Santa Ana Water Heater Installation

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Fast Water Heater Company services all of Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana water heater experts we can help. 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 Santa Ana home.

Try to find the 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.)

Santa Ana 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).

Local Water Heater & Plumbing Permits – Santa Ana, CA

Water Heater codes & Permits

You may be wondering, “Do I need a permit to replace my water heater in Santa Ana?”

Currently, Santa Ana 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, Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana installer can answer any specific questions you have.

Local Water Heater & Plumbing Permits – Santa Ana, CA

Water Heater Codes Currently Enforced in Santa Ana

  • Approved Location – The CA Plumbing Code Regulations prevent most gas water heaters from being located in bedrooms, bathrooms, or closets (unless sole use). This regulation prevents human contact with the small amounts of Carbon Monoxide (CO) released from gas water heater vents and the possibility of accidents. This is presently enforced by Santa Ana.

    Earthquake Straps – California is an earthquake zone which requires some regulations for everyone’s safety. Hot water heaters are required to have certified earthquake straps on the top and bottom thirds of the tank. Most inspectors in Santa Ana enforce this regulation.

    Venting – Gas combustion water heaters generate carbon monoxide and require venting. The size of the vent is established by the size of the hot water heater. Depending on the venting material, the inspector will require ample clearance from the vent near any flammable or combustible surfaces. Currently Santa Ana is enforcing this.

    Pans and Drains – If hot water heaters are located on a built-in platform or an inside location, a leakage could cause water damage. As prevention, the CA Plumbing Code requires a pan under the tank with a drain line running to the exterior.

    Pressure and Temperature Relief Drain (“P&T Drain”) to the Exterior – The CA Plumbing Code requires the P&T relief drain to be run to the exterior. This requirement is in place to prevent accidental scalding when the P&T relief is discharging. Presently, it is being enforced by Santa Ana.

    Dedicated Water Shutoff – A dedicated water shutoff allows you to keep water running to the rest of your home while your water heater is off or being serviced. Santa Ana enforces this item.

    Grease pack Gas Valve Replacement – Grease pack valves used to be utilized regularly for hot water heaters. However, the California Plumbing Code no longer approves their use due to a high failure rate. We are required to check for this valve when inspecting your hot water heater and advise you to have it changed if we find one. This item is enforced by Santa Ana.

    Expansion Tanks – In 2008, the California Plumbing Code began requiring expansion tanks for a ‘closed plumbing system.’ This system has a backflow preventer between the house and water main. Heated water increases by about 2% causing pressure build-up, with a rapid drop in pressure when a faucet is turned on, causing deterioration of the plumbing, fixtures and water heater.

    Eventually this can lead to failure of the water heater. Expansion tanks are required on closed systems and it is strongly recommended that you install one if you have a closed system. Santa Ana does enforce this code.

Santa Ana Installations

With more than two decades experience, we have installed countless water heaters in single-family homes, condos, apartments and townhouses all over Santa Ana. 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 call by noon, install your new water heater the same day you contact us.

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 Santa Ana.

Santa Ana Water Heater repair

Even in Santa Ana, 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 numbers of your water heater so we can determine if it is still under warranty. Our service technicians are local to Santa Ana and are familiar with most regional heater applications, brands and models.

It’s important to note, if your current 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 Santa Ana, common repairs and maintenance for residential water heaters include:

    • Replace the thermocouple – Sometimes a fix is as simple as one small part. This is often the case when a water heater isn’t heating water; typically it just needs a replacement thermocouple, which allows the heater to take in gas.

 

    • Replace the anode rod – Over time, the minerals in your water and pressure in your tank will cause corrosion of your water heater. Anode rods prevent tank corrosion because they attract the corrosive elements, keeping them away from the storage tank. The installation of dual anode rods, or a replacement can extend the life of your heater.

 

    • Pilot light – This simple mechanism is also responsible for lots of water heater repairs. Sometimes the light can simply go out and just needs to be re-lit. Other times, the assembly may have failed, and needs to be replaced.

 

    • Drain storage tank – Some newer water heater have self-cleaning tanks, however, older ones need to be manually drained to prevent a sediment build-up. If you fail to drain the sediment, eventually the mineral deposits will collect and shorten the useful life of your water heater.

Rebates and Specials

Fast Water Heater Company frequently partners with utility companies around Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana area:

SoCal Gas Water Heater Rebates

  • $100 Rebate on Energy Star Storage Tank Gas Water Heaters with an efficiency rating of .67+*
  • $200 Rebate on Tankless Gas Water Heaters with an efficiency rating of .90 or more**
  • $150 Rebate on Tankless Gas Water Heaters with an efficiency rating of .82-.89 or higher**

*Tankless water heaters do not qualify

**Must be replacing storage tank water heater
See all SoCalGas Energy Rebates

 

Contact your local rep now!