The housing
Golden Hills sits in the hills of north Fullerton, with many homes on sloping lots and floor plans that are larger than a typical tract house. Much of the housing dates from the 1960s and 1970s, with plenty of remodels since. Some homes are split-level or built partly on raised foundations because of the slope, so the route a pipe or vent takes can be less direct than on flat ground.
Larger homes often mean more bathrooms and longer distances from the water heater to the farthest fixture. That makes sizing and hot water delivery time bigger questions than in a compact home.
Tankless considerations here
| Feature | Why it matters | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Several bathrooms | Higher peak demand | What flow rating covers our busiest ten minutes? |
| Long pipe runs | Longer waits for hot water | Would recirculation or a second unit help? |
| Pool or spa heaters in some homes | Large added gas load | Does the gas line support everything firing together? |
| Split-level or raised areas | Pipe and vent routes may be longer | Where can the vent go within the manual's limits? |
| Hard water from the city supply | Scale in the heat exchanger | How will we flush, and how often? |
Common choices in larger homes
- IfThe farthest bath is at the opposite end of the houseThenCompare a recirculation loop with a second unit closer to that bath.
- IfA pool heater shares the gas lineThenAsk for a full load calculation including it.
- IfYou are remodelingThenPlan gas, vent and return lines while walls are open.
Sewer laterals and slopes
Homes of this era often have cast-iron or clay sewer laterals, and mature landscaping means tree roots can find their way into joints. On sloped lots the lateral may run a long way to the street. A tankless install mostly involves gas, water and venting, but the condensate drain and relief valve discharge need a proper outlet, so mention any slow drains to the plumber.
Who to contact
- City of Fullerton water utility for water service questions
- SoCalGas for meter and gas service questions
- City of Fullerton building department for permits
- The city, to confirm sewer lateral responsibility
- cslb.ca.gov to check any contractor's license
Common questions
Will one tankless unit serve a large Golden Hills home?
Sometimes, if sized for peak demand and the gas line supports it. Some larger homes use two units.
Does a sloped lot affect venting?
It can change where the vent can exit and how long it runs. The manual's limits apply.
Who checks whether my gas meter is big enough?
Your plumber totals the load; SoCalGas handles anything on the meter side.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.