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Right Choice Plumbing
Right Choice Plumbing plumber finishing a gas hot water tank replacement in a Vancouver utility room

Vancouver Hot Water Tank Replacement and Installation

Hot Water Tank Installation in Vancouver

We replace and install gas, electric, and tankless water heaters in Vancouver. We handle required permits, remove the old tank, and back our work with a warranty.

Hot Water Tank Replacement and Installation Across Greater Vancouver

Last updated: · Reviewed by the Right Choice Plumbing licensed-plumber team

When an old hot water tank cannot be repaired, its replacement needs to be properly sized and installed to code. Right Choice Plumbing replaces gas, electric, power-vent, and tankless units in Vancouver and nearby cities. We work with Rheem, Bradford White, John Wood, A.O. Smith, Navien, Rinnai, Bosch, and Noritz.

Each replacement starts with a free in-home assessment. We measure the available space and check the gas line, venting, or electrical supply before recommending a 40, 50, or 60 gallon tank or a tankless system. We obtain municipal permits where required, install to BC plumbing and gas code, and remove the old tank.

The installation includes the tank, new flex connectors or copper unions, dielectric nipples, a relief valve and drain line, plus an expansion tank where code requires one. Our workmanship warranty and the manufacturer's tank warranty, typically 6 to 12 years, cover the installation.

Typical project range: CAD 1500 - 4500. The final quote depends on access, materials and the work confirmed during diagnosis.

Looking for more about us? Visit the Right Choice Plumbing home page, or browse our other plumbing and drainage services.

When to Replace Your Hot Water Tank

  • Tank is over 10 to 12 years old and starting to fail
  • Visible rust or leaking from the tank body (not the connections)
  • Hot water is rusty, smelly, or discoloured
  • Tank can't keep up with the family's hot water demand
  • Repair cost approaches the price of a new install
  • You want to switch to tankless for continuous hot water and more space
  • Insurance company has flagged the age of your existing tank
  • You're renovating and need a larger or relocated unit

Sizing the right tank

Choosing a Hot Water Tank Replacement in Vancouver

Tank size depends on the household. A 40-gallon tank may suit a condo with one or two people, while a household of three or four often needs 50 gallons. Homes with five or more people, several bathrooms, or a soaker tub may need 60 gallons or a tankless system. We size the replacement for current demand rather than automatically copying the old setup.

Replacement pricing depends on whether the unit is gas, electric, or tankless, as well as the brand and any code upgrades. Those upgrades may include an expansion tank, new venting, a larger gas line, or new shut-off valves. We provide a flat-rate quote before work begins.

Install types

Gas, Electric and Tankless Installation

Most gas installations use a 40 or 50 gallon tank with atmospheric or power venting selected for the home. Electric tanks are common in suites and condos. They do not need gas venting, but the breaker and wiring must be correctly sized. Tankless systems cost more upfront and may take longer to pay back, but they use less space and provide continuous hot water.

Our Vancouver installation service covers supply, installation, old-tank removal, gas or electrical work, venting, required permits, and the final inspection. Same-day or next-day appointments are available in most cases.

Recent jobs

Hot Water Tank Replacement & Installation Photo Gallery

A look at real hot water tank replacement & installation jobs our Vancouver plumbers have completed - diagnostics, repairs, installations, and finished results.

Hot Water Tank Replacement & Installation in Vancouver - Right Choice Plumbing licensed plumber on the job
Hot Water Tank Replacement & Installation diagnostic in North Vancouver by a licensed BC plumber
hot water tank replacement & installation repair and installation in West Vancouver by Right Choice Plumbing
Finished hot water tank replacement & installation job in a Burnaby home - Right Choice Plumbing
Right Choice Plumbing service van at a Coquitlam hot water tank replacement & installation call

Our service promise

Quality Hot Water Tank Replacement & Installation You Can Count On

Every hot water tank replacement & installation job we take on is backed by licensed BC plumbers, upfront fair pricing, and our workmanship warranty. No surprise fees, no high-pressure upsells - just fast, fair & honest work across Vancouver, North & West Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and Coquitlam, with true 24/7 emergency coverage when you need it.

What sets us apart

Why Choose Right Choice Plumbing?

Customer-First Service

We treat your home like our own - clean boots, drop cloths, tidy work, and a friendly face from start to finish.

Up-Front Pricing

No surprise fees and no high-pressure upsells. You get the price before we start the work, every single time.

Licensed BC Plumbers

Fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Our crew handles plumbing, gas, hot water tanks, and drainage to code.

Fast Response Times

From burst pipes to blocked drains, we move fast. Same-day appointments and true 24/7 emergency coverage.

Common questions

Hot Water Tank Replacement & Installation Frequently Asked Questions

How much does hot water tank replacement and installation cost in Vancouver?
A standard 40 or 50 gallon gas tank installation in Vancouver typically costs $1,800 to $2,800, including supply and installation. The final amount depends on the brand, atmospheric or power venting, and permit requirements. Tankless and electric installations have different ranges, which we quote before work begins.
How long does a hot water tank replacement and installation take?
A like-for-like replacement usually takes 3 to 5 hours. That includes draining and removing the old tank, connecting the new one, and pressure testing the installation. Tankless conversions take longer because they may need new venting and a different gas-line size.
Do you handle the permit for me?
Yes. When the municipality requires a permit, we obtain it, install the equipment to code, and schedule the inspection.
What brand of hot water tank do you recommend?
The right brand depends on the home's setup and your budget. We often recommend Bradford White or Rheem for gas tanks because of their warranties and reliability. For tankless systems, we work with Navien and Rinnai. Our recommendation is based on your installation requirements.

Brands we service

Hot Water Tank Brands We Install in Vancouver

Whether you need premium fixtures or standard models, our licensed Vancouver plumbers have the skills and parts to get your hot water tank replacement & installation job done right.

Rheem Hot Water Tanks

Rheem tanks are widely installed in BC. Our plumbers stock common Rheem elements, thermocouples, and gas valves, so many repairs can be completed on the first visit.

Bradford White Hot Water Tanks

Bradford White makes gas, electric, and power-vent tanks with manufacturer warranties. We install and service these models across Vancouver.

John Wood Hot Water Tanks

John Wood is a Canadian hot water tank brand. Our plumbers work on its standard gas and power-vent models throughout Greater Vancouver.

A.O. Smith Hot Water Tanks

A.O. Smith makes high-recovery tanks for households with greater hot water demand. We diagnose ignition, sensor, and element problems and install replacements to code.

Navien Tankless

Navien tankless water heaters need regular servicing to keep working properly. We commission, descale, and repair Navien units across Vancouver.

Rinnai Tankless

Rinnai tankless heaters are installed in Vancouver condos and houses. Our plumbers install, vent, connect gas lines, and service Rinnai units to the manufacturer's specifications.

More services

Other Plumbing & Drainage Services

Need help with something different? Our licensed Vancouver plumbers handle every kind of plumbing and drainage call - from emergencies to installs.

Hot Water Tank Replacement & Installation Across the Cities We Serve

Click any city for a local plumber page with services, neighbourhoods and pricing details for your area.

Plumber Vancouver - Right Choice Plumbing licensed plumber & drainage service in Vancouver, BC Same-day

Plumber in Vancouver

Our hometown. Licensed plumbers across Downtown, Kitsilano, East Van, Kerrisdale, Mount Pleasant, Point Grey and every neighbourhood in between.

See Vancouver plumber page
Plumber North Vancouver - Right Choice Plumbing hot water tank repair & drain cleaning in North Vancouver, BC ~20 min

Plumber in North Vancouver

Hot water tanks, leak repairs and emergency plumber service across Lynn Valley, Lonsdale, Deep Cove, Edgemont and the rest of the North Shore.

See North Vancouver plumber page
Plumber West Vancouver - Right Choice Plumbing premium plumber & perimeter drainage in West Vancouver, BC ~25 min

Plumber in West Vancouver

Full plumbing & drainage for West Van - Ambleside, Dundarave, British Properties and Horseshoe Bay. Premium fixtures, careful work, fair pricing.

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Plumber Burnaby - Right Choice Plumbing emergency plumber & drain cleaning in Burnaby, BC ~20 min

Plumber in Burnaby

Plumbing repair, drain cleaning and hot water tank installation across Brentwood, Metrotown, Lougheed and Burnaby Heights - same-day in most cases.

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Plumber Richmond - Right Choice Plumbing plumber, drainage & sewer line repair in Richmond, BC ~25 min

Plumber in Richmond

Licensed plumber service across Richmond - Steveston, Brighouse, Terra Nova and Hamilton. Backflow, sewer, perimeter drainage and emergency calls.

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Plumber Coquitlam - Right Choice Plumbing Tri-Cities plumber & hot water tank installation in Coquitlam, BC ~35 min

Plumber in Coquitlam

Tri-Cities plumber serving Coquitlam - Maillardville, Westwood Plateau, Burke Mountain and Town Centre. Drainage, hot water tanks and emergency service.

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Plumber Calgary - Right Choice Plumbing emergency plumber, hard-water & backwater valve service in Calgary, AB Same-day

Plumber in Calgary

Licensed plumbers across Calgary - Beltline, Kensington, Bridgeland, Inglewood and the new SE lake communities. Hard-water, backwater valves, drains and 24/7 emergencies.

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Plumber Edmonton - Right Choice Plumbing frozen-pipe repair, drain cleaning & backwater valves in Edmonton, AB Same-day

Plumber in Edmonton

Plumber service across Edmonton - Downtown, Old Strathcona, Glenora, Riverbend and Mill Woods. Frozen-pipe repair, backwater valves, hot water tanks and emergency calls.

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