Plumbing · Updated on 2026-08-14

Replacing a water heater or boiler in Brussels

A water heater is rarely replaced at a convenient moment: it fails on a Sunday evening. Here is how to choose correctly in the Brussels building stock, where space, flue routing and water hardness often decide for you.

The essentials in 30 seconds

  • Electric tank 80 to 150 L, fitted: EUR 550 to 1,100 incl. VAT.
  • Gas water heater, fitted: EUR 900 to 1,800 incl. VAT, ventilation check mandatory.
  • Job duration: 2 to 4 hours for a like-for-like replacement.
  • 6% VAT if the home is more than 10 years old, appliance and labour included.

Which appliance for which Brussels home

Three families cover 95% of cases in the Brussels Region.

  • Electric storage tank: flat without gas, 80 to 200 L, simple and reliable.
  • Instantaneous gas water heater: terraced house with an existing flue, unlimited hot water.
  • Production from the wall-hung boiler (combi or cylinder): home already heated by gas.
  • Sanitary heat pump: worthwhile in a house with a ventilated cellar, from EUR 2,500 incl. VAT.

Prices observed in Brussels

Supply and fitting included, daytime, like-for-like replacement.

  • Electric tank 80 L: EUR 550 to 800 incl. VAT
  • Electric tank 150 L: EUR 750 to 1,100 incl. VAT
  • Gas water heater 11 to 14 L/min: EUR 900 to 1,800 incl. VAT
  • Safety group, hoses, expansion vessel: EUR 60 to 180
  • Removal of the old appliance: EUR 40 to 90

Obligations not to forget

Any gas appliance must be connected by an authorised installer and its flue checked: a gas water heater without sufficient air supply is the leading cause of CO poisoning in Brussels.

On a modified installation, Sibelga may require an inspection of the internal gas system. For an electric tank, the circuit must be protected by a compliant 30 mA RCD under the RGIE.

Making the appliance last

Brussels water is hard. Descaling and an anode check every two years double the life of an electric tank, and an annual purge avoids surprises.

On LinkinTech you receive an itemised quote (appliance, accessories, labour, disposal) before any work starts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does replacing a tank take?

Two to four hours for a like-for-like swap. Allow a full day if the appliance has to be moved or the connections redone.

My tank is leaking from the bottom: can it be repaired?

A leak at the base of the tank means the vessel is pierced and must be replaced. A leak at the safety group, however, is repaired for EUR 80 to 150 incl. VAT.

Who pays for replacement in a rented home?

Replacing an end-of-life appliance is the landlord's cost. Routine maintenance and descaling are the tenant's.

Indicative prices incl. VAT, observed in Brussels. Only the company's quote is binding. LinkinTech connects you and does not carry out the work.

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