A tankless heater suits many San Clemente homes, but City water here is hard, roughly 14 to 17 grains per gallon depending on the source, so scale control is part of the plan. Natural gas comes from SoCalGas, not SDG&E, which matters both for the gas line and for any leak. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in San Clemente.
How hard is San Clemente water on a tankless unit?
For homes on City of San Clemente water, the latest water quality report gives hardness of 293 mg/L, about 17 grains per gallon, for water from Irvine Ranch Water District's Baker treatment plant, and 236 mg/L, about 14 grains per gallon, for treated Metropolitan Water District water. No single system-wide figure is given, yet both sit well into the hard range. Inside a tankless heater that means periodic descaling through service valves, and many owners add a softener or scale-reduction filter on the inlet. Talega homes are served by Santa Margarita Water District and a small part of north San Clemente by South Coast Water District, so those households should read their own district's report. The provider is printed on your water bill.
Can a tankless heater be mounted outside near the coast?
Outdoor-rated models exist and free up garage space, but ocean air is tough on exposed metal. A plumber will weigh the cabinet rating, how sheltered the wall is and whether the gas connector and vent cap are protected from spray and wind. Hard freezes are rare on the coast, though the unit's built-in freeze protection still depends on electricity. Plenty of coastal installs end up in the garage with a sidewall vent for exactly these reasons.
Who reviews and approves the work?
The Community Development Building Division handles permits, at 910 Calle Negocio (949-361-6100). With a median build year of 1982, many San Clemente homes keep a tank in a hall closet or garage that vents through a shared flue. Going tankless changes both the gas load and the vent arrangement, and the inspector looks at each. Expect the plumber to measure the gas pipe back to the meter before naming a model, since an undersized line starves the burner when two showers run at once. Older closet installs may also need a new location if a sealed vent can't reach an outside wall.
A San Clemente gas note
SDG&E delivers electricity in San Clemente, but SoCalGas supplies the natural gas. If you ever smell gas near the heater, get everyone out of the house before doing anything else, then call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200.
Tankless Water Heaters questions in San Clemente
Will hard water shorten the life of a tankless unit?
Should I add a softener before a tankless heater?
Can a tankless heater sit on an outside wall in a coastal climate?
What do I do if I smell gas near my water heater?
More plumbing services in San Clemente
Tankless Water Heaters nearby
Sources
Last updated: