Water Heater Ignitor Replacement Cost in Vancouver
Published: July 22, 2026 — BC Wide Home Services Ltd, doing business as BC Wide Heating & Air Conditioning — Greater Vancouver, BC
Electronic vs Standing Pilot
Modern gas water heaters use electronic ignition (hot surface ignitor or spark ignitor) instead of a standing pilot. Electronic ignitors light the burner only when needed — saving the gas that a standing pilot wastes. If the ignitor fails, the water heater will not fire.
Signs of Ignitor Failure
The water heater does not fire despite the gas control calling for heat, the ignitor glows but does not reach ignition temperature, the ignitor does not glow at all, the control board cycles through multiple ignition attempts before locking out, or you hear sparking but no ignition.
Replacement Cost
Ignitor replacement costs $200-400 including the part ($20-60) and labour ($150-250). Hot surface ignitors are more common and relatively inexpensive. Spark ignitor assemblies cost more. Our technicians carry both types for same-day repair.