Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN ST. PAUL
St. Paul Water Heater
Replacement
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See what replacement costs ↓ST. PAUL AT A GLANCE
Replacing a water heater in St. Paul.
Yes, you need a permit in Saint Paul. The Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) issues plumbing and gas fitting permits for water heaters. Gas-only permits have an $85 minimum, each water heater is $34, and there is a $1 state surcharge. If you own and live in a one- or two-family home, you can pull your own permit, but you must apply in person. Xcel Energy supplies gas and power. Saint Paul Regional Water Services softens the city's water with lime.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- Yes · City of Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI)
- Permit fee
- Gas-fitting-only permits have an $85 minimum fee. Each water heater, gas or electric, is $34. Each extra 100,000 BTU above 100,000 BTU is $15. Add a $1 state surcharge. A general plumbing permit is $92 to start plus $36 per fixture. These rates come from the city's fee page and its plumbing permit application dated 02/25/2023.
- Who gets the permit
- A licensed plumbing contractor, or a homeowner who lives in their own one- or two-family home (in a duplex, only their own unit), using a Homeowner's Affidavit for Plumbing Permit. Homeowners can't do this work on new homes, vacant buildings or commercial property.
- Electric utility
- Xcel Energy
- Gas utility
- Xcel Energy
- Water
- Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) · 85 mg/L as CaCO3 (4.99 gpg) total hardness in SPRWS's April 2016 monthly mineral report (an old figure; the 2025 water quality report does not list hardness). SPRWS lime-softens water at its McCarrons treatment plant.
- Rebate worth checking
- Power of Home (Unclear)
- Typical home
- Built 1952 (median) · 53% owner-occupied
- Companies found
- 7 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 St. Paul averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in St. Paul
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local permit feeGas-fitting-only permits have an $85 minimum fee. Each water heater, gas or electric, is $34. Each extra 100,000 BTU above 100,000 BTU is $15. Add a $1 state surcharge. A general plumbing permit is $92 to start plus $36 per fixture. These rates come from the city's fee page and its plumbing permit application dated 02/25/2023.. City of Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) fee source ↗
- Local company’s advertised price4 of the companies listed for St. Paul post water heater prices or specials on their websites: Bonfe Plumbing, Heating & Air, Dean's Home Services, MSP Plumbing Heating Air, Plumb Right. Each offer has its own conditions.
- Measured local dataNot collected yet, so no St. Paul average is shown.
What can change the price in St. Paul?
The application treats 'Replace' (with approved materials) differently from 'Alter' (moving it to an approved spot). Gas appliances over 100,000 BTU add $15 for each extra 100,000 BTU. Clear-water waste, such as condensate, can't drain into the sanitary sewer, and the office must approve where it drains before you install.
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in St. Paul?
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 →
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Greater Minneapolis
Lists St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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.
MSP Plumbing Heating Air
Lists St. Paul 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.
Plumb Right
Lists St. Paul among the areas it serves. Based in Brooklyn Park.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
Published price: Coupons page: $100 off water heater installation/replacement; $100 off tankless water heater installation/replacement; $50 off water heater repair; $50 off tankless repair (not valid for trip charge or diagnostic fee; page headed 2025, no expiration shown) —
What the reviews say
We haven’t found reviews that mention this company’s water heater work yet.
St Paul Pipeworks
Lists St. Paul among the areas it serves. Based in Little Canada.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
What the reviews say
We haven’t found reviews that mention this company’s water heater work yet.
Water Heaters Now
Lists St. Paul 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 St. Paul 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 ST. PAUL
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN ST. PAUL
What St. Paul homes are like.
1952Median year built
78%Built before 1980
53%Owner-occupied
67%Heat with utility gas
53%Single-family homes
About 78% of homes were built before 1980. Older homes often have older venting, smaller closets and shutoff valves that should be checked before install day.
67% 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 St. Paul.
Homeowners must apply in person
Saint Paul lets owners who live in a one- or two-family home pull their own plumbing and gas fitting permits. But every homeowner application must be made in person, with the Homeowner's Affidavit for Plumbing Permit.
Saint Paul DSI Plumbing/Gas permits ↗ · Saint Paul Plumbing Application, Inspection & Fees ↗
Permits expire after 180 days
A Saint Paul plumbing permit expires if work doesn't start within 180 days of being issued, or if work stops for 180 days.
Where condensate can drain
The permit application says clear-water waste, such as condensate, can't drain into the sanitary sewer. It must go to the storm sewer or out onto the ground, and the drain spot must be approved before you install. This matters for condensing gas and heat pump water heaters.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies St. Paul homes.
Energy
- Electric: Xcel Energy
- Gas: Xcel Energy
City of Saint Paul: new franchise agreement with Xcel Energy (Sept 3, 2026) ↗
Water
Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS): 85 mg/L as CaCO3 (4.99 gpg) total hardness in SPRWS's April 2016 monthly mineral report (an old figure; the 2025 water quality report does not list hardness). SPRWS lime-softens water at its McCarrons treatment plant.
SPRWS April 2016 Monthly Mineral Report ↗ · SPRWS Annual Water Quality Report (2025 data) ↗
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for St. Paul homes.
For Xcel Energy customers in St. Paul. Ask installers for the price before rebates, then check with the program that you qualify.
- Power of Home ↗UnclearGrants of up to $50,000, which you don't pay back, to swap gas furnaces, water heaters, stovetops and dryers for efficient electric ones.
- 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.
- 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 St. Paul.
Permits and who issues them
DSI lists a 'Gas Water Heater' permit among its plumbing and gas fitting permits. Its plumbing permit application lists 'Water Heater (Gas & Electric)' as a line item. Contractors apply in PAULIE, the city's online permit system, and book inspections there. Homeowners must apply in person.
The city requires licensed plumbing contractors to get permits for any plumbing work. The application warns that a master plumber who pulls permits for others or hires uncertified workers is breaking permit rules. We could not confirm a separate city contractor license.
City of Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) ↗ · Saint Paul DSI Plumbing/Gas permits ↗ · Saint Paul DSI Gas Fitting permits (Gas Water Heater, fees) ↗ · Saint Paul Plumbing Application, Inspection & Fees ↗ · Saint Paul DSI Plumbing, Gas Fitting & Inside Water Piping Permit Application (effective 02/25/2023) ↗
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 St. Paul.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West St. Paul | 3 mi | Required | $100 | Xcel Energy |
| Mendota Heights | 5 mi | Check with city | By job value (from $75) | Xcel Energy |
| Roseville | 5 mi | Required | $87 | Xcel Energy |
| South St. Paul | 5 mi | Required | — | Xcel Energy |
| Little Canada | 5 mi | Check with city | $45 | Xcel Energy |
| Maplewood | 6 mi | Required | $45 | Xcel Energy, North St. Paul Electric Utility |
COMMON QUESTIONS
St. Paul water heater questions.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in St. Paul?
Yes. DSI lists a Gas Water Heater permit, and its plumbing permit application covers gas and electric water heaters. Contractors apply and book inspections in PAULIE.
How much is the permit?
Gas-fitting-only permits have an $85 minimum, with $34 per water heater and $15 for each extra 100,000 BTU over 100,000 BTU, plus a $1 state surcharge. These are 2023 application rates that still appear on the city's fee page.
Can I replace my own water heater in St. Paul?
Yes, if you own and live in a one- or two-family home. You pull the plumbing and gas fitting permits yourself, in person, with a homeowner's affidavit.
Does the city help pay to switch to an electric water heater?
Saint Paul's Power of Home program has given income-qualified owners who live in their homes grants of up to $50,000 to swap gas water heaters and other appliances for electric ones. It is closed to new applications right now, but there is an interest form.
More guides: Minnesota water heater replacement · All local guides