Chula Vista - Fast Water Heater Company

Fast Water Heater Company services Chula Vista and surrounding areas. We provide same day installation of tank, tankless and solar water heaters.

We service all major brands of water heaters. It’s helpful if you have the model and serial number of your water heater ready when you call.

We are open seven days a week:
Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m
Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

— Chula Vista Local Number: 619-816-1377

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

The city of Chula Vista currently requires a permit for replacement of a water heater. We can obtain the permit for you or, if preferred, you can obtain the permit. No matter how it is handled, we can make sure your water heater is installed the same day.

For information about permitting in Chula Vista visit see: http://www.chulavistaca.gov/City_Services/default.asp 

Code Enforcement – Chula Vista

When we install your water heater we are legally required to do a site survey and inform you whether your water heater is or is not compliant with the California Plumbing Code. If we are obtaining the water heater replacement permit for you, we will send you the permit to arrange an inspection of the installation.

We have found that enforcement of items required by the California Plumbing Code varies from city to city and in some cases from inspector to inspector. There are many items that are ‘required’ by the California Plumbing Code but not ‘enforced’ by your local jurisdiction or inspector. As a licensed contractor, we are required to inform you of what is “required” by the state of California. We also try to help clarify what is “enforced” in your jurisdiction so that you can make informed choices about work on your home.

Currently in Chula Vista 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: Most types of water heaters cannot be located in a bedroom, bathroom or closet (unless the closet is dedicated for the water heater only). This prevents accidents and avoids contact with small amounts of CO that spill from a gas water heater vent. (Currently enforced)

Earthquake straps – As California is an earthquake zone, water heaters are required to have certified earthquake straps on the top- and bottom-thirds of the water heater. This is enforced for your safety.

Venting – The majority of water heaters in Chula Vista are gas combustion heaters. This type of water heater generates carbon monoxide (CO), and must be properly vented. If the vent is made of a material that can get hot, it will need adequate clearance from combustible/flammable surfaces. (Currently enforced)

Pans and Drains – If your water heater is located on a built-in platform or interior location where potential damage could occur from it leaking, Chula Vista requires that a pan be placed under the water heater with a drain line from the exterior attached to the pan. This is a requirement of the CA plumbing code.

Pressure and Temperature Relief Drain (“P&T Drain”) to the Exterior – California Plumbing Code requires that your P&T relief be piped to the exterior. This will prevent scalding if someone were to walk near the water heater while the pressure and temperature relief was discharging. (Currently enforced)

Sediment traps – A sediment trap, which catches moisture and debris in the gas line, is located on the gas line that runs to your water heater and prevents the debris and moisture from entering the combustion chamber of the water heater. (Currently enforced)

Dedicated water shutoff – A dedicated water shutoff is required for the water heater. This allows you to turn the water off in the event the water heater needs to be serviced without turning water off to the rest of the home. (Currently enforced)

Pipe insulation – Pipes exposed to unconditioned space are required to be insulated in Chula Vista.

Items Not Currently Being Enforced by Chula Vista

The following items are required by California State code, but Chula Vista Inspectors are not actively enforcing them. (In some cases, we may complete work in your home, that the inspector believes was unnecessary. Please remember, though we try to maintain an updated list, your technician will have the most current information.)

Expansion Tanks: Since 2008, the California Plumbing Code has required expansion tanks whenever you have a “closed system”. This is a plumbing system that has a backflow preventer between your home and the water main. As you heat your water, it expands by about 2%. This can cause pressure build up in your system and rapid pressure drops when you turn on a faucet, which causes wear and tear on your plumbing and other fixtures. This often leads to premature failure of the water heater. We strongly recommend you install one if you have a closed system. We get rid of a large number of tanks in Chula Vista that are only six years old when their useful life should be ten to twelve years. Chula Vista is not actively enforcing this requirement.

Pressure Regulating Valves – When we replace your water heater, we test your water pressure. If you have over 80 PSI, you are required to install a pressure regulator. High water pressure can damage your fixtures, including your water heater. If we find high water pressure, we will make you aware of this. Chula Vista inspectors do not currently enforce, nor test for this, although it is a requirement of the California Plumbing Code. We believe it is important to install the pressure regulator as it can prevent damage to your plumbing system.

Grease Pack Gas Valve Replacement – When we inspect your water heater, we also inspect the dedicated gas valve to the tank. If it is a grease pack valve, which is known to fail and is no longer approved, we recommend that you replace it. This is a California Plumbing Code requirement, although Chula Vista is not currently enforcing it.

Bonding – The California Electric Code requires that your water and gas pipes be grounded. This is required as your plumbing is often built adjacent to, or near, your electrical wiring. If your wires were to degrade, they can energize your pipes which is dangerous. While this is required by the California Code, inspectors in Chula Vista have not been enforcing this code.