Kent Water Heater Installation

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Fast Water Heater Company services all of Kent, Washington. If you’ve woken up to the surprise of a leaking hot water heater or a cold shower, we guarantee same-day service, if you call before noon. Our hours are 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday.

We’re home-owners 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 Kent 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.)

Kent 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 – Kent, WA 

Water Heater codes & Permits

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

Currently, Kent 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, Kent 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 – Kent, WA

Water Heater Codes Currently Enforced in Kent

  • Approved Location: You may well have heard about the dangers of carbon monoxide, a tasteless, odorless and colorless gas, which can be very harmful to human beings. It can cause sickness and, in severe cases, death. If a water heater is in an inadequate or inappropriate space, such as a wardrobe, bedroom or bathroom, carbon monoxide leaks can be a big risk. With your health in mind, Kent’s inspectors enforce that your water heater be positioned in a suitable place.

    Earthquake Straps: The state of Washington is susceptible to earthquakes, so earthquake straps, attached to the top third and bottom third of your water heater, must be in place. Most of Kent’s inspectors will insist on this.

    Expansion Tanks: In a closed plumbing system, back-flow between the residence and the main water supply is prevented. The Uniform Plumbing Code’s regulations state that, if this is the case, you must purchase an expansion tank. This is because a closed system involves high levels of pressure. Heating the water causes it to expand and turning on the faucet causes pressure to drop dramatically. All of this can harm your plumbing and potentially destroy your water heater’s ability to function. As a result, Kent’s inspectors demand that this rule be followed.

    Venting: As mentioned before, carbon monoxide is a potentially lethal gas, which is produced by the gas combustion mechanism that drives many water heaters. Thus, the inspectors of Kent will make sure that your water heater is vented in an appropriate manner.

    Pans and Drains: Pans, linked with drain lines, must be put beneath any water heater that is inside or on a platform. Both the Uniform Plumbing Code and Kent’s inspectors ask for this regulation.

    Pressure Regulating Valves: When we come to your place, we will check out your PSI and, if it is over 80, then it is imperative that you have valves to regulate pressure installed. High water pressure can do copious amounts of damage, but these valves are designed to prevent this.

    Grease-pack Gas Valve Replacement: If we discover that your gas valves are grease-pack in style, then we will ask that you agree to have them replaced. Greasepack valves often do not function properly.

    Bonding: In order to prevent the energizing that can sometimes be the result of your water pipes and electrical wires being too close together, you must have your pipes grounded, which is achieved by binding them with wire and clamps. This rule is stated in the Electrical Code and enforced by Kent.

    Sediment Traps: If sediment reaches the combustion chamber of your water heater, you can experience a myriad of problems. You need to have a sediment trap put on your gas line. This regulation is strictly enforced by Kent.

    Dedicated Water Shutoff: Kent’s inspectors check that you have a water shutoff, committed exclusively to your water heater. This means that you can switch off your heater and still have access your normal water flow.

    Pipe Insulation: Pipes that are located in an area that has not been conditioned should always be insulated.

kent Installations

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

We look forward to helping you in Kent. 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 Kent.

kent 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 on your water heater to find out if it is still under warranty. Our service technicians are local to Kent 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 Kent, common water heater repairs and maintenance 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 you water heater.

Rebates and Specials

Fast Water Heater Company frequently partners with utility companies around Kent 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!