Waywest Mechanical repairs commercial reach-in refrigerators and freezers, under-counter units, sandwich and pizza prep tables, bar coolers and refrigerated display cases in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island. Technicians fix units that run warm, ice up, leak, cycle constantly or make noise, by repairing compressors, fans, coils, defrost systems, controls, door gaskets and hinges, for restaurants, cafés, grocery and convenience stores.
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM · quotes within the hour
Equipment we repair
- Reach-in refrigerators and freezers — single, double and triple door
- Under-counter and worktop refrigeration
- Sandwich, salad and pizza prep tables
- Bar coolers, back-bar and bottle coolers
- Chef bases and refrigerated drawers
- Glass door merchandisers
- Open and closed refrigerated display cases for grocery and convenience retail
- Deli and bakery cases
Common problems
Warm cabinet. Dirty condenser coils, failed fans, a faulty thermostat or controller, low refrigerant or a failing compressor.
Freezing product in a cooler. A stuck thermostat, misadjusted control or airflow blowing directly on product.
Iced evaporator. Defrost problems, or doors left open and gaskets letting in humid air.
Constant running. Coil, gasket, fan or refrigerant issues — often the warning sign before a warm cabinet.
Loud or rattling. Fan blades hitting ice, worn fan motors, loose panels or a struggling compressor.
Doors and gaskets. Torn gaskets, sagging doors, broken hinges and self-closers.
Keep them running through service
- Clean condenser coils on a regular schedule
- Leave space around units for airflow; do not block the grille
- Keep pans below the fill line on prep tables
- Replace torn gaskets promptly
- Let hot food cool before loading reach-ins
- Watch the thermometer — rising temperatures are the first warning
A preventive maintenance visit covers coils, gaskets, drains, fans and controls across all your units at once.
Retail refrigeration
Grocery and convenience stores depend on display cases that run every hour the store is open. Waywest services glass door merchandisers and display cases, including anti-sweat door heaters, lighting, fans and defrost controls.
Service area
Waywest repairs reach-in and display case refrigeration in Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, Duncan, 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
Why is my prep table not keeping food cold?
Prep tables are especially sensitive to airflow. Overfilled pans above the fill line, a blocked air curtain, dirty condenser coils, worn lid or door gaskets, and failing evaporator fans are the usual causes. Keeping pans at the correct level and cleaning the condenser regularly prevent most problems.
Why is water leaking from my reach-in refrigerator?
Leaks usually come from a blocked or disconnected condensate drain, a cracked or overflowing drain pan, or ice melting off an evaporator that is not defrosting properly.
Why are my display case doors fogging up?
Glass door display cases use anti-sweat heaters to keep condensation off the glass. Fogging usually means a failed door heater, a control set too low, or high humidity in the store. Worn gaskets also let moist air in.
How often should reach-in condenser coils be cleaned?
In most commercial kitchens, every one to three months. Kitchens with heavy grease, flour or dust need more frequent cleaning. Clogged coils are a leading cause of compressor failure.
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.