The housing
Amerige Heights in west Fullerton was developed much more recently than the city's postwar tracts, so its homes were built to newer codes with newer materials. Gas piping, venting and electrical service were designed for modern appliance loads, and you are unlikely to find galvanized supply lines.
That does not mean every home here is ready for tankless as is, or that an existing unit will take care of itself. Your home's original water heater type, its gas line size and its location still decide what a change involves, and the water is the same hard city supply as elsewhere in Fullerton.
If your home already has a tankless unit
- Find the install date and model number on the unit's label
- Check whether service valves with flush ports were installed
- Look for any record of flushing since the home was built
- Check for stored codes and note them in an error log
- Confirm the condensate drain, if any, runs clear
If your home has a tank and you want tankless
- Note the tank's location and how it vents
- List all gas appliances so the plumber can total the load
- Find the nearest outlet and drain
- Check any community rules that apply to exterior changes such as new vents
Newer home, same water
| Advantage of newer construction | Still applies |
|---|---|
| Copper or modern plastic supply piping | Hard water scale in the heat exchanger |
| Gas piping planned for modern loads | A tankless unit's full-fire demand must still be checked |
| Modern electrical service | Gas units still need an outlet nearby |
| Newer sewer laterals | Condensate and relief discharge need proper outlets |
Who to contact
- Water service
- City of Fullerton water utility
- Gas service and meter
- SoCalGas
- Permits
- City of Fullerton building department
- Exterior changes
- Check your community's rules, if any
- License checks
- cslb.ca.gov
Common questions
Does a newer home still need tankless flushing?
Yes. Hard water affects the unit regardless of the home's age.
Is my newer gas line big enough for tankless?
Possibly, but it still has to be checked against total load and run length.
Who handles warranty on a builder-installed unit?
Check the manufacturer's warranty terms and any paperwork from the home's original sale.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.