Water heater installation is a planned job when you are remodeling, building, changing fuel or replacing a heater before it fails. We schedule same-day appointments when available, and our 24/7 line is open if a heater fails first and the job becomes urgent. For failed tanks, see water heater replacement.
PlanningDecisions to make before installation
Fuel
Gas, electric and heat pump units need different supply, venting and electrical work. Changing fuel is a design decision.
Size
Capacity should match how many people live in the house, how many baths run at once and whether a soaking tub is in use.
Location
A heater needs space for service, a safe vent path and a place for the relief valve to drain.
Type
A tank is simple. Tankless gives on-demand hot water and has its own requirements. See tankless water heaters.
Venting, carbon monoxide and gas safety
Gas water heaters need correct venting, combustion air and gas piping. Minnesota law requires every home to have at least one operational carbon monoxide alarm within 10 feet of every room legally used for sleeping, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. The Department also lists water heaters and other fuel-burning equipment as common sources of carbon monoxide.
That is why we look at the vent path, draft and nearby alarms at installation. If anyone in the house feels dizzy or ill and the heater is running, leave the building and call the fire department or 911.
Code itemsRelief valves, discharge piping and permits
Minnesota's plumbing code (Minn. R. 4714.0504) says a shutoff valve may not sit between the relief valve and the heater, and that the valve's capacity must be at least the heater's input rating. The discharge pipe may not have valves or obstructions, and it may not end in a crawl space (Minn. R. 4714.0608).
Permit rules vary, so ask the Champlin building inspections division about your project. The city's building codes page lists the 2020 Minnesota State Plumbing Code. A licensed plumbing contractor can tell you what applies, and you can check any plumber's license through the state's Department of Labor and Industry.
Heat pump optionHeat pump water heaters and fuel changes
A heat pump water heater moves heat from the surrounding air into the tank, which can use less electricity than a standard electric tank. It needs room around it, a drain for condensate and a space that can spare the cool air it produces. Changing from gas to a heat pump unit also means electrical work and capping the old gas line.
We describe the trade-offs and the work involved, and you decide. If you are comparing incentives, check with your utility, since programs change and we do not promise a rebate.
Thermal expansionClosed systems and expansion tanks
When a house has a check valve or backflow preventer at the water meter, hot water that expands has nowhere to go, and pressure rises. An expansion tank gives it room. We check the system's pressure at installation and tell you whether one is needed, instead of guessing.
ComparisonWhich type fits which home
| Type | Good fit | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard gas tank | Homes with a gas line and a working vent | Venting condition and combustion air |
| Standard electric tank | Homes without gas, or with limited venting | Panel capacity and running cost |
| Heat pump (hybrid) | Homes with space, a drain and cool-air tolerance | Higher equipment cost and clearance needs |
| Tankless gas | Households that run out of hot water | Gas line size, venting and descaling |
What installation costs and what changes the price
We schedule installations across 55316 in Champlin and nearby ZIP codes, including 55311 in Maple Grove, 55303 in Anoka and 55433 in Coon Rapids.
FAQsQuestions About Water Heater Installation
How do I choose between a tank and a tankless heater?
Consider household size, hot water habits, gas line and vent capacity, and water hardness. Tankless gives on-demand hot water but needs correct sizing and routine flushing.
Do I need a permit?
Permit rules vary, so ask the Champlin building inspections division. A licensed plumbing contractor can tell you what applies.
Can I switch from gas to electric?
Yes, with electrical capacity and a plan for the gas line. We explain the work before you decide.
What is an expansion tank for?
It absorbs the extra volume of heated water in a closed system, which keeps pressure from rising.
Do you offer same-day installation?
We book same-day appointments when available. Planned jobs are scheduled around your needs.