Should I repair or replace my water heater?
Generally, if your tank is over 10 years old or the repair cost exceeds half the replacement cost, replacement makes more financial sense. We tell you honestly which makes sense.
Water Heater Repair and Installation in Woodbury and the East Metro
Tank, tankless, and hybrid heat pump water heaters repaired, replaced, and installed by licensed A.J. Alberts plumbers in Woodbury and the East Metro. Same-day options when yours fails.
Quick Summary
A.J. Alberts Plumbing provides water heater repair, replacement, and installation for homeowners in Woodbury, the East Metro and the St. Croix Valley. With 37 years of local experience, upfront pricing, and a 4.9-star rating across 863 Google reviews, our licensed plumbers diagnose the problem and give you the price in writing before the work starts. Call 651-738-0580 to book.
What We Do
A.J. Alberts plumbers repair, replace, and install tank-style, tankless, and hybrid heat pump water heaters from our Woodbury shop across the East Metro and the St. Croix Valley. Licensed plumbers do the work, and the person who diagnoses the heater gives you the repair and replacement prices side by side in writing; there are no commissioned salespeople. When a heater fails, no-hot-water calls get same-day priority during business hours, and for a standard tank replacement the new unit is usually running the same day.
Tank Water Heater Replacement
Gas or electric tank-style replacement and installation, properly sized for your household.
Tankless Water Heater Installation
On-demand tankless systems for endless hot water and lower lifetime operating cost.
Water Heater Repair
Pilot light, thermocouple, heating element, and gas valve repairs to extend the life of your existing unit.
Hybrid Heat Pump Installation
Energy-efficient hybrid heat pump water heaters with utility rebates often available.
Annual Maintenance
Tank flush, anode rod inspection, and combustion check to add years to your unit.
Emergency Replacement
Same-day or next-day replacement when your existing heater fails. No hot water gets priority during business hours.
Learn More
Common Problems We Solve
Don't let plumbing issues disrupt your life. We quickly diagnose and fix the problems that cause you the most stress.
- No hot water or hot water runs out quickly
- Rusty, brown, or smelly hot water
- Pooling water around the base of the tank
- Pilot light keeps going out
- Heater is over 10 years old and you are nervous about it
- High utility bills from an aging unit
Need help right away?
Our local technicians are ready to diagnose and fix your issue.
Call 651-738-0580Hard Water and Your Water Heater
Hard water forms mineral deposits when it is heated, and the water heater is where household water gets heated. Sediment settles in a tank and insulates the burner or the elements from the water, and scale builds on a tankless heat exchanger. Measured hardness at your tap, not a citywide figure, tells you how much of that to expect. Ask us to test hardness and check the softener settings during a water heater visit; the heater manufacturer's water-quality and maintenance requirements are what we follow.
A softener is not a universal warranty requirement across manufacturers, and a heater does not need one to be installed. When measured hardness warrants it, softening and an annual flush are the two things that keep sediment from shortening a tank's life. USGS explains hardness and mineral deposits; our water softener installation page covers when softening makes sense and what a plumber-installed softener includes.
Our Process
We make getting service simple, transparent, and stress-free.
1
Diagnose Tank vs Replacement
We test the unit and tell you honestly whether repair makes financial sense or replacement is smarter.
2
Right-Size the Replacement
We size the new heater to your household demand, not just match the old one.
3
Same-Day Install When Possible
For tank-style replacements, we usually have the new unit installed and running the same day.
4
Haul and Warranty
We haul away the old heater, register the warranty, and back our work with our craftsmanship guarantee.
Transparent, Upfront Pricing
We believe in honest, straightforward pricing. After diagnosing your issue, we provide a clear, upfront price before any work begins. No hidden fees, no surprises, just quality work you can trust.
What Our Customers Say
Verified Google review excerpts about A.J. Alberts, shown as written and linked to the originals. These are business-wide reviews, not claims about a particular service. More reviews
★★★★★2026-09-15
"AJ Alberts is hands-down the best plumbing service in Woodbury. This was my third or fourth time working with them, and they continue to earn my complete trust. They offer highly competitive, job-based flat pricing (not hourly) and never pressure you into upsells...."
- Heonjoo Ha
Read this Google review ★★★★★2026-09-09
"Ryan was professional and very diligent in checking that the shower faucet was working properly after installation. He did not bolt for the door the second he finished the job. He worked clean wearing shoe protection and cleaning up everything after he finished. The price was reasonable. 1s time I have used AJ Alberts will definitely call them in the future."
- Larry Kallas
Read this Google review ★★★★★2026-09-05
"New service - AJ Alberts installed two toilets and a kitchen faucet. Kevin Lundell was wonderful to work with. His recommendations were spot on and he did a timely job of installation. Highly recommend...."
- Roger Green
Read this Google review ★★★★★2026-09-02
"James from AJ Alberts Plumbing was at my home to fix an overactive toilet - it wouldn't shut off. He not only fixed it quickly but also showed me what to look for in the future if the problem happens again...."
- Pat Trepp
Read this Google review Frequently Asked Questions
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
Generally, if your tank is over 10 years old or the repair cost exceeds half the replacement cost, replacement makes more financial sense. We tell you honestly which makes sense.
How long does a tank-style water heater last?
A well-maintained tank-style water heater typically lasts 10 to 12 years in Minnesota. Hard water shortens that. Annual maintenance and a properly sized softener can extend it.
Is a tankless water heater worth it?
For many homes, yes. Tankless units last 20-plus years, provide endless hot water, and cut energy use by 25 to 40 percent. Upfront cost is higher but lifetime cost is lower.
How fast can you replace a failed water heater?
For standard tank-style replacements, same-day or next-day is typical. Tankless installations and gas conversions take longer because of permitting and parts.
Do you handle utility rebates?
Yes. For qualifying heat pump and tankless installations, we can help you file the paperwork for Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy rebates.
Water Heater Service by City
Local water, local housing stock, and in many cities a named A.J. Alberts plumber who lives nearby. Pick your city for specifics.
Schedule Service Today
Click Book Service to use our online scheduler, or call us directly for immediate assistance.
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651-738-0580