Hot water problems can’t wait.
Straight Up Mechanical delivers dependable water heater repair and installation across Vancouver and Metro Vancouver, with honest guidance on whether fixing or replacing your system makes the most sense.
Not every water heater problem should be repaired—and we’ll be upfront when replacement is the smarter option.
Most traditional water heaters have a lifespan of 6 to 12 years. Once a unit is past warranty or showing signs of internal failure, repairs can quickly become costly without guaranteeing long-term reliability. In these cases, replacement is often the more practical and cost-effective solution.
Common issues we assess include:
When it’s time for a new water heater, proper installation is essential for safety, efficiency, and long-term performance.
Straight Up Mechanical provides professional installation for traditional tank-style systems, including:
Most installations are straightforward replacements, allowing us to complete the work efficiently while ensuring everything is installed to code. We’ll help you select the correct size and type based on your household’s hot water usage.
We follow a step-by-step process so you get a proper fix, not guesswork
We start by evaluating your existing water heater, including its age, type (gas or electric), performance issues, and whether it’s still under warranty.
This helps us determine if a repair is realistic or if replacement should be considered.
Before any work begins, we prepare the area around the water heater to ensure safe access and protect your home.
This includes clearing the workspace, setting up proper shut-offs, and confirming venting and electrical or gas connections are ready for service.
When replacement is needed, we help select the correct water heater installation option based on household usage, recovery time, and existing connections. Most installs are like-for-like, keeping the process efficient and cost-effective.
We remove the old unit and complete the installation safely, ensuring all connections, venting, and controls meet current code requirements.
The system is tested thoroughly before we consider the job complete.
Before leaving, we confirm proper operation and set the water heater to a safe, comfortable temperature—typically around 120°F. We’ll also answer questions and provide guidance on realistic maintenance expectations moving forward.
We primarily recommend Bradford White and John Wood water heaters. These professional-grade brands are designed specifically for licensed installation and offer stronger warranty coverage and better supplier support than most retail brands. When installed by our team, your water heater typically includes a 6-year manufacturer warranty, a 1-year labour warranty, and direct supplier backing if an issue arises. Rather than focusing on consumer-grade models, we install systems built for long-term reliability, proper performance, and dependable support—helping protect your investment over time.
The right water heater size depends on how many people live in your home and how much hot water is used at the same time. Smaller households (1–2 people) often do well with a 40-gallon tank, while average families usually need a 50-gallon unit. Larger households, rental suites, or homes that frequently run out of hot water may require a 60–70 gallon water heater. We assess your usage patterns to ensure you’re not undersized—or paying for more capacity than you actually need.
A tankless water heater is worth considering if your household frequently runs out of hot water, especially in homes with five or more occupants or a rental suite. It can also make sense when replacing an undersized tank or if you want to avoid upgrading to a much larger storage tank. Homes with existing gas service are generally better suited for tankless systems. While tankless water heaters cost more upfront, they can offer improved energy efficiency over time. Installation requirements vary, so we assess your home before recommending a switch.
Most traditional tanks last between 6 and 12 years, depending on usage, water quality, and overall wear. As a water heater ages, internal components begin to fail, recovery times slow, and performance becomes less reliable. If your water heater is approaching this age range, it’s often better to plan for replacement rather than waiting for an unexpected failure.
In many cases, repairing an older water heater isn’t cost-effective. Once a unit is past warranty or nearing the end of its lifespan, water heater repair can become expensive without guaranteeing long-term reliability. For many homeowners, installing a new water heater is the safer and more predictable option. We’ll always explain the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
We service and install residential water heaters, including gas water heaters, and electric water heaters. Most of our work involves traditional tank-style systems, which remain the most common and practical option for many homes.
Running out of hot water is often a sign of heavy usage or age. Traditional tank systems store a fixed amount of hot water, and once it’s used, the tank needs time to recover. As water heaters get older, recovery slows, making this issue more noticeable—especially during high-demand activities like filling a bathtub.
Most homes should have their water heater set to around 120°F. This temperature provides comfortable hot water while reducing the risk of scalding and unnecessary energy use. Higher settings may be unsafe, especially in homes with children or seniors.
The cost of a water heater can vary based on build quality, insulation, brand, and overall construction. Higher-priced units don’t always deliver significantly better performance, which is why we focus on recommending reliable systems that match your household’s actual needs—not unnecessary upgrades.
We provide water heater services in Vancouver and across the Lower Mainland / Greater Vancouver area, including:
If you’re just outside this list, ask us—we may still be able to help or recommend a trusted partner.
Contact Straight Up Mechanical today for your plumbing needs
Surrey • Burnaby • Pitt Meadows • Maple Ridge • Delta • Richmond • Mission • Langley • Abbotsford • Vancouver • Port Coquitlam • Coquitlam • New Westminster
Straight Up Mechanical Ltd
309 – 19950 88th East Avenue
Langley, BC
V1M 0A5
Excellent rating
Based on 160 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Expensive but does a good job and shows up on time Cameron MorganTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with Straight Up Mechanical. We had a burst pipe and sent a video clip to Willem. He was able to create a quote right away send send one of his team members to fix it. The work was done really quickly and thoroughly. Highly recommended! Lee TheronTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fast response and efficient. Great job! Much appreciated 🙏 Vincent WangTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team at Staright Up provided excellent, quick service with exceptional quality. I was especially impressed by the report provided following the service call which detailed the work performed and future recommendations. I will use Straight Up again. Raj SanghaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very friendly, fast and knowledgeable service urte grabisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Willem was great. Received an immediate reply to my email and he was promptly on-site. Thorough & efficient service. Should the need arise, we’ll definitely contact Willem again. kirk kennettTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Straight Up Mechanical came exactly as booked, did not make a mess, the price was reasonable and the technician was concerned that the job was done right. I would definitely call them for future jobs and not even think twice. Roy SargleppTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a leak in my washroom. I talked with Willem, and he booked an appointment with his business partner for the same day. I don't remember his name, but he was very polite and professional and did a great and fast job. Not only did he fix the leaking, but he also had time to install a faucet. Excellent service and a great price, and I highly recommend it. Ernani Guilherme Groff MouraTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent, quick service! No hassle to fix our water fountain. Highly recommend! Thank you! Geeta Singh
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