How a tankless heater differs

A tankless water heater fires a burner only when a hot tap opens and water flows through its heat exchanger. Nothing is stored, so there is no tank to rust through, but the unit has to heat water very quickly. That requires a larger gas supply than a typical tank heater and a heat exchanger that stays clear of mineral buildup.

In La Palma, where water is hard, scale in the heat exchanger is the most common reason a tankless unit starts to struggle. Regular descaling, usually by circulating a cleaning solution through service valves, is part of owning one here.

Troubleshooting by symptom

  • IfThe unit shows an error codeThenLook up the code in the owner's manual; many point to ignition, venting, flow or overheating issues that need a technician.
  • IfWater turns cold in the middle of a showerThenToo many fixtures may be running at once, or scale or a clogged inlet filter is restricting the unit.
  • IfWater never gets fully hotThenPossible undersized gas line, low gas pressure, scale or a temperature setting issue.
  • IfThere is a short burst of cold between hotThenOften normal behavior when a tap is turned off and on again quickly.
  • IfWater drips from the unit or ventThenShut the water off to the unit and call a plumber; it may be a fitting, the heat exchanger or condensate.

Tank or tankless for a La Palma house

Tank heater

  • Simpler to replace in the same spot.
  • Works with the existing gas line and vent in most homes.
  • Stored hot water is limited to the tank size.
  • Sediment settles in the tank and needs flushing.

Tankless heater

  • Continuous hot water within the unit's flow rating.
  • Often needs a larger gas line and new venting.
  • Frees up garage or closet floor space.
  • Heat exchanger needs periodic descaling in hard water.

What a conversion from tank usually involves

  • Checking that the gas meter and gas piping can supply the unit's full demand, and upsizing the line if not.
  • New venting suited to the model, routed with proper clearances.
  • A condensate drain for condensing models.
  • Service valves so the unit can be descaled.
  • Electrical power for the unit's controls.
  • A permit; check with the City of La Palma for what is required.

Cost drivers to ask about

Gas line work
Upsizing from the meter is often the biggest variable in a conversion.
Venting route
A short wall vent is simpler than a long run through the attic or roof.
Unit type
Condensing and non-condensing models have different venting and drain needs.
Location
Moving the heater to an exterior wall or new spot adds piping.

Questions before you switch

  1. Can my existing gas meter and piping support this unit at full output?
  2. Where will it vent, and does the route meet code?
  3. How often should it be descaled with our water?
  4. Is a permit included, and what is your CSLB license number?

Common questions

Does a tankless heater give endless hot water?

It keeps heating as long as water flows, but only up to its flow rating. Running several showers and appliances at once can exceed it.

Do I need SoCalGas involved in a conversion?

If a larger meter or gas service is needed, that involves the gas utility. Your plumber should check the existing supply and tell you whether that step applies.

Is a water softener needed for a tankless heater?

Not required, but in hard water a softener or scale treatment can reduce how often the heat exchanger needs descaling. Ask what the manufacturer recommends.

General information for La Palma, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.