San Mateo - Fast Water Heater Company for the Excellent Service

Fast Water Heater Company serves San Mateo and the surrounding areas. We provide same day installation for Solar, Tank, or Tankless water heaters. Our local number is 650-532-9433  

For quicker service please have the serial number and model of your water heater available when you call.

Our Regular Hours of Business are:
7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Contact Fast Water Heater Company today If you need fast service on your water heater:

—Or locally at: 650-322-2517

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

San Mateo will require you to have a permit to install a new water heater, which we can get for you if you prefer. We ensure your water heater is connected the same day, no matter who obtains the permit.

To inquire about obtaining a permit for San Manteo contact: http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/index.aspx?nid=477

Code Enforcement in San Mateo

At the time your new water heater is installed, we are required to do a site survey. We will inform you whether or not your water heater is compliant with the California Plumbing Code. Once you obtain the permit (which we will forward to you if we apply for it), you can arrange to have an inspector come out to evaluate the installation.

Enforcement of the California Plumbing Code requirements differs from city to city and inspector to inspector. As licensed contractors, we are required to inform you of the requirements and make clear which items are enforced in your jurisdiction. Based on this decision, you can make an informed decision on the work you choose to have done.

Following is a list of requirements which are regularly enforced. NOTE: We try to update our information on a regular basis; however your installer should always have the most recent information.

Approved Location – The CA Plumbing Code regulates where certain water heaters can be located. Gas water heaters cannot be located in closets (unless for sole use only). They are also not permitted in bathrooms or bedrooms. This regulation helps avoid accidents and prevents human contact with the small quantities of Carbon Monoxide (CO) that is released into the air from the water heater vents. San Mateo enforces this regulation.

Earthquake Straps – As California is in an earthquake zone, earthquake straps are required on your water heater by The California Plumbing Code. The straps must be placed on the top one-third of the tank and the bottom one-third. The city of San Mateo enforces this code for your safety.

Venting – Most water heaters in San Mateo are gas combustion. Part of the combustion process necessitates the release of carbon monoxide (CO). These water heaters will need to be correctly vented. The vent size will be determined by the size of the water heater.  There must also be adequate clearance from combustible and flammable surfaces if the vent material is likely to get hot. San Mateo currently enforces this requirement.

Pans and Drains – To prevent damage through water leakage the CA Plumbing Code requires a pan under the water heater if it is positioned on a platform or in an interior location. A drain line must run from the pan to the exterior. San Mateo enforces this requirement.
 
Pressure and Temperature Relief Drain (“P&T Drain”) to the Exterior – To prevent scalding while the pressure and temperature relief is discharging, The California Plumbing code requires the P&T relief drain be run to the outside. This is enforced by San Mateo.

Dedicated Water Shutoff – Water heaters require a dedicated water shutoff which allows water to the water tank to be turned off while the tank is being serviced. At the same time, the rest of your home still has water available. San Mateo actively enforces this code item.

Pipe Insulation – The CA Plumbing Code requires un-insulated pipes to be insulated if they are exposed to unconditioned space. This is enforced in San Mateo.

Bonding – Your gas and water pipes are required to be grounded. The pipes can be effectively grounded with the use of 6 awg wire and clamps. This is a requirement of the California Electric Code because plumbing is regularly built near electrical wiring.  Your pipes could be energized if the wiring were to deteriorate. Inspectors in San Mateo are presently enforcing this.

Sediment Traps – Moisture and debris in the gas line is prevented from entering the combustion chamber of your water heater by a sediment trap. This trap is located on the gas line running to your water heater. This requirement is not enforced in San Mateo.

Items Not Currently Being Enforced by San Mateo

 There are times we perform work that the inspector feels was unnecessary. Although we make a strong effort to keep our requirement list updated, we would advise you to talk to your technician who will have the most recent information. The following items are required by code, but are not being enforced:

Pressure Regulating Valves – Water pressure over 80 PSI requires a pressure regulating valve to lower your water pressure and protect your appliances, fixtures and water heater from damage. While installing your water heater, we test the water pressure and let you know if it is too high. The city of San Mateo does not test for high water heater pressure, and also does not enforce the requirement.

Grease pack Gas Valve Replacement – If your water heater is using a grease pack valve, we are required to inform you that it should be changed. This is due to the high failure rate of these valves. This is a CA Plumbing Code requirement, but San Mateo is not enforcing it at this time.