Immersion Heater Replacement Cost

Want to know how much replacing an immersion heater will cost?

In this guide, we cover all costs of installing an immersion heater, plus what an immersion heater is, how it works, and what you might pay to have one replaced. Searching immersion heater repairs cost? You're exactly where you need to be.

Installing an immersion heater will cost, on average, around £180.

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How Much to Replace Immersion Heater?

Although most UK homes only use immersion heaters as a backup source for hot water, they can be incredibly useful during the summer months when the central heating may be switched off, but hot water is required.

So, what is an immersion heater?

An electric immersion heater is an element fitted inside a water storage cylinder. When turned on, it can heat the water using electricity, and can provide hot water independent of the central heating system.

What's the cost of replacing an immersion heater?

The average cost of replacing an immersion heater is around £180, and can take between 1 and 2 hours.

Depending on the size of the water storage cylinder, there may be up to 3 electric heating elements inside.

In plenty of cases, the tank stays put and only the element gets changed. So if you've typed immersion heater element replacement cost into Google, expect the cost of the part plus an hour or two for fitting.

In most homes, it's safest to get a qualified electrician or heating engineer to do it.

Immersion Heater Prices

Below are estimated total costs for common immersion heater replacement jobs, including parts and labour.

Immersion Heater Repair Cost

The first question with any immersion heater fault is whether it needs a repair or a full replacement. In most cases the heating element itself has failed, and the fix is to swap it out rather than repair it. Occasionally the problem lies with a faulty thermostat, a dead fused spur, or a timer that isn't switching, and these are cheaper to fix than the element.

A plumber or heating engineer will usually start by diagnosing the fault before quoting for the work. By breaking down the individual costs on a repair, you can better understand where the money goes:

• Diagnostic or Repair Visit — £45 to £75 an hour, with most one-off visits carrying a minimum charge of £60 to £120 that covers the first hour.
• Element and Thermostat Replaced Together — £180 to £320, supplied and fitted.
• Thermostat on Its Own — £10 to £25 for the part.

As you can see, the thermostat is relatively cheap as a part. However, the callout to swap it costs a lot more, and as such makes up most of the bill on a small repair. Most of the labour on these jobs goes into draining the cylinder down to reach the element, which is why even a minor repair still carries a full callout charge. For that reason, if an engineer is already draining the cylinder, it often makes sense to replace the thermostat at the same time rather than pay for a second visit later.

Repair isn't always worth it, though. If the same cylinder keeps suffering failures, the issue is usually the cylinder rather than the element, and replacing parts one after another stops being cost-effective. A repair makes most sense when the fault is a cheap part such as the thermostat and the rest of the cylinder is intact.

Labour Cost to Replace an Immersion Heater & Timescales

A tradesperson will typically charge £100 to £150 in labour for a straightforward swap. Where the element has seized in the boss, or the cylinder is boxed in and hard to reach, expect £150 to £230.

This job will typically take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the ease of access for tradespeople, and if the immersion tank needs to be emptied entirely (most of the time, this won't be the case).

When choosing a new electric heating element, make sure that you choose a new element of the same size, shape, and power rating.

Factors That Impact Immersion Heater Replacement Costs

A few things can nudge the price up or down when you're replacing an immersion heater:

• Labour Rate — For a really easy replacement, you're probably looking at about £100 to £150 for labour (your quote can be higher if it's a longer job or out-of-hours).
• Type of Immersion Heater — Copper costs a little less, while titanium options are a bit more. For example, copper elements are around £20 to £30. But titanium sits more like £30 to £40.
• Element Material — Copper elements are usually cheaper than titanium ones.
• Single vs Twin Element — You'll pay more (in parts) for twin-element setups, and they sometimes take a bit longer to swap. This is especially true if you're replacing both elements.
• What's Actually Failed — If it's just the element, it's simple to sort. If the thermostat, wiring, or controls also need replacing, that adds parts and time.
• Access to the Cylinder — If it's boxed in, wedged into a tight airing cupboard, or tricky to reach, the job can take longer (and labour costs will almost always rise with it).
• Draining and Refilling — Some cylinders need partial or full draining to get rid of the element safely without causing a leak. That extra time can push the price up.

Types of Immersion Heater

When you replace an immersion heater, the main things to consider are what the element is made of and what length it is. The material affects how long the element lasts in your water, while the length has to match your cylinder.

Copper

Copper is the cheapest option and the usual default in soft-water areas, where limescale is less of a problem. As a part, a copper element costs around £20 to £30.

Pros

• ✔ The cheapest of the three materials.
• ✔ Perfectly suited to soft-water areas.
• ✔ Widely stocked and easy to source.

Cons

• ✖ Limescale builds up faster, so it fails sooner in hard water.
• ✖ Shorter working life where water is hard.

Titanium

Titanium resists limescale far better than copper, so it lasts longer in hard-water areas. A titanium element costs around £30 to £40 as a part.

Pros

• ✔ Resists limescale build-up.
• ✔ Longer working life in hard-water areas.
• ✔ Better value over time where water is hard.

Cons

• ✖ Costs more up front than copper.
• ✖ Minimal benefit in soft-water areas.

Incoloy

Incoloy is a corrosion-resistant alloy that stands up well to limescale, making it a solid and durable choice for hard-water areas. An incoloy element costs around £25 to £35, supply-only.

Pros

• ✔ Highly resistant to limescale and corrosion.
• ✔ Long-lasting, even in hard water.

Cons

• ✖ Usually the more expensive than copper.
• ✖ More than you need in a soft-water area.

Whichever material you choose, the replacement has to match the element coming out. Immersion heater elements are sold in fixed lengths (commonly 11, 14, 27 and 36 inches), and the new one must match the length, thread size, and power rating of the old element, or it won't fit or heat correctly.

Running Costs

The running costs of an immersion heater can be fairly pricey, as it uses electricity as a fuel source, which is usually more expensive than natural gas.

These figures use the Ofgem price cap electricity unit rate (Jul to Sep 2026) of 26.11p per kWh.

Just to be clear, the table below assumes the heater is running at full power 24/7. In real life, most people won't run it constantly like this, so treat it as a "worst case" example. Two hours a day is closer to what most households use.

What's Involved in Replacing an Immersion Heater?

Replacing an immersion heater isn't all that DIY-friendly. You're dealing with mains electrics and a hot water cylinder. So essentially, one wrong move could result in a leak, a shock, or a very soggy cupboard.

Because of that, your best bet is to hire a plumber or heating engineer, or an electrician if the fault is on the electrical side.

And as always, get a couple of quotes. MyJobQuote makes it easy to find electricians near you.

Let's take a look at the process when getting an immersion heater replaced by a professional:

Before the Job Starts

• Initial Checks — They'll tell you what the fault is (element, thermostat, wiring, or the cylinder itself) and make sure the replacement part is the right size and rating.
• Safe Isolation — Power gets isolated at the consumer unit, and they'll check it's dead before touching anything.

During the Job

• Draining (if Needed) — A few cylinders need to be partly or fully drained to remove the element without causing a mini flood.
• Removal and Replacement — The old element comes out, the new one goes in, and the wiring or controls are reconnected correctly.

After the Job

• Testing and Safety Checks — They'll test operation, make sure the thermostat is behaving, and check there are no leaks.
• Set-up Advice — You'll get a quick steer on settings and timers so you're not running it longer than you need to.

Installing an Immersion Heater Alternative

If your immersion heater keeps failing, or you're looking to move away from it entirely, there are several alternatives worth considering. Each involves a larger upfront cost, but can reduce running costs or improve reliability over time.

Replace the Immersion Heater With a Combi Boiler

Switching from an immersion heater to a combi boiler is one of the most common upgrades in UK homes. A combi boiler heats water on demand directly from the mains, so there's no need for a hot water cylinder at all. This frees up space in the airing cupboard and removes the need for an immersion heater altogether.

The cost to replace an immersion heater with a combi boiler is typically around £2,750, including installation. Running costs are usually lower than an immersion heater, as gas is generally cheaper per unit than electricity, though you'll need to budget for annual boiler servicing.

Pros

• ✔ Heats water on demand, so you only pay for what you use.
• ✔ Removes the need for a hot water cylinder, freeing up space.
• ✔ Lower running costs compared to electric immersion heating.

Cons

• ✖ Higher upfront installation cost.
• ✖ Not suitable for homes without a mains gas supply.
• ✖ Flow rate can be limited with high hot water demand.

Replace the Immersion Heater With an Electric Boiler

If your home isn't connected to the gas grid, an electric boiler can be a practical alternative to an immersion heater. It works in a similar way to a gas boiler but uses electricity, making it suitable for flats, rural properties, and off-grid homes. For heating individual rooms rather than a whole system, electric radiators are another electric option for homes off the gas grid.

Electric boilers are compact, quiet, and relatively straightforward to install. They're also compatible with hot water cylinders if you want to keep your existing setup. Electric boiler costs vary depending on the model and output required. The boiler itself is £2,350 to £3,600 for an electric combi with a built-in hot water store, or £1,300 to £1,850 for an instantaneous model that heats water on demand but will not run a shower. Installation is on top of that.

Pros

• ✔ No gas supply needed — suitable for off-grid properties.
• ✔ Compact and quiet in operation.
• ✔ Can work alongside an existing hot water cylinder.

Cons

• ✖ Running costs are higher than gas, as electricity is more expensive per unit.
• ✖ Not ideal for large households with high hot water demand.
• ✖ May require an upgrade to your electrical supply.

Oil Boiler

For homes off the mains gas network, an oil boiler is another option. Installing an oil boiler costs roughly £3,300. It can provide both heating and hot water, making it a more complete replacement than an immersion heater alone.

Pros

• ✔ Suitable for rural, off-grid properties.
• ✔ Provides both heating and hot water.

Cons

• ✖ Requires an oil storage tank.
• ✖ Fuel prices can fluctuate.

Biomass Boiler

A biomass boiler burns organic material, typically wood pellets or logs, to heat your home and hot water. Biomass boilers cost around £13,000 to fit and install, making them one of the more expensive options. However, they can qualify for government incentives and have lower running costs in some cases.

Pros

• ✔ Renewable fuel source.
• ✔ Can qualify for government incentives.

Cons

• ✖ High upfront cost.
• ✖ Requires storage space for fuel.

Air Source Heat Pump

An air source heat pump pulls heat from outside air and uses it to warm your home and hot water. It can connect to wet central heating systems, including radiators, underfloor heating, and hot water cylinders. On average, air source heat pumps cost around £13,000 to install.

Pros

• ✔ Lower running costs than electric or oil heating.
• ✔ Low-maintenance once installed.

Cons

• ✖ High upfront installation cost.
• ✖ May require underfloor heating for best efficiency.

Ground Source Heat Pump

Ground source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps, circulate a water-antifreeze mixture through underground pipe loops in your garden. This liquid absorbs heat from the ground and carries it to the heat pump, providing hot water and heating for your property. Ground source heat pump installation typically costs more than air source alternatives, given the groundwork involved.

Pros

• ✔ Low-maintenance after installation.
• ✔ Can provide cooling in summer as well as heating in winter.

Cons

• ✖ Higher cost than air source heat pumps.
• ✖ Requires sufficient garden space for pipe loops.

Solar Thermal

Solar thermal systems capture the sun's energy and convert it into heat for your home's hot water supply. They're often used alongside a backup heat source for cloudy days.

Pros

• ✔ Eco-friendly and renewable.
• ✔ Can significantly reduce hot water running costs.

Cons

• ✖ Output depends on sunlight levels.
• ✖ Only able to heat water, not space heating.

Thermal Store

A thermal store is a heavily insulated tank that stores heat from multiple sources, such as a boiler, solar panels, or a heat pump, and uses it to supply hot water and heating on demand. It can be a good option if you're replacing an immersion heater setup and want to integrate renewable or multiple heat sources. For more detail on what's involved, see our guide to installing a thermal store.

Pros

• ✔ Compatible with multiple heat sources.
• ✔ Efficient storage of surplus heat.

Cons

• ✖ Takes up more space than a standard cylinder.
• ✖ Higher upfront cost than a basic immersion heater setup.

Do I Need to Replace My Immersion Heater?

It's usually not that difficult to tell if you need to replace your immersion heater.

Immersion heater elements are a wear part, and how long one lasts depends mainly on your water. In hard-water areas, limescale builds up on the element, insulates it and makes it run hotter until it eventually fails, so an element in a hard-water area can fail a lot sooner than one in a soft-water area.

Immersion heater elements typically last between 3 and 5 years, although they may last longer if they're made of high-quality materials and used in ideal conditions.

Signs you may need to replace your immersion heater include:

• Your water is hard and the element has been in a while.
• Your water is staying cold.
• Water heats but never gets properly hot.
• The breaker trips when the immersion is switched on.
• There is a burning smell at the unit.
• It's making unusual noises.

Leaks are another sign to watch for. If you spot water around the element cover, drip marks down the cylinder, or a damp patch in the airing cupboard, switch the immersion heater off and get it checked. Sometimes it's just a case of a tired gasket or a loose fitting, but corrosion on the cylinder would cost more in repairs.

Immersion Heater Removal Cost

You will need to call in a professional to remove your heater safely and securely by cutting the power, shutting off the water, draining the cylinder, and removing the unit.

Donation

If your heater is still working and in stable condition, you can help someone by donating it to a donation centre for free, or set up an online advertisement to see if someone can pick it up. This is a great way to help out your local community and be eco-friendly.

Recycling

Many recycling centres will use your heater and recycle the scrap metal parts. This is a great way to help the environment and ensure that no parts go to waste, and is usually free of charge.

Skip Hire

Skip hire can be included in the price of a contractor if you're hiring them to remove the immersion heater. However, if you're looking to organise a skip hire yourself, the average cost to hire a skip is £220, but the price will depend on the size, and your location in the UK.

Checklist: Hiring Someone to Replace an Immersion Heater

Replacing an immersion heater is simply a hot water cylinder job with an electrical connection on the end of it, and in practice it's typically a plumber or heating engineer who does it. The bulk of the work is draining the cylinder down and drawing the element out of it.

The electrical side is a simple fused spur connection rather than notifiable work. An electrician is the right call where the fault is on the supply side instead, such as a dead fused spur, a tripping residual current device (RCD), or a timer that isn't switching.

Before hiring someone to replace your immersion heater, check a few key details first:

• Are they qualified for the job? Replacing an immersion heater is not a licensed activity, and no certificate has to be issued once the work is done. There is also no qualification specific to immersion heaters. However, make sure to confirm that the tradesperson is competent to do the job safely and professionally, which will be backed by their trade qualifications, scheme membership, and insurance.
• Are they registered with an electrical competent person scheme? An electrician registered with a competent person scheme such as NICEIC, NAPIT or BESCA can sign off their own work instead of notifying building control. In England, replacing an immersion element on its existing circuit isn't a notifiable job, but registration is a useful sign that someone works to the wiring regulations.
• Will they supply the correct replacement part? Your local tradesperson will happily be able to confirm the heater's size, power rating, and thread type before fitting anything new.
• Is their quote all-inclusive? Ask whether the price covers labour, materials, and any small extras (e.g. draining the cylinder or checking the thermostat).
• Do they have public liability insurance? It's not a legal must-have, but it protects you (and them) if something goes wrong during installation.
• Can they show examples or reviews? Look for feedback from previous customers or photos of similar jobs on their MyJobQuote profile.
• Will they provide paperwork or a receipt? Be sure to get written proof of payment and confirmation of any guarantees for the parts or workmanship.

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