Richmond- Fast Water Heater Company Offers Excellent Service

Fast Water Heater Company serves Richmond and surrounding areas. We provide same day installation for a variety of water heaters - Tank, Tankless and Solar. Our local number in Richmond and surrounding areas is 510-255-3097  

For faster service, please have the Model and Serial Number of your water heater ready when you call.

Our regular hours: 7-Days a Week:
7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

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

—Or locally at: 510-255-3097

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

Presently, Richmond requires a permit for water heater Replacements. Fast Water Heater can get the permit, or you may choose to get it yourself. Either way, your water heater will be connected the same day. When you have the permit (if we get it, we will send it on to you) arrange for an inspector to come and inspect the installation.

Permit information for Richmond can be found at: http://www.richmond.ca/busdev/building/permits.htm

Code Enforcement in Richmond

By law, we are required to perform a site survey during the installation of your water heater. We notify you as to whether your water heater is or is not compliant with the California Plumbing Code and explaining what the issues are, if any.

When replacing a hot water heater the requirements of The California Plumbing Code should be followed. However enforcement varies from city-to-city, and also between inspectors. Even though some items are ‘required’ by the California Plumbing Code they are sometimes not necessarily ‘enforced’ by inspectors or local jurisdictions. As licensed contractors, we have to inform you of the requirements and help you understand the items that are “enforced”, allowing you to make an informed choice about work on your home.
 
The following items tend to be strictly enforced. Please note that although we try to keep our information updated, your installer always has the most current information.

Approved Location – As gas water heaters emit small amounts of (Carbon Monoxide) CO from heater vents, the CA Plumbing Code regulates the location of the water heaters. They cannot be placed in closets, bathrooms, or bedrooms, unless that is the sole purpose. This regulation avoids accidents or human contact with CO. This regulation is currently enforced in Richmond.

Earthquake Straps – A requirement of the CA Plumbing Code states that water heater tanks have to be fastened down with earthquake straps for your safety – one strap on the top third and one on the bottom third. This requirement is enforced in the city of Richmond.

Venting – If you have a gas combustion water heater, you should be aware that they emit carbon monoxide (CO) and require correct venting. The size of the vent is dependent on the size of the water heater. You will also need sufficient clearance from combustible or flammable exteriors if the vent material heats up. This is actively enforced by Richmond.

Pans and Drains – Water heaters located on a built-in platform or an interior location could leak and cause water damage. Therefore the CA Plumbing Code requires a pan to be placed under the water tank with an attached drain-line running to the exterior. Richmond enforces the Pan and Drain system running to the exterior

Pressure and Temperature Relief Drain (“P&T Drain”) to the Exterior –Your P&T Drain is required to be run to the exterior to prevent the possibility of scalding while the pressure and temperature relief is discharging. Richmond enforces this requirement.

Dedicated Water Shutoff – A dedicated water shutoff allows you to have water available in the rest of the house while water is shut off to the water heater while it is being serviced. Richmond actively enforces this code item.

Pipe Insulation – Pipes must be insulated if they are exposed in unconditioned space. This is enforced in Richmond.

Bonding – The C Electric Code requires your water and gas pipes to be grounded.  Bonding the pipes with 6 awg wire and clamps effectively grounds all your pipes. This is required due to your plumbing being built adjacent to your electrical wiring. If your wires begin to deteriorate, they could energize your pipes which can be dangerous. Inspectors in Richmond currently require this.

Items Not Currently Being Enforced by Richmond

The California State code requires the following items to be enforced, but Richmond is not actively enforcing them at this time. There may be times, if we perform this work in your home and the inspector will say it was unnecessary. We try to keep the list updated, however, we would advise you to talk to your technician to get the most up-to-date information. The following list of items are required by code, however, our experience has shown they are not always enforced by the inspectors in Richmond:

Pressure Regulating Valves – Your pressure should be tested when you need to have your water heater replaced. If the pressure is over 80 PSI you are required to install a pressure regulating valve. This is a requirement of the CA Plumbing Code to protect your appliances, fixtures and water heater which can be damaged by high water pressure. We will test your water pressure and if we find it is high, we will let you know so you can evaluate your options. We find that Richmond inspectors do not currently test for this and do not enforce the replacement.

Grease pack Gas Valve Replacement – Although no longer approved by the California Plumbing Code, grease pack valves were used regularly for water heaters. We are required to look for a grease pack valve, and recommend its replacement, when we are inspecting your water heater. The city of Richmond is not enforcing this item at the present time.