Boiler Repair Vancouver BC
Vancouver's Boiler Specialists — Hydronic, Steam & Combination Systems
Vancouver has a high concentration of older homes and apartment buildings that rely on hydronic (hot water) or steam boiler systems for heat — particularly in Kitsilano, Strathcona, Mount Pleasant, East Van, and the West End. These are excellent heating systems when properly maintained, but they require a technician who actually knows boilers, not just forced-air furnaces.
Our technicians work on boiler systems regularly. We carry parts for all major residential boiler brands and can diagnose most problems on the first visit — no return trips to order parts.
Boiler Problems We Fix in Vancouver
No Heat or Inconsistent Heat
Zone valve failures, circulator pump faults, or thermostat wiring issues. We trace the fault systematically — no guessing and replacing parts.
Boiler Not Firing
Ignition failures, gas valve faults, pilot light issues on older systems, and control board problems diagnosed with proper test equipment.
Pressure Problems
Pressure too high or dropping repeatedly usually means a failed expansion tank, faulty pressure relief valve, or a slow system leak. We find and fix it.
Banging, Kettling & Noise
Common in Vancouver due to moderate water hardness. Limescale on heat exchangers, trapped air, or a failing pump are the usual causes.
Radiators Not Heating
Uneven heat distribution from air-locked radiators, blocked zone valves, or system imbalance. We bleed, balance, and restore even heat throughout the home.
Leaking Boiler
Heat exchanger leaks, corroded pipe fittings, and failed seals located and repaired. We assess whether repair or replacement makes more financial sense.
Vancouver Heritage & Apartment Buildings
Many of Vancouver's pre-war and 1950s–70s apartment buildings use central steam or large hydronic boiler systems that serve the whole building. We work on building-level boiler systems including:
- Steam boilers with gravity-fed radiator distribution — common in pre-1950 East Van and Strathcona buildings
- Central hot water boilers with baseboard convectors — typical in 1960s–80s apartment construction
- In-suite combi boilers providing both domestic hot water and space heating
- Building-wide zone valve and pump systems with multiple heating circuits
Repair vs. replace: A Vancouver boiler over 25 years old with a corroded heat exchanger or repeated failures is usually a replacement candidate. However, well-maintained boilers regularly reach 30+ years. We'll give you an honest assessment based on the actual condition of your system — not a sales pitch. If repair is the right call, we'll repair it.
How much does boiler repair cost in Vancouver? +
Most boiler repairs in Vancouver range from $200–$1,000 depending on the component. Circulator pump replacement typically runs $350–$600 including labour. Zone valve replacement is $250–$450 per valve. Heat exchanger inspection and cleaning is $350–$500. We provide a written quote before starting any work — the $89 diagnostic fee is waived if you proceed with repair.
Do you repair boilers in Vancouver apartments and heritage buildings? +
Yes. Many of Vancouver's pre-war and mid-century apartment buildings use central steam or hydronic boiler systems. We work on building-wide boiler systems as well as suite-level configurations. For older buildings with steam radiators, we have specific experience with steam system balancing, air vent replacement, and trap servicing that many residential HVAC companies don't offer.
My boiler is making a banging noise — is this serious? +
Banging or kettling noises usually indicate limescale buildup on the heat exchanger, trapped air in the system, or a failing circulator pump. Limescale in Vancouver's water supply is a common cause — the Lower Mainland has moderately hard water that deposits scale over time. In most cases this is repairable. We diagnose on the first visit and give you a written repair vs. replace assessment.
Should I repair or replace my old Vancouver boiler? +
A well-maintained boiler can last 25–30 years. If your boiler is under 20 years old and the repair cost is under $800, repair almost always makes financial sense. Boilers over 25 years old with recurring failures, corroded heat exchangers, or efficiency below 80% AFUE are usually better replaced. We'll give you an honest assessment with a payback calculation — not a sales pitch.
Other Areas We Serve