Water Tank Replacement in Dublin: 7 Things That Affect the Price
- Marketing StillorganGas
- Apr 7
- 10 min read
Water tanks are an essential part of most homes in Ireland. They store the water we use every day – from showering and washing dishes to heating our homes. Whether it’s a cold water storage tank in the attic or a hot water cylinder connected to your heating system, these tanks play a vital role in ensuring that your home runs smoothly.
Over time, water tanks can wear out, rust or start to leak. In some cases, older models are no longer energy-efficient and can cost you more on your bills. That’s when it’s time to consider a replacement. But the first question most people ask is: “How much will it cost to replace my water tank?”
The answer isn’t always straightforward. The cost of replacing a water tank in Dublin can vary considerably depending on a number of factors – such as the type of tank you have, how easy it is to access and whether any spare parts are needed.
At Stillorgan Gas, Plumbing & Electrical, we’ve helped hundreds of Dublin homeowners replace their water tanks quickly and safely. We know how confusing figuring out the price can be, which is why we’ve created this blog to tell you about the 7 key things that can affect the cost of replacing a water tank.
Whether you’re planning in advance or dealing with an emergency leak, this guide will help you understand what to expect – and how to make the right choice for your home and budget.
1. Type of Water Tank
What kind of water tank you have in your home is one of the biggest factors affecting replacement costs.
In most Irish homes, there are two main types of water tank:
Cold water storage tanks :
usually found in the attic, these store the cold water used in your home. They are often made from plastic and are inexpensive to replace.
Hot water cylinders :
usually located in your hot press, these tanks heat and store hot water for showers, taps and radiators. Because they connect to your boiler and heating system, they are more complex to replace and usually cost more.
Another thing to consider is what material the tank is made from. Most modern tanks are plastic, which is lightweight, economical and easy to install. Older or more heavy-duty tanks may be made from fibreglass or steel, which can be harder (and more expensive) to remove and replace.
You'll also hear about vented vs unvented (pressurised) systems. Vented systems are older and rely on gravity to move water through the house. Unvented or pressurised systems are more modern and give you better water pressure - but they cost more to install or replace because they need extra safety parts and fittings.
At Stillorgan Gas, we always check what type of tank and system you have before giving you a quote. This helps us give you an accurate price and the best advice for your home.
2. Tank Size and Capacity
The size of your water tank is another major factor that affects the cost of replacement. Simply put – the bigger the tank, the higher the price.
Water tanks come in many different sizes. A small tank, such as one holding 50 to 100 litres, is often sufficient for a one-bedroom apartment or a household with just one person. They are inexpensive and can be replaced quickly.
But if you live in a larger home or have a family, you will probably have a larger tank – around 200 litres or more. Larger tanks can hold more hot or cold water, which means they are better for homes with multiple bathrooms, multiple people bathing daily or homes with higher water usage.
The more water you need, the bigger the tank will be – and that means more materials, more labour and sometimes more complex plumbing work. This all adds up to the total replacement cost.
Also, larger tanks are heavier and take longer to install. In some cases, we may need to reinforce the tank stand or check the area for safe installation, especially in attics or older homes.
At Stillorgan Gas, we always ask about your home setup – how many people live there, how many bathrooms you have, and what your daily water usage is like. This helps us recommend the right tank size and give you an accurate quote for replacement.
Getting the right size tank is important. Too small, and you will run out of hot water. Too big, and you could be wasting money on energy to heat water you don’t need.
3. Labour and Installation Costs
When sizing up a water scheme, labour costs can form a large part of the total price. This means how much you pay a plumber or plaster engineer to do the job.
In Dublin, labour costs are generally higher than in other parts of Ireland. Most plumbers or level engineers charge either a standard hourly rate or a fixed fee for a full replacement.
The hourly rate can range from €120 to €160 per hour or more, depending on the scope of the work and the experience of the tradesperson.
A fixed fee is when you pay the full price for the whole job upfront, which can sometimes save you money and help avoid cost overruns.
The type of tank and where it is located (such as in an attic or tight space) can affect how long the job takes – and this affects how much you will pay in labour.
It's also important to make sure the person carrying out the work is suitable. If your water tank is listed on your part system or batch, it's important to hire a registered tradesperson, such as someone who is RGI (Registered Gas Certificate) or OFTEC certified. This ensures the work is carried out safely and legally, especially when working with gas or oil systems.
At Stillorgan Gas, all our part fillers are fully registered and qualified. We provide price quotes to residents so you know exactly what you're paying for - without any shoplifter fees.
Having the right professional do the job may cost a little more, but it gives you peace of mind and keeps your home safe in the long term.
4. Access and location Of Water Tank
Where the water tank is located in your home can have a huge impact on the cost of replacing it. Some tanks are easy to access – others can be very difficult to reach, meaning more time, effort and labour costs.
For example, many homes in Dublin have cold water storage tanks installed in the attic. Although this is a common location, it can be difficult to work in due to low ceilings, tight space or poor lighting. Getting a new tank into a narrow attic hatch and removing the old one safely takes time and care.
Some homes have water tanks in basements or even outside, especially in older or rural properties. These setups may require extra pipework or weatherproofing, which increases the cost of the job.
If the tank is difficult to access or if the surrounding area is damaged, the plumber may need to do extra work. This may include:
Rerouting pipes to fit the new tank
Adding insulation to stop the cold (especially in the attic or outside)
Fixing or upgrading the tank stand
Making sure the new tank meets modern building or safety standards
All of these extra steps take more time and materials, which means the price will go up.
At Stillorgan Gas, we always inspect the location of your existing tank before giving you a quote. This way, we can identify any potential problems and include everything in the final price – so you don’t have to pay any surprise charges later.
The easier it is to access your tank, the cheaper and quicker the replacement will be. But even in difficult locations, we’re fully equipped to handle the job safely and professionally.
5. Removing and Disposing of the Old Water Tank
When replacing a water tank, most people focus on the cost of the new tank – but it’s important to think about what happens to the old tank too. Removing and disposing of it properly can add to the overall cost of the job.
If your old tank is small and plastic, it’s easy to remove and inexpensive to get rid of. But if it’s a large metal tank, particularly steel or copper, it will be heavy and difficult to remove. These tanks often need to be cut up before being removed from the attic or hot-pressed, which increases labour time and costs.
In Dublin, like the rest of Ireland, there are regulations about how waste is handled, particularly when it comes to scrap metal or plumbing materials. Your installer may have to pay a waste collection fee or environmental charge to remove the tank in a safe and legal way. These costs are often included in your quote, but it’s always worth asking.
At Stillorgan Gas, we handle both the removal and disposal of your old tank as part of our service. We follow all proper recycling and disposal rules, so you don’t have to worry about it. We’ll also clean the area after the tank is removed, leaving your home clean and safe.
So, while it may seem like a small part of the job, removing and disposing of your old tank is a significant factor that can affect your final bill – especially if it’s large, bulky or in a place that’s hard to access.
6. Additional Parts and Upgrades
When replacing a water tank, the cost isn't just about the tank. In many cases, you'll also need additional parts or optional upgrades, which can increase the overall price.
Some common essential parts that may need to be replaced include:
Valves - These control the flow of water in and out of the tank.
Ballcock - A float valve that controls the filling of cold water tanks.
Lagging Jackets - Insulation wraps that help keep water warm and prevent it from freezing in the winter.
Tank Stands - Sturdy platforms that hold the tank securely, especially in the attic.
If these parts are old, damaged or don't meet modern safety standards, they will need to be replaced during tank installation. These items don't cost as much as a new tank, but they can be more if several are needed.
Some homeowners also choose to add optional upgrades such as:
Booster pumps – to increase water pressure in the shower or upstairs faucets.
Water filtration systems – to improve water quality and reduce sediment or lime build-up.
While these upgrades are not required, they can make your system more efficient and comfortable – especially in homes with low water pressure.
Another thing to keep in mind is building and plumbing regulations. In Dublin and throughout Ireland, all plumbing work must meet certain safety standards. If your current setup doesn’t meet these standards, it may require some additional work to bring it up to code – and this can affect the final cost.
At Stillorgan Gas, we always check your system before we start work, so we can include everything you need in a clear quote. No surprises – just safe, efficient service.
7. Emergency vs. Planned Water Tank Replacement
The timing of your water tank replacement can also affect how much you pay – especially if it’s an emergency.
If your water tank suddenly starts leaking, bursts or stops working altogether, you may need an emergency call-out. In these cases, plumbers or heating engineers often have to change their schedules and come as quickly as possible, sometimes the same day or outside of normal working hours. This kind of urgent service usually comes with a higher labor charge.
Emergency jobs often cost more because:
The work needs to be done quickly.
Extra staff or longer hours may be needed.
There’s little time to plan, so materials may be more expensive.
On the other hand, if you’re able to plan your water tank replacement well in advance, you can often save money. Planned work allows time for:
Getting multiple quotes
Scheduling during normal working hours
Bundling the task with other plumbing work (such as boiler service or bathroom upgrades)
Planned replacements also give you time to choose the best tank for your needs, ask questions, and avoid last-minute surprises.
At Stillorgan Gas, we handle both emergency and scheduled water tank replacements in Dublin. We always aim to respond promptly in urgent cases, but if you can plan in advance, we’ll be happy to help you save money and get the most value for your budget.
So, whether your tank needs immediate attention or you’re just thinking ahead, knowing the difference in costs between emergency vs. planned work can help you make the best decision for your home and wallet.
💶 Average Cost Range for Water Tank in Dublin
Now that we’ve looked at the different things that affect the price of a water tank replacement, let’s talk about the numbers.
In Dublin, the average cost to replace a water tank can range from around €700 to €2,500 Or More. The final price depends on the type of tank, its size, where it's located in your home, and whether any extra parts or upgrades are needed.
Here’s a simple breakdown to give you a better idea:
Type of Job | Estimated Cost (Approx) |
Basic cold water tank (plastic, small, easy access) | €700 – €1000+ |
Medium-sized tank (standard home use, some parts replaced) | €1000 – €1500 + |
Hot water cylinder (larger tank, extra labour, insulation, new valves) | €1200 – €2500+ |
Full system replacement with upgrades (e.g. booster pump, filtration) | €2000 – €3000+ |
Please keep in mind, these are general price ranges. The exact cost can go up or down depending on your home’s setup and any unexpected work that may come up during installation.
At Stillorgan Gas, we always offer a free assessment before we give you a quote. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for — no surprises, no hidden costs.
We also aim to give you the best value for your money by using quality materials, certified professionals, and honest pricing.
So whether you're dealing with a leaking tank or planning a system upgrade, knowing the average cost range can help you budget better and avoid stress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Tank Replacement in Dublin
1. How long does a water tank replacement take?
Most water tank replacements can take anywhere from half a day to a full day, depending on the type and location of the tank. If it’s a simple job, such as replacing a small attic tank, it may only take 2-4 hours. Larger tanks, or in hard to reach areas, may take longer – especially if additional work is required.
2. Do I need planning permission to replace a water tank?
No, in most cases you don’t need planning permission to replace a water tank in your home. It’s considered standard maintenance work. However, if you live in a listed building or are making major structural changes, it’s always best to check with your local council or get advice from your installer.
3. Can I replace a tank during the winter?
Yes, water tanks can be replaced during the winter, and many people do replace them when they notice a leak or heating problems. However, because of the cold temperatures, it is important to ensure the new tank is properly insulated to prevent freezing. At Stillorgan Gas, we take extra care during winter installation to keep your system running safely and efficiently.
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