Living on an Island Requires Plumbers Who Understand the Challenges
Richmond sits entirely on islands in the Fraser River delta, just one metre above sea level on average. This city of over 220,000 residents is protected by 49 kilometres of dikes, 39 drainage pump stations, and 598 kilometres of drainage pipes. It's a sophisticated system that keeps Richmond safe and dry, but living below river and sea level creates unique considerations for homeowners.
Ark Plumbing & Heating serves all of Richmond. We work on heritage homes in Steveston, modern high-rises in City Centre, established family homes in Broadmoor and Seafair, newer developments in Terra Nova and West Cambie, and agricultural properties throughout East Richmond. From compact condos to sprawling waterfront estates, we handle it all.
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Understanding Richmond's Housing Stock
Richmond developed in waves, from fishing village to farming community to modern city, leaving behind neighbourhoods with dramatically different housing character.
Steveston represents Richmond's oldest settlement, with heritage buildings dating back to the fishing and canning era of the late 1800s. Some properties here have been renovated multiple times over more than a century, creating layered plumbing systems that mix materials from different eras. The village charm comes with the maintenance realities of older construction.
The established residential neighbourhoods of Broadmoor, Seafair, Thompson, and Blundell developed primarily from the 1960s through 1980s. Many homes from this era are reaching the point where major plumbing components need attention or replacement. Properties built between 1978 and 1995 may contain Poly-B piping, the grey plastic pipe prone to failure.
City Centre and Brighouse have transformed dramatically since the Canada Line opened in 2009. High-rise towers now dominate the skyline where low-rise buildings once stood. These modern buildings feature contemporary plumbing systems but require specialized knowledge for high-rise maintenance and access coordination with strata management.
West Cambie, Terra Nova, and the Oval Village area represent Richmond's newest residential growth. Modern construction with current plumbing systems, though even recently built homes can develop issues once families move in and put systems to daily use.
East Richmond and Hamilton maintain agricultural character with larger lots and some properties still engaged in farming. These areas may have unique plumbing requirements related to agricultural operations.
Our Richmond Plumbing & Heating Services
We handle residential plumbing and heating across every Richmond neighbourhood. Waterfront heritage homes and modern high-rises. Single-family residences and strata complexes. One team for all of it.
Furnace Service & Repair
Richmond's damp winters demand reliable heating. Your furnace needs to perform efficiently when wet, cold weather settles over the delta. We service and repair all furnace makes and models, from older units in established Broadmoor homes to high-efficiency systems in new West Cambie construction. Annual maintenance prevents mid-winter emergencies and keeps your home comfortable all season.
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Boiler Service & Repair
Hydronic heating and in-floor radiant systems provide comfortable, even heat that works particularly well in Richmond's damp climate. These systems are popular in higher-end homes throughout Seafair and in newer high-rise developments. We install, service, and repair conventional and high-efficiency boilers.
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Tankless Water Heater Service & Repair
Endless hot water without the standby energy loss of traditional tanks. Tankless systems work well for Richmond's varied household configurations, from compact City Centre condos to large Steveston family homes. We install, service, and repair all major brands.
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Plumbing Installation & Repair
Leaky faucets, running toilets, fixture replacements, water line repairs, repiping projects. We handle residential plumbing of all types across Richmond. Our licensed plumbers diagnose accurately, explain your options clearly, and complete work to code.
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Poly-B Repipe
Homes built between 1978 and 1995 throughout Richmond may contain Poly-B piping. This grey plastic pipe is prone to cracking and sudden failure. Properties in Broadmoor, Seafair, Thompson, and other established neighbourhoods built during this era are most likely to have Poly-B. We replace it with modern PEX systems backed by 25-year warranties. Full assessment, clear pricing, minimal disruption, complete restoration.
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Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations
Renovating your Richmond home? Plumbing forms the foundation of any kitchen or bathroom project. We work with homeowners and contractors to rough-in new layouts, relocate fixtures, and ensure everything meets BC plumbing code. Whether you're updating a 1960s Broadmoor split-level or modernizing a Steveston character home, we can help.
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Gasfitting Installations & Repairs
Our licensed gasfitters handle gas line installations, appliance hookups, BBQ connections, fire pit installations, and gas leak repairs. Richmond properties frequently feature gas fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, and patio heating that require proper installation and ongoing maintenance.
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Drain Cleaning
Slow drains, recurring clogs, and sewer backups need professional solutions. Store-bought drain cleaners damage your pipes and rarely fix the underlying problem. We use professional equipment including camera inspection and hydro-jetting to locate and clear blockages. In Richmond's below-sea-level environment, properly functioning drains are especially critical.
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Richmond Neighbourhoods We Serve
Richmond spans multiple islands with diverse neighbourhoods. We provide service across all of them:
Steveston: Richmond's historic fishing village on the southwestern tip of Lulu Island. Heritage character homes, the working fishing harbour, and waterfront restaurants define this community. Housing ranges from heritage buildings over a century old to newer infill development. Britannia Shipyards and the Gulf of Georgia Cannery preserve the area's rich maritime history. Older plumbing systems require experienced attention.
City Centre & Brighouse: Richmond's urban core, transformed by Canada Line rapid transit. High-rise towers, condos, and townhomes surround major shopping centres like Richmond Centre and Aberdeen. Modern construction with contemporary plumbing systems. High-rise buildings require specialized access coordination.
Broadmoor & Shellmont: Established family neighbourhoods with a mix of single-family homes from the 1960s-80s and newer townhouse developments. Proximity to schools and parks makes these areas popular with families. Mid-century homes may be reaching the point where plumbing systems need significant attention.
Seafair, Thompson & Blundell: Desirable northwest Richmond neighbourhoods bordered by the West Dyke Trail and Fraser River. Wide boulevards, cul-de-sacs, and proximity to Terra Nova Rural Park. Many grand new homes replacing 1960s originals, though original homes still remain. Mix of housing ages means varied plumbing needs.
Terra Nova & Riverdale: Richmond's northwest corner near the Olympic Oval and Terra Nova Rural Park. Newer residential development with modern construction and contemporary plumbing systems. Popular with nature lovers for its proximity to trails and bird-watching areas.
West Cambie & Lansdowne: Growing residential areas with newer townhome and condo developments, plus transit-oriented development near Canada Line stations. Modern construction with recent plumbing systems.
Ironwood, Garden City & McLennan: Central Richmond neighbourhoods with a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and low-rise apartments. Varied housing ages from established 1970s-80s homes to recent construction.
East Richmond & Hamilton: More rural character with larger lots and some agricultural properties. Hamilton on the eastern edge offers a different feel from urban Richmond. Some unique plumbing requirements related to larger properties.
Additional areas we serve: South Arm, Gilmore, Bridgeport, Burkeville on Sea Island, and all areas throughout Richmond.
Why Richmond Homeowners Choose Ark Plumbing
Licensed & Insured: Every technician holds current plumbing or gasfitting credentials through Technical Safety BC. Fully bonded and insured.
Upfront Pricing: We provide written quotes before work begins. The price we quote is the price you pay.
24/7 Emergency Service: Burst pipes and heating failures don't wait for business hours. Our emergency team serves all Richmond neighbourhoods around the clock, including weekends and holidays.
Island Living Experience: We understand the unique plumbing challenges of Richmond's below-sea-level location, including drainage requirements, high water tables, and the critical importance of functioning sump and backwater systems.
Local Knowledge: We know Richmond's diverse neighbourhoods. We know which areas have older housing stock, which have high-rises requiring coordination, and what each property type requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work on high-rise buildings in Richmond?
Yes. We service condos and townhomes in City Centre, Brighouse, West Cambie, and throughout Richmond. We coordinate access with building management and understand the specific requirements of multi-unit residential buildings.
What areas of Richmond do you service?
All of them. Steveston, City Centre, Broadmoor, Seafair, Thompson, Terra Nova, West Cambie, Ironwood, Hamilton, East Richmond, and everywhere in between. We also serve neighbouring Vancouver, Delta, and Ladner.
How do I know if my Richmond home has Poly-B piping?
Poly-B is grey plastic pipe, typically 1/2" to 1" in diameter. Look under sinks, behind toilets, and near your hot water tank. Homes built between 1978 and 1995 in areas like Broadmoor, Seafair, and Thompson often have Poly-B. We provide free assessments to confirm.
Do you offer emergency plumbing in Richmond?
Yes. Available 24/7, including holidays. Burst pipes, gas leaks, flooding, heating failures. Call 604-441-3411 for immediate help anywhere in Richmond.
Why is drainage so important in Richmond?
Richmond sits below sea level and relies entirely on pump stations to remove rainwater. Your property's connection to this system must function properly. Backwater valves prevent sewage backup during heavy rain events when the system is under pressure. Sump pumps protect below-grade spaces from groundwater. Proper drainage isn't optional here—it's essential.
Are your plumbers licensed?
Yes. Ark Plumbing & Heating is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Our team includes licensed plumbers and gasfitters certified through Technical Safety BC.
Do you provide free estimates?
Yes. For most projects, we provide free on-site estimates with a written quote before any work begins.
Ready to Work with Richmond's Trusted Plumbers?
Whether you need emergency repairs, routine maintenance, or help with your property's unique plumbing needs, we're ready to help. Serving all of Richmond from the Steveston waterfront to the City Centre skyline.
A team member will respond within 24 hours.