Bothell Water Heater Services

CALL (425) 636-7038 FOR IMMEDIATE SERVICE

Fast Water Heater Company services all of Bothell and the surrounding areas. If you’ve woken up to the surprise of a leaking hot water heater or a cold shower in your home, just call by noon for same-day service. Call anytime within the service hours of 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday to schedule service.

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 East Side water heater experts, our technicians 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 repairinstallation, 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 certified technicians are background-checked, company employees and have years of water heater experience before ever stepping foot into your Bothell home.

Try to find the model number and serial # of your water heater before you call to help identify the age, warranty and any other pertinent information about your existing water heater. (This info can be found on a large sticker usually on the side of the water storage tank.)

Bothell 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 Code – Bothell, WA

Water Heater codes & Permits

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

Currently, in Bothell, a permit is required 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, Bothell 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 cringe 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.

Local Water Heater & Plumbing Code – Bothell, WA

Water Heater Codes Currently Enforced in Bothell

  • Approved Location: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a byproduct of heating your hot water with a natural gas water heater. As this is a deadly, noxious gas, we must be sure that install your new water heater in an approved location. It is illegal to put in a gas water heater in bedrooms or bathrooms, or even closets in these rooms. The only exception to this code is a direct vent style (or power-direct vent) water heater. Bothell inspectors are very strict in enforcing this rule.

    Earthquake Straps:Uniform Plumbing Code requires the installation of earthquake straps in Washington. We can strap your water heater at the upper 1/3 and lower 1/3 of the tank to prevent your water heater from moving or falling over in the event of an earthquake. The inspectors of Bothell will be sure to check that you are meeting this requirement.

    Venting: Natural gas combustion, which creates carbon monoxide, is one of the most critical components to ensure the installation is done properly. You certainly do not want any carbon monoxide to reach you or your family members, so you must ensure that your water heater has a suitable venting system. These vents should be made of the proper material and keep specific clearances from combustible materials. This is commonly enforced in Bothell.

    Pans & Pan Drain Lines: You are expected to place a pan, linked to an effective drain line, underneath your water heater if it is positioned on a platform or in an internal area where spills might inflict damage. This code is generally enforced by Bothell inspectors.

    Pressure Regulating Valves (PRV): Devices that regulate pressure play an important role in preventing damage to your water heater and your plumbing. This is particularly the case if the pressure in your house is 80 PSI or higher. When we work with you, we take care to measure your PSI carefully and will definitely tell you whether or not you should install a regulator. A PRV can help prolong the life of your water heater and protect your home’s plumbing and fixtures.

    Greasepack Gas Valve Replacement: Greasepack gas valves have proved, on a fairly consistent basis, to work poorly, so it is now a regulation that they be replaced.

    Bonding: Electrical lines may come in contact with your plumbing in your home. If this happens, the water lines in the home can become energized. To prevent this, code calls for the hot and cold water lines to be grounded. This is commonly enforced in Bothell.

    Sediment Traps: Bothell’s inspectors will check that you have sediment trap attached to your system, in order to prevent sediment from going into your combustion chamber.

    Dedicated Water Shutoff: Uniform Plumbing Code requires that a dedicated shut off valve be installed for the water heater. This way, if you need to service your water heater, you do not have to turn off the water to your home entirely. Bothell’s inspectors see to it that this item is installed.

    Pipe Insulation: Pipes in spaces that are yet to be conditioned should definitely be insulated.

Bothell Installations

With more than two decades experience, we have installed countless water heaters in single-family homes, condos, apartments and townhouses all over Bothell. 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 pro-active and installing a new model, or switching to a tankless water heater, our skilled technicians can answer any of your questions and, generally, get your hot water heater installed the same day you call 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 service provider for Bothell.

Bothell Water Heater Repair

Water heaters are one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, heating and storing hot water for your use. They’re built to last, but if yours starts leaking or stops producing hot water, your water heater may need repairs or service.

Typically, a water heater comes with a warranty anywhere from 5-15 years on parts. For this reason, if you start experiencing issues, you should find the model & serial numbers of your water heater to find out if it is still under warranty. Our service technicians are local to Bothell 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, it might be cheaper in the long run to just replace the water heater.

In Bothell, common repairs and maintenance our technicians experience with 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 heaters 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 Bothell 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.

 

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Water Heater Rebates

  • Converting to a Natural Gas Water Heater: PSE offers a rebate of $950 to convert from an electric to a natural gas water heater.
    • The new gas water heater must have an efficiency rating of .67 or higher.
  • Tier 1 Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heaters: PSE offers a $500 rebate on a Tier 1 Energy Star heat pump water heater
  • Tier 2 Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heaters: PSE offers an $800 rebate on a Tier 2 and Tier 3 Energy Star heat pump water heater (GE/Rheem)*

*Must be installed outside a conditioned living space, such as in a garage, attic or crawlspace

Learn more about PSE Water Heater Rebates. See a list of qualifying heat pump water heaters.

 

Cascade Natural Gas

  • Condensing High-Efficiency Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater: Cascade Natural Gas offers a $150 rebate on condensing natural gas tankless water heaters with an efficiency rating of .91 or more.
  • Storage Tank High-Efficiency Natural Gas Water Heater: Cascade Natural Gas offers a $45 rebate on gas water heaters with an efficiency rating of .67 or more.

*Only available for Washington customers with Cascade Natural Gas on rate schedule 503.

Learn more about Cascade Natural Gas Rebates.

 

Seattle City Light Water Heater Rebates

  • Heat Pump Water Heater: Seattle City Light offers a $500 rebate when you buy a qualified heat pump water heater

Learn more about Seattle City Light Energy Rebates

Contact your local rep now!