Water heater installation and repair in Vancouver — done right the first time. Straight Up Mechanical delivers dependable water heater installation, repair, and replacement across Vancouver and Metro Vancouver, with honest guidance on whether fixing or replacing your system makes the most sense.


Whether you need a water heater repair, full replacement, or a new installation in Vancouver, we’ll give you an honest assessment upfront.
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. For electric water heaters, 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. However, for gas water heaters, you can usually go one size smaller than electric while maintaining comfort, with 40 gallons as the minimum size. This is because gas heaters recover faster. 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. With proper annual maintenance, a tankless (on-demand) water heater can last 15–20+ years. 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 169 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very reliable, on time, thorough professional. Very good to deal with. Susan PallettTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been working with Straight Up Mech. for a short period as we further grow our business and appreciate the attention to detail and reports we receive. Great working with you! Andrea FarinaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just wanted to share how amazing the service was from Straight up mechanical. The appointment was required on short notice but was met with haste. The report provided after the analysis was very detailed. The level of service and professionalism provided by Nick and Willem was nothing short of above and beyond. I would certainly recommend anyone to give them a try for your plumbing needs. Jay WongTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We noticed drain flies in the basement from time to time and suspected they were caused by the sump pump. We contacted Willem for an inspection, and he quickly diagnosed the issue. He provided a temporary solution while we waited for the cracked tee connecting the main stack serving the sump pump to be fixed. Willem then sent Briggs, the technician, to complete the job. Briggs was very efficient and thorough. We are extremely happy with the work done, and the cost was very reasonable." A AuTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have not used the service but look what I got in mail today! You made my day! Very creative! Thank you for the gift! 😂 👏 Dmitri DudchenkoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Didn’t use their services however, Will was very accommodating today. We were doing a job and I needed 3 of his vehicles moved up. He completely understood and quickly did it with no attitude. Well mannered employees are hard to find and he was impressive. Thanks again Will! Jay WTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a leaky shower and made a call in the morning. They dispatched a guy in the same afternoon. As soon as parts came in, it was fixed. No issue, straight forward and quick action. I didn't have time to call around for prices but I think it was right. Highly recommended. Yoshi NishiokaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Super friendly, super knowledgeable and super quick! The communication from start to finish was amazing - this is definitely our go-to Team for all things plumbing and gas. Octavia YungTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used Straight Up Mechanical many times to help my clients in the restaurant industry. Willem and his crew have been amazing and I get rave reviews from my clients about how professional and "straight up" he is. Thanks for making me look good Willem! Trevor RurakTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing service! Friendly staff. Couldn’t recommend enough. Marko Gavric
© Straight Up Mechanical Ltd. All Rights Reserved.