Water Heater Replacement Services in the Twin Cities

Why Choose Champion Plumbing for Water Heater Replacement?

Over 24 Years of Experience

We’ve been independently owned and operated since 2001, holding Minnesota State Plumbing Contractor License PC000308. Our technicians understand the unique challenges of Minnesota homes, from hard water issues to cold climate considerations.

Same-Day Replacement Available

For most residential water heaters, we offer same-day replacement. However, heaters larger than 55 gallons require two technicians, and scheduling same-day replacement is subject to the current workload. If you need same-day service, please call us as soon as possible before noon.

Complete Service

We handle everything from removing your old unit to installing the new water heater, connecting water pipes, ensuring code compliance, testing the system, and cleaning up. Your old water heater is hauled away and recycled.

Honest, Upfront Pricing

Before any work begins, you’ll receive a clear quote with no hidden fees. We’ll explain water heater replacement costs, including equipment, labor, materials, and any necessary code updates.

One-Year Labor Warranty

All our work comes with a one-year warranty on labor, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Water Heater

• Age: Tank water heaters last 8-12 years, while tankless water heaters can last 15-20 years. If your unit is approaching these ages, replacement is usually more cost-effective than repair.
• Rusty Water: Discolored hot water indicates corrosion inside the storage tank, requiring replacement.
• Leaking Tank: Water pooling around the base means the tank itself is leaking and cannot be repaired.
• Insufficient Hot Water: Constantly running out of hot water signals a failing or undersized system.
• Strange Noises: Snapping, crackling, or popping sounds indicate significant sediment buildup impacting your unit’s ability to heat water efficiently.
• Rising Energy Bills: An aging water heater works harder to heat water, consuming more energy.
• Frequent Repairs: Multiple repair calls mean replacement is more economical long-term.

Water Heater Replacement Options

Traditional Tank Water Heaters

Tank water heaters keep 30-80 gallons of hot water ready in an insulated storage tank. We install both natural gas water heaters and electric water heaters. Gas water heaters use natural gas or liquid propane, while electric water heaters use heating elements or a heat pump.

Pros: Lower upfront cost, proven technology, widely available water heater parts.
Cons: Limited hot water capacity, moderate energy efficiency, larger footprint.

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, providing unlimited hot water. We primarily install gas tankless water heaters for whole-home applications, as they’re best suited for our climate and typical household demand.

Pros: Endless hot water, excellent energy efficiency, compact wall-mounted design, 20+ year lifespan.
Cons: Limited hot water capacity, moderate energy efficiency, larger footprint, requires venting (which can add complexity and cost).

We install Navien tankless water heaters, known for superior quality and cold-weather performance, perfect for Minnesota.

Hybrid Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters combine conventional storage with heat pump technology, pulling warmth from the surrounding air to heat water.

Pros: Outstanding energy efficiency (up to 60% savings), lower operating costs, environmentally friendly, and don’t require complex venting.
Cons: Higher purchase price, need adequate space and airflow.

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Choose Traditional Tank Water Heaters If:

• Budget is Your Priority: Tank water heaters have lower upfront water heater replacement costs, typically costing significantly less to purchase and install than tankless systems.
• You Have Existing Infrastructure: If your home already has the proper setup for conventional storage water heaters (venting, gas lines, water pipes), replacement is straightforward and less expensive.
• Space isn’t An Issue: Tank water heaters require floor space in your mechanical room, basement, or utility area, but if you have the room, they’re a reliable choice.
• You Prefer Proven Technology: Tank systems have been the standard for decades. They’re simple, reliable, and most plumbers are familiar with servicing them.
• Your Household Has Moderate Hot Water Needs: If you rarely run out of hot water with your current tank, a new tank system will serve you well.

Choose Tankless Water Heaters If:

• You Run Out of Hot Water Regularly: Large families, homes with multiple bathrooms running simultaneously, or households that use a lot of hot water benefit from the unlimited supply that tankless systems provide.
• Long-term Savings Matter: While tankless water heaters cost more upfront, their superior energy efficiency means lower utility bills for 15-20+ years. Over the system’s lifetime, the energy savings can offset the higher initial investment.
• Space is Limited: Tankless units mount on the wall and have a compact footprint, freeing up valuable floor space in your mechanical room.
• You Have Hard Water or Plan to Address It: Tankless systems work best when paired with water softeners. If you already have one or plan to install one, tankless is an excellent choice for Minnesota’s hard water conditions.
• You Want the Latest Technology: Tankless systems represent modern water heating technology with advanced features and better energy efficiency ratings.

Both fuel types and styles work well when properly sized and maintained. We’ll help you choose the right option for your situation and budget.

Choose Replacement When:

• Your Water Heater is Over 10 Years Old: Even if the current repair seems affordable, an aging unit is likely to need more repairs soon. Tank water heaters approaching 10-12 years have typically reached the end of their design life, and investing in repairs may not make financial sense.
• Repair Costs Exceed 50% of Replacement Costs: If the repair quote is more than half the cost of a new water heater, replacement usually offers better value. You’ll get a new warranty, better energy efficiency, and years of reliable service.
• You’re Experiencing Frequent Breakdowns: If you’ve called for water heater repair multiple times in the past year or two, it’s a sign your system is failing. Continuing to repair an unreliable unit costs more in the long run than investing in a replacement.
• The Storage Tank is Leaking or Severely Corroded: Tank leaks cannot be repaired. Once the tank itself starts leaking, water heater replacement is your only option. Severe rust or corrosion inside the tank also signals that replacement is necessary.
• You Want to Improve Energy Efficiency: If you’re tired of high energy bills, upgrading to a new, energy-efficient model—whether it’s a high-efficiency tank, tankless system, or heat pump water heater—can significantly reduce your operating costs.
• Your Hot Water Needs Have Changed: If your household has grown or you’ve remodeled and added bathrooms, your current water heater may be undersized. Replacement with a properly sized system ensures everyone gets hot water when they need it.

Choose Repair When:

• Your Water Heater is Less Than 8 Years Old: If your unit is relatively young and this is the first problem, repair is usually the smart choice. A quality repair can give you several more years of service.
• The Repair is Minor and Affordable: Issues like a failed heating element, faulty thermostat, or worn-out thermocouple are straightforward, cost-effective repairs that can extend your water heater’s life.
• The Tank is in Good Condition: If the storage tank itself shows no signs of rust, corrosion, or leaking, and only a component has failed, repair makes sense.
• You’re Satisfied With Performance: If your water heater has been meeting your household’s hot water needs and you’re happy with it, a repair can keep it running well for years to come.

We’ll never push unnecessary water heater replacement. Our goal is to educate you about your options so you can make the best decision.

Professional Installation & Local Expertise

As an authorized Brita PRO partner, Champion Plumbing brings industry-leading water filtration technology right to your home—installed by professionals who know the local water challenges inside and out.

With over 24 years of experience, our licensed, highly trained plumbers have helped thousands of homeowners across the Greater Twin Cities Metro Area improve their water quality and protect their homes.

Whether you’re in Eagan, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Minneapolis, St. Paul, or any city in our Service Area you can count on our team for expert advice, clean installs, and top-notch service—every time.

Financing and Pricing

We understand that investing in a new water filtration or conditioning system is a big decision—and we’re here to make it easy.

Because every home is different, pricing can vary based on system size, installation layout, and water quality needs. To provide the most accurate estimate, we invite you to give us a call or fill out our quick quote form. One of our licensed plumbing experts will follow up with a personalized recommendation—no pressure, just honest advice.

💡 Financing Available Through GreenSky®
Champion Plumbing has partnered with GreenSky® to offer flexible financing options that help make clean, safe water more accessible—without the upfront stress. From low monthly payments to deferred interest plans, we’ll help you find a solution that fits your budget.

📞 Call us at 651-365-1340

Clean soft water, the right way—and on your terms.