Sonoma and Napa- Fast Water Heater Company Provides First Rate Service

Fast Water Heater Company serves Napa/Sonoma and its adjoining areas. We provide expert same day installation of Solar, Tank, and Tankless water heaters. Our local number is 707-939-5106   

As we service most name brand water heaters, it helps if you have the model and serial number on hand when you call.

We are available to serve you seven days a week:
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 are looking for a new water heater:

—Or locally at: 707-939-5106

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

Napa/Sonoma requires a permit for installation of a new water heater. We usually handle getting the permit however, if you prefer you may obtain it yourself. No matter who gets the permit, we ensure your water heater is connected the same day.

Information on permits for Napa/Sonoma is available at:
http://www.sonomacity.org/default.aspx?PageId=25
http://www.cityofnapa.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=44&Itemid=292

Code Enforcement in Napa/Sonoma

When your new water heater is installed, legally we must do a site survey. If your water heater is not compliant with the California Plumbing Code, we will let you know where the problem(s) are. Once you obtain the permit, (which we will pass on to you if we apply for it), you can arrange for an inspector to come out and evaluate the installation.

Enforcement of requirements in the California Plumbing Code varies greatly between cities and also between inspectors. As licensed contractors, we are required to inform you of the requirements and make clear which items are enforced in your jurisdiction. This allows you to make informed decisions, based on accurate information, on the work you choose to have done. The following list of requirements is regularly enforced in Napa/Sonoma. Please note: We update our information regularly; however your installer will have the most current information.

Approved Location – CA Plumbing regulations prevent most water heaters from being located in bedrooms, bathrooms, or closets (unless sole use). This avoids human contact with the small amounts of Carbon Monoxide (CO) that spill from gas water heater vents. It also prevents the possibility of accidents. Napa/Sonoma currently enforces this.

Earthquake Straps – Napa/Sonoma is located in an earthquake zone and some regulations are required for everyone’s safety. Water heaters must have certified earthquake straps – one on the top third of the tank and one on the bottom third.  Most inspectors in Napa/Sonoma enforce this regulation.

Venting – Most water heaters in Napa/Sonoma are gas combustion and give off carbon monoxide (CO). You will be required to vent the water heater. The size of your venting will be dependent on the volume of your water heater. You must also ensure there is sufficient clearance from combustible/flammable exteriors if the vent material tends to heat up. This is actively enforced by Napa/Sonoma.

Pans and Drains – The concern of water leakage increases if water heaters are placed on a built-in platform or in an inside location. The CA Plumbing Code requires a pan under the tank with a drain line running to the exterior as a preventive measure for the possibility of leaking water. Napa/Sonoma requires the drain line to the exterior.

Pressure and Temperature Relief Drain (“P&T Drain”) to the Exterior – The P&T relief is required to be run to the outside in order to prevent accidental scalding while the P&T relief is discharging. This requirement is enforced by Napa/Sonoma.
 
Dedicated Water Shutoff –You can turn off the water to the water heater while it is being serviced with a dedicated water shutoff, and still have water in the rest of the house. Napa/Sonoma 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 currently enforced in Napa/Sonoma.

Bonding – Your water and gas pipes are required to be grounded by the CA Electric Code. This is necessary because plumbing and wiring are often located near each other. If your wires were to become worn, then there is danger of the pipes being energized. To avoid this dangerous situation, the pipes should be bonded with 6 awg wire and clamps. Napa/Sonoma is currently enforcing this.

 Sediment Traps – Sediment traps ensnare moisture and debris found in the gas line that runs to your water heater and prevents it from getting through to the water heater’s combustion chamber. The city of Napa/Sonoma actively enforces this requirement.

Items Not Currently Being Enforced by Napa/Sonoma

 It is possible that your inspector will tell you that we completed work that was not necessary. We make every effort to keep our requirement list updated, however we would advise you to talk to your technician. He will have the most current information. The following items are required by code, but are usually not being enforced:

 Pressure Regulating Valves – The CA Plumbing Code requires a pressure regulating valve be installed if your water pressure is 80 PSI or higher. It has been proven that high water pressure can damage your plumbing fixtures and appliances, as well as your water heater. While installing your water heater, we check the water pressure and inform you if it is high. You can evaluate your options at that time. We have found that Napa/Sonoma inspectors do not presently test for high water pressure nor enforce the requirement.

Grease Pack Gas Valve Replacement – Grease pack valves are no longer approved by the CA Plumbing Code as they are known to have a high failure rate, and should be replaced if being used in your water heater. During our water heater inspection, if a grease pack valve is found we are required to inform you and recommend its replacement. Napa/Sonoma is not enforcing this.