Escondido - Fast Water Heater Company

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

HOURS: 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 or are looking for a new one, contact us today:

— Escondido Local Number: 442-777-2417

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

As Escondido requires you to have a permit when replacing a hot water heater, you can apply for the permit, or allow us to get it for you. In any case, we will ensure your water heater is installed the same day.

For information about permitting in Escondido visit: http://www.escondido.org/building.aspx

Code Enforcement – Escondido

At the time of the installation of your water heater, a site survey must be done. At that time we will inform you if your water heater is not compliant with the California Plumbing Code. If we have obtained the permit we will send it to you. This will enable you to make arrangements for the inspection.

The California Plumbing Code has items that are ‘required’ to be done, but are not necessarily ‘enforced’ by the Escondido inspectors or your jurisdiction. We are required, as licensed contractors, to inform you of what is “required” by the state of California. To help you in making informed choices, we will try to clarify which items are ‘enforced’ in your jurisdiction.

In Escondido the following items tend to be strictly enforced.  Although we attempt to always have current information, your installer should have the most updated information.

Approved Location: Water heaters are restricted from being placed in a closet (unless it is dedicated to the water heater), bedroom, or bathroom. This restriction avoids accidents and prevents contact with slight amounts of CO that is emitted from the vent of a gas water heater. (Vista currently enforces this regulation)

Earthquake straps – Water heaters must have certified earthquake straps on the top- and bottom-third of the water heater. This regulation is in place for your safety. (Currently enforced)

Venting – Most water heaters in the Escondido area are gas combustion heaters. This type of water heater generates carbon monoxide (CO) and must be correctly vented. If the vent material can get hot, it must have clearance from combustible/flammable surfaces. (Currently enforced)

Pans – If the location of your water heater is on a built-in platform or  interior location with the potential for damage from water leakage, a pan must be placed under the water heater. The pan must have an attached drain line running to the exterior. Although this is a requirement of the CA plumbing code, Escondido will allow the pan to drain to a garage floor.

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

Dedicated water shutoff – In the event the water heater needs to be serviced, a dedicated water shutoff is required for the heater.  This allows you to turn off the water to the heater without turning it off to the whole house. (Currently enforced)

Pipe insulation – If pipes are exposed in unconditioned space, they must be insulated. (Currently enforced).

Escondido Does Not Currently Enforce The Following Items

The California State code requires the following items be performed. In some instances, the Escondido Inspectors are not required to enforce them. We may perform work that the inspector feels was not necessary. Although we endeavor to keep our list updated, you should talk to your technician about the most up-to-date information.)

Pressure and Temperature Relief Drain (“P&T Drain”) to the Exterior – California Plumbing Code requires that your P&T relief drain be piped to the exterior to prevent scalding if someone walks close to the water heater while the pressure and temperature relief is discharging. In our experience, Escondido allows the P&T to be piped within 6’ of a garage floor. 

Pan Drains to Exterior – If a pan drain is needed the California Plumbing Code requires piping of that line to the exterior. It is a requirement that we explain the code. However, it is not always enforced. In many cases in Escondido, you will be allowed to run the pan drain to the garage floor.

Expansion Tanks: The California Plumbing Code requirement for expansion tanks applies if your system is ‘closed’. This type of system includes a backflow preventer from your house to your water main. While water is heating, it will expand approximately 2%, which can cause strong pressure build up, then a rapid pressure drop will occur when a faucet is turned on. This can cause the plumbing and fixtures to deteriorate, often leading to early failure of the water heater. The installation of an expansion tank can protect a closed system. In Escondido, large numbers of water heaters are removed that should have had another five or six years left. At present, Escondido is not actively enforcing this requirement.

Pressure Regulating Valves – During a water heater replacement, the water pressure should be tested and a pressure regulator should be installed if the pressure is over 80 PSI. The CA Plumbing Code requires the pressure regulator if water pressure is high. However, Escondido inspectors often do not check the pressure, nor enforce the installation of a pressure regulator if one is needed. The regulator helps prevent damage to fixtures and water heaters. As a preventive against damage to your plumbing system, we believe a regulator is necessary if you have high water pressure.

Grease pack Gas Valve Replacement – While we are inspecting your water heater, we will also do an inspection of the dedicated gas valve to the tank. We will recommend replacing a grease pack valve if we find one. Grease pack valves are not approved because of their high failure rate. The California Plumbing Code has required replacing it, although Escondido does not always follow the recommendation.