No hot water? HeatLand’s licensed HVAC technicians diagnose and repair all types of water heaters and hot water tanks across Greater Vancouver — electric tank, gas tank, heat pump, and hybrid.
Common water heater problems HeatLand repairs
No hot water or insufficient hot water
The most common call HeatLand receives. Causes differ by water heater type:
- Electric tank: failed upper or lower heating element — one element can fail leaving partial hot water
- Gas tank: failed thermocouple, pilot light out, faulty gas valve, or burner ignition issue
- Heat pump water heater: clogged air filter, failed compressor, ambient temperature too low, or failed heating element backup
- Tankless: flow sensor, heat exchanger scale buildup, ignition failure, or error code requiring diagnosis
Water heater leaking
A leaking water heater requires prompt attention. Possible causes: leaking T&P valve (pressure issue), leaking inlet/outlet connections (fitting failure), or tank corrosion (tank replacement required). HeatLand inspects and advises whether repair or replacement is more appropriate.
Hot water is discoloured or smells
Rusty or brown hot water indicates corrosion — usually a depleted anode rod or tank failure. A rotten egg smell indicates bacteria in the tank, often from a magnesium anode in combination with BC’s water chemistry. HeatLand can replace the anode rod with an aluminium-zinc rod to address the smell.
Unusual noises
Popping or rumbling from a tank heater usually indicates sediment buildup. Knocking or banging from pipes is usually a water hammer issue. Unusual noises from a heat pump water heater require a technician to assess the compressor and fan.
Water heater repair cost in Vancouver
- Heating element replacement (electric): $120–$200
- Thermocouple replacement (gas): $100–$150
- Gas valve replacement: $300–$500
- T&P valve replacement: $100–$150
- Anode rod replacement: $80–$120
- Heat pump fan motor: $200–$400
- Control board: $300–$600
Diagnostic visit fee applies and is credited toward repair when work is approved. Call (604) 330-3812 for an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have no hot water?
The cause depends on your water heater type. For electric tanks: check your circuit breaker first — a tripped breaker is the most common cause. If the breaker is fine, a heating element has likely failed. For gas tanks: check the pilot light. If the pilot is out, attempt to relight per the manufacturer instructions. If the pilot won’t stay lit, the thermocouple has likely failed. For heat pump water heaters: check the air filter and the circuit breaker. Call HeatLand at (604) 330-3812 if you’re unable to identify or safely address the cause.
How much does water heater repair cost in Vancouver?
Simple repairs (heating element, thermocouple, T&P valve, anode rod) typically cost $80–$200. More significant repairs (gas valve, heat pump components, control board) cost $200–$600. If repair cost approaches 40–50% of replacement cost on a unit over 8 years old, HeatLand will recommend replacement. We always give you an honest assessment before proceeding.
Should I repair or replace my water heater?
Consider replacement when: the unit is over 10 years old, the tank is leaking (corrosion can’t be repaired), or repair cost exceeds 40–50% of a new unit. A new heat pump water heater may also qualify for FortisBC and CleanBC rebates, making replacement more economical than expected. HeatLand gives you both repair and replacement quotes so you can choose.
My hot water smells like rotten eggs — what’s wrong?
The sulphur smell is caused by sulphate-reducing bacteria reacting with the magnesium anode rod in combination with BC’s water chemistry. The solution is to replace the magnesium anode rod with an aluminium-zinc rod and flush the tank. HeatLand performs this service across Greater Vancouver. If the smell persists after the anode replacement, a plumber should check your water supply.