For this Vancouver gas hot water tank replacement, RenoFiz estimated $3,234 CAD for the mandatory scope, with up to $241 CAD in possible additional work if the drain pan or gas shut-off valve needs replacement.

Location
Vancouver, BC (FSA V5K)
Existing unit
40-gallon atmospheric gas tank
Replacement
Standard 40-gallon gas tank
Unit supply
Contractor-supplied
Access
Walk-out / main floor, no stairs
Code items
Seismic strapping and expansion tank
Our AI assistant helps you understand the work and likely cost. If you decide to connect with a contractor, they start with your project details and estimate.
See the full cost breakdown for this project.
| Scope item | Labour | Materials | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permit Coordination & Fees | $217.50 | $425.00 | $642.50 |
| 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater Package | — | $2,236.81 | $2,236.81 |
| Seismic Strapping (BC Code) | — | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Thermal Expansion Tank | — | $280.00 | $280.00 |
| Complete base project cost | $217.50 | $3,016.81 | $3,234.31 |
Conditions, constraints, and on-site decisions that shape the final project cost.
Trigger: The existing drain pan is found to be cracked, leaking, or improperly sized when the old tank is removed.
A new hot water tank drain pan would need to be supplied and installed. This example identifies approximately $150 in possible additional work for this item.
Trigger: The existing gas shut-off valve fails to operate or shows signs of leakage during disconnect.
A new gas shut-off valve would need to be supplied and installed by a gas fitter. This example identifies approximately $90 in possible additional work for this item.
Trigger: A larger tank, a different unit, a homeowner-supplied unit, or a conversion to a tankless system is chosen instead of a contractor-supplied 40-gallon gas tank.
The unit, venting, gas, and installation requirements change, so the project would need its own scoped estimate.
Trigger: The unit must be moved up one or more flights of stairs, or other site conditions differ from this walk-out, no-stairs location.
Those conditions require their own scoped estimate instead of using this example as an average price.
This is the how RenoFiz gathered the facts and turned a simple request into a scoped estimate.
i want to replace my hot water tank
I've reviewed the photo of your water heater. It's a gas-fired tank with a standard atmospheric vent, located in what looks like a basement or utility room.
To get an accurate estimate for the replacement, I have a few questions:
Question: What is your postal code (first three characters)?
Question: Do you know the capacity of your current tank (e.g., 40 or 50 gallons), and do you want to keep the same size?
Question: Are you looking for a standard tank replacement, or are you interested in converting to a tankless (on-demand) system?
Question: Will you be providing the new water heater yourself, or would you like the contractor to supply it?
Question: Are there any stairs involved in moving the tank from its current location to outside?
What is your postal code (first three characters)?: v5k
Do you know the capacity of your current tank (e.g., 40 or 50 gallons), and do you want to keep the same size?: 40 Gallon (standard)
Are you looking for a standard tank replacement, or are you interested in converting to a tankless (on-demand) system?: Standard tank replacement
Will you be providing the new water heater yourself, or would you like the contractor to supply it?: Contractor-supplied (standard)
Are there any stairs involved in moving the tank from its current location to outside?: No stairs (walk-out or main floor)
Replacement of an existing 40-gallon atmospheric gas water heater. Includes contractor-supplied unit, installation, gas and plumbing permits, seismic strapping, and removal/disposal of the old tank. Site is a walk-out/main floor with no stairs.
| Permit / Inspection | Owner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Permit | gas_fitter | Required for gas water heater replacement in BC. |
| Plumbing Permit | plumber | Required for water heater replacement in BC. |
| Step | Owner | Description |
|---|---|---|
| BOP-01 | contractor/owner | Apply for and obtain municipal gas and plumbing permits. |
| BOP-02 | plumber/gas_fitter | Shut down and disconnect water, gas, and venting from the existing tank. |
| BOP-03 | plumber | Drain and remove the existing tank, protecting floors and access paths. |
| BOP-04 | plumber/gas_fitter | Install new water heater, including water piping, gas connection, and venting. |
| BOP-05 | plumber | Install required code components (expansion tank, drain pan, T&P discharge, seismic strapping) if not present/reusable. |
| BOP-06 | inspector | Conduct municipal gas/plumbing inspection. |
| BOP-07 | plumber/gas_fitter | Fill, test, and commission the new unit. |
| BOP-08 | plumber | Haul away and dispose of the old tank. |
| Title | Description | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Coordination & Fees | ADMINISTRATION and coordination of municipal gas and plumbing permits. Includes application and scheduling of inspections. | $500 - $800 |
| 40 Gallon Gas Water Heater Package | SUPPLY AND INSTALL 40 US gallon atmospheric gas tank. Includes DISCONNECT of existing unit, DRAIN, REMOVAL, and COMMISSIONING of new unit. Typical model: Rheem PROG40S38 or Bradford White RG240S6N. | $1,700 - $2,700 |
| Seismic Strapping (BC Code) | INSTALL seismic strapping as per BC building code requirements for water heater restraint. | $60 - $90 |
| Thermal Expansion Tank | SUPPLY AND INSTALL thermal expansion tank to meet current plumbing code requirements for closed systems. | $200 - $350 |
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Materials | $2,400 - $3,700 |
| Labour | $150 - $275 |
| Total | $2,500 - $3,900 |
| Description | Trade | Est. Cost | On-Site Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUPPLY AND INSTALL new hot water tank drain pan if existing pan is found to be damaged or non-compliant. | Plumber | $100 - $200 | Existing drain pan found to be cracked, leaking, or improperly sized upon removal of old tank. |
| SUPPLY AND INSTALL new gas shut-off valve if existing valve is seized or non-compliant. | Gas Fitter | $70 - $110 | Existing gas shut-off valve fails to operate or shows signs of leakage during disconnect. |
The final cost may shift once a contractor confirms site conditions.
The Request a Pro button is now active — tap it to connect with a local contractor for an on-site visit and firm quote.
See other projects in Vancouver or in related trades.
Our AI assistant helps you understand the work and likely cost. If you decide to connect with a contractor, they start with your project details and estimate.