Tankless Water Heater in Yorba Linda, CA

Which water provider do I have, and how hard is it?

The City says most residents are served by Yorba Linda Water District, while Golden State Water Company serves some, and which one depends on where you live. YLWD's water is about 85% local groundwater from the Orange County Groundwater Basin and about 15% imported water from the Metropolitan Water District. YLWD's annual report lists its hardness, so check that report. Golden State Water's Placentia-Yorba Linda system reports an average of 11.0 grains per gallon, with a range of 3.92 to 17.5, in its latest water quality report. Golden State adds chlorine, and the imported water it buys contains chloramine. Water that hard deposits scale in a tankless heat exchanger, so flushing and a scale cartridge or softener are worth discussing.

Will my home need gas or vent work?

Often some. With a median year built of 1984, many Yorba Linda homes have the water heater in a garage on a gas branch sized for a tank. A whole-house tankless burner can need a larger pipe from the meter, and it needs a dedicated vent instead of a shared flue. On hillside lots, the distance from the gas meter to the heater and the space around it vary, so the plumber looks at both before recommending a unit. In a larger floor plan with bathrooms far from the heater, a recirculation pump can cut the wait for hot water.

Who handles the permit?

The City of Yorba Linda Building Division issues plumbing, mechanical and electrical permits at City Hall, 4845 Casa Loma Avenue, 714-961-7120, with forms submitted at the counter. The City's building FAQ also notes that Yorba Linda Water District may have its own plan submittal requirements for some projects, so the plumber should check whether anything applies to yours. For a standard heater swap, the installing plumber files and schedules the inspection, and the inspector checks the gas connection, venting, mounting and relief valve before the unit goes into regular use.

One local note

SoCalGas serves Yorba Linda. If you smell gas, leave the house first, then call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200; the City lists the same number for leak reports.