Carlsbad - Fast Water Heater Company

Fast Water Heater Company services Carlsbad and the surrounding areas. We provide service for all brands and installation of solar, tank, or tankless water heaters the same day.

Please have the model and serial number of your water heater ready when you call. 

HOURS: Monday through Friday from 7 am to 8 pm
Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm

If you are having problems with your water heater, contact us today:

— Carlsbad Local Number: 442-222-7543

— Our website at: www.fastwaterheater.com/contact.asp

Currently Carlsbad requires a permit if a water heater is being replaced. If you wish, Fast Water Heater Company can get the permit for you and still have your water heater installed the same day.

For information about permitting in Carlsbad visit: http://www.carlsbadca.gov/services/departments/building/Pages/default.aspx

Code Enforcement – Carlsbad

Fast Water Company is required to survey your site and ensure your water heater is compliant with the California Plumbing Code on installation of your water heater. If we are acquiring your permit, we will send it to you so you can arrange the inspection. 

Enforcement of items required under the California Plumbing Code varies considerably from city to city. Many items ‘required’ by the California Plumbing Code may not be ‘enforced’ in your local area or by your inspector. It is a requirement that licensed contractors inform you of the “requirements” of the state of California. We try to clarify what is “enforced” in your area to help you make an informed decision.

Currently in Carlsbad we have found that the following items tend to be strictly enforced.  Please note, that while we try to keep this information current, your installer will always have the most up to date information.

Approved Location - In order to prevent any accidents or contact with the small amounts of CO that can spill from gas water heater vents, certain areas cannot be used for water heaters. Bathrooms, bedrooms or closets cannot be used. A closet can be used if it holds only the water heater. (Currently enforced)

Venting – In Carlsbad,most of the water heaters are gas combustion heaters. This type of water heater gives off carbon monoxide (CO) and must be vented properly. The vent will need ample clearance from combustible/flammable surfaces if it gets hot. (Currently enforced)

Earthquake straps – Water heaters must have certified earthquake straps. These straps are required to be on the top and bottom third of the water heater. This is enforced for your safety.

Sediment traps – A sediment trap is situated on the gas line running to your water heater. This trap catches moisture and debris in your gas line and prevents it from getting into the combustion chamber of the water heater. (Currently enforced)

Pans – A pan must be placed under the water heater if the heater is in an interior location or placed on a built-in platform where leakage can occur. This pan must have a drain line to the exterior attached. This is required by the CA plumbing code. Carlsbad allows the pan to drain onto the garage floor.

Water shutoff – All water heaters are required to have a dedicated water shutoff.  This enables you to maintain running water in your home while turning off water to your heater during service. (Currently enforced)

Pipe insulation – Pipes are required to be insulated if they are exposed to unprepared space.

Items Not Currently Being Enforced by City

Following is a list of items that, although required by California State Code, are not actively enforced by Carlsbad. We may do this work in your home, although the inspector may say it was not necessary. Please take into consideration that, although we try to keep this list updated, your technician will know the most current information. There are items that are not being enforced by Carlsbad inspectors even though they are required by code.

Expansion Tanks: A plumbing system which has a backflow preventer between the water main and your house is known as a closed system. As your water heats up, it can expand up to 2% which may cause pressure to build up in your system and a rapid drop in pressure when a faucet is turned on. This can lead to excessive wear on the plumbing system and early failure of your water tank. As expansion tanks protect your water systems, they have been required for closed systems by the California Plumbing Code since 2008. Even though we remove many water tanks that have failed prematurely (about six years before normal failure), Carlsbad is not currently enforcing this requirement.

Pressure and Temperature Relief Drain (P&T Drain) to the Exterior – The P&T relief drain is required to be piped to the exterior by the California Plumbing Code. This prevents scalding if anyone walks close to the heater during discharge of the pressure and temperature relief drain. Our experience has shown that Carlsbad allows homeowners to pipe the P&T to within 6’ of the garage floor.

Pressure Regulating Valves – During replacement of your water heater, we perform a test of the water pressure. A pressure regulator reduces your water pressure if it is over 80 PSI and prevents damage to the plumbing system. High pressure could damage your appliances, fixtures and water heater. The California Plumbing Code requires a pressure regulator. However, currently Carlsbad inspectors do not test or enforce this requirement.

Pan Drains to Exterior – The California Plumbing Code requires that the drain line to a pan (if one is required) is piped to the exterior. Carlsbad allows the pan drain to run to the garage floor in many cases. We are required to explain the code requirement, but many inspectors in Carlsbad will not enforce it.

Bonding – You are required by the California Electric Code to have your water and gas pipes grounded. This is to prevent the possibility of degraded wires energizing your pipes, leading to a possibly dangerous situation. Although this is required by the California Code, Carlsbad inspectors do not insist on it.

Grease Pack Gas Valve Replacement – During our inspection of your water heater we will also inspect the dedicated gas valve to the tank. If we find a grease pack valve, which are known to fail, we will recommend that you replace it. Although not enforced by Carlsbad, we are required by the California Plumbing Code to make you aware if one is found.