Fast Water Heater Company services all of Sonoma, California. If you’ve woken up to the surprise of a leaking water heater or a cold shower, just call by noon to 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 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 Sonoma home.
Try to find your water heater 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.)
Sonoma 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 Sonoma?”
Currently, Sonoma 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, Sonoma 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 Sonoma installer can answer any specific questions you have.
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. Sonoma currently enforces this.
Earthquake Straps – 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 Sonoma enforce this regulation.
Venting – Most water heaters in 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 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 Sonoma actively enforces this requirement.
With more than two decades experience, we have installed countless water heaters in single-family homes, condos, apartments and townhouses all over Sonoma. 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 Sonoma, 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 Sonoma.
We look forward to helping you. 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 water heater replacement or installation in Sonoma.
Even in Sonoma, 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 determine if it is still under warranty. Our service technicians are local to Sonoma and are familiar with most regional heater applications, brands and models.
It’s important to note, if your existing unit 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 Sonoma, common water heater repairs and maintenance include:
Fast Water Heater Company frequently partners with utility companies around Sonoma 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 Sonoma area:
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) Water Heater Rebates
*Tankless water heaters do not qualify
Learn more about PGE Rebates!
