Fast Water Heater Company services all of Richmond, 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.
As the water heater experts, we can service, replace or install electric & 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 Richmond home.
Try to find your model number and serial number 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.)
Richmond requires a permit for the installation of a hot water heater (this will not delay any work, just will arrange a safety inspection for a later date).
You may be wondering, “Do I need a permit to replace my water heater in Richmond?”
Currently, Richmond does require a permit for a water heater installation. The good news is we can pull the permit for you, and it will not slow down any work on our end.
Every few years, Richmond 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 – 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 CA 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.
Sediment Traps – Sediment traps are meant to catch moisture and debris and prevent it from entering the combustion chamber of the water heater. At this time, Richmond actively enforces this.
With more than two decades experience, we have installed countless water heaters in single-family homes, condos, apartments and townhouses all over Richmond, California. 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, install your new water heater 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 Richmond, CA.
We look forward to helping you in Richmond. 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.
Give us a call or fill out the form below to receive more information about a Richmond water heater replacement or installation.
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 to find out if it is still under warranty. Our service technicians are local to Richmond and are familiar with most regional heater applications, brands and models.
It’s important to note, if your existing model 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 Richmond, common repairs and maintenance for residential water heaters include:
Fast Water Heater Company frequently partners with utility companies around Richmond 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 Richmond 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
