Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN UNIVERSITY CITY
University City Water Heater
Replacement
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See what replacement costs ↓UNIVERSITY CITY AT A GLANCE
Replacing a water heater in University City.
In University City, the Community Development Department at City Hall issues plumbing permits to master plumbers licensed by St. Louis County, who also get a University City license. A homeowner in a detached house they live in can do the work after passing an open-book code exam, which can be taken only once a year. Electricity in University City comes from Ameren Missouri, gas from Spire, water from Missouri American Water.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- Yes · University City Community Development Department
- Who gets the permit
- Master Plumbers licensed by St. Louis County, who must show the county license and a second ID. The owner (or an immediate family member) of a detached single-family home they live in can get a homeowner permit after passing an open-book IRC exam, which can be taken only once every 12 months, and must do all the work themselves.
- Electric utility
- Ameren Missouri
- Gas utility
- Spire
- Water
- Missouri American Water · Total hardness 82–164 ppm (about 5–10 gpg) from Missouri River plants and 60–150 ppm (about 3.5–9 gpg) from Meramec River plants, per Missouri American Water's 2025 report; the report says the water is lime-softened
- Rebate worth checking
- Missouri IRA Home Energy Rebates (HOMES and HEAR) (Not launched)
- Typical home
- Built 1949 (median) · 56% 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 University City averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in University City
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local company’s advertised price1 of the companies listed for University City post water heater prices or specials on their websites: Hoffmann Brothers. Each offer has its own conditions.
- Measured local dataNot collected yet, so no University City average is shown.
What can change the price in University City?
Homeowner permits don't cover sewer lines, building drains, the water service line, or gray-water systems. Electrical work has its own permit page.
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in University City?
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 →
Hoffmann Brothers
Lists University City among the areas it serves. Based in 3700 Rider Trail S, Suite 100, Earth City, MO 63045 (other St. Louis-area offices: 1643 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110; 2043 Woodland Pkwy, Suite 100, St Louis, MO 63146; 1254 University Drive, Suite 800, Edwardsville, IL 62025).
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
Published price:
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Customers praised quick replacements (often same or next day), clean installs with floor protection, clear explanations of options, warranties and rebates, and no pushy selling.
Worth knowing A 2026 BBB reviewer said a $927 water heater repair failed, the unit was replaced for about $4,000, and the company credited $450 only after back-and-forth; another reviewer said the company was not the cheapest.
5 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Reviewers praised kind, knowledgeable plumbers, a temporary fix that restored hot water until replacement, and pricing they considered fair.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
2 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of St. Louis
Lists University City among the areas it serves. Based in Fenton, MO (city named in franchise page titles; street address not shown on pages checked).
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback The one testimonial praised a courteous, efficient plumber and a reasonable price for fixing a water heater leak.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
1 water heater review read, checked September 30, 2026.
Performance Plumbing
Lists University City among the areas it serves. Based in 1104 S Callahan Rd, Wentzville, MO 63385.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Heat pump
- Repair
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Customers praised on-time, tidy water heater replacements at a fair price, clear explanations, and no-pressure estimates.
Worth knowing No water heater complaints found in the sources checked.
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
Superior Service
Lists University City among the areas it serves. Based in 101 Stag Industrial Blvd., Lake Saint Louis, MO 63367 (second location: 17722 Chesterfield Airport Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63005).
- Tank
- Tankless
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
Water heater feedback Reviewers praised a well-done gas water heater installation and a technician who caught water heater corrosion during routine maintenance.
Worth knowing A 2025 BBB complaint alleged a water heater and drain-pan install that was never tested and later let water leak into a neighbor's unit, and that Superior charged a $100 visit fee and would not correct it; Superior responded that the work was permitted, passed inspection, excluded the existing drain system, and that the overflow came from equipment it never serviced (listed as Answered).
4 water heater reviews read, checked September 30, 2026.
Faszold Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical (Faszold Service Co.)
Lists University City among the areas it serves. Based in 1613 East Terra Ln, O’Fallon, MO 63366.
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
What the reviews say
We haven’t found reviews that mention this company’s water heater work yet.
Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup (St. Louis)
Lists University City among the areas it serves. Based in 2671 Washington Ave, St Louis, MO 63103 (local branch of national company).
- 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.
Order: companies based in University City 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. Missouri has no statewide plumbing license (check your city or county) ↗.
FROM COMPANIES SERVING UNIVERSITY CITY
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN UNIVERSITY CITY
What University City homes are like.
1949Median year built
85%Built before 1980
56%Owner-occupied
78%Heat with utility gas
64%Single-family homes
About 85% of homes were built before 1980. Older homes often have older venting, smaller closets and shutoff valves that should be checked before install day.
78% 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 University City.
Homeowner exam only once a year
The homeowner plumbing test is an open-book exam on the IRC plumbing chapters (Chapters 3 and 25–32), and you can take it only once in any 12-month period. You also need a valid occupancy permit for the home.
Permit can be revoked
If a homeowner's work isn't done right, the Building Official can cancel the permit and require a licensed plumber to finish or fix it.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies University City homes.
Water
Missouri American Water: Total hardness 82–164 ppm (about 5–10 gpg) from Missouri River plants and 60–150 ppm (about 3.5–9 gpg) from Meramec River plants, per Missouri American Water's 2025 report; the report says the water is lime-softened
University City – Utility Companies - Links ↗ · Missouri American Water 2025 Water Quality Report, St. Louis County / St. Charles County (PWS MO6010716) ↗
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for University City homes.
For Ameren Missouri and Spire customers in University City. Ask installers for the price before rebates, then check with the program that you qualify.
- Missouri IRA Home Energy Rebates (HOMES and HEAR) ↗Not launchedMissouri expects about $76 million for HOMES and $75 million for electrification and appliance rebates.
- Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) ↗EndedCovered improvements made through December 31, 2025.
Checked September 30, 2026. Who qualifies and the conditions: Missouri rebates · How to check an incentive.
PERMITS & LICENSING
Permits and licenses in University City.
Permits and who issues them
University City requires plumbing permits and inspections for all new installs, major repairs and changes to a plumbing system; it doesn't name water heaters. Download the plumbing permit application and turn it in to Community Development on the 4th floor of City Hall, open weekdays 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Plumbers must be licensed by St. Louis County. County-licensed plumbers also get a University City license.
University City Community Development Department ↗ · University City – Plumbing Permits ↗
Check the installer’s license
Ask for the license number and search it yourself on the Missouri has no statewide plumbing license (check your city or county) ↗. A listing on Ember & Tank is not a license check. Missouri licensing explained →
NEARBY CITIES
Compare places near University City.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton | 1 mi | Required | $35 | Ameren Missouri |
| Overland | 3 mi | Check with city | $60 | Ameren Missouri |
| St. Louis | 5 mi | Required | $30 | Ameren Missouri |
| St. Ann | 5 mi | Required | $47 | Ameren Missouri |
| Jennings | 5 mi | Required | — | Ameren Missouri |
| Webster Groves | 6 mi | Required | — | Ameren Missouri |
COMMON QUESTIONS
University City water heater questions.
Can I replace my own water heater in University City?
Only if you own and live in a detached single-family home, have a valid occupancy permit, pass the open-book IRC exam and do the work yourself.
What do plumbers need to bring to get a permit?
Proof of a St. Louis County plumbing license and a second ID, such as a driver's license.
More guides: Missouri water heater replacement · All local guides