Electric Water Heater Installation: A Complete Guide

Replacing or installing an electric water heater in your Parisian home represents an investment over 5 to 10 years. Beyond the purchase price and installation, it is the daily energy consumption that really weighs on your budget. This guide helps you choose the right equipment for your needs and keep your costs under control over the long term.

Electric Water Heater: A Choice That Engages Your Energy Budget

In homes in Paris and the inner suburbs, an electric water heater is often the most suitable solution. Unlike gas-fired systems that require an exhaust duct and mandatory annual maintenance, electrical systems offer simplified installation, which is particularly useful in small spaces.

What you need to understand about consumption: a hot water tank represents 10 to 15% of your annual electricity bill. For an average Parisian household, this is equivalent to €200-500 per year depending on your EDF rate and your habits. Over a 15-year lifespan, your water heater will therefore cost you €3,000 to €7,500 in electricity, well beyond its purchase price.

Three ways to reduce this bill:

• Correct sizing: a tank that is too big unnecessarily heats water that you do not consume
• Regular maintenance: descaling improves efficiency by 10-15%, or 30-75€ annual savings
• Off-peak hours: if your subscription allows it, you divide the heating cost by two

A well-chosen and maintained water heater saves 500 to 1000€ over its total lifespan.

The Different Types of Electric Water Heaters

Accumulative water heater (hot water tank)

The most common model stores hot water in an insulated tank. Capacities available:

• 50 to 75L: single person, daily shower
• 100 to 150L: torque, moderate use
• 200 to 250L: family of 3-4 people
• 300L and more: large family or intensive use

Crucial point: an oversized tank consumes unnecessarily (maintaining the temperature of an excessive volume), an undersized tank leaves you without hot water at the end of the day. For a standard Parisian couple: 100-120L is more than enough.

Instantaneous water heater

Heats the water on demand, without storage. Suitable for isolated water points (extra toilets, kitchenettes) but requires instant electrical power (up to 7-9 kW). Not recommended as the main solution in a Parisian home where the electrical sizing is often just right.

Choosing the Right Capacity: Practical Calculation

Simple method:

• 1 person daily shower: 50L
• For each additional person: +30 to 40L
• Bath lover: +50L

Concrete example: couple with 1 child, daily showers = 50 + 40 + 40 = 130L. Opt for a 150L for comfort.

Hardness of Parisian water: Paris and the surrounding suburbs have moderately hard to hard water (20-30°F). This speeds up scaling. A smaller flask builds up proportionally less quickly in volume, but must be descaled just as regularly. This is therefore not a sizing criterion, but it justifies the choice of a “soapstone” model (protected resistance) that is more resistant to limestone.

Preparing for the Installation: Essential Checks

Location and technical constraints

In a Parisian apartment:

• Check the capacity of the ground (a 200L balloon weighs 250 kg filled)
• Provide access to the security group (annual emptying mandatory)
• Maximum distance from the draw points (less than 8m ideally to limit loss)
• Ventilation if installed in the bathroom (NF C 15-100 standard)

In co-ownership: some trustees impose constraints (work schedules, type of device). Consult the rules before buying.

Power supply

A water heater requires:

• Dedicated circuit protected by 20A circuit breaker (for models up to 200L)
• Cable with suitable cross section (2.5 mm² minimum)
• Mandatory land
• Day/night switch if subscription during off-peak hours

Point of vigilance: in old buildings, upgrading to electrical standards may require additional work that will be detailed in your estimate.

The steps of a professional installation

1. Initial diagnosis

The plumber checks the condition of the pipes, the water pressure, the electrical panel and the installation constraints. This stage determines feasibility and identifies any additional work required.

2. Removing the old device

If replacement: emptying, electrical and hydraulic disconnection, evacuation (we systematically recycle old equipment).

3. Installing the new balloon

• Secure wall mounting (pegs adapted to the support)
• Installation of the safety group (mandatory element, protects against overpressure)
• Cold water connection with anti-limestone filter (recommended in Paris)
• Hot water connection
• Siphon for evacuation of safety group

4. Electrical connection

Dedicated circuit, strict compliance with the NF C 15-100 standard and the DTU, off-peak contactor connection if applicable.

5. Start-up

• Filling and purging
• Watertightness check
• Functional tests
• Temperature setting (we recommend 55-60°C)

Our specificity Réseau Tubulure: complete photo report of the installation. In this way, you keep track of each stage and the equipment installed. Useful for future maintenance and in case of resale.

Duration of intervention

2 to 4 hours depending on configuration (simple replacement vs complete installation with electrical standards).

How much does it cost to install an electric water heater in Paris?

Our transparent rates (Paris and inner suburbs)

Wall-mounted electric water heater replacement: €900 - €2000 (depending on tank capacity)

This range includes the entire service:

• The supply of the device (depending on capacity and model chosen)
• Removing the old water heater with recycling
• The complete installation of the new balloon
• Hydraulic and electrical connections
• The safety group and necessary supplies
• Start-up and settings
• Our photo report of the intervention

Factors influencing the final price

• Tank capacity: a 50L costs significantly less than a 300L
• Type of resistance: “soapstone” model (resistance protected from limestone) more expensive to buy but more durable
• Existing configuration: simple identical replacement vs installation requiring upgrading to electrical standards
• Accessibility: high floor without elevator, restricted space requiring complex handling
• Additional equipment: day/night contactor, anti-limestone filtration, wall mounting reinforcement

Why this transparency?

We take responsibility for our prices and explain them clearly. Each quotation details:

• The price of the selected device (brand, model, capacity)
• Workforce (standard or complex installation)
• The necessary supplies (safety group, connections, etc.)
• Any additional work (upgrading to electrical standards, travel)

No surprises, no hidden fees.

Concrete examples of situations

Case 1 - Simple replacement Standard Parisian apartment, 150L “armoured” tank (classic resistance), compliant electrical and hydraulic installation, direct replacement in the same location. → Low range of our prices

Case 2 - Optimized installation 200L “soapstone” balloon recommended for Parisian limestone water, upgrading the old electrical panel to standards, adding day/night contactor for off-peak hours, anti-limestone filter installation, moving the balloon to optimize space. → High range of our rates

Our pricing commitment

• Free detailed quote within 24 hours: you know exactly what you are paying
• Firm and final price: no “discovery” of additional work on site
• Explanation line by line of each item in the quotation
• Tips for optimizing your budget: which model according to your real use, is it relevant to invest in a soapstone model, is the off-peak switch profitable for you...

Indicative rates valid for Paris and the inner suburbs. Free personalized quote on request.

Do you need a precise estimate for your situation? Contact us on WhatsApp - we'll ask you the right questions to get a quote that's right and tailored to your home.

Why Choose Tubing Network for Your Installation

Qualified plumbers, proud of their job. We take our expertise and claim it. Each plumber in our network is checked, experienced and trained to the latest standards.

Transparency assumed:

• Systematic photo reporting of the intervention
• Detailed quote line by line
• Clear technical explanations, without unnecessary jargon
• Fair prices displayed from the start

Responsiveness guaranteed:

• Intervention within 24-48 hours for standard installation
• Emergencies treated the same day
• WhatsApp communication for real-time tracking

Eco-responsible approach:

• Systematic recycling of old equipment
• Cargo bike intervention when possible in Paris
• Advice on energy optimization (accurate sizing, off-peak hours, insulation)

Modern service, artisanal roots: we are modernizing plumbing codes without betraying the tradition of a job well done. The proximity of a craftsman, the reliability of a network, the transparency of a partner.

Optimizing the Consumption of Your New Water Heater

Temperature setting: 55-60°C is the ideal compromise. Below, risk of legionellosis. Above, accelerated scaling and overconsumption (each additional degree = approximately 7% more consumption).

Off peak hours: if your subscription allows it, programming the heating on these ranges reduces the bill by 30-40%. The investment in the contactor (included in some of our quotes) pays for itself in 1-2 years.

Insulation: if the tank is in an unheated garage or cellar, an insulating jacket (20-40€) reduces heat loss by 8-10%. We advise you on this option during the quotation.

Post-Installation Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Monthly emptying of the safety unit: simple handling (joystick to be activated) that prevents jamming. A jammed group can cause overpressure and leak. We show you what to do during installation.

Descaling every 3-5 years: essential in Paris. Scale reduces the effectiveness of the resistance (up to 20% overconsumption) and accelerates the corrosion of the tank. This intervention significantly extends the life of your device.

Discover our complete guide to hot water tank maintenance and frequent breakdowns.

Frequently asked questions

What is the lifespan of an electric water heater? 12 to 15 years with regular maintenance (including descaling), 5 to 10 years without maintenance. Parisian limestone water is all the more reason for preventive descaling.

Can I install my water heater myself? No, for two reasons: the NF C 15-100 electrical standard requires a qualified professional, and your insurance will not cover water damage caused by a non-compliant installation. The apparent economy often turns into additional costs.

How long does the installation take? 2 to 4 hours depending on complexity. We prefer careful work over speed.

My old water heater is leaking, what should I do? Switch off the water and electricity immediately and then call us. Consult our guide to emergency water heater repair in Paris.

What temperature should I set on my new water heater? 55-60°C: below, health risk (legionellosis), above, overconsumption of electricity and accelerated scaling.

Is the “soapstone” model worth the extra cost in Paris? Yes, especially with Parisian limestone water. The protected resistance lasts longer, breakdowns are less frequent, and descaling is less burdensome. The return on investment is made over 8-10 years.

Do you offer a maintenance contract? Yes, we offer annual maintenance contracts including a complete check, scheduled descaling, and priority in case of failure. Contact us for more information.

Water Heater Installation: Make the Right Choice

Installing an electric water heater requires consideration of sizing, location and long-term energy impact. A well-chosen and correctly installed device accompanies you for 15 years without worries, with controlled costs.

Our expertise as plumbers allows us to advise you on the model adapted to your situation: number of people, consumption habits, configuration of your home, water hardness, price optimization with off-peak hours.

Tubulure Network - Plumbers and proud of it.

We operate in Paris and the inner suburbs (Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne) for all your electric water heater installation projects.

Do you need a transparent quote for your installation? Contact us on WhatsApp at [NUMBER] - Response within 24 hours guaranteed.

✓ Free detailed quote
✓ Fast intervention
✓ Systematic photo reporting
✓ Fair and clear prices from the start

Your network of Parisian plumbers: the proximity of a craftsman, the reliability of a network, the transparency of a partner.

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