San Jose- Obtain the Best Service with Fast Water Heater Company

Fast Water Heater services San Jose and adjoining areas. We provide same-day installation of an assortment of water heaters – solar, tank and tankless. Our local number in the San Jose area is 408-457-1504.

Our hours of operation are:
Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

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

—Or locally at: South Bay – 408-457-1504

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

San Jose requires a permit when a water heater is being replaced. We can get the permit and still offer same day service on the installation of your heater. If you choose to get the permit yourself, you can acquire it and we will still be able to install your heater the same day.
For information about permits in San Jose visit: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/services.asp

San Jose Code Enforcement

We are legally expected to do a site survey when replacing your water heater which allows us to discover if your water heater is compliant with California Plumbing Codes, or where there are problems. If we get the permit, we send it to you. This enables you to arrange an inspector for the installation.
The California Plumbing Code requires enforcement of items from their Code. However, enforcement of the requirements varies from city to city or even inspector to inspector.
As licensed contractors, we must inform you of the State of California requirements. We also attempt to make clear to you which requirements are actually enforced to help you make informed decisions on what work you approve.
Currently, our understanding is that the following items are enforced. Although we try to keep current information on hand, your inspector always has the most up to date information.
Approved Location - The majority of water heaters cannot be located in a bathroom, bedroom, or closet (unless the closet is used only for storage of the water heater). This requirement prevents accidents and averts contact by humans of carbon monoxide (CO), small amounts of which spill from gas water heater vents. This is currently enforced in San Jose.

Earthquake Straps – The CA Plumbing Code requires that water heaters have two earthquake straps (located on the top and bottom thirds of the tank). As California is classified as an earthquake zone, the majority of inspectors enforce this for your safety.

Venting – As most water heaters in San Jose use a gas combustion process, they generate carbon monoxide. Therefore, the heater must be properly vented. The size of the vent must correspond to the size of the water heater. If the vent becomes hot while operating, there must be adequate clearance from flammable/combustible surfaces. This is actively enforced in San Jose.

Pans and Drains – If the water heater is located in the interior or on a built-in platform with a possibility for damage from leaking water, the city requires a pan be placed under the heater. There is also a CA Plumbing Code requiring a drain line running from the pan to the exterior. San Jose requires the drain line to the exterior.

Pressure and Temperature Relief Drain (“P&T Drain”) to the Exterior – The California Plumbing Code requires that a P&T Drain run to the exterior to prevent scalding of someone walking nearby while the P&T relief is discharging. San Jose enforces this requirement. In most cases, San Jose does not allow a Watts 210 valve to be used as a substitute for piping the P&T to the exterior. The city may allow piping to the garage floor if there is a pre-existing drain. CPVC piping material is deemed acceptable (and less expensive) for use as drain lines by the California Plumbing Code, yet San Jose does not allow its use.

Sediment Traps – Sediment traps are located on gas lines running to the hot water heater. They are used to catch moisture and debris in the gas line and stop it from getting into the combustion chamber of the heater. San Jose enforces this requirement.

Dedicated Water Shutoff – This shutoff is required for use with a water heater. The shutoff enables you to turn off the water to the water tank, if necessary while maintaining water in the rest of the house. This is enforced by San Jose.

Pipe Insulation – The insulation of pipes is required if they are exposed to unconditioned space. This is presently enforced by San Jose.

Items Not Currently Being Enforced by San Jose

There are some requirements of the California State Code that are not (to our knowledge) enforced by San Jose.  Occasionally, we may do work required by the Code that the inspector will say was not necessary. Although we try to keep our list updated, the technician will have the most recent and updated information

Expansion Tanks - In 2008 the California Code changed, requiring expansion tanks on ‘closed system’ plumbing. A ‘closed system’ has a backflow preventer between the house and the water main. When water is heated it expands by about 2% causing pressure build-up in the system and rapid pressure drop when faucets are turned on. This causes wearing away of plumbing and fixtures and possible early failure of your water tank. Manufacturers recommend expansion tanks for closed systems. This is a requirement of the California Plumbing Code, although San Jose doesn’t enforce it.  

Pressure Regulating Valves – Water pressure should be checked when your water heater is replaced and a pressure regulator valve should be installed if the pressure is greater than 80 PSI. This valve reduces water pressure and will protect your plumbing fixtures and water heater from damages caused by high pressure. If you have high water pressure, we will let you know so you can evaluate your options. Although important in preventing damage to your plumbing system, San Jose is not enforcing this requirement.

Grease pack Gas Valve Replacement – On inspection of your water heater the dedicated gas valve to the tank is also inspected. If the heater has a grease pack valve we will have it replaced. The grease pack valve is known to fail and is not approved by the California Plumbing Code. This is not enforced by San Jose.