Best Water Heater Installation Companies in Minnesota Ranked

A properly installed water heater is essential for reliable hot water and home safety in Minnesota. Whether you're replacing a failing unit or upgrading for efficiency, understanding the process, costs, and state-specific regulations is key. This guide provides clear, practical information to help you navigate your water heater project, from choosing the right type to ensuring a compliant installation, and connects you with qualified local professionals.

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

611 Bielenberg Dr Ste 3-114, Woodbury, MN 55125

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup serves St Paul, MN, providing full-service plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup for residential and commercial customers. Established in 1935, the company offers a range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, and emergency plumbing. They use state-of-the-art equipment and provide 24/7 emergency service with no extra charges for nights, weekends, or holidays.

5.0

533 Reviews

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

Good Guys Plumbing LLC

st paul

Good Guys Plumbing LLC is a family-owned plumbing company serving St Paul, MN, and nearby areas including Oakdale and Woodbury. They provide a wide range of residential plumbing services such as water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, leak detection, gas line installation, and water softener installation. The company specializes in working with PEX, copper, and galvanized water systems and offers backflow prevention and water treatment solutions. With over a decade of experience, Good Guys Plumbing focuses on residential plumbing needs and maintaining home plumbing systems.

5.0

248 Reviews

Pronto Heating and Air Conditioning - Minneapolis

7415 Cahill Rd, Minneapolis, MN 55439

Pronto Heating and Air Conditioning - Minneapolis provides HVAC and plumbing services in Minneapolis, MN. They offer water heater repair and installation, leak detection, and gas line installation among their plumbing services. The company is a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer with expertise in heating, cooling, and indoor air quality systems. They serve Minneapolis and nearby communities, focusing on system maintenance, repair, and installation. Pronto Heating and Air Conditioning emphasizes prompt emergency service and offers a One Day Installation and No-Stress Guarantee for upgrades and replacements.

4.9

5.4k 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

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Understanding Minnesota's Water Heater Regulations

In Minnesota, all water heater installations and replacements must comply with state and local codes designed for safety and efficiency. The primary governing rules are the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code and the Minnesota State Mechanical and Fuel Gas Code, which incorporate national standards with state-specific amendments ^{1 2}. These codes cover everything from proper venting and gas line connections to safety valve installation and placement restrictions.

A critical first step is determining if a permit is required. In most cases, a plumbing permit and subsequent inspection are mandatory for a new installation ². Some local jurisdictions may waive the permit requirement for a straightforward, like-for-like replacement that doesn't involve altering water supply lines, gas lines, or electrical circuits ³. Always check with your local building department to confirm the requirements for your specific project. Working with a licensed Minnesota plumber ensures these code and permit obligations are met correctly.

Types of Water Heaters Available

Choosing the right water heater involves balancing upfront cost, operating expenses, and your household's hot water needs. Here are the most common types found in Minnesota homes:

• Traditional Storage Tank: The most familiar type, these units heat and store a reservoir of water. They are available in natural gas, propane, or electric models. Natural gas is the most common fuel in Minnesota due to its widespread availability and typically lower operating costs ^{3 4}. Electric models are also prevalent, especially in areas without gas service.
• Tankless (On-Demand): These units heat water instantly as it flows through the unit, eliminating the standby energy loss of a storage tank. They provide endless hot water and have a longer lifespan but require a higher initial investment and may need upgrades to gas lines or electrical service. Installation costs in Minnesota typically start around $5,000 ⁵.
• Heat Pump (Hybrid): These highly efficient electric units work by moving heat from the surrounding air into the water. They can be two to three times more energy-efficient than standard electric resistance water heaters, offering significant long-term savings on utility bills ⁶. They are an excellent choice for Minnesota homes with suitable space (they need warm, non-confined area to operate efficiently).
• Solar & Geothermal: These niche systems use renewable energy to pre-heat water, often integrated with a backup conventional system. While they have very low operating costs, the high installation cost and Minnesota's climate make them less common than other options ⁷.

Sizing Your Water Heater Correctly

An improperly sized water heater will lead to either constant cold showers or wasted energy. Sizing depends on your household's peak hot water demand.

For traditional storage tank water heaters, capacity is measured in gallons. A general sizing guideline is:

• 1-2 people: 30-40 gallon tank
• 2-3 people: 40-50 gallon tank
• 3-4 people: 50-60 gallon tank
• 5+ people: 75-80 gallon tank ^{8 9 10}

For tankless water heaters, sizing is based on flow rate (gallons per minute, or GPM). You must calculate the total GPM needed if multiple fixtures (e.g., shower and dishwasher) run simultaneously. Most residential tankless units in Minnesota are rated between 5-10 GPM ^{8 11}. A professional can perform a detailed load calculation to recommend the perfect size for your home.

Key Installation Requirements & Safety Codes

Minnesota codes include specific mandates to ensure safe operation. Key requirements include:

• Temperature & Pressure (T&P) Relief Valve: A required safety device that must be installed on the tank and piped to within 18 inches of the floor to safely discharge hot water and steam if pressure gets too high ^{2 12}.
• Gas Shutoff Valve: A full-open gas shutoff valve must be installed within 6 feet of a gas water heater ².
• Location Restrictions: Gas water heaters cannot be installed in bedrooms, bathrooms, or closets that open into these rooms. In garages, the burner must be at least 18 inches above the floor to prevent ignition of flammable vapors ^{2 13}.
• Venting: All gas and propane units require proper venting to exhaust combustion gases outdoors. Venting must meet manufacturer specs and code clearances (e.g., 1-inch clearance for Class B metal vents) ². Upgrading to a power-vented or direct-vent model often requires PVC piping and provides more installation flexibility and efficiency.
• Combustion Air: Replacements with a larger unit require verification that the space has adequate air for combustion, ventilation, and dilution ².

Cost Breakdown for Installation & Replacement

The total cost for a new water heater in Minnesota includes the unit itself, labor, permits, and disposal of the old appliance ⁵. Prices vary significantly based on the type of unit, fuel source, and complexity of the installation.

Factors that can increase cost include:

• Switching fuel types (e.g., electric to gas), which requires new gas line or electrical circuit installation.
• Installing a tankless unit, which may require upgrading the gas line size or electrical service.
• Necessary modifications like adding a new vent, pan, or drain.
• Moving the location of the water heater.

Pro Tip: Check for rebates! Local utilities and state programs sometimes offer incentives for installing high-efficiency heat pump or solar water heaters. The Minnesota Department of Commerce website is a good resource for finding potential savings ^{15 16}.

The Importance of Professional Installation

While Minnesota law allows homeowners to perform plumbing work in their own dwelling, water heater installation is often more complex than it appears ³. Errors can lead to gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, water damage, or voided warranties. A Minnesota-licensed plumber has the expertise to:

• Ensure code compliance for safety and to pass inspection.
• Correctly size the unit for your home.
• Handle connections to gas, water, and venting systems safely.
• Dispose of the old unit properly.
• For electric water heaters or complex installations, a licensed electrical contractor may also be required ¹⁷.

Investing in professional installation protects your home, your family, and your investment.

Frequently asked questions

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