Best Tankless Water Heater Service Companies in Minnesota Ranked

Switching to a tankless water heater in Minnesota offers a reliable, energy-efficient solution for endless hot water. These on-demand systems provide significant space savings and can lower energy bills, but their installation is a complex project governed by strict state and local codes. Finding a qualified, licensed professional is essential to ensure your system is installed safely, performs optimally, and complies with all Minnesota regulations. This guide provides the practical information you need to understand the process, costs, and key considerations for installing or repairing a tankless water heater in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Water Heaters Now!

126 2nd St S, Stillwater, MN 55082

Water Heaters Now! is a specialized plumbing service in St Paul, MN, focusing exclusively on water heater repair, installation, and maintenance. They install professional-grade water heaters, including tankless models, and are recognized as one of the largest installers in the Midwest. The company offers same-day installation for tank-style water heaters when called before 2 p.m. and employs experienced technicians with over 40 years of combined expertise. Water Heaters Now! also handles permits and warranty processing to support customers throughout the ownership of their water heaters.

5.0

441 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

1821 University Ave W #317, St Paul, MN 55104

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services in St. Paul, MN, including residential and commercial plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, water softener and filtration system installation, and leak detection. They offer specialized capabilities such as video camera sewer inspections and trenchless sewer repair methods to minimize disruption during repairs. Serving the St. Paul metro area, their team is available 24/7, 365 days a year to address plumbing emergencies and routine maintenance needs.

4.9

3.0k Reviews

Water Heaters Now!

1845 NE Stinson Pkwy, Minneapolis, MN 55418

Water Heaters Now! is a plumbing company based in St Paul, MN, specializing exclusively in water heater repair, installation, and tankless water heater services. They focus on installing professional-grade water heaters known for their durability and efficiency. With over 40 years of technician experience and more than 1,000 installations annually, they offer same-day installation for tank-style water heaters when contacted before 2 p.m. Their team handles permits and warranty processing to provide a complete service experience.

4.9

481 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

1629 Hennepin Ave #300G, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup is a licensed and insured plumbing company serving Minneapolis, MN. They offer a wide range of services including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, water softener installation, sump pump repair, and leak detection. Their capabilities include advanced sewer line inspections using video camera technology and trenchless sewer repair methods that minimize disruption. Established with a long-standing reputation in the plumbing industry, Roto-Rooter provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues at any time.

4.8

5.6k Reviews

Apollo Heating, Air & Plumbing

1167 Viking Dr E, Maplewood, MN 55109

Apollo Heating, Air & Plumbing is a family-owned business serving St Paul, MN, and over 350 communities across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. They provide a range of plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heater services, water softener installation, and toilet repair. The company is recognized for its comprehensive heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and indoor air quality solutions. Apollo Heating, Air & Plumbing offers 24/7 emergency service and has been acknowledged as Minnesota's Best in 2024.

4.8

3.8k Reviews

See more providers in Minnesota

Understanding Tankless Water Heater Options

Tankless, or on-demand, water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit, where it is heated by either a gas burner or an electric element. This provides a continuous supply of hot water, but the system's capacity is limited by its flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM).

In Minnesota, you have two primary fuel choices, each with distinct installation requirements:

• Natural Gas or Propane Models: These are the most common choice for whole-home applications due to their high flow rates and efficiency. However, they require a larger gas supply line than traditional tank heaters and a dedicated, high-capacity venting system, typically made of stainless steel or specialized PVC ^{1 2 3}.
• Electric Models: Electric tankless units are often more compact and have a lower upfront unit cost. The significant consideration is your home's electrical capacity. They require dedicated, high-amperage 240-volt circuits, and a whole-home unit may need 100 amps or more of additional service, which can necessitate a costly electrical panel upgrade ^{1 4 5}.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

A proper tankless water heater installation is a multi-step process that should always be performed by a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor. Here's a typical sequence:

1. Initial Assessment: A professional will evaluate your home's existing plumbing, gas line or electrical service, venting options, and hot water demand to recommend a correctly sized unit.
2. Preparation & Permits: The installer will obtain the necessary permits from your local city or county building department, a crucial step for safety and insurance purposes ^{6 7}.
3. Shut-Offs & Removal: The old water heater is drained, disconnected, and removed from the premises.
4. Mounting & Rough-In: The new tankless unit is securely mounted to a wall. New water lines, a potentially upsized gas line, and new venting are installed ^{1 2}.
5. Final Connections: The unit is connected to the water, gas (or electrical), and venting systems. For electric models, a licensed electrician may run the new dedicated circuit.
6. Testing & Commissioning: The system is filled, purged of air, and tested for proper operation, leaks, safe venting, and adequate flow rate.

Minnesota Codes and Regulations

Installations in Minnesota must comply with the Minnesota Plumbing Code (Chapter 4715), the National Electrical Code (NEC), and local amendments. Key areas of focus include:

• Backflow Prevention: Required to protect potable water supplies ⁸.
• Venting: Must use specific materials and maintain proper clearances for combustion gases. High-efficiency condensing units require special PVC or polypropylene venting ^{2 9}.
• Gas Line Sizing: The gas supply pipe must be adequately sized for the unit's BTU/hour demand; upgrading this line is a common and necessary part of gas installations ².
• Electrical Work: All wiring must meet NEC standards for circuit protection, wire gauge, and grounding ⁹.

Cost Breakdown for Minnesota Homes

The total cost for a tankless water heater project in Minnesota varies widely based on the unit type, your home's existing infrastructure, and labor. Here is a general breakdown:

• Unit Cost:
  • Gas Units: $300 - $3,000+
  • Electric Units: $250 - $1,100+ ^{1 4 10}
• Installation Labor: $700 - $2,000+ ^{1 4 11}. This range can increase significantly if major upgrades (like a gas line or electrical service panel) are needed.
• Total Project Cost: A straightforward electric installation may start around $1,900, while a complex whole-home gas installation with necessary upgrades can easily reach $6,000 or more ^{1 11}.

Common Repair Needs and Costs

While known for their longevity, tankless water heaters can experience issues that require professional diagnosis and repair. Common problems include:

• Ignition Failure: Faulty igniters or flame sensors in gas models.
• Flow Sensor Issues: The unit fails to detect water flow and activate.
• Fan or Venting Problems: Blocked or faulty fans prevent proper combustion.
• Scale Buildup: Hard water can cause mineral accumulation on heat exchangers, reducing efficiency.
• Control Board Malfunctions: The electronic brain of the unit fails.

Repair costs typically range from $200 to $800+ for parts and labor, depending on the component and the complexity of the service call ¹. Due to the integrated gas, water, and electrical systems, repairs should always be handled by a technician certified to work on your specific brand and model.

Benefits Specific to Minnesota Climates

A tankless system offers particular advantages for Minnesota homeowners:

• Freeze Protection: Many models have built-in freeze protection for the internal components, which is vital during the state's harsh winters. However, external plumbing lines must still be properly insulated.
• Efficiency in Cold Inlet Water: Minnesota's ground water is very cold for much of the year. A properly sized tankless unit is rated to handle the temperature "rise" needed to heat this cold water to your desired temperature.
• Space Saving: Freeing up floor space where a traditional tank stood can be valuable for basement storage or utility room organization.

Choosing the Right Professional

Given the technical and regulatory complexity, your choice of installer is critical. Look for a contractor who:

• Holds a current Minnesota plumbing license.
• Pulls local permits for the work.
• Has specific experience installing the brand and fuel type you are considering.
• Provides a detailed, written estimate that includes all potential upgrade costs.
• Can explain how they will comply with Minnesota Plumbing Code requirements for venting, gas lines, and backflow prevention.

Frequently asked questions

Sources