Water Heater Help & Guides
Straight answers from Fast Water Heater Co., installing and repairing water heaters across Washington, Oregon and California since 1986. Figure out what’s wrong, decide whether to repair or replace, and see what your options cost.
Latest Posts
How Old Is My Water Heater? Find the Age From Your Serial Number
Your water heater’s age is hidden in its serial number — there is no build date printed in plain English on most units. Find the rating plate sticker on the side of the tank, copy down the serial number, and match it to your brand below. It takes about...
Water Heater 101: How Old Is My Water Tank?
Like any appliance, a hot water heater will deteriorate over time and eventually require replacement. Most people dislike cold showers, so ideally, you should detect a failing water heater and replace it before it completely breaks down. Delaying the replacement of...
Water Heater 101: Guide to Tankless Electric Heaters
While storage tank water heaters are the most common type used, homeowners are increasingly switching to on-demand or tankless electric water heaters. Instead of holding water in reserve, these heaters produce hot water only when you turn on the faucet, start the...
Water Heater 101: Water Tank Parts and Accessories
If you want to keep your existing hot water heating unit in top working condition and extend its useful life, the best thing you can do is to keep it properly maintained. There are several simple and inexpensive steps you can take to do this, some requiring annual...
Water Heater 101: Exploring Natural Gas Water Heaters
Today's natural gas water heaters are incredibly efficient, with the ability to heat your water twice as fast as their electric counterparts. They can even give you hot water when the power goes out. Since water heating is typically the second-largest energy expense...
Water Heater 101: Is a Tankless and Instantaneous Heater Right for You?
Tankless water heaters, or ones that produce hot water on-demand, have become more popular in recent years, and for good reason. As the name suggests, these water heaters come without the big tank and will only heat the water you need when you call for it by turning...
Popular Guides
Browse by Topic
Troubleshooting & Repair
Something isn’t working right.
- Gas Water Heater Troubleshooting: Pilot, Thermocouple & Status Light Fixes
- How to Troubleshoot an Electric Water Heater: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Water Heater Not Heating? No Hot Water Causes & How to Fix It (Gas, Electric & Tankless)
- Water Heater Leaking? Causes, Is It an Emergency, and What to Do
- Water Heater Making Noise? Every Sound Decoded (Tank & Tankless)
- Water Heater Error Codes: What They Mean & What to Do (All Brands)
- Is a Leaking or Broken Water Heater an Emergency? How to Tell
- 3 Common Issues With Anode Rods
Repair or Replace?
How old it is, what’s failing, and when a new one makes sense.
Costs & Rebates
What installation involves and the incentives you can still get.
Buying & Sizing
Choosing the right type and size for your home.
- Choose the Right Water Heater Size for Your West Coast Home
- What Type of Water Heater Is Most Energy Efficient?
- Electric vs. Gas Water Heater
- Tankless vs. Standard
- Understanding How Tankless Water Heaters Work
- Is a Tankless and Instantaneous Heater Right for You?
- What to Expect When Installing a Heat Pump
- 80 Gallon Water Heaters
Maintenance & Safety
Keep it running longer and safer.
- 3 Major Reasons to Regularly Flush Your Tank
- What Temperature Should a Water Heater Be Set At?
- 7 Steps to Extend Your Water Heater’s Lifespan
- 4 Steps to Extend Your Tankless Water Heater’s Lifespan
- How to Increase Your Hot Water Capacity with a Mixing Valve
- Winterizing Your House
- How to Safely Remove an Old Water Heater: A Step-by-Step Guide
Need it fixed today?
Call by noon for same-day water heater repair or replacement in most areas. Free estimates, no trip fees.