Waywest Mechanical installs, extends, tests and repairs natural gas and propane piping in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island. TSBC-licensed gas fitters size new lines for the total appliance load, locate and repair leaks, replace old or damaged piping, and pressure test systems before gas is restored. If you smell gas, leave the building first and call FortisBC's emergency line at 1-800-663-9911; Waywest repairs the piping once the site is safe.
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM · quotes within the hour
Gas piping services
- New gas lines for added appliances
- Extensions and relocations during renovations
- Resizing undersized piping for higher gas loads
- Leak location and repair
- Pressure testing new or altered systems
- Replacing old, corroded or damaged piping
- Shut-off valves for appliances
- Propane piping for rural properties
- Commercial gas piping for kitchens and equipment
Gas leaks: safety first
The smell added to natural gas is intentionally strong. If you notice it:
- Leave the building with everyone in it
- Do not operate switches, appliances, phones or anything that could spark
- From outside, call FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911 or 911
- Do not go back in until you are told it is safe
- Call Waywest on the 24/7 line to locate and repair the leak and relight appliances
Signs of a smaller leak that still need attention include a faint smell near an appliance or meter, a hissing sound, or dead vegetation along a buried line.
Sizing gas piping correctly
Gas piping is sized by the total demand of every connected appliance, the length of the run, and the pressure available. When homes add appliances over the years without recalculating, the piping can end up too small. Symptoms include:
- A tankless water heater throwing errors when the furnace runs
- Range burners weakening when other appliances start
- A furnace short-cycling in cold weather
We calculate the full load before adding any appliance and upsize piping where needed.
What a gas line job involves
- Assess existing piping, meter and appliance load
- Plan the route and pipe size
- Obtain the Technical Safety BC permit
- Install or repair piping, fittings and shut-off valves
- Pressure test the system
- Restore gas, purge lines and relight appliances
- Test appliance operation
Service area
Waywest installs and repairs gas lines in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, Duncan, Chemainus and across our Vancouver Island service area.
What happens when you call
- A person answers
You talk to the Nanaimo office, or our own crew on the 24/7 line — not a call centre.
- You hear the rate first
We explain the service rate, or the emergency rate after hours, before anyone is booked or dispatched.
- A licensed technician arrives
A Waywest technician with a stocked vehicle diagnoses the problem and explains your options.
- You approve the work
Repairs go ahead once you agree. Larger jobs get a written quote you can take time to consider.
Quick facts
- Emergency service
- 24/7 at 250-616-1446 — typically on site within an hour in Nanaimo
- Office hours
- Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM, 250-729-2394
- Service area
- Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, Victoria to Port Hardy
- Licensing
- TSBC licence LGA0004592; licensed, bonded and insured
- Quotes
- Reply within the hour during business hours
- Page updated
Common questions
What should I do if I smell gas in my house?
Leave immediately and take everyone with you. Do not use light switches, appliances, lighters or phones inside. From a safe distance outside, call FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911 or 911. After the utility has made the site safe, a licensed gas fitter locates and repairs the leak.
How is a gas leak found?
A licensed gas fitter isolates sections of the system and pressure tests them to confirm where gas is escaping, then pinpoints the leak at fittings, valves or appliance connections using leak detection solution or an electronic detector.
Why might my gas line need to be upsized?
Each appliance needs a certain volume of gas. Adding a tankless water heater, larger range, fireplace or BBQ can exceed what the existing piping can deliver, causing appliances to underperform or shut down. Resizing the line restores proper supply.
Does gas piping need a permit in BC?
Yes. New gas piping, extensions and alterations are regulated by Technical Safety BC and are generally completed under a gas permit by a licensed contractor. Waywest obtains the required permit.
Need this sorted out?
Call the Nanaimo office and talk to someone who can tell you what the work involves and when we can get to it.