Oceanside - Fast Water Heater Company
Fast Water Heater Company services Oceanside and its surrounding areas. As well as servicing all brands of water heaters, we provide same day installation of tank, tankless or solar water heaters.
It’s helpful if you have the model and serial number of your water heater ready when you call.
HOURS: Monday through Friday from 7:00 am - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
If you are having problems with your water heater, or are looking for a new water heater contact us today:
— Oceanside Local Number: 760-237-0440
— Our website at: www.fastwaterheater.com/contact.asp
Oceanside currently requires a permit for replacement of a water heater. You can obtain the permit or request us to get it for you. We will ensure your water heater is installed the same day no matter how you handle the permitting.
For information about permitting in Oceanside visit:
http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/Datarelation.aspx?Content=251
Code Enforcement – Oceanside
LINKS – OCEANSIDE: |
The requirements of the California Plumbing Code which are enforced differ considerably in each city. It is possible that items ‘required’ by the California Plumbing Code may not be ‘enforced’ in your jurisdiction. As licensed contractors, we will let you know what the State of California “requirements” are and clarify which are “enforced” in your area. This will help you to make informed choices when having your water heater installed.
Fast Water Heater Company has found certain items, listed below, are usually strictly enforced.Please note: Although we try to keep our information current on the whole, your installer will always have the most updated information.
Venting – Most water heaters in Oceanside are gas combustion heaters which generate carbon monoxide (CO). Therefore, there must be proper ventilation for the water heater. If the vent gets hot, combustible or flammable surfaces require adequate clearance from the vent. (Currently enforced)
Approved Locations - Bedrooms and bathrooms cannot be used as water heater locations. A closet may be used if it is assigned only for the use of the Water heater. Gas water heaters spill small amounts of CO from a vent. This regulation ensures there is no human contact with CO and avoids accidents. (Currently enforced)
Sediment traps – The gas line running to your water heater includes a sediment trap to catch moisture and debris. The trap keeps the debris and moisture out of the combustion chamber of the water heater. (Currently enforced)
Pipe insulation – In Oceanside, unconditioned space requires that exposed pipes be insulated.
Earthquake straps – As California is prone to earthquakes, water heaters must have certified earthquake straps on the top-third and bottom-third of the water heater. This is enforced for your safety.
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 house. (Currently enforced)
Pans – If your water heater is located in an area where damage from a leakage could potentially occur; a pan must be placed under the water heater with an exterior drain line attached to the pan. This is a California Plumbing Code requirement although Oceanside allows the pan to drain to a garage floor.
Items Not Currently Being Enforced by Oceanside
The following are items not actively enforced by Oceanside although they are required by California State Code. We may do work in your home required by the Code, but which the inspector may deem unnecessary. We try to keep this list up-to-date; however your technician will have the most current information. These items are required by code, but are not being enforced by the inspectors in Oceanside:
Bonding – According to the California Electric Code, your water and gas pipes should be grounded. This is to ensure your pipes cannot be energized by degraded wires, which could put you and your family in a dangerous situation. Even though bonding is required by the California Code, Oceanside inspectors are not insisting on it.
Pan Drains to Exterior – If a pan drain is required the California Plumbing Code states that the drain line to the pan should be piped to the exterior. Oceanside allows you to run the pan drain to the garage floor, in many cases. Although we are required to explain the code requirement, many Oceanside inspectors do not enforce it.
Expansion Tanks: Since 2008, California Plumbing Code has required an expansion tank if you have a “closed system”. A plumbing system with a backflow preventer between the home and water main is considered a closed system. Heated water expands by about 2%. This expansion causes pressure build-up in your system and pressure drops when your water is turned on. This can cause wear on your fixtures and plumbing which could lead to failure of your water heater. Your system is protected by expansion tanks and the life of your water heater can be extended by four to six years. Oceanside is currently not enforcing this requirement.
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, Oceanside will allow you to pipe your P&T to within 6’ of the garage floor.
Pressure Regulating Valves – Pressure Regulators are put in place to reduce water pressure and prevent your plumbing system from being damaged. High water pressure (over 80 PSI) requires the installation of a pressure regulator according to the California Plumbing Code. We do the water pressure test during the replacement of your water heater. Oceanside inspectors do not currently test or enforce this requirement.
Grease Pack Gas Valve Replacement – During our inspection of your water heater we inspect the dedicated gas valve to the tank. As a grease pack valve is noted for its failure, we will recommend its replacement. We are required by the California Plumbing Code to inform our customers of this. However, it is not enforced by Oceanside.