The housing
Homes around West Coyote Hills sit on rolling terrain near open space, and much of the housing is newer than Fullerton's 1950s tracts, built largely in the later decades of the twentieth century. Attached garages are common, and that is where many water heaters live.
Because these homes are newer than the city's earliest tracts, copper supply piping is more common than galvanized. Gas lines were still often sized for a tank water heater, though, so a tankless conversion still starts with a load calculation.
Local features and tankless
| Feature | Tankless consideration |
|---|---|
| Attached garage heater location | Often allows a short side-wall vent |
| Homes set close together on slopes | Vent clearances to neighbors' windows and property lines |
| Larger floor plans | Peak demand and hot water travel time |
| Gas lines sized for a tank | Load calculation before choosing a unit |
| Hard city water | Service valves and a flushing schedule |
A sensible order for a conversion here
- Fill in the readiness worksheet.Note the heater location, vent, gas appliances, outlet and drain.
- Get site visits.Ask licensed plumbers to check the gas line, vent route and clearances in person.
- Check community rules.If your home is in an association, ask whether new exterior vents need approval.
- Compare written scopes.Use the quote comparison worksheet to line up the options.
- Plan upkeep.Set a flushing schedule before the plumber leaves.
Laterals and landscaping
Hillside landscaping and trees can still send roots toward sewer laterals, even in newer neighborhoods. A tankless install rarely touches the lateral, but the condensate drain and relief valve discharge need a working outlet. If drains are slow, mention it, and keep people away from any sewage backup.
Who to contact
- City of Fullerton water utility for water service
- SoCalGas for gas service and meter questions
- City of Fullerton building department for permits
- Your homeowners association, if any, for exterior changes
- cslb.ca.gov to verify a contractor's license
Common questions
Are West Coyote Hills homes ready for tankless?
Some may need little change; others need gas or venting work. Each home has to be checked.
Do I need HOA approval for a new vent?
If your home is in an association, ask before work starts.
Is the water here hard too?
Yes. The city supply is a blend of groundwater and imported water, so plan for flushing.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.