The Complete 2026 Guide to Prices for Replacing a Water Heater in Quebec

It’s hard to imagine that only about a hundred years ago, homes were not equipped with water heaters. Hot water running from the tap simply didn’t exist. Most of the time, cold water had to be placed in a container and heated over a fire. Today, we can’t imagine living without this quick access to water at a temperature adjusted to our needs.

Quebec is one of the regions of the world where hot water is particularly important because of our harsh winters. Having an energy-efficient water heater in your home becomes a necessity, and when a water heater breaks down or reaches the end of its lifespan, it must be addressed quickly.

What budget should you plan for installing a new water heater? For repairing an existing water heater? Let’s look together at everything you need to know about this topic.

How Much Does a Water Heater Cost?

Source: Bunsenflame

The answer to this question depends on several crucial factors:

• The size of the water heater (measured in gallons)

• The location

• The type of water heater (electric, gas, thermodynamic, solar)

• The energy efficiency of the appliance

Here is a comparative price table to consult to get an average idea of water heater prices on the market in 2026:

Installing a Water Heater: How Much Does It Cost?

To calculate the installation budget for a water heater, there are two main factors to consider: the purchase price of the appliance and the labour devoted to installation.

Regarding labour — that is, the plumbing company that will install the water heater — rates vary between $300 and $2,500, which represents a very wide price range. However, most of the time, labour costs are around $400 to $800.

As you will have noticed in the previous table, this depends on the size of the appliance and the complexity of the installation. It is much more complicated to install a solar water heater than a simple electric water heater.

Water Heater Replacement: What Is the Price of Labour?

Does your water heater need to be replaced? It is strongly recommended to call specialists in water heater installation and repair. For this type of project, you should expect:

• Between $300 and $500 for installing an electric water heater

• Between $500 and $800 for installing a gas water heater

• Between $600 and $1,000 for installing a thermodynamic water heater

• Between $1,000 and $2,500 for installing a solar water heater

Note: these prices do not include the purchase of the appliance.

Replacing a Gas Water Heater: A Different Price?

A gas water heater has a slightly higher cost than an electric water heater. We are talking about $700 to $1,500 for a gas appliance, whereas the price range is between $300 and $700 for an electric water heater. The labour budget will also be slightly higher, because the heater must be connected to natural gas, which can be a delicate operation.

Make sure to check out this article: Plumbing Renovation Costs: What Should You Budget for 2026?

What Is the Price of Renting a Water Heater?

Instead of buying a water heater, there is also the option of renting one by paying monthly fees. The monthly rate naturally varies depending on the model and the installation and maintenance services offered by the rental company. On average, renting a standard water heater costs between $10 and $25 per month.

What Budget Should You Plan for Replacing Water Heater Parts?

Sometimes, fully replacing a water heater is not necessary. You can simply change the faulty parts and keep the old water heater. Manufacturers often offer warranties on parts that can last between 1 and 8 years. After that period, you will have to buy the parts and pay labour for the experts who will carry out the repairs.

Prices vary widely depending on the parts and the time required to complete the repairs.

Here are some examples of prices for water heater parts:

• Lower heating element: $40–$50

• Anode rod: $40–$60

• Drain valve: $12–$20

• Water heater jacket: $50

• Mixing valve: $100

• Temperature and pressure relief valve: $30

Water Heater Thermostat: Replacement Price

First, you will need to purchase a water heater thermostat, which costs between $25 and $50. Then labour must be added, with an hourly rate of about $75 per hour and a fixed amount of at least $100 for travel fees.

Why Have a Professional Install Your Water Heater?

If the installation is done poorly, you will quickly notice how much this appliance is part of everyday life. In case of malfunction, you will face very unpleasant situations (cold showers, difficulty washing clothes and dishes).

Calling on the services of a water heater expert is more than essential. That is why you must absolutely calculate the amount associated with labour in your renovation budget.

Are you wondering what type of professional can carry out installation and/or replacement work? Consult this article for more information: Who Should You Call to Install a New Water Heater?

What Is the Best Electric Water Heater?

Source: MFP Plomberie Energie inc

The answer to this question is not simple, because it really depends on several factors.

In short, here are the criteria for making an informed decision:

• How many people occupy the residence/building? The size of the hot water tank in gallons must be adapted to household needs.

• Did your old water heater meet your needs?

• Will you need hot water quickly?

• Are you looking for an appliance with low energy consumption?

• What is the climate where you live?

We have several articles on our blog on this topic if you’d like to go into more detail to help you choose your next water heater. Here they are:

• Residential Water Heater: Key Insights to Make the Right Choice

• How to Choose a Water Heater: Important Criteria

The Different Electric Water Heater Formats

40-Gallon Water Heater

A 40-gallon unit suits households of 2 or 3 people. It is affordable and easy to install, and works well if you have one or two bathrooms and relatively low water consumption.

50-Gallon Water Heater

A household of 4 people can meet its needs with a 50-gallon water heater.

60-Gallon Water Heater

For a family of 5 people and more, you should prioritize a unit with a capacity of at least 60 gallons, or more.

Tankless Water Heater

If you live in a small dwelling, you could opt for a tankless water heater. This type of appliance heats water on demand instead of storing it in a large tank. However, it is not suitable for homes with more than 2 occupants, as it will not be able to provide enough hot water when needed.

Here is an article about tankless water heaters: Everything to Know About Tankless Water Heaters.

Pool Water Heaters: What You Need to Know

Source: Excavations Skella

A perfectly heated pool at all times? The dream! To achieve this, you must have a good pool heater.

Here are two important points to know about pool water heaters:

• You can choose between an electric heater, a solar heater, a gas heater, or a heat pump

• Installation should always be entrusted to a pool heater expert

And here are our articles on the different types of pool heaters:

• Everything About Pool Heaters

• Everything to Know About Wood-Fired Pool Heaters

• Pros and Cons of a Solar Pool Water Heater

The Signs That a Water Heater Must Be Replaced

Your intuition tells you it may be time to replace your old water heater, but you are not sure? Here are the signs to watch for:

• Cold water takes a long time to heat up

• Your electricity bills increase without other explanation

• You notice water leaks

• You hear unusual noises coming from the water heater

• The age of your water heater (most last 10 to 15 years)

• The presence of sediment in your water

• A faulty safety valve

• A sudden change in water pressure

Who to Contact to Repair a Water Heater?

Water heater repair must be carried out by a specialized contractor. Doing the work yourself is very risky. If you make a mistake, the water heater could fail and cause damage to your home. When filing an insurance claim, your insurer could refuse compensation if you did not use a certified expert.

In Quebec, a specialized plumber can carry out installation and repair work on water heaters.

What Type of Plumber Can Repair a Water Heater?

For replacing a water heater in Quebec, you must contact a plumbing company that holds an R.B.Q. 15.5 licence.

We can help you find a professional specialized in water heaters. Simply fill out the project request form. You will then be contacted by contractors who are part of our network.

Conclusion

If your water heater needs to be replaced or repaired, do not delay. We agree that it is not a very exciting project, but it is essential for comfort in your home. In general, the budget for this type of project is not overly restrictive, considering the impact it will have on your daily life.

FAQ on Residential Water Heaters

What is a water heater used for?

A water heater is an appliance equipped with a hot water tank and a heating system. Present in most homes and buildings for about a hundred years, it is now considered essential to our comfort. It is used to heat water for hygiene purposes (bathing, showering, cleaning, washing).

Tank or tankless water heater?

There are tank water heaters and tankless models. One advantage of tankless heaters is that they take up little space and are common in small apartments. However, they will not be able to provide enough hot water for a family of more than 2 people unless water needs are very minimal.

How do you find a water heater expert in Quebec?

Fill out this form to be connected with certified experts offering this type of service. All professionals in our network hold a valid R.B.Q. licence and have had their reputation verified. To request a quote, go here!