Fast Water Heater Company services all of Hayward, California. If you’ve woken up to the surprise of a leaking hot water heater or a cold shower, just call by noon and we guarantee same-day service. Our hours are 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday.
We’re homeowners too and know emergencies don’t conveniently occur just during the week; we’re open seven days a week and don’t charge extra for weekend service calls.
We’re the water heater experts, and can service, replace or install electric or gas water heaters, standard tank or tankless models and even install hybrid heat pump systems in certain situations. Whether you need a repair, installation, general maintenance, you’re looking for codes or water heater rebates, we’re here to help and we offer free estimates without the hassle of a “trip fee” like most plumbing companies.
All our certified technicians are background-checked and have years of water heater experience before they ever step foot into your Hayward home.
Try to find the model number and serial # of your water heater before you call so we can identify the age, warranty and any other pertinent information about your existing unit. (This info can be found on a large sticker usually on the side of the water storage tank.)
Hayward requires a permit for the installation of a hot water heater (this will not delay any work, just will schedule a safety inspection at a later date).
You may be wondering, “Do I need a permit to replace my water heater in Hayward?”
Currently, Hayward does require a permit for a water heater installation. The good news is we can obtain it for you, and it will not slow down any work on our end.
Every few years, Hayward water heater codes change to adopt new installation and safety measures. While intended to increase your overall home safety, these code requirements can result in extra installation charges.
Some customers scoff at the idea of paying for a permit for a water heater replacement, but the fact of the matter is water heaters can be dangerous if not installed correctly. In fact, water heaters cause more property damage than any other home appliance. And if the unit is not installed to code by a licensed professional and causes damage, your home insurance could reject any claims. That’s why we put a premium on safety and doing everything by the book.
Your expert technician will go over an item-by-item checklist of all applicable safety codes needed for your installation prior to any work being completed, or cost to you.
We try to keep this information as up-to-date as possible, but your local installer will be able to answer any specific question you may have.
Approved Location – Most types of water heaters cannot be located in bedrooms, bathrooms, or closets (unless the closet is used solely for the water heater). This prevents accidents and avoids human contact with the small amounts of CO (Carbon Monoxide) that spill from gas heater vents. Hayward currently enforces this.
Earthquake Straps – California is an earthquake zone and 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 of the tank. Inspectors in Hayward enforce this regulation.
Venting – Most water heaters in Hayward are gas combustion which generate carbon monoxide (CO) as part of the combustion process. These water heaters must be vented properly and the vent must be adequately sized for the water heater. Combustible/ flammable surfaces must have proper clearance if the vent material gets hot. Hayward currently enforces this requirement.
Pans and Drains – A water heater positioned in an interior location or on a built-in platform could cause damage from leakage. The CA Plumbing Code requires a pan under the water heater with a drain line to the exterior. Hayward enforces this requirement. However, CPVC, which is approved material for all kinds of drain lines, is not allowed to be used by the city of Hayward.
Pressure and Temperature Relief Drain (“P&T Drain”) – The California Plumbing Code requires your P&T drain be run to the exterior to prevent accidental scalding while the pressure and temperature relief is discharging. Hayward currently enforces this. Hayward will sometimes allow the use of a Watts 210 valve if piping to the exterior is not possible. Hayward also may allow the P&T Drain to run into a water heater pan if they cannot be run separately. Although CPVC is approved material for all types of drain lines (and less expensive than copper), Hayward will not allow any CPVC use.
Dedicated Water Shutoff – A dedicated water shutoff is required for water heaters. This allows water to the water heater to be shut off for servicing, while water to the rest of the house is still available. Hayward enforces this code item.
Pipe Insulation – Pipes located in space that is unconditioned must be insulated in Hayward.
Bonding – The California Electric Code requires that your water and gas pipes be grounded. You can ground all the pipes by bonding them with 6 awg wire and clamps. Because plumbing is usually built near electrical wiring your pipes could be energized if the wires become frayed. Inspectors in Hayward currently require this.
With more than two decades experience, we have installed countless water heaters in single-family homes, condos, apartments and townhouses all over Hayward, CA. All our skilled-technicians are background-checked, thoroughly experienced and trained to efficiently and safely install your new water heater.
Whether you’re replacing a broken, old unit, being proactive and installing a new model, or switching to a tankless water heater, our skilled technicians can answer any of your questions and, if you contact us by noon, get your hot water heater installed the same day you call.
Most importantly, our technicians are local to the area, which means they are up-to-date on all local plumbing codes, safety regulations and regional installation trends.
We install Rheem water heaters, and are an official Rheem service provider for Hayward.
We look forward to helping you in Hayward. Please keep in mind, while we can quote you a starting price over the phone, we are not able to give a final price until a technician is at your home and can see your unique setup. If you’re happy with the final price, your technician will get to work immediately. But due to this uncertainty, our appointments are no cost and no obligation.
Fill out the form below to receive more information about a water heater replacement or installation in Hayward.
Water heaters are constantly operating, heating and storing hot water for your use. They’re built to last, but if yours starts leaking or you’re out of hot water, you may need to have your water heater repaired.
Typically, a water heater comes with a warranty anywhere from 5-15 years on parts. For this reason, if you start experiencing issues, try to find the model & serial number of your water heater so we can determine if it is still under warranty. Our service technicians are local to Hayward and are familiar with most regional heater applications, brands and models.
It’s important to note, if your existing units is more than 10 years old, it’s probably nearing its last legs. Considering the cost of labor, rather than repairing it, a more prudent financial choice might be to just replace the water heater.
In Hayward, common water heater repairs and maintenance include:
Fast Water Heater Company frequently partners with utility companies around Hayward to offer savings on more energy efficient water heating solutions, in the form of rebates.
These rebates are great because the water heaters utilize energy more efficiently, and save you money as a result.
Check below for water heater specials and rebates in the greater Hayward area:
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) Water Heater Rebates
*Tankless water heaters do not qualify
Learn more about PGE Rebates!
Sacramento Municipal Utility Department (SMUD) Water Heater Rebates
Learn more about SMUD Heat Pump Water Heater Rebates
