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Coombs hot water tanks
Hot water tanks replaced and repaired in Coombs
A dead or leaking tank, replaced by a licensed plumber, or repaired if that's all it needs.
Hot water tanks in Coombs
My hot water tank quit in Coombs. What happens next?
Call 250-753-3641 and we help you work out what the tank is doing. We plan the repair or the replacement before the plumber arrives, with a tank from our stock if it's needed. The plumber checks the setup and gives you the price first. Coombs is a village centre in RDN Electoral Area F with the largest concentration of shops and tourist services in the area, including the Coombs Market. Homes here come under the Regional District of Nanaimo, Electoral Area F. Our crews work in Coombs and nearby Errington and Parksville. Our shop is at 1940 Boxwood Road in Nanaimo.
Is your tank on its way out?
- Rumbling or popping sounds from the tank
- It's 8 to 12 years old or more
- Rust-coloured or discoloured water
- No hot water, or it runs out faster than it used to
Rust marks or water under the tank mean it's leaking. Turn off the cold supply valve and call us right away.
Call 250-753-3641How it works
What happens when you call.
- Talk to a person
Our dispatchers help you sort out repair or replacement.
- Book a time
We send a licensed plumber with the right tank.
- Price first
If the setup needs more, we show you and price it.
- Done
Tank in, tested and the old one taken away.
Leaking now
My tank is leaking. What do I do first?
Shut off the water to the tank. The valve is on the cold supply line, and a stamp on top of the tank shows which pipe is the cold one. Clear the area for the plumber and call us.
Permits
Do I need a permit for a hot water tank replacement in Coombs?
Sometimes. The Regional District of Nanaimo, Electoral Area F sets the local permit rules for Coombs. The RDN Building Regulations Bylaw No. 1250 lists a Plumbing Permit among the permits it issues and counts plumbing inside a building as part of the building. Gas work needs a Technical Safety BC gas permit taken out by a licensed gas contractor, and Norm's holds gas licence LGA000404. Rebate and permit details checked October 21, 2026. Programs change, so we confirm at your quote.
Know your tank
How do I tell how old my hot water tank is?
Look at the rating plate on the side. The age usually hides in the serial number. Read it to us and we'll decode it. Most tanks last 8 to 12 years.
Water and sewer
Is your Coombs home on well water or septic?
It's common here. Area F has part of the City of Parksville's community water system and several private water utilities, and new rural lots must show on site water and septic. Private domestic wells in RDN Electoral Areas A, B, C, E, F, G and H qualify for the RDN Well Water Testing Rebate. Well water can carry sediment that settles in a tank, so rumbling or popping is worth a look sooner.
Regional District of Nanaimo, Electoral Area F water and sewer
Repair first
Should I repair or replace my hot water tank?
Repair it if it's young and the fault is a part. A worn element, thermostat, valve or pilot part is a repair, not a new tank. A leak from the tank body can't be patched, and that's when we'll tell you straight it's time.
Often repairable
- Faulty thermostat or element
- Pilot or burner issues on gas tanks
- Relief valve problems
Time to replace
- Leak from the tank itself
- Heavy rust or corrosion
- Repair close to the price of a new tank
Gas or electric
Natural gas or electric in Coombs?
FortisBC supplies natural gas across much of the Mid-Island. Availability depends on your street, and we check your address at the quote. Gas or electric, we stock Bradford White tanks for both.
Google reviews
What customers say about our hot water tank work
We had a new water heater installed, but it turned out a new pressure reducing valve was needed. They had it picked up and installed quickly. The extra effort is much appreciated.
Norm’s was awesome to give me same-day service when one of the elements on my hot water tank blew. They even were able to come earlier than originally predicted. They were fast, efficient, and it was nice to be able to pay on the spot and not have to worry about dealing with an invoice. Thanks again, Norm’s - you’ve got a loyal customer here!
A way to give back
Tanks for Lunch
From every water heater we install, a portion goes to the Nanaimo Ladysmith School Foundation, which feeds kids in every school in Nanaimo and Ladysmith.
Donated to date
$49,237
FAQ
Your questions, answered
Can you replace a tank on a weekend?
Yes. A plumber is always on call and we keep tanks in stock for weekends and after hours.
What should I do while I wait for a plumber?
Shut off the cold supply valve or the main water valve, and move anything valuable away from the water.
Where is the shut-off valve on my tank?
On the cold supply line. A stamp on top of the tank shows which pipe is the cold one.
Is Coombs its own municipality?
Coombs comes under the Regional District of Nanaimo, Electoral Area F.
Do you cover Errington and Parksville as well?
Yes, Errington and Parksville too, from the same Nanaimo shop.
Related services
Ready when you are
Tank trouble in Coombs? Call Norm's.
We answer 24/7. Prefer email? Send the form and we'll get back to you during business hours.
250-753-3641