Foreign Residents Welcome
Clients from overseas can also request with confidence.
Even if your Japanese isn't perfect, our team will help you. We support multilingual communication via translation tools, and have staff with experience assisting foreign residents across the Kanto region.
We use professional translation tools (Google Translate, DeepL) for written communication. Some staff have experience with English and Chinese inquiries.
LINE's built-in translation lets you chat in your own language. Send photos of your equipment — no need to explain in Japanese.
We handle both rental apartments (with landlord permission) and owned properties. Not sure if you need permission? Just ask us first.
Credit cards, bank transfer, and major QR payment apps accepted. Itemised receipts provided in a clear, easy-to-understand format.
A broken water heater in winter is stressful — especially if you're new to Japan. Before calling anyone, try these four quick checks. Most can be done in under 5 minutes, and they often solve the problem without any repair fee.
Find the gas meter (usually outside your door or on the balcony). If the gas valve was shut off after an earthquake or by the gas company, press the reset button on the meter and wait 3 minutes.
Is the power on? Is an error code displayed (e.g. 111, 140, 632)? Note the number — it tells us exactly what's wrong. Try turning the remote off and on once.
In winter, pipes can freeze. Check if cold water comes out of your taps. If not, pipes may be frozen — do not pour hot water directly on them; wrap with warm towels instead.
Still not working? Send a photo of the remote panel (with error code) and the outdoor unit's model number sticker. We'll diagnose within business hours and arrange same-day or next-day service.
From your first message to job completion — simple, transparent, and hassle-free.
Send a message via LINE or the web form. Any language is fine — attach a photo of the issue if possible.
LINE / Web form
We'll reply within business hours. A staff member will visit your home for a free assessment — no obligation.
Same-day possible
Review the itemised quote. Once you agree, we'll schedule the work at a time that suits you.
No hidden fees
Certified technicians complete the work. We walk you through the equipment in simple terms when finished.
Warranty includedGas / electric water heater swap. Same-day service often available. Includes removal of old unit.
Energy-saving heat pump water heater. Government subsidies up to ¥130,000 may apply. We handle all paperwork.
Toilets, sinks, faucets, shower units and more. Repair or full replacement — we handle it all.
AC installation and replacement for apartments and houses. Includes disposal of old unit.
If your Japanese water heater shows a number on its remote control, it's telling you what went wrong. Japan's four main manufacturers — Rinnai, Noritz, Paloma and Purpose — share similar code numbers. Here are the most common ones and what they mean.
| Code | What it means | What to do | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 111 | Ignition failure — burner is not lighting. Often caused by gas supply interruption, depleted battery (older models), or dirty burner. | Check gas meter and reset if shut off. Try turning the remote off/on. If persists, contact us. | Common |
| 112 | Pilot light / ignition flame loss during operation. Usually gas pressure or burner issue. | Same as code 111. Repeated occurrence needs inspection. | Common |
| 140 | Overheating — water heater exceeded safe temperature and auto-shutdown activated. Often from scale buildup or flow sensor issue. | Let unit cool for 30 min, restart. If it recurs, stop using and call us. | Urgent |
| 161 | Reheating function failure (bathtub reheating). Circulation pump, sensor, or flow issue inside the bath system. | Basic hot water still works. Schedule inspection soon. | Scheduled |
| 290 / 29 | Drain / condensate issue (eco-type / high-efficiency models). Condensate drain is blocked. | Usually needs professional cleaning — contact us. | Common |
| 632 | Bath water circulation failure. Filter clogged, or pump not running. | Clean the bath tub filter. If still fails, call us. | Scheduled |
| 651 | Three-way valve abnormality. Valve is not switching water flow correctly. | Requires technician visit. | Repair |
| 710 / 711 | Electronic control circuit abnormality. Main board issue. | Repair often costs more than replacement if unit is 10+ years old. | Evaluate |
| 888 | Lifetime reminder — not an error. Unit has reached 10+ years of use. Manufacturer recommends replacement. | Plan your replacement. Still usable short-term but risk of failure rising. | Notice |
| 920 / 930 | Neutralizer / condensate issue (Eco-jozu type). Condensate neutralizer needs replacement. | Parts replacement by technician. ~¥15,000–25,000. | Parts |
* This is a general guide. Exact meanings vary slightly by manufacturer and model. Send us a photo of your remote control via LINE and we'll tell you exactly what your model's code means.
In Japan, water heater replacement cost varies depending on the type of unit and installation complexity. Prices below include parts, installation labour, removal of the old unit and consumption tax. All estimates are free and itemised — you'll see exactly what you're paying for.
Gas Water Heater Replacement
| Type | Typical price (all-inclusive) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hot-water only | ¥80,000 – ¥140,000 | Simple hot water for kitchen / shower. Most rental apartments. |
| Auto-bath Tub reheating + auto fill |
¥150,000 – ¥240,000 | Homes with Japanese-style bathtub. |
| Eco-jozu high-efficiency | ¥180,000 – ¥290,000 | 15% lower gas bills. Recovers cost over ~7 years. |
| Eco Cute (heat pump) | ¥350,000 – ¥700,000 | All-electric homes. Up to ¥140,000 subsidy available. |
| Electric water heater | ¥200,000 – ¥380,000 | Replacing existing electric units. |
Prices vary by location, piping condition, and model. Urgent same-day service may include a small extra fee for stock availability. Detached houses with outdoor units are usually cheaper; apartment balcony units sometimes require extra piping work.
Repair Only (no replacement)
| Service | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection / diagnostic visit | ¥5,500 – ¥8,800 | Waived if you proceed with repair/replacement |
| Part replacement (board, sensor, valve) | ¥20,000 – ¥60,000 | Depends on part & model |
| Bath filter / minor parts | ¥8,000 – ¥20,000 | Code 632 etc. |
Rule of thumb: if your water heater is 10+ years old and the repair quote exceeds ¥50,000, replacement usually makes more sense. We'll honestly tell you which is better for your situation — we don't push replacement when repair is the right answer.
I was nervous about calling a Japanese company, but the LINE chat was so easy. I just sent photos and they understood immediately. Very professional, fast service.
My water heater broke down in winter — I was so worried. But they came the same day and fixed it quickly. Very satisfied, I'll recommend them to friends!
My Japanese is still basic, but the team was incredibly patient. They used a translation app during the visit and explained everything clearly before starting.
In most Japanese rental apartments, the water heater belongs to the landlord or management company. If it breaks due to normal wear and tear, you should not have to pay. But the process can be confusing if you're new to Japan. Here's the standard flow.
Find the sticker or emergency number on the wall of your apartment or in your rental contract. Report the problem. In winter, emergency repair is typically required by law.
If the management office is closed (nights, weekends, holidays), we can do an emergency diagnostic visit and provide a written estimate you can forward to your landlord.
Your landlord may choose their own contractor or approve Mizutech directly. We provide estimates in Japanese format that landlords recognise — no friction.
We install, then provide a properly formatted invoice directly to the landlord or to you for reimbursement. Same-day completion in most cases.
Japan's national Kyuto-Sho-Ene subsidy program helps residents install energy-efficient water heaters. The program is available regardless of nationality — you just need to be the registered resident of the property. We handle all the paperwork for you.
(2026 fiscal year subsidy structure, combined maximum)
* Subsidy amounts, eligibility, and program windows are updated annually by the Japanese government. The figures above reflect the 2026 fiscal year. We'll confirm the latest eligibility for your case in your free estimate.
A few recent examples of how we supported foreign residents — from first contact to completed work.
"My water heater suddenly stopped in December. I was nervous about calling a Japanese company, but the LINE chat was easy. I sent photos and they understood immediately. Same-day replacement, price was exactly as quoted."
"My rental apartment's water heater broke in winter. They helped me contact my management company in Japanese and arranged everything clearly. Fixed the next day. I recommend them to my Vietnamese friends."
"My Japanese is basic. I wanted an Eco Cute but was worried about the subsidy paperwork. The team used a translation app during the visit and handled the entire subsidy application. Saved ¥120,000."
"My heater was 13 years old and showing the 888 code. They honestly explained repair vs replacement costs and the long-term difference. No pressure. I replaced it and the Korean-speaking staff made it stress-free."
Contact us via the web form or LINE. A member of our team will get back to you within one business day.
※ We will reply in Japanese. Please use a translation app to read our response.
Free calls · 24/7 available
Send us a photo of your equipment and describe the problem — no need to write in Japanese. LINE's auto-translate makes communication smooth.
Scan with your phone's camera to open LINE.