How much does it cost to replace an electric water heater (termo) in Spain?

Electric water heater replacement cost

What it costs to replace an electric water heater (termo, an immersion tank) depends on whether the price includes the unit, its capacity in litres and where it is installed. Industry price guides put the job at 100 to 600 euros, with an average of about 430 euros.

What the replacement includes

• Draining and removing the old heater.
• Fitting the new one, with fixings suited to the weight of the full tank.
• Water connections and safety valve.
• Electrical connection on its circuit, with earth.
• Commissioning and testing.

The electrical side worth checking

• The water heater goes on circuit C4, together with the washing machine and dishwasher, with 4 mm² cable and 20 A protection, or on its own line.
• Earthing (grounding) is compulsory: a water heater with no earth and a leak is dangerous.
• The socket: if it gets hot or is blackened, it must be replaced, or better, the heater wired in directly.
• In bathrooms, the protection zones of ITC-BT-27 must be respected.

Signs it is time to replace it

• It trips the RCD (diferencial): the heating element is leaking to earth.
• It does not heat, or takes much longer than before.
• It leaks water or has rust at the base.
• It makes noises because of built-up limescale.

Electric water heater or an alternative

If you are replacing it, consider a heater with a timer to heat in off-peak hours or, if you have solar panels, during sunny hours. In new homes an aerothermal heat pump (aerotermia) is common for hot water, more efficient than a conventional water heater.

When to call an electrician

Call if the water heater trips the RCD, its socket gets hot or you are replacing it with a new one. In Seville, Spain, we fit electric water heaters and attend urgent cases through RCD keeps tripping.