Tacoma Water Heater Installation

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Fast Water Heater Company services all of Tacoma 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 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.

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 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 Tacoma 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.)

Tacoma 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 – Tacoma, WA 

Water Heater codes & Permits

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

Currently, Tacoma 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, Tacoma 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 Tacoma installer will be able to answer any specific question you may have.

Local Water Heater & Plumbing Permits – Tacoma, WA

Water Heater Codes Currently Enforced in Tacoma

  • Approved Location: Most of the time, a water heater must not be situated inside a bathroom, bedroom or closet. This is because, on occasion, CO can accidentally leak from a water heater, and can be dangerous to individuals close by. It is also to minimize the possibility of accidents. Inspectors in Tacoma do tend to enforce the legally acceptable placement of your water heater.

    Earthquake Straps: The state of Washington is located in an earthquake zone, so it is essential that straps, designed to stabilize during earthquakes, are attached to both the bottom third and top third of your water heater. Most of the time, Tacoma inspectors enforce this regulation, in order to maintain safety.

    Expansion Tanks: Your water heater might run on a closed system, which means that the plumbing stops back-flow from the mains to the house. If this is the case, the sudden changes in pressure can cause damage to, and even malfunctioning of, your water heater. Thus, the Uniform Plumbing Code states that all closed systems should use an expansion tank. At present, this requirement is definitely being enforced in Tacoma.

    Venting: In Tacoma, most water heaters rely on gas combustion, which means that they produce CO during operation. As a result, it is imperative that they are fitted with appropriately-sized vents, which are kept away from flammable materials. Correct venting is enforced by Tacoma at the moment.

    Drain Lines and Pans: Your heater might be on a platform or positioned inside, where possible leaking could cause problems. If so, you must put a pan, with a drain line running off it, beneath your water heater. Just as with all other requirements listed in this section, this one is demanded by the code and enforced by inspectors in Tacoma.

    Valves to Regulate Pressure: If the pressure of the water running in your house exceeds 80 PSI, then you must lower it by putting in a regulating device, as high levels of pressure can cause damage. Our technicians will measure the water pressure at your residence and let you know the results, so that you can decide what to do.

    Replacement of Grease Pack Gas Valves: Unfortunately, grease pack valves malfunction often, if we find them at your house, we will suggest that you replace them.

    Bonding: According to the electrical code, it is essential that you ground any pipes – both water and gas – with clamps and wire (6 awg).

    Traps for Sediment: In order to stop water and debris from going into the water heater’s combustion chamber, it is important to place a sediment trap on the gas line. Tacoma inspectors work hard to enforce this requirement.

    Dedicated Water Shutoff: This is important, as it enables you to switch off your water heater without cutting the general supply of water to your house.

    Pipe Insulation: Any pipes that are located in any area that is not conditioned must be insulated.

    P&T Drain Union: According to the Uniform Plumbing Code, you do not need to put a union on the drain concerning the P and T. However, in Tacoma, this item is enforced. The benefit of this is that it means that the water heater can be taken away easily, if necessary.

  • Earthquake Straps – As California is in an earthquake zone, earthquake straps are required on your water heater by The California Plumbing Code. The straps must be placed on the top one-third of the tank and the bottom one-third. The city of Half Moon Bay enforces this code for your safety.
  • Venting – Most water heaters in Half Moon Bay are gas combustion. Part of the combustion process necessitates the release of carbon monoxide (CO). These water heaters will need to be correctly vented. The vent size will be determined by the size of the water heater. There must also be adequate clearance from combustible and flammable surfaces if the vent material is likely to get hot. Inspectors currently enforces this requirement.
  • Pans and Drains – To prevent damage through water leakage the CA Plumbing Code requires a pan under the water heater if it is positioned on a platform or in an interior location. A drain line must run from the pan to the exterior. Half Moon Bay enforces this requirement.
  • Pressure and Temperature Relief Drain (“P&T Drain”) to the Exterior – To prevent scalding while the pressure and temperature relief is discharging, The California Plumbing code requires the P&T relief drain be run to the outside. This is enforced by inspectors.
  • Dedicated Water Shutoff – Water heaters require a dedicated water shutoff which allows water to the water tank to be turned off while the tank is being serviced. At the same time, the rest of your home still has water available. Inspectors actively enforce 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 enforced in Half Moon Bay.
  • Bonding – Your gas and water pipes are required to be grounded. The pipes can be effectively grounded with the use of 6 awg wire and clamps. This is a requirement of the California Electric Code because plumbing is regularly built near electrical wiring. Your pipes could be energized if the wiring were to deteriorate. Inspectors are presently enforcing this.
  • Sediment Traps – Moisture and debris in the gas line is prevented from entering the combustion chamber of your water heater by a sediment trap. This trap is located on the gas line running to your water heater. This requirement is not enforced in Half Moon Bay.

Tacoma Installations

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

We look forward to helping you in Tacoma. 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 Tacoma.

Tacoma Water Heater repair

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, you should find the model & serial # of your water heater to find out if it is still under warranty. Our service technicians are local to Tacoma 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, rather than repairing it, a more prudent financial choice might be to just replace the unit.

In Tacoma, 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 has failed, and must 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 Tacoma 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!