Storage tank
$1,600–$2,400Typical cost, including installation
WATER HEATER REPLACEMENT IN RIVER FALLS
River Falls Water Heater
Replacement
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See what replacement costs ↓RIVER FALLS AT A GLANCE
Replacing a water heater in River Falls.
River Falls requires a permit for plumbing work other than replacing a faucet. Plumbing goes on one building permit priced by job value, issued by appointment under Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code. River Falls Municipal Utilities supplies electricity and water (16 grains per gallon), and St. Croix Gas supplies natural gas. RFMU lists a $1,000 incentive that covers heat pump water heaters.
- Permit to replace with the same type
- Yes · City of River Falls Building and Inspections Division
- Permit fee
- Plumbing is part of the building permit fee, which is based on job value: $22.50 for $1–$500 of work; $22.50 plus $3 for each extra $100 up to $2,000; $67.50 plus $13.50 for each extra $1,000 from $2,001 to $25,000 (2026 adopted fee schedule; the fee table was set by Res. 3179 in 1998). Plumbing inspection time is $75 an hour where it applies.
- Who gets the permit
- The fact sheet says all contractors, including plumbers, electricians and HVAC contractors, must hold State of Wisconsin licenses (Municipal Code 15.04.090 A). It doesn't spell out rules for homeowners.
- Electric utility
- River Falls Municipal Utilities (RFMU)
- Gas utility
- St. Croix Gas
- Water
- River Falls Municipal Utilities · 16 grains per gallon (272 mg/L), per RFMU's Water Hardness page (year not stated).
- Rebate worth checking
- RFMU Residential and Multifamily Incentive for Energy Efficiency (Unclear)
- Typical home
- Built 1990 (median) · 55% owner-occupied
- Companies found
- 2 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 River Falls averages or guaranteed quotes.
Compare what each quote includes.Equipment · Labor · Permits · Old heater removalHow to compare quotes →
What we know about prices in River Falls
- National installer’s published rangeThe ranges above. Home Depot ↗
- Local permit feePlumbing is part of the building permit fee, which is based on job value: $22.50 for $1–$500 of work; $22.50 plus $3 for each extra $100 up to $2,000; $67.50 plus $13.50 for each extra $1,000 from $2,001 to $25,000 (2026 adopted fee schedule; the fee table was set by Res. 3179 in 1998). Plumbing inspection time is $75 an hour where it applies.. City of River Falls Building and Inspections Division fee source ↗
- Local company’s advertised price2 of the companies listed for River Falls post water heater prices or specials on their websites: Aquarius Home Services, Boldt's Plumbing & Heating Inc.. Each offer has its own conditions.
- Measured local dataNot collected yet, so no River Falls average is shown.
What can change the price in River Falls?
The permit list also covers electrical work (except swapping a light fixture or outlet) and new furnace, air conditioning or duct work. Commercial electrical permits go through the State.
02 / COMPANIES WE FOUND
Who replaces water heaters in River Falls?
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 River Falls 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.
Boldt's Plumbing & Heating Inc.
Lists River Falls among the areas it serves. Based in Baldwin & Hudson, WI (two offices; Hudson office at 516 2nd St, Unit #203, Hudson, WI 54016 per Hudson Area Chamber listing).
- Tank
- Tankless
- Repair
- Emergency service
Published price: Coupon: $100 off water heater replacement (cannot be combined); financing 'as low as $49/month' —
What the reviews say
We haven’t found reviews that mention this company’s water heater work yet.
Order: companies based in River Falls 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. Wisconsin plumbing license lookup (DSPS LicensE) ↗.
FROM COMPANIES SERVING RIVER FALLS
Photos of water heater jobs from these companies.
HOMES IN RIVER FALLS
What River Falls homes are like.
1990Median year built
40%Built before 1980
55%Owner-occupied
70%Heat with utility gas
64%Single-family homes
The median home was built in 1990. A first or second replacement is common in homes this age.
70% 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 River Falls.
Wisconsin code, not Minnesota's
River Falls follows the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (SPS 320–325) and requires plumbers licensed in Wisconsin. Its Minnesota neighbors across the St. Croix follow different rules.
River Falls Building Permits & Inspections ↗ · River Falls Building Permit Fact Sheet ↗
The water is hard, whatever RFMU says
RFMU's page says River Falls water 'is not considered hard water,' yet lists 16 grains per gallon (272 mg/L). That is above the 200 mg/L it gives for water that has touched limestone.
ENERGY & WATER
Who supplies River Falls homes.
Energy
- Electric: River Falls Municipal Utilities (RFMU) (city-owned electric, water and sewer utility)
- Gas: St. Croix Gas
Water
River Falls Municipal Utilities: 16 grains per gallon (272 mg/L), per RFMU's Water Hardness page (year not stated).
REBATES & CREDITS
Rebates for River Falls homes.
For River Falls Municipal Utilities (RFMU) and St. Croix Gas customers in River Falls. Ask installers for the price before rebates, then check with the program that you qualify.
- RFMU Residential and Multifamily Incentive for Energy Efficiency ↗UnclearRFMU pays $1,000 for qualified energy-efficient equipment installed in a home, including air source heat pumps and air source (heat pump) water heaters.
- RFMU Home Energy Assessment Incentive ↗UnclearA home energy assessment costs $50, or $25 for customers in RFMU renewable energy programs.
- Focus on Energy – Water Heating Instant Discounts ↗ActiveInstant discounts taken off the invoice at purchase: at least $300 for a heat pump water heater (3.3 UEF or higher, under 120 gallons), at least $100 for a gas tankless (0.87 UEF or higher), and at least $200 for an indirect water heater paired with a 90%+ boiler.
- IRA Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) ↗ActiveUp to $1,750 for an ENERGY STAR electric heat pump water heater.
- IRA Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) ↗ActiveWhole-home rebates based on household income and predicted energy savings; all homeowners are eligible.
- Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) ↗EndedCovered improvements made through December 31, 2025.
Checked September 30, 2026. Who qualifies and the conditions: Wisconsin rebates · How to check an incentive.
PERMITS & LICENSING
Permits and licenses in River Falls.
Permits and who issues them
River Falls' building permit fact sheet says plumbing work needs a permit, except faucet replacement. The city issues one building permit that covers plumbing, HVAC and home electrical work, following the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. Permits are by appointment (715-426-3427) and must be posted facing the street. The homeowner or contractor asks for the final inspection.
Contractors need State of Wisconsin licenses. We found no separate River Falls license.
City of River Falls Building and Inspections Division ↗ · River Falls Building Permits & Inspections ↗ · River Falls Building Permit Fact Sheet ↗ · River Falls 2026 Adopted Fees ↗
Check the installer’s license
Ask for the license number and search it yourself on the Wisconsin plumbing license lookup (DSPS LicensE) ↗. A listing on Ember & Tank is not a license check. Wisconsin licensing explained →
NEARBY CITIES
Compare places near River Falls.
| City | Distance | Permit to replace | Fee | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hudson | 9 mi | Check with city | By job value (from $60) | Xcel Energy |
| New Richmond | 19 mi | Check with city | $75 | New Richmond Utilities |
COMMON QUESTIONS
River Falls water heater questions.
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in River Falls?
Yes. The city's fact sheet requires a permit for plumbing work other than faucet replacement. Plumbing goes on the one building permit for the project.
How is the permit fee calculated?
By job value: $22.50 up to $500, then $3 for every $100 up to $2,000, and $67.50 plus $13.50 for every $1,000 from $2,001 to $25,000 (2026 fee schedule).
Does RFMU offer a heat pump water heater incentive?
Yes. RFMU lists $1,000 for qualified efficient equipment, including air source (heat pump) water heaters. Check the program application for current terms.
More guides: Wisconsin water heater replacement · All local guides