Frequently Asked Questions

Water wears down everything, including the inside of your water heater. Rust and mineral deposits build up inside the tank making it less efficient and potentially dangerous to operate.

Each install varies, but on average takes 3-4 hours.

We always prefer that you are home but if you cannot be, we will need access to the inside of your house toward the end of the installation. We will need to run the hot and cold water in a bathtub or shower for a few minutes to clean out any air and dirt in the water lines. We prefer you are home to do this step, but we can do it if need be.

Yes, we haul away your old water heater and clean our work area thoroughly!

Yes. The gas to the whole house will be shut off for 1 to 2 hours.

Yes, the water will be shut off to the whole house until the water heater is installed.

In some cases, we will need to turn off “some” of your electricity. This depends on the type of water heater you have. If you have an electric water heater or a gas water heater with an electric component, we will have to turn off some of the power, but not to the whole house.

Permits are required by California law. Any unpermitted work can lead to insurance denying coverage, problems obtaining loans, and complications when selling your house. But MOST importantly, it is for your safety! Improper water heater installation can put you at risk of natural gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fires. By getting a permit and getting the work inspected by the building inspector, you are guaranteed a safe and professional up to code installation.

Inspections usually last between 5 & 10 minutes. They may ask, however, to come inside your home to be sure that your co2 & smoke detectors are properly located. Improper placement of co2 and smoke detectors can cause a failed inspection.

The building departments are using any permit issued as an opportunity to be sure that you have smoke and co2 detectors in the proper locations. This is to protect you, your family and your pets from fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Keep the signed off permit along with our contract/bid and the warranty registration with the rest of your important documents for as long as you own the water heater.

You don’t. We take care of that for you. You will receive an email notification directly from the water heater manufacturer once it is registered.

California building code requires a stand when the water heater is in a garage. This is so that the pilot flame is at least 18 inches off the floor and away from any gas fumes. Sides are required to prevent people from putting gas cans under the water heater.

Due to the sheer number of people living in California, building codes must be generalized. While you may not park your car in the garage, if a car CAN be parked there, building code requires a post.

When a water heater is filled with cold water and heated, the water expands. This creates an increase in pressure which can be dangerous. An expansion tank regulates this pressure.

Waters heaters have the potential to leak at any time. The drip pan is designed to collect and relocate the water to the floor or to the outside of the building to help prevent water damage to your home.

Rust particles, sand, and dirt can develop inside the gas piping. A sediment trap collects this debris and prevents it from damaging the inside of your water heater.

Call Fred directly at (916)402-9006 and he would be happy to help with any questions or concerns!