Hot Water Heater Installation & Replacement Near San Francisco, CA
Before you replace your water heater, it's important to know exactly what you're getting to ensure you have the right fit for your San Francisco home. Whether you're upgrading to a tankless style or replacing a broken traditional heater, making an informed decision is a must. While some companies take shortcuts that could compromise your safety, Cabrillo uses a 20-point pre-installation checklist to ensure you receive the safest, most efficient installation checklist.
What We Check Before We Install
For your safety and convenience, a Cabrillo water heater installation will not begin until we've answered these questions and more. We do this for both accuracy and efficiency, so we know exactly what to expect during installation. We'll keep you informed of our assessment and use the information to install or replace your water heater in no time.
Our 20-point pre-installation checklist:
- Water Pressure – Is the water pressure at the water heater acceptable? Pressure over 80psi can damage your new water heater.
- Hot Water Supply – Do you currently have enough hot water under normal conditions? Is the existing water heater sized properly?
- Hot Water Supply Under Abnormal Load – Is your hot water supply also adequate during peak periods such as holidays and special events, when your home may have an influx of visitors?
- Location – Is the water heater currently installed in a code-approved location?
- Space – Is there adequate space for the new water heater to be installed?
- Flue Vent Size – Is the existing flue vent adequate for the new water heater?
- Combustion Air – Is there enough combustion air in the current location? Gas heaters need a sufficient supply of oxygen to operate safely.
- Relocate – Would you like to move the water heater to another area? Any remodeling plans in the future?
- Safety Stand – Does this installation require an 18″ stand? Water heaters with unsealed combustion chambers (like many 75 and 100-gallon types) require a stand if they are located in the vicinity of a parked vehicle (typically a garage or near a garage). If there is a stand currently, is it code approved? Is the stand bolted to the floor?
- Safety Pan – Is the heater in a location that might require or need the installation of a safety pan? This is a metal containment pan with a drain on the side that will help contain any water that might leak out from under the heater. The drain line must then be run to an approved location.
- Bollard – Is the water heater in a place that would require a bollard? This is a 3″ diameter steel pole placed into the concrete to protect the heater from being hit by a car. You can use a parking guard.
- Gas Supply Line – Is the gas line to the water heater up to code? Is it properly secured?
- Emergency Gas Shut-off Valve – Does the emergency shut-off valve for the gas line work?
- Gas Flex Line – Is there a gas flex line going into the heater? Gas flex lines must be replaced at the time of new installation. Any water heater rated at 100,000 B.T.U or more requires a special gas flex line or hard pipe.
- Emergency Water Shut-off Valve – Does the emergency water shut-off valve work? Is it located where it is accessible?
- Seismic Bracing – Is there code-approved seismic bracing in the current installation? If so, is it strapped at 4 points?
- Flue Vent Installation – Is the flue pipe up to code? This is the pipe that comes out of the top center of the heater and removes the un-burnt gases, carbon monoxide, to the outside. Is it sized properly? Does it work? We will check this. An oversized flue pipe can be a problem and cause condensation that could possibly shorten the life of your heater.
- Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve – Does the temperature and pressure relief valve terminate in a code-approved location? This is a safety valve that all heaters have that will open if the temperature and pressure become excessive. If this occurs that scalding hot water must go someplace.
- Hot Water Return Line – Does it take a long time for certain areas of the house to get hot water? Can some type of hot water return line system be installed?
- Tankless Alternative – Is the installation of a tankless heater possible? Tankless heaters can be an effective option and should be examined as a viable alternative.
Make the Most of Your Water Heater from Day One
Established in 1961, Cabrillo has always operated with a customer-first mindset. We don't cut corners and we'll never skirt a building code. Your safety is our number one priority. We install most gas and electric water heaters, including tank and tankless. We also offer top-of-the-line warranties to protect your system for years to come. When it's time to upgrade your hot water, Cabrillo is here to help you make the right decision for your home. Give us a call 24/7 at 415-360-0560