
- SPU heat pump water heater rebate ↗Active$400 for a heat pump water heater (UEF of at least 2.2 or 3.3, depending on voltage) for SPU electric customers.
- 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 Prior Lake.
Permits and who issues them
Prior Lake needs a separate permit for each trade: electrical, plumbing and mechanical. Its FAQ says water heater applications are handled at the counter. Contractors apply in the city's BS&A Online portal or use the Mechanical-Plumbing-Sewer & Water application. To book inspections, call 952-447-9850 or email permits@PriorLakeMN.gov.
To apply online, contractors email the Building Department with their state license information to get a BS&A PIN. We found no separate city license.
City of Prior Lake Building Inspections ↗ · Prior Lake Building Inspections ↗ · Prior Lake FAQs ↗ · Prior Lake 2026 Fee Schedule ↗ · Mechanical-Plumbing-Sewer & Water Application (rev. 2026) ↗
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 Prior Lake.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakopee | 4 mi | Required | $75 | Shakopee Public Utilities (SPU), Xcel Energy, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) |
| Savage | 4 mi | Required | $70 | Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC), Xcel Energy |
| Burnsville | 8 mi | Required | $82 | Xcel Energy, Dakota Electric Association, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) |
| Eden Prairie | 9 mi | Required | By job value (from $600) | Xcel Energy, Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) |
| Bloomington | 9 mi | Required | By job value (from $65) | Xcel Energy |
| Lakeville | 10 mi | Required | $70 | Dakota Electric Association, Xcel Energy |
COMMON QUESTIONS
Prior Lake water heater questions.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Prior Lake?
Yes. The city requires separate permits for plumbing and mechanical work, and handles water heater applications at the counter.
Can I apply for the permit myself?
Yes. The city says a contractor licensed in Minnesota or the property owner can apply.
How hard is Prior Lake's water?
19.3 grains per gallon. The treatment plant takes out iron and manganese but does not soften the water.
More guides: Minnesota water heater replacement · All local guides