What water heater installation typically costs
| Gas tank, supplied and installed | $2,289–$2,989Most land between $2,489 and $2,789. |
|---|---|
| Tankless, supplied and installed | $7,989–$9,989Replacing a tank with a tankless unit. |
| Tankless with a long venting run | $9,989–$14,989Venting and gas line length drive the price. |
Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.
When you need it
- Water pooling under the tank, or rust on its base
- The tank is more than 10 years old
- Rusty hot water, or rumbling and popping when it heats
What changes the price
| Tank or tankless | Tankless units cost more and often need a larger gas line and new venting. |
|---|---|
| Size and fuel | A bigger tank costs more. So does switching between gas and electric. |
| Bringing it to code | Older installs may need new venting, a drain pan, an expansion tank or strapping. |
What the job involves
- Confirm the size and type that suits the home, and check the venting and gas supply.
- Drain and remove the old tank.
- Install the new one to current code: venting, gas or electrical, relief valve, drain pan and seismic straps.
- Fill, light and test it, and set the temperature.
- Take the old tank away.
- Time on site
- Usually 2 to 4 hours for a tank, about a day for tankless
- Permits
- A gas permit is needed for a gas water heater, and many municipalities also require a plumbing permit.
How pricing works for this job
There is no one price for water heater installation, because the factors above change it from one home to the next. It starts with an on-site estimate for $269. A Pure Mechanical Group plumber looks at the job and gives you a price in writing, good for 30 days. Approve it and the $269 comes off the price. If you do not go ahead, the fee covers the visit. Anything found once work has started is priced and approved before it is done.
Call 1-800-604-0631.
Questions people ask
How much does water heater installation cost in Metro Vancouver?
Gas tank, supplied and installed: $2,289–$2,989. Tankless, supplied and installed: $7,989–$9,989. Tankless with a long venting run: $9,989–$14,989. Typical prices in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in 2026, before tax. They are a guide, not our quote. Too much depends on your home to price these jobs unseen, so your price is set on site, in writing, before any work starts.
How long does a water heater last?
A tank lasts around ten to twelve years. Tankless units last longer when they are serviced.
Tank or tankless?
A tank costs less to buy and install. Tankless gives endless hot water and saves space, costs more up front, and often needs a larger gas line and new venting.
What size tank do I need?
40 gallons suits most small households and 50 to 60 suits larger ones. Big soaker tubs change the answer.
Are there rebates?
Often, for high-efficiency models. They change, so check the current FortisBC and CleanBC offers before you choose.
Is the estimate free?
No. A Pure Mechanical Group plumber comes out, looks at the job and gives you a written estimate. Approve it and the $269 comes off the price. If you do not go ahead, the fee covers the visit.
What if you find something unexpected once work starts?
The estimate is based on what can be seen. Anything found once a wall, floor or the ground is open is shown to you, priced and approved before it is done.
