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FAQs

Welcome to THE Water Heater Company’s Frequently Asked Questions page — your trusted source for answers about water heater repairs, replacements, installations, and more.

Whether you’re facing an urgent no-hot-water emergency or simply researching the best options for your home, we’re here to provide clear, honest, and helpful information. Our goal is to make your decision easy, your experience stress-free, and your home comfortable again.

Explore our most common questions below

Covering our services, products, warranties, Code compliance, financing options, and more.


About THE Water Heater Company

Q: Who owns and operates THE Water Heater Company?

A: THE Water Heater Company is locally owned and operated by industry professionals Anthony and Gonzo, who built the company on a foundation of genuine care, transparency, and service excellence.

Q: What areas do you service?

A: We proudly serve homeowners in Ventura County, Los Angeles County, Orange County, and the City of Santa Barbara, with offices in Camarillo, Van Nuys, and Santa Ana.

Q: Are you licensed and background-checked?

A: THE Water Heater Company is a fully licensed and insured plumbing contractor in the state of California, and our technicians are thoroughly background-checked, insured, and receive ongoing professional training.

Q: What makes you different from other plumbing companies?

A: We specialize in water heaters. Unlike general plumbing companies, we’re focused exclusively on providing fast, expert, and reliable water heater services — with transparent pricing and a people-first approach.

Q: Do you offer emergency water heater services?

A: Yes. In most cases, we are able to offer same-day service and respond quickly to urgent situations like leaking water heaters, broken water heaters, or loss of hot water.

Water Heater Services & Warranties

Q: What water heater services do you offer?

A: We specialize in professional water heater repairs, replacements, tankless water heater installations, heat pump water heaters, water filtration systems, and earthquake safety valve installations.

Q: Do you offer same-day water heater service?

A: Yes. We strive to provide same-day water heater service whenever possible, especially for emergency repairs and no-hot-water situations.

Q: What warranties do you offer for water heater services?

A: We offer industry-leading warranties, including manufacturer warranties on water heater products and our own labor warranty. We also provide long-term support after installation.

Q: Can I get an instant estimate online for a water heater installation?

A: Yes! You can use our Instant Estimate Tool for a fast, rough price range and follow up with our team for an exact, in-home quote.

Q: Do you offer financing options for water heater services?

A: Absolutely! We offer 0% interest for 12 months (if paid in full) and low monthly payment options with no prepayment penalties.

Q: Do you provide water heater maintenance services?

A: Yes. We offer routine water heater maintenance and safety inspections to ensure your water heater’s long-term performance and efficiency.

Water Heater Product FAQs

Tank Water Heaters
Q: How long does a tank water heater last?

A: Typically, a standard tank water heater will last 8-12 years, depending on maintenance, water quality, and usage.

Q: How long does it take to install a new tank water heater?

A: Most tank water heater installations are completed the same day, usually within a few hours.

Tankless Water Heaters
Q: What are the benefits of a tankless water heater?

A: Tankless water heaters provide endless hot water, increased energy efficiency, space-saving design, and lower utility bills.

Q: How long does a tankless water heater last?

A: A professionally installed tankless water heater typically lasts 15-20 years with proper maintenance.

Q: Do you service and install all major tankless water heater brands?

A: Yes. We install and service leading tankless water heater brands such as Bradford White, Noritz, Navien, Rinnai, Rheem, and others.

Recirculation Pumps
Q: What is a hot water recirculation pump, and do I need one?

A: A hot water recirculation pump eliminates wait time for hot water at your fixtures, providing instant hot water and reducing water waste.

Q: Can you install a recirculation system with a tankless water heater?

A: Yes. We specialize in both integrated and retrofit recirculation systems for tankless water heaters and traditional tank water heaters.

Water Pressure Regulators
Q: Why is a water pressure regulator important for my water heater?

A: Excessive water pressure can damage your plumbing system, appliances, and water heater. A pressure regulator protects your system and helps extend the life of your water heater.

Q: Do you install and service water pressure regulators?

A: Yes. We install, test, and service water pressure regulators to ensure your home’s water pressure is safe and efficient.

Whole House Water Filtration & Conditioning Systems
Q: What are the benefits of a whole house water filtration and conditioning system?

A: Cleaner, better-tasting water; reduced scale buildup; longer-lasting plumbing and water heaters; improved skin and hair health.

Q: Do you offer certified water filtration and conditioning products?

A: Yes. We are certified water experts with HALO Water and install premium water filtration and conditioning systems.

Earthquake Shutoff Valves
Q: What is an earthquake shutoff valve, and why do I need one?

A: An earthquake shutoff valve is a safety device installed on your gas meter that automatically shuts off gas flow during seismic activity to prevent gas leaks and fires.

Q: Is an earthquake shutoff valve required in California?

A: In many areas of California, including Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, earthquake shutoff valves are required when installing new gas appliances, such as water heaters, or making significant gas line modifications.

California Plumbing Code Compliance

Q: Do you install water heaters according to California Plumbing Code?

A: Yes. All of our water heater installations strictly follow California Plumbing Code and Building & Safety regulations to ensure compliance and safety.

Q: Why is it important to install a water heater according to Code?

A: Installing a water heater up to Code ensures safety, performance, and longevity. Failure to follow Code can result in gas leaks, water damage, fire hazards, and void manufacturer warranties. Additionally, insurance companies may deny claims related to improperly installed water heaters.

Q: What are the risks of hiring someone who doesn’t install water heaters to Code?

A: Many plumbers, handymen, and contractors cut corners and do not follow Code or manufacturer requirements. This leads to increased maintenance costs, more frequent breakdowns, shorter equipment lifespan, and potential safety hazards. Choosing a professional, licensed company like ours ensures the job is done right, protecting your home and family.

Q: Will you pull permits for my water heater installation?

A: Yes. We handle all necessary permits and inspections to ensure your water heater installation is code-compliant and stress-free.

Rebates & Tax Credits

Q: Are there rebates available for water heater installations in California?

A: Yes. Many utility companies and local municipalities offer rebates for energy-efficient water heater installations. We can help you identify and apply for available rebate programs.

Q: Are there tax credits available for energy-efficient water heaters?

A: Certain energy-efficient water heater installations may qualify for federal tax credits. We provide guidance to help you maximize your available savings.

Other Helpful Water Heater FAQs

Q: How do I know if I need a new water heater?

A: Common signs include leaking, lack of hot water, unusual noises, rusty or discolored water, or if your water heater is over 10 years old.

Q: How can I prevent my water heater from breaking down?

A: Schedule regular water heater maintenance, flush the tank annually, check the anode rod, and install a whole house water filtration and conditioning system if you have hard water. Water softeners can be beneficial for tankless water heaters but may accelerate corrosion in tank-style water heaters.

Q: Do you offer commercial water heater services?

A: We primarily focus on residential water heater services but can accommodate small commercial properties — call us for details.

Q: Can I schedule water heater service online?

A: Yes! You can book service, request an instant estimate, or call us anytime.

Q: Do you offer free estimates for water heater services?

A: We do not offer free on-site estimates. We offer a free Instant Estimate online, but an in-home assessment is $99. This fee covers the time, expertise, and resources required to thoroughly inspect your home, build accurate estimates, and provide professional recommendations.

Q: Why should I pay for an on-site water heater estimate?

A: Sending a trained technician to your home costs time and resources. Our $99 assessment includes a full inspection, custom recommendations, and clear, honest pricing. Many companies offering “free estimates” cut corners or pressure you into high-cost decisions. We believe in providing real value and professional service upfront.

Q: How do I contact you after hours for water heater emergencies?

A: Our office is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday-Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. During closed hours, we use an advanced AI answering service that can access existing client information, schedule appointments, and answer basic questions. If a callback is needed, our AI agent will schedule it for the following morning.