Water heater installation in Belgium
Not enough hot water, a long wait at the tap or a cylinder that keeps drawing more power rarely comes down to a single failed part. Comfort usually hinges on choosing storage versus instantaneous, sizing capacity to real use, and connections that handle pressure and temperature safely. Van Dijk Home first maps how you use hot water, advises the right type and output, then completes the installation: remove the old unit, mount level, connect water and electrical protection, fit the safety group and expansion, fill, bleed and run a first heat test.
- Final price given before we start
- Up to 2 years warranty on labour
- Emergency line available 24/7
- Direct phone contact: +32 2 000 00 00
Our approach
Installing a storage or instantaneous heater methodically
On every installation we follow the same order: define the need, check the existing circuit, mount level and protect, fill and bleed, then test the first heat before handover.
- 01
Establish usage and appliance type
We review outlets, peak demand and the distance to the furthest tap. That shows whether storage or instantaneous suits, and what capacity or output is realistic without going too small or unnecessarily large.
- 02
Prepare the old unit and existing connections
On replacement we drain down, isolate electrically and hydraulically, and remove the old appliance. We check taps, the safety group, circuit pressure and the condition of connections before the new unit goes live.
- 03
Mounting and water connections
The unit is mounted level on a load-bearing support. Cold and hot pipework, isolation valves and the safety group are connected so overpressure can discharge safely through the relief valve.
- 04
Electrical protection and filling
We wire according to the manufacturer's scheme and provide the correct circuit protection. We then fill and bleed the system and check for leaks before the first heating cycle.
- 05
Pressure check, first heat and briefing
We measure pressure and temperature, bring the unit up to temperature and test outlets. You receive guidance on draining down, the anode or service interval and what to watch between service visits.
Common causes
Why hot water runs short or the unit fails
A cylinder that is too small empties quickly when shower and kitchen run together. One that is too large sits idle, uses standby energy and scales up without returning comfort. Without a correct safety group or expansion, pressure swings, the relief valve drips or couplers wear faster.
Hard water and a neglected anode shorten the life of storage units. An instantaneous heater without enough flow or output stays lukewarm when several taps are open. Worn mixers or an outdated breaker can hide an installation under stress.
On replacement we sometimes find hidden weakness: a leaking safety group, a tap that no longer shuts, or static pressure that is too high. We address those points before commissioning the new unit so you are not calling back weeks later.
Related work
From installation to hot-water servicing
A new unit only lasts when the circuit, taps and servicing line up. We link the right follow-up to what we see on site.
- Water heater service - flush, anode and safety group on a service schedule
- Water softener - reduce limescale that builds up in the cylinder
- Plumbing maintenance - preventive checks on taps and the domestic circuit
- Plumbing emergency - when the relief valve leaks or hot water stops entirely
- Tap work - replace mixers that disturb flow or temperature
Signs to watch
When your cylinder or instantaneous unit needs replacing
These signs suggest sizing, safety or wear is holding back hot water. The earlier you have it assessed, the more focused the choice stays.
- Hot water runs out quickly when shower and kitchen run at once.
- Long wait before the tap gets truly hot, especially far from the unit.
- The relief valve drips regularly or releases steam.
- Rust-coloured water or noise while heating.
- The unit cycles constantly or shows a persistent fault code.
- Visible corrosion, moisture under the cylinder or an aged safety group.
Before we arrive
What to prepare for installation day
A few details and clear access save time on the day. You do not need to disconnect the old unit yourself.
- 01
Note the current unit type and capacity
Brand, model and litre rating are often on the label. Say how many people rely on hot water so we can confirm the new size.
- 02
Clear and open the installation area
Make space around the cylinder or mount so we can lift and connect safely. Ensure wall or floor can carry the weight.
- 03
Access to the consumer unit
We need to identify and test the correct circuit. Keep the board clear and mention if the old unit recently misbehaved.
- 04
Call us with outlets and timing
Say whether this is a first fit or a replacement, and which rooms draw hot water at the same time. Our line is available 24/7.
Transparent pricing
What determines the price
Installation on quote: we set the price after a visit on site.
Cost depends on appliance type, access to pipework and power, and whether the old unit must be removed. A straight swap in the same position is priced differently from a relocation or extra circuit work.
You receive the final price after the on-site survey, before installation starts. Call for an initial indication with no obligation.
Benefits
- Type and capacity matched to real draw-off, not a one-size template
- Safety group, isolation valves and expansion fitted and tested at handover
- Old unit drained, disconnected and removed on replacement jobs
Equipment & techniques
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Question not on the list? We answer it by phone, no obligation.
+32 2 000 00 00How much does water heater installation cost?
Installation on quote: we set the price after a visit on site. Cost depends on appliance type, access to pipework and power, and whether the old unit must be removed.
Which type suits me: storage or instantaneous?
That depends on simultaneous use, outlets and available space. Storage smooths peaks; instantaneous heats flow without a tank. We review your habits on site and explain the choice before ordering or fitting.
How many litres of capacity do I need?
As a rule of thumb, allow about 50 litres of usable hot water per person per day, adjusted for shower habits and kitchen use. Too small means cold showers; too large adds energy and scale. We apply that guide to your household.
What is the practical difference between storage and instantaneous?
Storage heats a tank and delivers steady flow until the volume is used. Instantaneous heats on demand and needs enough flow and output per outlet. We check what your pipework and habits allow.
Can you replace my old water heater?
Yes. We drain down, disconnect power and water, remove the old unit and check taps, safety group and pressure before the new one is commissioned. We take the old appliance away after the work.
How long does installation or replacement take?
Expect roughly half a day to a full day, depending on type, access and any extra pipe or electrical work. If hot water has failed urgently, we schedule depending on the area and availability.
Do you work across Belgium?
Not everywhere: we cover Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia, except the province of Luxembourg. Timing depends on availability.
When should you call a plumber straight away?
Some signs are worth acting on straight away: a leak you cannot stop, water coming through a ceiling or a wall, a damp patch that keeps spreading, a sudden drop in pressure throughout the house, or water near a consumer unit or an electrical appliance. Close the main stop valve first: it limits the damage while the cause is being traced.
Present in Brussels, in Wallonia and in Flanders
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Cities we serve
Why Van Dijk Home
A shortfall of hot water is more often a sizing issue than a brand issue. We choose type and capacity from real use, fit the safety group and expansion properly, and hand over with a tested first heat. Up to 2 years warranty on labour; parts carry the manufacturer’s warranty. The unit stays accessible for servicing without breaking out finishes later.
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