Auburn Water Heater Installation

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Fast Water Heater Company services all of Auburn, Washington and the surrounding areas. If you’ve woken up to the surprise of a leaking hot water heater or a cold shower, as long as you call by noon, 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 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 our certified technicians are background-checked and have years of water heater experience before they ever step foot into your Auburn 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 water heater. (This info can be found on a large sticker usually on the side of the water storage tank.)

Auburn 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 Codes – Auburn, WA

Water Heater codes & Permits

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

Currently, Auburn requires 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, Auburn 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.

Local Water Heater & Plumbing Codes – Auburn, WA

Water Heater Codes Currently Enforced in Auburn

  • Approved Location: Carbon monoxide, which can occasionally leak from water heaters in tiny amounts can be hazardous. Auburn City insists that your water heater be placed in a suitable location. Generally, they must not be found inside closets, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

    Earthquake Straps: Washington is known to be located inside an earthquake zone, so it is very important that your water heater remains stable. Auburn’s inspectors will definitely check to make sure that you keep it in place with earthquake straps. They must be on the bottom third and the top third of your heater.

    Expansion Tanks: Both the Uniform Plumbing Code and the jurisdiction of Auburn enforce that, if you have a closed plumbing system, you must use an expansion tanks. This is because closed systems, which block any back-flow between your home and the mains, can lead to increased water pressure. Hot water expands, intensifying pressure, which is released suddenly when your taps are turned on. These quick, dramatic shifts can ultimately inflict damage on your plumbing and on your water heater.

    Venting: Any water heater that is not vented correctly creates the risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
    This is very dangerous, as carbon monoxide can kill people, so Auburn’s inspectors are meticulous in inspecting venting. Venting should be made of non-flammable substances and should be sufficient in size.

    Pans & Drains: In some houses, water heaters are situated in an inside location where leaks might do damage or on a raised section. Heaters in such a position should have pans beneath them, with drain lines attached. This is outlined in the Uniform Plumbing Code.

    Pressure Regulating Valves: If the water pressure in your system becomes too extreme, as in greater than PSI 80, it can mean damage to your plumbing and to your heater. The Code therefore states that, in cases when the PSI is higher than 80, it is imperative to have valves that regulate pressure. When our technicians come to see your residence, they will find out the level of your PSI and advise you on whether or not you require valves to regulate water pressure.

    Greasepack Gas Valve Replacement: Our technicians will advise you to have your greasepack gas valves replaced, as they have a strong tendency to break down.

    Bonding: When the gas and water pipes and electrical wires are in close proximity, it is essential that all pipes are covered with clamps and wire and grounded. This requirement is stated in the Electrical Code.

    Sediment Traps: Your combustion chamber can be negatively affected if sediment is able to go into it. Thus, the inspectors employed by Auburn City will ensure that you include a sediment trap on your gas line.

    Dedicated Water Shutoff: There are often times when you need to close down the water heater, but still need to access the water supply that services your home. Therefore, Auburn’s inspectors insist that your water heater has its own water shutoff.

    Pipe Insulation: You should insulate your pipes if they are to be found in a space that is yet to be conditioned.

Auburn Installations

With more than two decades experience, we have installed countless water heaters in single-family homes, condos, apartments, townhouses and mobile homes all over Auburn. 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, 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 Auburn, Washington.

We look forward to helping you in Auburn. 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 Auburn.

Auburn 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 Auburn and are familiar with most regional heater applications, brands and models.

It’s important to note, if your water heater 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 unit.

In Auburn, common water heater repairs and maintenance our technicians experience 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 has 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 Auburn 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 (AirGenerate)*
    • Tier 2 Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heaters: PSE offers an $800 rebate on a Tier 2 Energy Star heat pump water heater (GE/Rheem)*
    • Tier 2 Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters: AirGenerate offers a $500 rebate on a Tier 2 AirGenerate electric heat pump water heater. Must be installed by an approved contractor. Click here for more info.
    • High Efficient Storage Tank Electric Water Heaters: PSE offers a $50 rebate on electric water heaters with an efficiency rating of .95 or higher.
      • *Must be installed outside a conditioned living space, such as in a garage, attic or crawlspace
    • Learn more about PSE Energy Rebates.

Customers in Southern Washington may also be eligible for Energy Trust of Oregon rebates. Ask your customer service representative if you qualify for the rebates in your area.

    • 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 $40 rebate on gas water heaters with an efficiency rating of .64 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
  • Cowlitz County PUD
    • High Efficiency Electric Water Heaters: Cowlitz County PUD offers a $25 rebate on electric water heaters with an efficiency rating of:
      • .94 or greater for a 25-44 gallon water heater
      • .93 or greater for a 45-74 gallon water heater
      • .92 or greater for a 75-99 gallon water heater
      • .85 or greater for a 110-119 gallon water heater
    • Heat Pump Water Heater: Cowlitz County PUD offers a $300 rebate for 50-60 gallon heat pump water heaters.
    • Heat Pump Water Heater: Cowlitz County PUD offers a $500 rebate for an 80 gallon heat pump water heater.
    • Learn more about Cowlitz County PUD Water Heater Rebates

Contact your local rep now!