Waywest Mechanical is the plumbing, gas fitting and heating contractor for home and commercial renovations in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island. Waywest handles the mechanical work only, for homeowners or alongside their general contractor: bathroom and kitchen plumbing, basement and suite conversions, heat pump and heating upgrades, repiping while walls are open, outdoor gas lines and pool heaters, and commercial tenant improvements, with permits and inspections arranged.
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM · quotes within the hour
Renovation services
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Bathroom renovations
Rough-in, relocated fixtures, valves and finishing for bathroom renovations.
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Kitchen renovations
Sinks, islands, dishwashers, fridge lines, pot fillers and gas ranges.
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Basement & suite renovations
New bathrooms, laundry, suite kitchens, hot water and separate heat.
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Heating upgrades
Baseboard, oil or old furnace to a heat pump, boiler or radiant floors.
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Repiping during a renovation
Poly-B, galvanized and old drains replaced while the walls are open.
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Outdoor gas & pool heating
BBQ and outdoor kitchen gas lines, patio heaters and pool heaters.
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Commercial renovations
Restaurant, office and retail tenant improvements.
The mechanical side of your renovation
Waywest does not swing hammers or set tile. We do the part of a renovation that runs behind the walls and under the floors: drains and water lines, gas piping, heating and cooling. That work has to be planned before framing is closed and finished after the trim goes on, so we work to your contractor's schedule — or to yours, if you are running the project yourself.
For homeowners looking to renovate, upgrade or simply add comfort, that means a project that is done right the first time, at a price that makes sense, without cutting corners you will pay for later.
What we do in a renovation
- Bathroom renovations — rough-in, relocated fixtures, shower valves, tubs, vanities and toilets
- Kitchen renovations — sinks, islands, dishwashers, fridge lines, pot fillers and gas ranges
- Basement & suite renovations — new bathrooms, laundry, suite kitchens and separate heat
- Heating upgrades — moving from baseboard, oil or an old furnace to a heat pump, boiler or radiant floors
- Repiping during a renovation — Poly-B, galvanized and old drains replaced while walls are open
- Outdoor gas & pool heating — BBQ and outdoor kitchen lines, patio heaters and pool heaters
- Commercial renovations — restaurant, office and retail tenant improvements
How we work on a renovation
- Walk-through of the space and your plans, with your contractor if you have one
- Options and a written quote — including what is worth upgrading while walls are open
- Permits for plumbing and gas work
- Rough-in, scheduled around demolition and framing
- Inspections before insulation and drywall
- Finish installation of fixtures, appliances and equipment after the finishes are in
- Testing and a walk-through before we leave
Use the open walls
A renovation is the cheapest time to fix what you cannot see. With the walls and floors open, replacing Poly-B or galvanized water lines, cracked drains, or adding shut-off valves costs a fraction of what it would once new drywall and tile are in place. We point out what we find, and you decide.
Rebates for renovation upgrades
Switching to a heat pump or a heat pump water heater during a renovation may qualify for BC Hydro and CleanBC rebates. Current programs and amounts are on our rebates page.
Service area
Renovation plumbing, gas and heating in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Nanoose Bay, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, Duncan and across Vancouver Island.
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.
Common questions
Does Waywest do full renovations?
No. Waywest does the mechanical side of a renovation: plumbing, gas fitting, heating, cooling and ventilation. Carpentry, drywall, tile, cabinets and finishing are done by the homeowner's general contractor or renovation company, and Waywest coordinates its rough-in and finish visits with them.
When should I call a plumber during a renovation?
Before the layout is final. Moving a toilet, shower, sink or gas range depends on drain slope, venting, joist direction and gas line routes, and some fixtures need specific rough-in parts. Checking this at the design stage avoids reworking walls and floors later.
Do I need permits for renovation plumbing or gas work in Nanaimo?
Adding or moving fixtures and changing drains usually needs a municipal plumbing permit, and new gas lines and appliances need a Technical Safety BC gas permit. Replacing a fixture in the same spot usually does not. Waywest confirms what your project needs and arranges the permits and inspections for its work.
Can Waywest work with my contractor?
Yes. Waywest regularly works as the plumbing, gas and HVAC trade for general contractors and renovation companies, as well as directly for homeowners who are managing their own project.
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.