Water heaters are often the first major plumbing item an owner of an older house replaces. The tank itself may be relatively new, but the pipes that connect to it, the gas line, the vent and the space it sits in may date back much further. A replacement is a good moment to deal with those older parts rather than connect a new heater to aging pipe.
In California, water heaters must be seismically strapped to resist earthquake movement. That requirement applies to replacements, and older installations sometimes lack proper strapping.
Older-home details that affect the job
- Galvanized nipples or pipe at the cold and hot connections
- Missing or improper seismic strapping
- Old or undersized vent pipe for a gas unit
- Gas connector or shutoff valve that should be updated
- Temperature and pressure relief valve discharge line routing
- A closet or alcove too small for a modern tank with required clearances
- No drain pan or a location where a leak would damage floors below
Tank or tankless in an older house
Tank replacement
- Usually fits the existing space and connections
- Simpler swap in most older homes
- Needs seismic strapping and proper venting
- Stores hot water, so standby heat loss applies
Tankless conversion
- Smaller unit, often mounted on a wall
- May need a larger gas line, new venting and electrical work
- Older gas piping may not supply enough fuel without changes
- Hard water scale makes periodic maintenance important
What drives the cost
- Type and size of heater chosen
- Replacement of galvanized connections and valves
- Venting changes for gas units
- Gas line upgrades, especially for tankless
- Strapping, pans and discharge piping
- Permit and inspection requirements; check with the City of Fullerton
Questions to ask before replacement
- Will you replace the galvanized nipples and connections at the heater?
- Does the existing vent meet requirements for the new unit?
- Is my gas line sized for what I am choosing?
- How will the new heater be strapped?
- Is a permit required, and who arranges the inspection?
Common questions
Why does my new water heater still give rusty water?
If the rest of the supply pipe is corroding galvanized steel, the color may come from the pipes rather than the heater. Ask a plumber to check where the discoloration starts.
Do I need seismic strapping?
Yes. California requires water heaters to be strapped to resist earthquake motion, which also reduces the risk of a gas line or water connection breaking.
Can a tankless heater use my existing gas line?
Sometimes, but tankless units often need more gas flow than an older line was sized for. A plumber should check gas line size and length before you commit.
General information for Downtown Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.