Waywest Mechanical converts gas appliances between propane and natural gas, and installs propane gas fitting, in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island. Conversions use the manufacturer's approved kit to change burner orifices, regulator settings and controls, followed by testing of gas pressure and flame. Licensed gas fitters also pipe and connect propane appliances for rural homes and properties without natural gas service.
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM · quotes within the hour
Conversion services
- Propane to natural gas when a property connects to FortisBC gas
- Natural gas to propane for appliances moving to rural properties
- Furnaces, boilers and water heaters
- Ranges, cooktops and ovens
- BBQs, fire tables and patio heaters
- Propane piping from the tank regulator to appliances
What a conversion involves
- Confirm the model is convertible and obtain the correct manufacturer conversion kit.
- Shut off and isolate the appliance.
- Replace burner orifices and change or adjust the gas valve regulator.
- Update labels so the appliance is marked for its new fuel.
- Connect to the new supply and check for leaks.
- Test manifold pressure and flame, and adjust air shutters where required.
- Confirm safe operation through a full heating or cooking cycle.
Switching a whole house to natural gas
When natural gas becomes available on your street, the switch usually involves more than one appliance:
- The utility installs the service and meter
- House gas piping is connected at the meter
- Each appliance is converted or replaced
- The propane supply is disconnected, and the tank is handled by the propane supplier
- All work is tested and permitted
We walk through every gas appliance in the house so nothing is missed.
Rural propane
Much of the Island — Cedar, Yellow Point, Nanoose, Errington, Coombs and rural Cowichan — relies on propane. Waywest pipes and connects propane appliances from the tank regulator into the home, sized for the full appliance load.
Service area
Waywest completes propane and natural gas conversions in Nanaimo, Cedar, Lantzville, Nanoose Bay, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, Duncan 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
Can any appliance be converted from propane to natural gas?
No. Only appliances the manufacturer approves for conversion, using the manufacturer's conversion kit, should be converted. Many furnaces, water heaters, ranges, fireplaces and BBQs are convertible; some are not, and those need to be replaced.
Why can't I just connect a propane appliance to natural gas?
Propane and natural gas are supplied at different pressures and have different energy content, so each needs different burner orifices and regulator settings. Connecting an appliance to the wrong fuel can cause dangerous flames, soot, carbon monoxide or failure to light.
My area just got natural gas — what do I need to switch?
The utility installs the service line and meter. A licensed gas fitter then connects your house piping, converts or replaces each appliance, removes or disconnects the propane supply, and tests everything under a gas permit.
Do conversions need a permit?
Gas appliance conversions and connection to a new fuel supply are regulated gas work in BC and are completed by a licensed gas fitter, generally under a Technical Safety BC 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.