Waywest Mechanical repairs and replaces hot water tanks in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island, including natural gas, propane, electric and heat pump water heaters. Licensed plumbers and TSBC-licensed gas fitters diagnose the problem, tell you whether repair or replacement is the better value, and install new tanks under permit where required. Heat pump water heaters may qualify for rebates.
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM · quotes within the hour
Signs your hot water tank is failing
- Water pooling at the base of the tank, or rust streaks down its side
- Hot water running out faster than it used to
- Rust-coloured or cloudy hot water from the taps
- Rumbling, popping or cracking sounds as the tank heats — sediment on the bottom
- No hot water at all, or water that is only lukewarm
- Water dripping from the relief valve pipe on the side of the tank
- A gas pilot that will not stay lit
A tank that is actively leaking from the body needs replacement. Most of the other symptoms can be caused by a part that is worth repairing on a tank with years left in it.
What we repair
- Gas control valves, thermocouples and pilot assemblies
- Electric heating elements and thermostats
- Temperature and pressure relief valves
- Anode rods, which protect the tank lining from corrosion
- Dip tubes, drain valves and supply connections
- Venting problems on gas tanks
Before recommending a repair on an older tank, we look at its age and condition. Putting a new gas valve on a thirteen-year-old tank that is already weeping at the seams is not good value, and we will say so.
Choosing a replacement
When a tank does need replacing, it is worth a few minutes to consider whether a straight swap is still the right choice.
Natural gas tanks remain the most common in Nanaimo homes on FortisBC gas. They recover quickly and work during power outages if they have a standing pilot.
Electric tanks are simple and inexpensive to install, but slower to recover and can be expensive to run in a large household.
Heat pump water heaters use a small heat pump to heat the water and use significantly less electricity than a standard electric tank. They need space and airflow around them, and they cool the room they sit in — often a benefit in a garage or utility room. These are the models most likely to qualify for rebates.
Tankless water heaters heat water on demand. They are a different installation entirely — see tankless water heaters.
We also look at sizing. A household that has grown, or added a large soaker tub, may need more capacity than the tank being replaced.
What a replacement involves
- Isolate and drain the old tank, shutting off water, gas or power.
- Remove the old tank and take it away for disposal.
- Install the new tank on a proper base, with a new relief valve discharge line, seismic strapping and a drain pan where appropriate.
- Connect water, gas or electrical supply, and upgrade venting if the new tank requires it.
- Fill, purge air, light or power up, and test for leaks.
- Set the temperature and show you where the shut-offs are.
Gas installations are permitted through Technical Safety BC under Waywest's gas licence.
If your tank has just burst
Close the cold water valve on top of the tank and turn off its power at the breaker, or set a gas control to "off". Then call the 24/7 emergency line. A tank that has let go will keep draining until its water supply is shut off.
Service area
Waywest repairs and installs hot water tanks in Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, Duncan, Chemainus, the Comox Valley 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
How much does hot water tank replacement cost in Nanaimo?
Hot water tank replacement cost depends on the type and size of tank — gas, electric or heat pump — whether venting, gas line or electrical changes are needed, permits, and how easy the old tank is to remove. Waywest gives a firm price for your specific tank before work starts, and heat pump water heaters may qualify for up to $1,000 in CleanBC rebates.
Should I replace a gas hot water tank with another gas tank?
A like-for-like gas hot water tank is often the simplest replacement, but it is worth comparing a high-efficiency gas tank, a tankless water heater and a heat pump water heater. Waywest explains running costs, installation changes and available rebates for each before you decide.
How long does a hot water tank last on Vancouver Island?
A conventional tank-style water heater typically lasts around 8 to 12 years. Lifespan depends on water quality, whether the anode rod was ever replaced, how hard the tank works, and installation quality. Tanks past ten years that start showing rust or moisture at the base are usually near the end.
Should I repair or replace my hot water tank?
Replace it if the tank itself is leaking — a leaking tank body cannot be repaired. Repair usually makes sense for a younger tank with a failed thermostat, element, gas control valve, thermocouple or pressure relief valve. We give you the repair cost and the replacement cost so you can compare.
How long does it take to replace a hot water tank?
A like-for-like replacement is usually completed in a few hours. Changing fuel type, moving the tank, upgrading venting, or switching to a heat pump water heater takes longer and may need additional electrical or gas work.
Does a new hot water tank need a permit in BC?
Gas water heater installations require a gas permit through Technical Safety BC, which Waywest obtains as a licensed gas contractor. Some municipalities also require a plumbing permit. We handle the permits that apply to your installation.
Are there rebates for heat pump water heaters?
Heat pump water heaters have qualified for rebates through CleanBC Better Homes and BC Hydro, and FortisBC has offered rebates on some high-efficiency gas water heaters. Program details change often, so Waywest checks current eligibility before you choose equipment.
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.