Hot water tank service · open 24/7
Water Heater Repair in Richmond, BCHot showers back, same day
Gas, electric and tankless water heaters repaired or replaced across Richmond. We find the real fault first, then give you one flat price before any work starts.
- 5.0 on Google, 51 reviews
- Same-day service
- 1-year workmanship warranty
Should I repair or replace my hot water tank?
Repair it if the tank is under about 10 years old and the problem is a part: a thermocouple, pilot, gas valve, heating element, thermostat or flame rod. Replace it if water is leaking from the tank body itself, or the tank is 10 to 12 years old or more and failing again. A leaking tank cannot be patched, because the steel inside has rusted through.
In Metro Vancouver most people call it a hot water tank, and most calls start the same way: a cold shower, a puddle in the closet or a rumbling utility room. Encano Plumbing is a family-owned Richmond shop. We repair, replace and install tank and tankless water heaters for houses, stratas and small businesses.
The first job is diagnostics. A cold gas tank can be a worn thermocouple, a dirty flame sensor or a venting problem. An electric tank usually needs an element or thermostat. We test before we quote, so you never pay for parts the heater did not need. When the honest answer is replacement, we show you why and give one flat price in writing, including haul-away of the old tank.
Signs your water heater needs a plumber
No hot water at all
Pilot or burner out on gas, element or breaker on electric, an error code on tankless.
Hot water runs out fast
Sediment buildup, or one of two electric elements has failed.
Water around the base
A fitting or valve is fixable. The tank body leaking is not.
Popping or rumbling sounds
Sediment boiling under the water, wasting energy.
Rusty or smelly hot water
A spent anode rod or corrosion inside the tank.
Pilot keeps going out
A weak thermocouple, dirty pilot or venting issue.
Relief valve dripping or discharging
Overheating or high pressure. Never cap it.
Water heater work we do in Richmond
Residential tanks, tankless units and commercial systems, quoted upfront.
- Hot water tank repair
- Thermocouple, pilot, gas valve, flame rod cleaning, elements, thermostats and valves.
- Hot water tank replacement
- Gas or electric, sized to your household, with venting reconnected, tested and the old tank removed.
- Tankless water heater installation
- On-demand units, after we check gas line size and venting route.
- Strata suites and closet installs
- Closet tanks get a drain pan where space allows, so a leak goes to the drain, not the suite below.
- Commercial water heaters
- Repairs and replacements planned around your business hours.
How a water heater call works
- 01
Call or text with the symptom
Tell us gas, electric or tankless, and what you see. A photo of the label helps.
- 02
We diagnose on site
We test the heater and explain what failed in plain words.
- 03
Flat price, then the work
You get repair or replace options with one upfront price each. Nothing starts until you agree.
- 04
Test, clean up, warranty
We check for leaks, clean up and back the job with a 1-year workmanship warranty. A new tank or tankless unit also carries its own manufacturer warranty, often 6 to 12 years depending on the model.
Hot water tank replacement cost in Richmond: how we price it
We do not post a price list, because the price depends on the service, the time and day you need us, and whether it is an emergency. You get one flat price in writing before any work starts.
| What you pay for | How it is priced | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water heater repair (part replacement)Depends on the part: element, thermocouple, valve or flame rod. | Quoted in writing before work starts | Depends on the part: element, thermocouple, valve or flame rod. |
| Hot water tank replacementTank size, gas or electric, venting, a drain pan and closet access. | Quoted in writing before work starts | Tank size, gas or electric, venting, a drain pan and closet access. |
| Tankless water heater installationGas line size, venting and the location of the unit. | Quoted in writing before work starts | Gas line size, venting and the location of the unit. |
| Nights, weekends and emergenciesA burst tank at 2 a.m. is priced differently from a planned swap. | Quoted in writing before work starts | A burst tank at 2 a.m. is priced differently from a planned swap. |
Your price depends on the service, the time and day, and whether it is an emergency. You see the exact price in writing and agree to it before anyone touches a tool.
The assessment is free in Richmond. 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. You always know the price before we go.
Repair or replace your hot water tank?
Age and where the water is coming from decide most cases. We show you what we find before you choose.
Repair it when
- The tank is under about 10 years old
- The fault is a part: thermocouple, pilot, gas valve, element, thermostat or flame rod
- The leak is at a fitting, the drain valve or the relief valve, not the tank
- Hot water is short because of sediment that a flush can clear
Replace it when
- Water is leaking from the tank body itself
- The tank is 10 to 12 years old or more and has needed repeat repairs
- Rusty hot water keeps coming back from inside the tank
- Your household outgrew the tank, or you want to switch to tankless
Hot water tanks in Richmond homes and stratas
Richmond mixes 1960s to 1990s houses in Seafair, Broadmoor and Blundell with gas tanks in the garage, townhouses in Terra Nova and Westwind, and City Centre condos with the tank in a closet. Each needs a different install.
A strata closet tank that lets go can soak the suite below, and many older closets have no drain pan. Since we are based in Richmond, a same-day visit from Steveston to Hamilton is a short drive.
Neighborhoods we work in
- Steveston
- Terra Nova
- Broadmoor
- Seafair
- Blundell
- Garden City
- City Centre
- Brighouse
- Westwind
- Hamilton
- East Richmond
- Ironwood
Gas water heater work is done by a licensed gas fitter, with a permit when the job requires one. If you smell gas, leave the home and call FortisBC’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-800-663-9911, and 911 from outside.
Ask us anything51 reviews on our Google profile, copied word for word.
Makoto TaniguchiGoogle review · 6 months ago
Eddie was friendly, gave me a good quote, came in early and explained the tasks prior to starting and did an excellent job. Highly recommended.
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!
Talitha NobregaGoogle review · 7 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!
BY KGoogle review · 6 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!
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!
Ivan LeungGoogle review · 3 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.
Philipe BolzanGoogle review · 2 months agoAwesome service. Reliable and experienced technician. Solved the problem with my toilet in 15 minutes hassle-free
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!
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!!
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!
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!
Robson MacielGoogle review · a year agoExcellent professionals, they resolved everything perfectly, clean, fast and hassle-free work!
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.
Celine YinLocal Guide · a year agoExcellent workmanship, quick response time and reasonable pricing! Would highly recommend.
rachel lemosGoogle review · a year agoEd is very experienced and very responsive, I highly recommend this company
alex de salesGoogle review · a year agoEd is professional, honest, and my go to plumber now.
Karri LamGoogle review · a year agoThis is a good company 👍👍nice staff, good service, recommend! …
DezzaGoogle review · a year agoDedicated service. 10/10 recommend.
The MadaFakLocal Guide · a year agoAmazing company!
Ingrid MonteiroLocal Guide · a year agoAmazing company ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Carson LovedayGoogle review · a week agoExcellent service by Eddie who went above and beyond with the repair.
Onilton MacielLocal Guide · 3 months agoEddie is amazing. He is professional and quick in resolving the issues. He has very fair prices. Highly recommend!
gustavo de almeida françaGoogle review · 3 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.
Pam AndrewsLocal Guide · 3 months agoGreat service. Eddie is knowledgeable and informative. Arrived very quickly and did an excellent job.
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
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.
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.
Celine YinGoogle review · 10 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!
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.
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!
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!
Lucas J. SantosGoogle review · a year agoEddie is an excellent professional, always committed to delivering the best service. Thank you for meeting him!
Ana CeciliaGoogle review · a year agoSuper reliable and professional, I wouldn’t hesitate to call Ed again.
Ming LauGoogle review · a year agoAmazing company to work with and Eddie is Great . If you want great a Plumbing company , choose them !!!
Jay TeeLocal Guide · a year agoGreat service! Eddie provided great customer service.
Frederico LemosGoogle review · a year agoEd is a professional who updates himself in his work area and skillfly manages the service and its challenges.
Stanley LauGoogle review · a year agoEd is the best plumber ever ! Best service and company ever !
Sabrynna CaGoogle review · 3 months agoexcellent 🤩 …
Nelson JrGoogle review · a year agoThe best , better than I expected.
Leonardo SbardelottoLocal Guide · a year agoAlways reliable.
Edmarcio GuedesLocal Guide · a week agoI used Encano a few times and they were vwry good. Except service and a fair price.
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!
Water Heater Repair questions
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 water heater repair price
Tell us what is going on. We reply with next steps and a time, and the price is agreed before any work starts.