Plumbing and Gas Service FAQ: Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island

Yes. Horizon Mechanical holds an active TSBC Gas Contractor license, number LIC00214303. This certification means every gas fitting job we complete, whether it's a new gas line installation, an outdoor kitchen hookup, or a gas leak inspection, meets the safety and technical standards set by Technical Safety BC. Our licensing is not just a formality; it's the legal and professional foundation that protects your home, your family, and your property. We recommend always asking any gas contractor for their TSBC license number before work begins.

We serve a roughly 40-kilometre radius centred on Nanaimo, covering communities from Chemainus in the south to Qualicum Beach and Qualicum Bay in the north. That includes Ladysmith, Nanoose Bay, Parksville, and the surrounding areas. Founder Carson Vos was born and raised in Nanaimo, so this isn't just a service area on a map; it's home. If you're unsure whether we cover your location, reach out and we'll confirm quickly.

Poly-B is a type of plastic pipe used in many BC homes built between the 1970s and mid-1990s. Over time, the material degrades from exposure to chlorine in the water supply, making it prone to cracking and leaking. Many insurance companies now refuse to cover homes with Poly-B piping still in place, and it can also block a home sale. Horizon Mechanical specializes in Poly-B repiping, replacing the old system with modern materials that meet current insurance and building code requirements. This is one of the most impactful upgrades a Vancouver Island homeowner can make for both insurability and long-term property value.

Yes, Horizon Mechanical provides emergency service around the clock, every day of the year. Burst pipes, gas leaks, and failed water heaters don't follow a business schedule, and neither do we. These emergency service FAQs often ask what to do while waiting for a technician: if you suspect a gas leak, leave the building immediately, avoid switching lights or appliances on or off, and call us from a safe distance. For a burst pipe, shut off your main water supply if you can locate the valve, then call us right away.

We install, repair, and maintain both traditional tank-style water heaters and high-efficiency tankless units. Our primary brands are Navien and Rinnai for tankless systems and A.O. Smith for hot water tanks. These are industry-leading brands chosen specifically for their reliability and warranty coverage, which reduces long-term costs for our clients. If you're considering switching from a tank to a tankless system, we can walk you through the differences in upfront cost, energy savings, and long-term performance so you can make an informed decision.

All Horizon Mechanical technicians are licensed, fully insured, bonded, and background-checked. We understand that inviting a tradesperson into your home requires a real level of trust, and we take that seriously. Beyond credentials, our entire service philosophy is built on honest communication and showing up when we say we will. A major frustration for homeowners across Central Vancouver Island is contractors who don't return calls or miss appointments. Reliability and transparency are the standard here, not an exception.

Yes, commercial work makes up a meaningful part of what we do. We specialize in tenant improvement projects for businesses like nail salons and restaurants, which have specific plumbing and gas requirements that general contractors often sub out to a specialist. We also service strata buildings and commercial appliances that see heavy daily use. If you're a business owner or property manager on Vancouver Island looking for a single contractor who can handle both the plumbing and gas fitting scope of a build-out, that's exactly the kind of project we're set up for.

A few plumbing maintenance tips that go a long way: test your shut-off valves once a year to make sure they still turn fully, since old valves that seize up are a common issue we see across Nanaimo and the surrounding area. Check under sinks and around toilets seasonally for slow drips, as small leaks compound quickly. If your home has an aging water heater, flushing the tank annually helps remove sediment buildup that shortens its lifespan. For gas appliances, an annual safety inspection by a licensed gas fitter is the single best way to catch issues before they become hazards.