A homeowner guide from WH2O
Cold shower?
Let a pro take it from here.
A Minnesota homeowner’s guide to water heater installation: what a licensed pro does, what it really costs, and how to hire a great one.
Hot water back, minus the hassle. A pro handles the permit, the install and the cleanup.
Safe and up to code. Gas, venting and water done right, then inspected.
Rebates and warranty kept. The paperwork that protects your money.
Having trouble with the heater you have now? Start with our companion guide, Hot Water Trouble? Start Here.
Photo: Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash (Unsplash License)
The big picture
Why hire a licensed pro to install your water heater?
Short version: you get your hot water back safely, with your warranty and rebates intact, and without giving up your weekend.
A water heater looks simple. But it’s where several of your home’s systems meet, and every connection has to be right. Most tank models last 10 to 15 years, so it pays to get it right the first time.
Water & pressure
Shutoffs, the relief valve, and room for water that expands as it heats.
Gas or power
A sized, supported, leak-tested gas line, or a correctly wired 240-volt circuit.
Venting & air
Enough combustion air, and a vent that carries exhaust safely outside.
Drains & safety
A relief-valve pipe that ends in a safe spot, and a drain pan where a leak could do damage.
Sources: U.S. DOE · City of Golden Valley · Bradford White manual · Minn. R. 4714.0608
DIY, store installation or a licensed plumber?
All three can get a heater in the basement. Here’s the honest difference.
Do it yourself
Minnesota law lets you do code-compliant plumbing on a home you own and live in, unless a local ordinance says otherwise.
You still need the permit and inspection. The code, safety and warranty responsibility is all yours.
Retail or big-box installation
Stores can be a handy place to shop.
If a store arranges the install, ask who does the work, whether they hold a Minnesota license, who pulls the permit and what the price includes. Answers vary by installer.
A licensed local pro
Sizes the heater to your household, pulls the permit and does the gas, venting and water work to code.
Handles the rebate and warranty paperwork, and is a local call away if anything comes up later.
Sources: Minn. Stat. 326B.46 · Minn. R. 1300.0120
A built-in second opinion. When the work is permitted, a city or state inspector checks the finished job against code. That extra set of eyes comes standard when a licensed pro pulls the permit.
Sources: Minn. R. 1300.0120 · City of Golden Valley
Straight from the manufacturers
Even the manufacturers say: call a pro
Pick up a water heater at a store and you may find a bright tag or label on it with a surprising message: if you need help, don’t bring it back here.
The same message is printed in the manuals. Here’s what two of them say, word for word:
“DO NOT RETURN this water heater to the store or place of purchase. If you need technical or installation assistance, please call the Technical Support Lines…”
“Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency or the gas supplier.”
Rheem, gas water heater Use & Care Manual (AP16876), p. 1. View PDF
“If you are not sure you can complete the installation, DO NOT RETURN THIS UNIT TO THE STORE. Seek assistance from any of the following sources: Professional Installation is available for this product… Schedule an appointment with a qualified person to install your water heater.”
A.O. Smith, Signature residential electric water heater manual, p. 10. View PDF
What that means for you
- The store isn’t where you get help. These tags and manuals send installation, warranty and performance questions to the manufacturer, not back to the store.
- Manufacturers expect a qualified installer. Rheem’s manual says installation and service must be done by a qualified installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
- Your warranty depends on the install. Rheem’s limited warranty doesn’t cover failures caused by improper installation, or by an install that doesn’t follow building codes and good plumbing and electrical practice.
- So make your first call a licensed pro. They can install it to code, pull the permit and handle the warranty paperwork. If you ever need the manufacturer, use the number on your heater’s label.
Sources: Rheem gas manual (AP16876), p. 1 · A.O. Smith Signature manual, p. 10 · Rheem limited warranty, p. 2
Permits & code
Do you need a permit to replace a water heater in Minnesota?
Yes. The good news: a licensed pro takes care of it, start to finish.
Even a simple swap needs one
Minnesota’s building code says anyone who plans to install or replace regulated gas, mechanical, electrical or plumbing equipment must get a permit first. A water heater counts.
Electric models may need electrical permitting too. Bloomington, for example, asks for a separate electrical application for electric water heater work.
Sources: Minn. R. 1300.0120 · City of Bloomington
Bigger changes, more review
Where the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) does plumbing plan review, a like-for-like swap in the same spot can count as a “minor remodel.”
Going bigger, adding capacity or switching from tank to tankless? Plans have to be submitted first. A pro builds that into the schedule.
Sources: MN DLI plan review checklist
Who can do the work
A plumbing business must have a licensed master plumber in charge of the work (a restricted master plumber in some smaller communities).
On permits DLI issues, the application comes from the licensed contractor (or authorized license holder) doing the work. Checking a license takes seconds with DLI’s free lookup.
Sources: Minn. Stat. 326B.46 · MN DLI permits · MN DLI license lookup
The codes behind it
The Minnesota Plumbing Code (Minn. R. ch. 4714, based on the Uniform Plumbing Code) covers the water side.
For gas appliances, the Minnesota Fuel Gas Code (Minn. R. ch. 1346, based on the International Fuel Gas Code) applies too. Your city may add its own rules.
Sources: Minn. R. 4714.0504 · Minn. R. ch. 1346
What the inspector checks: one Minnesota city’s list
Golden Valley’s water heater replacement handout gives a good picture of a final inspection:
- Access that isn’t through a bedroom, bathroom or storage closet, and a heater that can come out without tearing out part of the building
- Gas piping of the right size and material, strapped and supported, with an approved shutoff valve in the same space, a ground union and a drip tee
- Combustion air correctly sized for fuel-burning appliances (with a worksheet when the air comes from inside the home)
- A shutoff valve on the cold water side
- Vent connector clearances to combustibles (6 inches for single-wall, 1 inch for Class B) and a proper upward pitch to the chimney
- A full-size temperature and pressure relief valve that discharges within 18 inches of the floor
- A listed, labeled heater installed per the manufacturer’s instructions and the Minnesota Plumbing Code
Sources: City of Golden Valley
Safety
Water heater safety: gas, venting and the relief valve
A pro checks the parts you can’t see, so your family can just enjoy the hot showers.
Gas connections, leak-tested
Manufacturer instructions call for a sediment trap (drip leg) near the gas valve.
Then the heater and its gas connection get a leak test before startup, using a soap solution or leak-detector fluid. Never a flame.
Sources: Bradford White manual
Venting and carbon monoxide
A gas water heater that back-drafts is a known indoor source of carbon monoxide (CO).
A blue flame means complete combustion. Yellow or orange suggests incomplete combustion, which makes CO. Even a clothes dryer in the same small room can pull exhaust back into the house.
Sources: U.S. EPA · CenterPoint Energy safety
The relief valve and its pipe
The temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is a key safety device. It’s designed to open if temperature or pressure builds too high.
Minnesota’s code says its pipe must be full size with no valves, point down, end by gravity within 18 inches of the floor or at a safe place, stay clear of freezing, have no threaded end and not drain into a pan. Never cap or plug it.
Sources: Minn. R. 4714.0608 · Minn. R. 4714.0504 · National Board
Room for expanding water
Water expands as it heats. With a check valve, backflow preventer or similar device in your system, the Uniform Plumbing Code calls for a properly sized expansion tank (or similar approved device).
Manufacturers agree: A.O. Smith’s warranty excludes heaters installed in a closed system without provision for thermal expansion.
Sources: IAPMO (UPC 608.3) · A.O. Smith warranty · Bradford White manual
The 120°F sweet spot
CPSC urges setting water heaters to 120°F.
Most adults will suffer third-degree burns from two seconds in 150°F water, and burns can also happen in six seconds at 140°F or thirty seconds at 130°F. A pro sets it and shows you how.
Sources: CPSC (scalds)
CO alarms: a must-have
CPSC recommends CO alarms on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas.
More than 200 people in the U.S. die each year from accidental non-fire CO poisoning linked to consumer products.
Sources: CPSC (carbon monoxide)
Smell gas? Leave first. Get everyone out on foot without using switches or phones inside. Then call 911 and your gas utility from a safe distance. CenterPoint Energy’s emergency lines are 612-372-5050 and 800-296-9815.
Sources: CenterPoint Energy gas leaks
Warranty
Will installing it yourself void the warranty?
Not automatically. But every major brand ties its warranty to an install that follows the instructions and local code. A pro keeps you covered.
Here’s what the fine print says, in plain words:
| Manufacturer | What its warranty or manual says |
|---|---|
| A.O. Smith | Warranted “only when it is installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the printed instructions.” Not covered if it isn’t installed per local plumbing and building codes, or sits in a closed system without provision for thermal expansion. Damage from improper installation isn’t the company’s responsibility. |
| Bradford White | Excludes “defective installation,” including installs that violate state or local codes or the written instructions. Its gas manual says installation “requires ability equivalent to that of a licensed tradesman,” and the company says it “feels very strongly” heaters should be installed and serviced by qualified licensed professionals. |
| Rheem | For tankless models, Rheem strongly recommends a contractor that is licensed, state qualified and trained on its products “because improper installation may invalidate warranty coverage.” Without documented proof of the install date, coverage is figured from the manufacture date plus 90 days. |
| GE Appliances | Installation problems and damage caused by the installer aren’t covered by the original warranty, and service for an installation issue is billed. If a dealer or builder installed it improperly, GE says to contact them. |
Sources: A.O. Smith warranty · Bradford White warranty · Bradford White manual · Bradford White Warranty Center · Rheem warranty · GE Appliances
What the warranty won’t pay for
Even when a part or tank is covered, A.O. Smith and Bradford White warranties generally leave labor, removal, reinstallation, materials and permits to the owner.
That’s why your installer’s own labor warranty, and a pro who comes back, matter so much.
Sources: A.O. Smith warranty · Bradford White warranty
Paperwork that protects you
Keep the receipt, install date, permit, and model and serial number. Warranty periods often start from a documented install date.
Ask your pro to register the heater with the manufacturer, so a claim is quick if you ever need one.
Sources: Rheem warranty · Bradford White warranty · A.O. Smith warranty
A local advantage: WH2O works side by side with the pros we supply on warranty claims and replacement parts, so you’re never left to sort it out alone.
Rebates
CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy water heater rebates
Rebates are real money back. A pro can help you pick a qualifying model and get the paperwork right.
CenterPoint Energy (natural gas)
Minnesota customers who upgrade to a qualifying high-efficiency gas water heater may get rebates up to $1,000. Replacement rebates at the time of writing:
- Tank (55 gal or less, 75,000 Btu or less), 0.64 UEF or higher (medium) or 0.68 UEF or higher (high): $250
- Tankless, 0.87 UEF or higher: $500
- Combination unit (tankless + air handler): $1,000
Models must be verified on the AHRI or ENERGY STAR sites. Dealers and plumbers can submit online for you, which CenterPoint says may process more efficiently. File by Dec. 31 of the install year.
Sources: CenterPoint Energy rebates · AHRI Directory
Xcel Energy (electric and gas)
Xcel’s Minnesota rebate details list $400 for an electric heat pump water heater and $500 for a smart model.
The catch: heat pump models must be installed by a registered contractor, and the contractor submits the rebate.
Xcel gas customers can get $75 for a qualifying high-efficiency tank or $250 for a tankless (0.87 UEF or higher). Self-install is allowed for those gas models.
Sources: Xcel Energy MN rebates · Xcel Energy Store rebate details
Federal tax credit (25C): check the status
The IRS says the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covered qualifying water heaters, including installation labor, for improvements made through Dec. 31, 2025.
Some older web pages still say it runs longer. Check with a tax professional before counting on a federal credit for a 2026 install.
Sources: IRS (25C)
Before you buy: check the model
Not every model qualifies, and rules change. Look up the exact model in the AHRI Directory or ENERGY STAR’s Rebate Finder, or ask your pro to confirm it.
CenterPoint suggests checking before you buy so you don’t end up with equipment that doesn’t qualify.
Sources: AHRI Directory · ENERGY STAR · CenterPoint Energy rebates
Rebate amounts and terms are set by each utility and can change at any time. Confirm current details with CenterPoint Energy or Xcel Energy before you buy.
The true cost
Water heater replacement cost: what’s really included
The best deal is the one that’s still a good deal ten years from now. Here’s how to see the whole picture.
Think of it in two parts: the installed cost (the heater plus everything it takes to put it in safely) and the lifetime cost (what it takes to run and protect it for a decade or more).
1. Installed cost: compare quotes line by line
A low headline price may cover only a basic swap. Whoever you get a quote from, ask if these are included:
- Permit and inspection. Each city sets its fees. Bloomington, for example, charges 2% of job value for plumbing, with a $65 residential minimum, plus a state surcharge.
- Haul-away. Minnesota law bans putting water heaters in the trash or a landfill. They must be recycled or reused.
- Expansion tank where the water system is closed.
- Venting updates, like a new connector with proper clearances and pitch.
- Gas line items: shutoff valve, union and sediment trap.
- Relief-valve discharge pipe and a drain pan where a leak could cause damage.
- Electrical work and permit for electric and heat pump models, including panel capacity.
- Heat pump extras: condensate drain, air space or a louvered door, and a mixing valve where required.
Sources: City of Bloomington · Minn. Stat. 115A.9561 · Minn. Stat. 115A.03 · IAPMO (UPC 608.3) · City of Golden Valley · Bradford White manual · ENERGY STAR
What a real installation costs
For heat pump water heaters, ENERGY STAR reports the unit typically runs $1,500 to $3,000. An informal contractor survey put labor and materials at $1,000 to $3,000 more.
ENERGY STAR’s rule of thumb: installation may cost about as much as the heater itself. Your home makes the difference.
Sources: ENERGY STAR
Right-sizing saves twice
ENERGY STAR suggests starting from your current tank’s capacity and adjusting for household changes. Switching from gas to a heat pump model usually means sizing up (say, 50 to 65 gallons).
Too small and you run out. Too big and you pay to keep extra water hot.
Sources: ENERGY STAR
2. Lifetime cost: a decade of energy bills
Water heating is typically about 18% of a home’s energy use, DOE says, making it the second-largest energy expense. Most storage heaters last 10 to 15 years, so today’s choice shows up on every bill until the next one.
- An ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater uses about 70% less electricity than a standard electric model.
- In homes using 41 gallons of hot water or less a day, a gas tankless heater can be 24% to 34% more efficient than a standard tank (8% to 14% in homes using about 86 gallons a day).
- ENERGY STAR estimates a household of four saves about $550 a year with a certified heat pump model versus a standard electric heater (at $0.146/kWh).
Sources: U.S. DOE · ENERGY STAR
The true cost, continued
The savings you don’t see on the price tag
Some of the biggest savings come from the problems you never have.
Avoided water damage
The average homeowners insurance claim for water damage and freezing was $15,400 from 2019 to 2023, with about 1.5 claims per 100 insured homes each year (all water sources, not just water heaters).
A properly piped relief valve and a drain pan where a leak could do damage are simple, code-driven ways to cut the risk.
Sources: Triple-I · A.O. Smith warranty · Bradford White manual
No callbacks, no re-dos
Minnesota rules make whoever secures the permit responsible for code compliance. And manufacturer warranties don’t pay to bring an installation up to code.
A pro who gets it right the first time saves you the return trip and the hassle.
Sources: GE Appliances · Rheem warranty · Minn. R. 1300.0120
Your time
ENERGY STAR advises planning a replacement before an emergency. An installer may need time to order the right model, and some types take longer to install.
A pro handles the permit, removal, install, startup and recycling, so you don’t have to.
Sources: ENERGY STAR
When you sell, and your insurer
Minnesota sellers must disclose known material facts that could adversely and significantly affect an ordinary buyer’s use and enjoyment of the property.
A permit and passed inspection is simple proof the job was done right. Ask your insurance agent how your policy treats unpermitted work.
Sources: Minn. Stat. 513.55
Illustrative example · Not a quote
A heat pump water heater for a household of four
Assumptions are ENERGY STAR’s national figures (extra upfront cost of $1,503 over a standard electric heater, electricity at $0.146/kWh, 13-year life) plus Xcel Energy’s listed $400 rebate, which requires a registered contractor to install and submit. Your rates, usage and prices will differ.
| Item | Registered contractor (rebate captured) | No rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Extra upfront cost vs. standard electric | $1,503 | $1,503 |
| Xcel Energy rebate | −$400 | $0 |
| Net extra cost | $1,103 | $1,503 |
| Estimated energy savings per year | $550 | $550 |
| Simple payback | about 2.0 years | about 2.7 years |
| Net savings over 13 years | about $6,000 | about $5,600 |
Math: $1,503 − $400 = $1,103; $1,103 ÷ $550 a year ≈ 2.0 years. ENERGY STAR estimates $5,610 in lifetime savings; adding the $400 rebate gives about $6,010. Installation labor beyond the upfront difference isn’t included.
Sources: ENERGY STAR · Xcel Energy Store rebate details
Getting it done right
What a professional water heater installation includes
You get a heater that’s sized right, installed safely and fully documented. Use this as your checklist when you compare quotes.
Sizes it to your household
Looks at your current capacity, household and hot-water use, and sizes up when switching types.
Pulls the permit
Handles the paperwork, plan review when needed, and the final inspection.
Checks venting and combustion air
Confirms the vent, clearances, pitch and air supply are right for a gas heater.
Connects and leak-tests the gas
Shutoff valve, union and sediment trap, then a leak test before lighting.
Adds an expansion tank if needed
Protects your heater and plumbing when your water system is closed.
Installs the relief valve and pipe to code
Full-size pipe, no valves, ending in a safe spot.
Protects your floors
Adds a drain pan where a leak could damage the area around the heater.
Handles the electrical side
240-volt circuit, panel capacity and electrical permit for electric and heat pump models.
Sets it to 120°F and walks you through
Shows you the water, gas and power shutoffs and how to care for your heater.
Hauls away and recycles the old one
Minnesota bans landfilling water heaters. Your pro takes care of it.
Registers the warranty
Records the install date, model and serial number so claims go smoothly.
Files the rebate
Confirms the model qualifies and submits the rebate where the utility allows.
Sources: ENERGY STAR · Minn. R. 1300.0120 · MN DLI plan review checklist · City of Golden Valley · Bradford White manual · Minn. R. ch. 1346 · IAPMO (UPC 608.3) · A.O. Smith warranty · Minn. R. 4714.0608 · Minn. R. 4714.0504 · City of Bloomington · CPSC (scalds) · Minn. Stat. 115A.9561 · Rheem warranty · CenterPoint Energy rebates · Xcel Energy Store rebate details
Planning ahead pays. If your heater is 10 or more years old, ENERGY STAR suggests considering a replacement before it fails, so you choose on your schedule, not in an emergency.
Sources: ENERGY STAR
How old is your water heater?
Our free Water Heater Age Calculator reads the serial number for 20+ brands and tells you whether repair or replacement usually makes sense. Visit our Homeowner Resources page →
Hire with confidence
How to choose a water heater installer near you
A few good questions up front and you’ll know you’ve found the right pro.
Questions to ask any installer
- Are you licensed in Minnesota? What’s your license number? (Look it up on the DLI site.)
- Will you pull the permit and handle the inspection?
- Is this price all-in? Does it include the permit, haul-away, expansion tank, venting, gas and electrical work?
- What size and type do you recommend for my household, and why?
- Does this model qualify for a CenterPoint Energy or Xcel Energy rebate, and will you submit it?
- Who registers the warranty? What labor warranty do you offer?
- Can I get a written estimate and a few references?
- If this is an emergency, can you get my hot water back now and talk upgrades when I’m ready?
ENERGY STAR’s advice: get estimates in writing, ask for references, check the company with the Better Business Bureau, and confirm they’ll get any needed permit.
Sources: MN DLI license lookup · ENERGY STAR
Red flags
- “You don’t need a permit for a simple swap.” Minnesota rules require one to replace a water heater.
- No license number, or reluctance to put it in writing.
- No written estimate, or a cash-only price with nothing itemized.
- A quote given without asking about your home, your household or your venting.
- Capping or plugging a dripping relief valve instead of finding out why it drips.
- Skipping the leak test or rushing the startup.
- Pressure to buy more heater than you need, or vague answers about rebates.
Sources: Minn. R. 1300.0120 · National Board · Bradford White manual
Make the first visit quick and easy
- Snap a photo of the label on your current heater (brand, model and serial number), plus a photo or two of the space around it. ENERGY STAR notes many installers appreciate photos, and some can quote from them.
- Know your household: how many people, and any new bathrooms, showers or appliances planned.
- Have your gas or electric utility account information handy for rebate paperwork.
- Clear a path to the heater, and know where your water shutoff, gas valve and breaker panel are.
Sources: ENERGY STAR
Happy with your current brand? No need to switch. A good pro can usually replace your heater with a model from the brand you trust, and focus on getting the size, efficiency and installation right.
FAQ
Water heater installation FAQ
Quick answers to the questions homeowners ask us most.
Can I install my own water heater in Minnesota?
If you own and live in the home, Minnesota law generally lets you do code-compliant plumbing work yourself, unless a local ordinance says otherwise. You’ll still need the permit and a passed inspection. Gas, venting and electrical work carry real safety risks, so many homeowners find a licensed pro is the simpler, safer path.
Sources: Minn. Stat. 326B.46 · Minn. R. 1300.0120
Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota rules require a permit to install or replace regulated plumbing and gas equipment, even for a like-for-like swap. A same-size, same-spot replacement may skip plumbing plan review where DLI reviews plans, but the permit is still required.
Sources: Minn. R. 1300.0120 · MN DLI plan review checklist
Will installing it myself void the warranty?
Not automatically. But warranties apply only when the heater is installed to code and to the manufacturer’s instructions, and problems caused by improper installation aren’t covered. Some manufacturers say installation takes ability equal to a licensed tradesperson.
Sources: A.O. Smith warranty · Bradford White warranty · Bradford White manual · GE Appliances
Is hiring a pro more expensive than store installation or DIY?
The labor line can be higher than doing it yourself. So ask every installer for an all-in price that includes the permit, haul-away and code items, and compare like with like. A pro can also help you capture rebates (some require a registered contractor) and avoid callbacks.
Sources: ENERGY STAR · Xcel Energy Store rebate details · CenterPoint Energy rebates
How long does a water heater replacement take?
A like-for-like replacement is usually the most straightforward job. Switching types, like a gas tank to a heat pump or tankless model, can take longer and may need plan review, electrical work or a model that has to be ordered.
Sources: ENERGY STAR · MN DLI plan review checklist
Is there a federal tax credit for water heaters in 2026?
According to the IRS, the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit applied to improvements made through Dec. 31, 2025. Check with a tax professional about your situation.
Sources: IRS (25C)
Does unpermitted work matter when I sell my home?
Minnesota sellers must disclose known material facts that could adversely and significantly affect an ordinary buyer’s use and enjoyment of the property. Keeping your permit and inspection records is an easy way to show the work was done right.
Sources: Minn. Stat. 513.55
Does WH2O install water heaters?
WH2O is a Minnesota distributor that supplies water heaters, HVAC and plumbing products to licensed professional contractors. Use our Find a Pro tool to connect with a contractor near you, or call us at (763) 557-1117 and we’ll point you in the right direction.
References
Sources
All sources were reviewed in October 2026. Utility rebates, tax rules and warranty terms change, so always check the current version.
Minnesota law, code and local permits
- Minnesota Rules 1300.0120, Permits (Minnesota Building Code administration). www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/1300.0120/
- Minnesota Dept. of Labor and Industry, Minor remodel plumbing plan review checklist (PDF). www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/plumbing_plan_check.pdf
- Minnesota Dept. of Labor and Industry, Apply for a plumbing inspection permit. www.dli.mn.gov/business/get-licenses-and-permits/apply-plumbing-inspection-permit
- Minnesota Statutes 326B.46, Licensing, bond and insurance (plumbing). www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/326B.46
- Minnesota Dept. of Labor and Industry, License and registration lookup. secure.doli.state.mn.us/lookup/licensing.aspx
- Minnesota Plumbing Code, Minn. R. 4714.0504, Water heater requirements (UPC 504.6 as amended). www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/4714.0504/
- Minnesota Plumbing Code, Minn. R. 4714.0608 (amends UPC 608.5, relief valve discharge piping). www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/4714.0608/
- IAPMO Code Spotlight, Uniform Plumbing Code 608.3, Expansion tanks and combination T&P relief valves. forms.iapmo.org/email_marketing/codespotlight/2018/aug16.htm
- Minnesota Rules chapter 1346, Minnesota Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes. www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/1346/
- Minnesota Statutes 115A.9561, Major appliances (disposal ban; recycling). www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.9561
- Minnesota Statutes 115A.03, subd. 17a, definition of major appliances (includes hot water heaters). www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/115A.03
- Minnesota Statutes 513.55, Seller's disclosure requirements (residential property). www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/513.55
- City of Golden Valley, Water Heater Replacement handout (PDF). www.goldenvalleymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/824/water-heater-replacement-handout-PDF
- City of Bloomington, Permit information and fees. www.bloomingtonmn.gov/bldg/permit-information-and-fees
Federal agencies and safety organizations
- Internal Revenue Service, Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit
- ENERGY STAR, Heat pump water heaters: buying guidance. www.energystar.gov/products/heat_pump_water_heaters
- ENERGY STAR, When should you replace your water heater? www.energystar.gov/products/ask-the-experts/when-should-you-replace-your-water-heater
- ENERGY STAR, What goes into the cost of installing a heat pump water heater? (Feb. 2, 2024). www.energystar.gov/products/ask-the-experts/what-goes-cost-installing-heat-pump-water-heater
- U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver Guide (PDF). www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-08/energy-saver-guide-2022.pdf
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Avoiding Tap Water Scalds (Pub. 5098, PDF). www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5098-Tap-Water-Scalds.pdf
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Carbon Monoxide Information Center. www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Carbon-Monoxide-Information-Center
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Carbon monoxide's impact on indoor air quality. www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/carbon-monoxides-impact-indoor-air-quality
- National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, Residential water heater safety. www.nationalboard.org/index.aspx?ID=247&pageID=164
- AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance. www.ahridirectory.org/
Minnesota utilities
- CenterPoint Energy (Minnesota), Residential water heater rebates. www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/energy-efficiency/water-heater
- CenterPoint Energy, Water heater safety. www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/savings-solutions/resource-hub/safety-reliability/water-heaters
- CenterPoint Energy, Natural gas leak safety. www.centerpointenergy.com/en-us/safety/natural-gas-leaks
- Xcel Energy (Minnesota), Water heater rebates. mn.my.xcelenergy.com/s/residential/home-rebates/water-heaters
- Xcel Energy Store (Minnesota, operated by Franklin Energy), Water heater rebate details and eligibility. www.poweredbyefi.org/xcelenergymn/rebate-opportunities/water-heater-rebates-xmn.html
Manufacturers and insurance data
- A.O. Smith, Limited Warranty: Residential type water heater for installation in a single family dwelling (PDF). assets.hotwater.com/damroot/Original/10001/100293072.pdf
- Bradford White, Residential water heater limited warranty (PDF). docs.bradfordwhite.com/Warranty/238-39699-00_ZAF.pdf
- Bradford White, Gas water heater installation and operation manual (PDF). docs.bradfordwhite.com/I&O/238-47675-00_Current.pdf
- Bradford White, Warranty Center FAQ. warrantycenter.bradfordwhite.com/
- Rheem, Tankless gas water heater limited warranty (PDF). files.myrheem.com/webpartners/ProductDocuments/134213EF-10D6-4F71-A7B9-0212DCE4672D.pdf
- Rheem, Gas water heater Use & Care Manual AP16876 (06/13), p. 1 (PDF). images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/29/29c2f810-d0a6-4f60-be9c-eb13e7a02a4b.pdf
- Rheem, Residential water heater limited warranty, p. 2 (PDF). images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/04/04cd0c83-117a-4119-ba82-a0824aebff2d.pdf
- A.O. Smith, Signature residential electric water heater instruction manual, p. 10 and cover (PDF). pdf.lowes.com/useandcareguides/671657250508_use.pdf
- GE Appliances, Installation and warranty concerns. products.geappliances.com/appliance/gea-support-search-content?contentId=19169
- Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), Facts + Statistics: Homeowners and renters insurance (ISO data). www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-homeowners-and-renters-insurance
Hot water back. Hassle gone.
Let a pro take it from here.
Your water heater works hard every single day. Let a licensed local pro size it, install it to code and stand behind it, with WH2O behind them.
Licensed and local. Pros who know Minnesota code and your city’s permit process.
Installed right, the first time. Gas, venting, water and wiring done to code.
Rebates and warranty handled. Paperwork done right, so you keep the savings.
Backed by WH2O. Local stock, parts and warranty support for the pros we serve.
Your game plan
- Check your heater’s age. At 10 years or older, start planning before it fails.
- Get a few written, all-in quotes from licensed pros.
- Confirm the model qualifies for a rebate before you buy.
- Make sure the permit is pulled and the inspection is passed.
- Keep the paperwork: receipt, permit, install date, model and serial number.
Sources: ENERGY STAR · CenterPoint Energy rebates · Minn. R. 1300.0120 · Rheem warranty
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Golden Valley, MN 55427
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10100 Crosstown Circle
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
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Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington, Scott, Carver, Wright and Sherburne counties
WH2O home · Homeowner Resources · Hot Water Trouble? Start Here. (PDF) · Find a Pro
This guide is general information for homeowners, not legal, tax or code advice. Codes, permit requirements, rebates and warranty terms vary and can change; confirm with your city, utility, manufacturer and a licensed professional. Information checked October 2026.