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
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 |
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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.
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