Plumbing across Vancouver · open 24/7
Plumber in Vancouver, BCfrom Kitsilano craftsman homes to East Van Specials
Emergency plumbing, drain work, boiler and furnace repair for Vancouver houses, suites and condos. You agree to a flat price in writing before we start.
- Open 24/7, call or text
- Flat price in writing
- 5.0 on Google, 47 reviews
How do I find a reliable emergency plumber in Vancouver, BC?
Look for a plumber who answers around the clock, gives you a firm price before touching anything and puts a warranty on the work. Encano Plumbing takes calls and texts 24/7 at (604) 764-2031, quotes a flat price in writing, covers its workmanship for one year and comes into Vancouver from its Richmond base, just across the Fraser River.
Old houses, older pipes: plumbing in Vancouver character homes
Much of the housing in Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Grandview-Woodland and Strathcona went up in two building waves, roughly 1910 to 1913 and again from the 1920s through the late 1930s. Kitsilano filled with Craftsman houses, while the East Side leaned toward Edwardian and Queen Anne designs. A century on, many of these homes have been renovated room by room, so one basement can hold cast iron drain stacks, a run of galvanized supply pipe and a stretch of modern PEX, all joined together.
That patchwork is where trouble starts. Cast iron stacks rust through along the bottom of the pipe, galvanized lines close up with scale until the upstairs shower barely runs, and the joints between old and new materials are a common weak spot. On a plumbing call in a Kitsilano or Grandview character home, we look at what each section is made of before recommending anything, so a repair does not stress the next old fitting down the line.
Plenty of these houses still heat with hot water radiators fed by a boiler in the basement. When a radiator stays cold, a circulator pump hums without moving water, or the pressure gauge keeps dropping, it is a boiler repair job, and we handle that alongside the plumbing. Old cast iron radiators also collect sludge over the decades, so a system that heats unevenly from room to room often needs flushing and bleeding as much as new parts.
Vancouver Specials, suites and laneway houses in East and South Van
Around 10,000 Vancouver Specials were built between 1965 and 1985, most of them on the narrow lots of East and South Vancouver, in places like Renfrew-Collingwood, Killarney, Sunset and Kensington-Cedar Cottage. The design raised the old basement to ground level, which is why so many Specials now carry a full suite on the lower floor with its own kitchen and bathroom sharing the house supply and drain.
Two households on one set of pipes changes the work. A clog in the main line can back up into the suite first, because its fixtures sit lowest. A backwater valve on the lower-level drains is worth a conversation for any basement suite. Hot water demand also doubles, and a tank sized for one family often runs cold before both households are done in the morning.
Since the City allowed laneway houses in 2009, many single-family lots across Vancouver have added a small home off the lane. Those buildings draw water and drain through lines that cross the back yard, and leaks or clogs out there are easy to miss until the lawn stays soggy or a toilet gurgles. Before digging, we confirm where the laneway line actually runs and which part of it failed, so the trench stays as short as the problem.
Towers, combined sewers and a wet coastal winter
Downtown, the West End and Yaletown are mostly concrete towers and strata buildings, where one failing supply line or drain can reach several floors before anyone notices. Strata rules decide who can shut off which riser and who pays, so we work with the building manager, isolate the unit where possible and keep notes the strata and insurer can use. Hidden leaks behind walls or ceilings are traced with our Vancouver leak detection service.
Vancouver also still runs on a mix of old combined sewers, where rainwater and wastewater share one pipe. The City has been separating them since the 1970s, block by block, with a target of eliminating combined sewer overflows by 2050. That work happens under the street. In most cases the old clay or cast iron connection under your own yard stays yours to maintain, and tree roots love those joints.
The rain is the other half of the story. From fall to spring, steady storms load the sewers and soak the ground, so slow basement drains and backups tend to show up in the wettest weeks. In January 2024 an arctic outflow froze and split pipes around the region, a reminder that exposed lines in crawl spaces and garages need attention before the cold arrives.
Neighborhoods we work in around Vancouver
- Marpole
- Kitsilano
- Mount Pleasant
- Grandview-Woodland
- Strathcona
- Hastings-Sunrise
- Renfrew-Collingwood
- Kensington-Cedar Cottage
- Sunset
- Killarney
- Riley Park
- Dunbar-Southlands
- West End
- Downtown and Yaletown
What you get when Encano works in Vancouver
Vancouver homes mix eras, materials and households under one roof. These are the habits we bring to every job here.
A written flat price before any work
You see the full price on paper and approve it before we cut a pipe or open a wall. If we find something else once we are in, we stop and quote it before going further.
Plumbing and hot water heating together
Many Vancouver houses run radiators off a boiler or have a furnace in the same basement as the water tank. One visit can cover the plumbing and the heating instead of two separate contractors.
Clear notes for strata and landlords
In condos, rented suites and laneway setups, we explain what failed, where and what we did, in writing, so owners, tenants and building managers are working from the same facts.
English, Portuguese and Spanish
Vancouver is a city of many languages. Our team speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish, so you can explain the problem in the language you think in.
Plumbing services Vancouver homes ask for most
These are the jobs that come up again and again on Vancouver calls. Each one links to the full service page.
- Emergency plumbingA burst line in a stacked condo or a backup into a basement suite affects more than one household, so it cannot wait for Monday.Emergency Plumber details
- Drain and sewer line cleaningOld clay and cast iron sewer connections under Vancouver yards, plus mature street trees, make root-clogged main lines a regular call here.Drain Cleaning details
- Boiler repairHot water radiator systems are still common in older character homes across Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant and the East Side.Boiler Repair details
- Furnace repairPlenty of postwar Vancouver houses heat with a forced-air furnace that works hardest through the long, damp heating season.Furnace Repair details
- Hot water tank and tankless repairA house with a suite below often outgrows its original tank. We repair, replace or move it to tankless when that fits better.Water Heater Repair details
- Leak detection and repairFor hidden leaks behind finished walls, ceilings and slabs, our Vancouver leak detection service finds the source before anything is opened.Leak Detection & Repair details
Coming into Vancouver from Richmond
Encano is dispatched from Alderbridge Way in Richmond, which sits right across the North Arm of the Fraser River from Vancouver. Marpole and the south slope are the first neighborhoods over the water, and the rest of the city is reached along the main north-south arterials.
Which bridge we take depends on where you are: the Oak Street Bridge for the West Side and central neighborhoods, the Knight Street Bridge for East Vancouver, and the Arthur Laing Bridge when it is the quicker way into Marpole and the southwest. When you call, we tell you honestly when we can be there.
Outside Richmond, travel time is charged, and we quote it before we come out. If you go ahead with the work, you get a discount on that travel time.
- Oak Street Bridge (Highway 99)
- Knight Street Bridge
- Arthur Laing Bridge
Gas appliance work is done to BC code by a licensed gas fitter, with a permit pulled when the job requires one. If you smell gas, leave the home and call FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911 and 911 from outside.
Ask us anything47 reviews on our Google profile, copied word for word.
Philipe BolzanGoogle review · a month ago
Awesome service. Reliable and experienced technician. Solved the problem with my toilet in 15 minutes hassle-free
Sabrynna CaGoogle review · 2 months agoexcellent 🤩 …
Onilton MacielLocal Guide · 3 months agoEddie is amazing. He is professional and quick in resolving the issues. He has very fair prices. Highly recommend!
Pam AndrewsLocal Guide · 3 months agoGreat service. Eddie is knowledgeable and informative. Arrived very quickly and did an excellent job.
Vivian WongGoogle review · 5 months agoWe had a kitchen sink emergency Sunday night and Eddy saved the day. Showed up Monday morning as promised, stayed patient through a tricky clog, and clearly knew exactly what he was doing. Price was more than fair. Highly recommend Eddy if you need a plumber you can trust. Thank you very much Eddy!
BY KGoogle review · 5 months agoReally thankful to Ed for replacing our kitchen sink and garbage disposal. The service was fast,very professional and the quality of work was excellent. Highly recommend!
John MondaniGoogle review · 6 months agoEd is great, timely, professional, friendly everything you want. Would recommend to anyone. Fair pricing and only recommends what is needed.
Luiz PortellaGoogle review · 7 months agoEddie is amazing! Great customer service and attention to details. He helped me with a leaky shower that needed a cartridge replacement and a couple of other minor repairs. 5 stars hands down. I recommend!
Eliane MirandaGoogle review · a year agoExcellent service! Ed quickly found an efficient solution to our problem without overcomplicating things. We truly appreciate his support, thank you!
Ingrid MonteiroLocal Guide · a year agoAmazing company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The MadaFakLocal Guide · a year agoAmazing company!
alex de salesGoogle review · a year agoEd is professional, honest, and my go to plumber now.
marmotageGoogle review · a year agoEd was fantastic! He showed up on time, quickly identified the problem, and fixed it with no hassle. Very professional, friendly, and reasonably priced.
rafael francoGoogle review · a year agoI had a really good experience with this plumbing service. The team showed up on time, were friendly and professional, and paid attention to the details. They found and fixed the problem quickly, cleaned up everything after, and explained what they did in a simple way. The result was great and made me feel relaxed. I totally recommend them and would call them again if I need help!
Leonardo SbardelottoLocal Guide · a year agoCalled Ed late at night, he didn’t hesitate. Fixed the busted pipe fast and stopped a disaster. Can’t thank him enough!
Stanley LauGoogle review · a year agoEd is the best plumber ever ! Best service and company ever !
CD SincGoogle review · a year agoExcellent service. Ed found a way around a complicated problem, fixed it and explained what he was doing to me. He was friendly, courteous and professional. Thank you so much!!
rachel lemosGoogle review · a year agoEd is very experienced and very responsive, I highly recommend this company
Hirtonio AndradeLocal Guide · a year agoAmazing service! Encano Plumbing & Drainage Ltd was super fast, professional, and paid great attention to detail. From the first call to the end of the job, they were friendly, clear, and easy to deal with. They showed up on time, gave a fair quote, and the work was done really well. I’d definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a plumber they can trust. One of the best service experiences I’ve had here in Canada!
Antonio mussiGoogle review · a year agoEd provides exceptional plumbing services! He combines expertise with a consistently friendly and transparent approach. Every time I’ve needed assistance, Ed has delivered prompt, reliable solutions, often going above and beyond by offering clear, practical advice to help prevent future issues. His dedication to customer satisfaction and proactive communication truly sets him apart. Highly recommended without hesitation!
Ivan LeungGoogle review · 2 months agoGreat work. Used for commercial and personal property. Met quotes and was available to bring in other trades when necessary to complete jobs efficiently.
gustavo de almeida françaGoogle review · 2 months agoEddie is super friendly, helpful, and transparent! Always making sure his clients understand what needs to be done and how much it will cost ahead of time.
Cris ReisLocal Guide · 3 months agoMr. Eddie, as always when we need him, performs the work quickly, accurately, and with great competence. The best one!
Flavio TruzziLocal Guide · 4 months agoI can't recommend Encano Plumbing & Drain enough! They came to replace my dishwasher and immediately ran into a problem left behind by the previous installers, a metal piece that had been incorrectly fitted and was completely blocking access to remove the old unit. Rather than giving up or charging me extra to come back another day, Ed handled it on the spot, cutting through the obstruction efficiently and professionally. What really stood out was how thorough and tidy he was throughout the whole job. He kept the work area clean, and didn't leave me with a mess to deal with, which honestly isn't always a given. On top of that, he went out of his way to help me get rid of the old dishwasher, which saved me a huge headache. This is exactly the kind of tradesperson you want: calm under pressure, resourceful when things don't go to plan, and genuinely helpful beyond just the bare minimum.
Makoto TaniguchiGoogle review · 5 months agoEddie was friendly, gave me a good quote, came in early and explained the tasks prior to starting and did an excellent job. Highly recommended.
Larissa RodriguesGoogle review · 6 months agoEddie is very responsible! Best plumber in Vancouver area. I called him due to an emergency and he stopped by at the same day. I highly recommend him. 10/10
Talitha NobregaGoogle review · 6 months agoSecond time using Encano Company, and Ed was amazing once again! He’s reliable, professional, and gets the job done quickly. Really appreciate the great service highly recommend!
Celine YinGoogle review · 9 months agoVery responsive, on-time and excellent service. Ed is very professional and knowledgeable. He helped us with installation of new hot water tank, garburator, dishwasher, washers/dryers, toilets and removal of the old ones. He also handled any other plumbing concerns we’ve got. He can do them all. Would highly recommend!
Nelson JrGoogle review · a year agoThe best , better than I expected.
Karri LamGoogle review · a year agoThis is a good company 👍👍nice staff, good service, recommend! …
Robson MacielGoogle review · a year agoExcellent professionals, they resolved everything perfectly, clean, fast and hassle-free work!
Celine YinLocal Guide · a year agoExcellent workmanship, quick response time and reasonable pricing! Would highly recommend.
Ana CeciliaGoogle review · a year agoSuper reliable and professional, I wouldn’t hesitate to call Ed again.
Leonardo SbardelottoLocal Guide · a year agoAlways reliable.
Ming LauGoogle review · a year agoAmazing company to work with and Eddie is Great . If you want great a Plumbing company , choose them !!!
DezzaGoogle review · a year agoDedicated service. 10/10 recommend.
Lucas J. SantosGoogle review · a year agoEddie is an excellent professional, always committed to delivering the best service. Thank you for meeting him!
Frederico LemosGoogle review · a year agoEd is a professional who updates himself in his work area and skillfly manages the service and its challenges.
Jay TeeLocal Guide · a year agoGreat service! Eddie provided great customer service.
Trendfashions VTGoogle review · 5 years agoEddie had to re-pipe my entire house due to faulty piping. It was a major job. He advised me to install many safety features too, as well as a new shower tower. I would highly recommend him, not only is he knowledgable but pleasant and professional. You are in good hands with canada place plumbing.
Plumbing questions from Vancouver
Straight answers. If yours is not here, text it to us.
Open now · 24 hours, 7 days
Pipe burst at 2 a.m.? Call or text. We pick up.
Shut the main water valve if you can, then call or text. The Encano team answers 24/7 and tells you what happens next, including the price, before anyone touches a tool.
Get your price in Vancouver
Tell us what is going on and where. We reply with next steps and a time. Outside Richmond, travel time is charged, and we quote it before we come out. If you go ahead with the work, you get a discount on that travel time.