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Water Heater Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between STANDARD and SUPER efficient tanks?

Will a TANKLESS or INSTANTANEOUS style water heater work for me?

What is a THERMAL EXPANSION TANK, and do I need one?

Where can I get a list of CODE REQUIREMENTS for my area?

Do you sell "QUICK RECOVERY" water heaters?

What are my WARRANTY OPTIONS on the water heaters you sell?

How do I tell HOW OLD my water heater is?

How Much hot water will a gas water heater produce per hour? Electric?

Do I need EARTHQUAKE STRAPS?

Can you explain the DIP TUBE RECALL I've heard about?

Why does it take so long to get hot water to my faucets?

Explain the new F.V.I.R technology for gas water heaters

What is the difference between STANDARD and SUPER efficient water heaters?

There is no structural difference between a Super and Standard water heater. The difference is in the insulation, components used, and warranty options. A Super efficient tank will generally have a much higher efficiency rating, better elements, and most likely a larger anode rod. The warranty will cover manufacturer's defects for a longer period of time. Many energy companies offer a mail in rebate if you buy a Super efficient tank. Ask your CSR about the Super efficient water heaters we carry.

Will a TANKLESS style water heater work for me?

A Tankless or Instantaneous water heater is a fine option for some people. However, they won't do well in many applications. Tankless units do not store heated water like a tank style, they heat the water seconds before it comes out your faucet. Many factors must be considered to determine if a Tankless style unit is right for you. We offer free estimates to help you decide if a Tankless unit is right for you. Call today for more details or go to our tankless page for some basic information.

What is a THERMAL EXPANSION TANK, and do I need one?

When water is heated it expands. If your system is “open” then water can backflow into the water main and this “extra” expanded water simply flows out of your home back out your cold pipe.

Increasingly, home plumbing systems are being closed off and backflow prevention valves are being placed between homes and the water main. This is done for a variety of reasons.

For example, increasingly valves are placed between homes and water mains to protect plumbing systems from inlet water pressure. Water pressure is increasing in many cases in order to meet the demands of more densely populated areas.

If your system is “closed”, then this means when you heat your water and it expands, this increased volume has no where to go. As water is not a very compressible material, this causes sudden increases in water pressure which can damage your water heater and your other appliances.

A thermal expansion tank is a pressurized tank that sits on your cold line – typically near or on your water heater. The tank contains a pressured bladder. As you water expands, it pushes against this bladder giving the increased volume a place to go preventing rapid pressure increases due to thermal expansion.

Expansion tanks are currently recommended by all major water heater manufacturers. Expansion tanks are also required by state code if your system is closed in most of the states we work in. Local enforcement of this code varies from city to city.

Our technician will test your system to determine if it is open or closed. If your system is closed, installing an expansion tank may lengthen – and in some cases double –the life of your water heater by preventing wear and tear. In addition, if your home has a history of leaky faucets or other appliances that wear out prematurely, an expansion tank may fix your problem.

Where can I get a list of code requirements for my area?

In Washington, Oregon and California, the installation of water heaters are mostly governed by the Uniform Plumbing Code (or CPC in California), Uniform Mechanical Code, and National Electrical Code. These are standard codes that are used across the United States, and each state can amend them as they wish.

To take it further, each city and county jurisdiction has assigned one or more building officials with what is called Administrative Authority. This "Authority" allows each jurisdiction the right to interpret the codes as they see fit. Because of this, many cities differ on their requirements. It is very advisable that you contract with a company that knows and understands the intricacies of the building code requirements. At FAST, we keep up to date information regarding the codes in your area, and how they are enforced. It is our company policy to discuss with you all the code requirements that apply when you contract our services. We do this in our initial phone conversations, and again before we begin any work.

Do you sell "QUICK RECOVERY" of “HIGH INPUT” water heaters?

“Quick Recovery” water heaters usually refer to water heaters that are equipped with dual elements. This allows the upper element to heat a much smaller volume of water (about 1/4 of the tank's capacity) before the lower element takes over. This provides a small amount of usable hot water quickly while you wait for the bulk of the water to heat. Most manufacturers also make a gas water heater model that is called "High Input". The High Input model has a much higher BTU rating, which will cut down the heating recovery time substantially. We sell Quick Recovery and High Input water heaters.

What are my WARRANTY OPTIONS on the water heaters you sell?

Fast Water Heater Company provides a basic, standard and best warranty. Our basic warranty consists of the manufacturer's standard warranty which usually covers the tank against rupture for 6 years, parts* for 6 years, and labor for 1 year. Our standard warranty extends the manufacturer's warranty to 10 years on the tank and parts*. Our best warranty option covers the tank, parts* and labor for a full 15 years.

When Fast Water Heater Company installs a 15 year warranty tank, we also provide additional corrosion protection for the tank by incorporating a 2nd anode rod. This will increase the lifespan of your tank and ensure that it will provide years of carefree service.

Our customer service representatives can help you select the best warranty for your home.

* "Parts" include water heater components only. Items like thermal expansion tanks, earthquake straps, drain pans, shut off valves, etc are not considered components of the water heater and are covered under their own limited warranty. Ask your Technician to explain the warranty on non-component items.

How can I tell how old my water heater is?

Go to our Model / Serial Number page here.

How Much hot water will a gas water heater produce per hour? Electric?

Your hot water tank’s per hour hot water production depends on your groundwater temperature and the temperature degree rise that you require. A good rule of thumb is that a standard residential gas water heater will produce approximately 35-45 gallons per hour (GPH) of hot water. High Input gas models will provide about 50-60 GPH. Electric water heaters with 4500-watt elements heats approximately 18-25 GPH and 5500 watt elements provide approximately 25-35 GPH.

Do I need EARTHQUAKE STRAPS?

The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), section 510.5 says "In seismic zones 3 and 4, water heaters shall be anchored or strapped to resist horizontal displacement due to earthquake motion. Strapping shall be at points within the upper one-third (1/3) and lower one-third (1/3) of its vertical dimensions. At the lower point, a minimum of four (4) inches (102mm) shall be maintained above the controls with the strapping." Washington, Oregon and California are all seismic zones 3 or 4. At FAST, we use only the best earthquake strapping kits available. If you live in a seismic zone, earthquake strapping is a very important part of your water heater installation.

Do I have a faulty dip tube? What if I am getting small flakes or particles in my water?

Your water heater’s dip tube is a plastic tube that sends the incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank to prevent it from mixing with the hot water going to your faucets. This helps the tank heat more efficiently and promotes energy efficiency. There was a period of time when dip tubes were defective (in particular for water heaters manufactured between 1993 & 1997).

Faulty dip tubes disintegrate slowly, and the particles and chunks clog up faucets, aerators and other plumbing fixtures.

If you experience this problem, we recommend that you replace your water heater tank as it can be very difficult to remove the disintegrated particles form the old tank and they can continue to clog up your plumbing fixtures.

Why does it take so long to get hot water to my faucets?

The time it takes to get hot water from the water heater to the faucet depends on the distance the hot water must travel in the pipes. If you have a faucet that is more than 20 feet from the water heater, you may need to run water more than 20 seconds before it comes out hot.

This can be frustrating for a home owner and also wastes water.

To solve this problem, some homes have a built in re-circulation system which circulates hot water through the hot water pipes and back to the water heater. With a re-circulation system, you have hot water instantly when you open a faucet. If you are interested in a re-circulation system, FAST WATER HEATER COMPANY can help.

Explain the new F.V.I.R technology for gas water heaters

Prior to 2003 most gas water heaters had an open combustion chamber which allowed the owner to relight the pilot with a match. This presented a danger as hot water heaters in areas where other combustibles such as gasoline or propane caused spontaneous combustion and were a both a risk to your home and safety.

Residential water heaters manufactured after 2003 are “F.V.I.R.” (Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant) compliant. For the most part, this means that the combustion chamber is now sealed. In order to light the water heater, you must use the pilot mechanism and you can no longer use a match.

Due to this change, new water heaters are significantly safer than water heaters manufactured before 2003.