•  Lightning-Fast Service — same-day appointments available

  •  Licensed & insured — Red Seal certified technicians

  • You approve the price before we touch anything

  • 4.9 stars · 900+ Google reviews from Vancouver Island homeowners

  •  Lightning-Fast Service — same-day appointments available

  •  Licensed & insured — Red Seal certified technicians

  • You approve the price before we touch anything

  • 4.9 stars · 900+ Google reviews from Vancouver Island homeowners

Our Experience

20

+

Years serving vancouver island

Google Rating

4.9

★ 

Hundreds of Reviews

Track Record

10,000

+

Jobs completed

Sound familiar?

These are the signs Nanaimo homeowners call us about most. If any are happening in your home, it’s worth getting eyes on your sewer line now — before a small issue turns into a costly one.

  • Sewage smell inside or near the home

  • Gurgling sounds from drains or toilet

  • Slow or backed-up drains throughout the house

  • Sewage backing up into tub or toilet

  • Unusually green or soggy patches in the yard

  • Buying an older home and want peace of mind

Simple from start to finish

No mystery, no guessing. Here’s exactly what happens when you call.

01

Call us — we pick up

Reach our Nanaimo team at 778-486-3770. We’ll ask a few quick questions, get a clear picture of what’s going on, and book you in — often the same day.

02

We arrive on time, camera ready

You’ll get a heads-up text with your tech’s ETA. On site, we run the inspection and walk you through exactly what we find — footage and all. No guesswork, no vague answers.

03

Upfront pricing, work you can trust

We lay out your options clearly with pricing before anything starts. Once you’re happy, we get it done — and we stand behind it with a full guarantee.

Sewer Inspection & Repair Services

Whatever’s happening underground, our Nanaimo team has the tools and experience to find it and fix it.

Sewer Camera Inspection

We run a high-definition camera through your sewer line to pinpoint blockages, cracks, root intrusion, or pipe collapse — no digging required. Free when repair work is completed (Central Island customers).

Hydro Jetting

 High-pressure water cleaning that cuts through grease, roots, and stubborn buildup. More thorough and longer-lasting than snaking.

Sewer Line Repair & Replacement

 From spot repairs to full line replacement, we use proven methods and quality materials to get your sewer system working properly again.

Drain Clog Removal

Fast removal of blockages causing backup or slow drainage throughout your home.

FREE Camera Inspection When Repair Work Is Completed

Get a clear, honest look at what’s happening underground. We run a high-definition camera through your sewer line to pinpoint the exact problem — and when repair work is completed, the inspection is free for Central Island customers.

Free Camera Inspection

 A high-definition video inspection of your sewer line, free when repair work is completed. A $250+ value.

Same-Day Service

Sewer backups are urgent. We prioritise them and get someone to you fast.

Clear, upfront pricing

You approve the price before we touch anything. No pressure, no surprises.

No-dig daignosis

Our camera locates blockages, cracks, root intrusion, and pipe collapse without tearing up your yard.

Real solutions for drain & sewer problems

Everything we do is built to protect your home, your time, and your wallet.

Accurate problem diagnosis

  • Root cause identified — no more guessing or repeat visits

  • HD inspection tools — we see exactly what’s inside your pipes

  • No unnecessary work — only what actually needs fixing

Many plumbing issues come back because the real problem was never properly found. We take the time to inspect your system and show you what we find on camera — so the fix sticks.

Long-term repairs that last

  • Permanent solutions — we fix the cause, not just the symptom

  • High-quality workmanship — built to handle daily use

  • Future problem prevention — fewer repeat issues over time

Quick fixes can feel convenient. They usually aren’t. Our repairs are built to last — and backed by a full guarantee.

Lightning-Fast response when it matters most

  • Prompt scheduling — fast appointment availability

  • Emergency awareness — we understand urgency

  • Efficient service — problems resolved the same day when possible

Drain and sewer issues can escalate fast. Whether it’s a slow drain or a full backup, our Nanaimo team responds quickly so you avoid costly damage and disruption.

Clean, respectful service in your home

  • Respect for your space — clean and careful throughout

  • Professional technicians — courteous, experienced, Red Seal certified

  • Clear communication — you always know what’s happening and why

We know having plumbing work done is stressful. Our team works cleanly, talks plainly, and treats your home the way we’d treat our own.

Local expertise you can count on

  • Vancouver Island knowledge — familiar with local systems and soil conditions

  • Older home experience — we know the common sewer and drain issues in Nanaimo

  • Proven track record — trusted by local homeowners since 2004

From aging sewer lines to root intrusion in mature neighbourhoods, homes across Nanaimo and Central Island face specific challenges. We’ve seen them all.

Why Nanaimo homeowners choose Thunderbird Plumbing

Fast. Local. Reliable Plumbing Expertise — here’s why your neighbours call Thunderbird first.

Honest, experienced technicians who are fully licensed and insured and treat your home with care. From Nanaimo and Cedar to Lantzville, we know the plumbing challenges in your area. We show up on time, communicate clearly, and stand behind our work.

Here since 2004

 Serving Vancouver Island for over 20 years.

No surprise charges

 You approve the price before we touch anything.

Family & founder operated

 Aaron and his crew — not a franchise, not a call centre.

Not All Sewer Repair Services Are the Same

Choosing the right plumber is the difference between a lasting fix and the same problem back in six months.

Feature

  • How Problems Are Found

  • Type of Fix

  • Tools & Technology

  • Pricing Clarity

  • Respect for Your Home

  • Local Knowledge

  • Overall Experience

  • HD camera inspection — we see inside your pipes and show you the footage

  • Solutions designed to solve the problem for good

  • HD camera scoping and modern equipment — constantly updated

  • Upfront, transparent pricing before any work begins

  • Clean, careful work with minimal disruption

  • 20+ years on Vancouver Island — we know aging pipes, tree root intrusion, and local soil

  • Clear communication, professional service, and peace of mind

Typical Plumbing Service

  • Surface-level checks that often miss what’s happening deeper in the line

  • Quick clears that may have you calling again in a few months

  • Basic tools with limited visibility into the real issue

  • Hourly rates with costs that grow once the job’s underway

  • Rushed jobs that can leave a mess behind

  • General plumbing knowledge, not always area specific

  • Inconsistent service with uncertain outcomes

What Our Customers Are Saying

Real Google reviews from local homeowners across Vancouver Island.

2 weeks ago

 ”Thunderbird Plumbing showed up quickly, explained everything clearly, and solved a drain problem we had for years. Professional from start to finish. Highly recommend to anyone in Victoria.”

1 month ago

“Quick response and professional service. They solved a recurring drain issue no one else could fix. Worth every penny — the problem hasn’t come back since.”

3 weeks ago

“Honest, reliable, and very knowledgeable team. They showed us the camera footage, explained the issue clearly, and fixed it properly. Best plumbing experience we’ve had.”

1 month ago

“Called Thunderbird for a blocked sewer line and they were out the same day. Very thorough inspection and clear explanation of what needed to be done. No upselling, just honest work.”

2 months ago

“Excellent service from start to finish. The technician was on time, very professional, and cleaned up completely after the job. Our drain issue is completely resolved. Will definitely use again.”

2 months ago

“Had a serious root intrusion in our sewer line. Thunderbird did a full camera inspection, explained our options clearly, and completed the repair efficiently. Very impressed with their expertise.”

6 weeks ago

Had a great experience with Thunderbird Plumbing in Nanaimo. The team was professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with from start to finish. They arrived on time, clearly explained the repairs that were needed, and completed the work efficiently and to a high standard. It’s refreshing to find a company that takes pride in their workmanship and customer service. I would highly recommend Thunderbird Plumbing to anyone looking for reliable and honest plumbing service in the Nanaimo area. Thank you for the excellent work!

6 weeks ago

Excellent service from start to finish! The plumber arrived on time, was professional, friendly, and quickly fixed the issue. The work was done efficiently and everything was left clean and tidy. Great communication, fair pricing, and outstanding customer service. Highly recommend Thunderbird Plumbing!

3 months ago

I’ve been a customer at Thunderbird Plumbing for over a decade. They always provide excellent service. This time my old on-demand water heater finally needed to be replaced. The first visit was to diagnose the problem and the second to do the replacement. On both occasions the communication about the appointment was excellent. Zach J, who did the assessment and the work, was a pleasure to deal with. All my questions were answered. Everything went smoothly and took a little less time than expected. I’m very glad to have this particular creature comfort back! And I highly recommend this company.

2 months ago

The Thunderbird Plumbing tech, Quincy, was great. Good communicator. Did the job quickly and efficiently. Was thoughtful enough to ask whether there was any other issue he could help with, which there was. This saved me another call out. The prices were very reasonable. I absolutely recommend Thunderbird and Quincy.

2 weeks ago

From start to end I found Thunderbird and the tech Brodie to be friendly, quick, and professional. I am pleased with the job completed and will be using them for future work! A+ experience.

a months ago

Super fast and professional service. I called to inquire about replacing my hot water tank (not an emergency, just thought it was time), and they arranged to send someone out the next day – and then called to offer an even earlier appointment that day when they had a cancellation. Quincy called me on his way here and offered to quote me over the phone if I could send him some pictures of my old tank, so that he could arrive prepared and ready to work if I agreed with the quote. Once on site, he clearly and thoroughly explained the work he needed to do, including work to bring my tank up to code, and did a great job, leaving me with a brand new tank and the place as clean as he found it. My cats also thoroughly enjoyed him, lol. Thunderbird’s pricing wasn’t necessarily as cheap as AI and Reddit research suggested it would be, but for the quality of work, the replacement tank, and the prompt and professional service, it was very good value for money and I’m happy. Will definitely use Quincy and Thunderbird next time we need plumbing services.

4 months ago

We use Thunderbird for our Vacation Rental management business. They have installed an on demand boiler, numerous service calls, re-plumbed existing drain lines in old houses and can troubleshoot very well and efficiently. Great team, great service. Thank you Janea, Quincy, Zach and the rest of the company for delivering a top notch customer experience and quality work.
Orion & Lesley ~ Coast & Host Vacation Rentals

4 months ago

Thunderbird is excellent. Their customer service is fantastic, our staff are well treated by their techs and we are always so pleased with their recommendations and labor. Our organization uses Thunderbird regularly and its so wonderful to have a helpful, trustworthy, reliable and kind team to help us with time sensitive and essential projects.

6 months ago

Thunderbird Plumbing completed our home’s Poly-B and mainline replacement. As with any major project, a few hiccups arose along the way, but Shaun and the Poly-B team listened carefully to our concerns and addressed them promptly and professionally. Thank you to Derek for an excellent job on the drainage trench and pipe.
Cole and his plumbing crew did solid, efficient work throughout the project. Dale and Shamboo were outstanding—the repairs were done to a high standard and everything was left looking great.
Overall, we were pleased with the responsiveness and quality of work from the entire team.

6 months ago

We thought Brodie was excellent, seemed to really know what he was doing, had a plan for the removal of the Poly B and replace with Pex piping in our 3 story house and was very good at explaining the job. Would definitely recommend Brodie and Thunderbird Plumbing for this type of project.

7 months ago

Toby did a great job and repairing a leak of some pipes in our crawl space. He contacted me in advance and was able to come 30 minutes sooner which was helpful. He explained everything to me that he was going to do before repairing the leak and also explained that other work should be done and that he would send me a quote for this the same day. I would most definitely use Thunderbird plumbing again. The price was reasonable.

8 months ago

Brodie carefully replaced the cartridges in the faucets that fill my claw foot tub, and very senior bathroom sink, in my 1911 home. I really appreciated how he communicated his arrival time, arrived on time, was respectful of my possessions/ house, was sweet with my pets, was knowledgable when diagnosing the problems, and explained the problems to me with patience. Brodie was efficient and capable; funny and kind. This is the third time I’ve used Thunderbird Plumbing, and I feel lucky to have discovered them.

9 months ago

Both times I’ve called on Thunderbird the people I’ve worked with have been great and the price has been competitive. They don’t charge a call-out fee and their prices are fixed instead of hourly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Drain & Sewer Questions, Answered

 For Central Island customers, the camera inspection is free when repair work is completed — which covers most situations. If no work is needed, there’s a standard inspection fee. Call us at 778-486-3770 and we’ll give you a straight answer based on what you’re dealing with.

 The most common causes are tree root intrusion (especially in older neighbourhoods with mature trees), grease buildup, collapsed or cracked pipes from age, and items that shouldn’t be flushed. A camera inspection tells us exactly what we’re dealing with — no guessing.

Absolutely — and we’d strongly recommend it for any home over 20 years old. A pre-purchase sewer scope can reveal hidden problems a standard home inspection won’t catch, and potentially save you thousands in unexpected repairs after closing.

 A typical inspection takes 30 to 60 minutes. We’ll walk you through what we find on site and explain your options clearly before any work begins.

 

 Yes. Sewage backups are urgent and we treat them that way. Call 778-486-3770 any time and we’ll get someone to you as fast as possible.

Snaking punches a hole through a clog. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to fully clean the inside of the pipe — removing grease, roots, and scale. For recurring or severe blockages, hydro jetting gives you a much more thorough and longer-lasting result.

Ready to get to the bottom of it?

Tell us what’s going on and our Nanaimo team will reach out to confirm your appointment — often same day.

Free Camera Inspection With Repair Work

A high-definition video inspection of your sewer line, free when repair work is completed.

Same-Day Service Available

Sewer backups are urgent. We prioritise them and get someone to you fast.

Clear, upfront pricing

You approve the price before we touch anything. No pressure, no surprises.

No-dig daignosis

Our camera locates blockages, cracks, root intrusion and collapse without tearing up your yard.

Prefer calling instead?

Request Your Nanaimo Sewer Service

Prefer we reach out? Fill out the form and our team will contact you to book your sewer inspection or repair — often same-day.

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