Whether you’re replacing it after its useful life has ended or due to a malfunction, a water heater is a significant expense that’s best planned for.
What’s the cost of a water heater and its installation? Here are the different scenarios available to you.
Water heater replacement cost: key factors to consider
Energy source, tank presence, capacity… it’s worth taking some time to decide on your future model.
Type of water heater
- Electric water heaters. Easy and convenient, they’re often smaller.
- Natural gas water heaters heat water faster than electric ones, but are more complex and expensive to install.
- Propane water heaters have the same features as natural gas models, but produce more energy for less fuel.
These are the most common models, but there are also solar, oil, geothermal, and thermodynamic water heaters available.
Capacity
This is probably the trickiest value to estimate. In short, the more people in your household, the greater the required capacity. On average:
- 30 to 40 gallons for 1 to 2 people.
- 40 to 50 gallons for 2 to 3 people.
- 50 to 60 gallons for 3 to 4 people.
- 60 to 80 gallons for 5 people or more.
Tank
- A tank water heater stores and continuously heats a large quantity of water, providing immediate access to hot water until the tank is empty.
- A tankless water heater heats water on demand, without storage. It’s generally less affordable and much less common in Québec, largely due to climate considerations.
Ventilation
- Direct venting allows gases from the water heater to exit through an exhaust pipe or chimney above the unit.
- Forced venting uses a fan to expel gases out of the house, making it a more expensive option due to the addition of a motorized system.
Since tankless and forced-venting systems generally cost more to install, here’s a look at the average 2025 prices you can expect:
Average prices for different types of water heaters (excluding installation)
| Type | Capacity (gallons) | Tank | Average price |
| Electric water heater (no venting) | 40-60 | Yes | $900 to $1,500 |
| Natural gas/propane water heater (direct vent) | 40-60 | Yes | $1,000 to $1,800 |
| Natural gas/propane water heater (forced vent) | 40-60 | Yes | $1,050 to $2,200 |
| Thermodynamic water heater (uses heat pump energy) | 60-80 | Yes | $3,000 to $5,000 |
| Tankless (electric/gas) | – | No | $2,500 to $3,500 |
Water heater installation: what price should you expect?
When replacing your water heater, the price of the unit itself is just one part of the equation. You also need to factor in the cost of labor.
For a standard installation—meaning no major plumbing modifications—the time required to replace a water heater typically ranges from 1 to 4 hours. Depending on your location, you’ll also see a difference in labor rates. For instance, plumber rates in Montréal are generally higher than in other parts of the province.
Average price to install a water heater in Québec City and Montréal
| City | Average labor cost |
| Québec City | $140 to $240 |
| Montréal | $170 to $270 |
Determining the exact price of a water heater and its installation for your unique situation can be challenging. However, by consulting the experts at Plomberie Pro-Drain, you’ll get an accurate estimate to help you budget effectively. Contact them today for your current or future needs—because it’s never too early to plan ahead!
Sources:
Plomberie Pro-Drain. How much does it cost to install a water heater? 2021.
Soumissions chauffe-eau. Quel est le prix d’achat & d’installation d’un chauffe-eau de 40 gal & 60 gallons par un plombier ? [ What’s the purchase & installation price for a 40- or 60-gallon water heater by a plumber? ] 2025.
Home Depot. Best Water Heaters for Your Home. 2025.