Water Heater Replacement in San Clemente, CA

How hard is the water I am putting into a new heater?

On City of San Clemente water, the two sources in the City's quality report come in at 17 grains per gallon from the Baker plant and 14 grains per gallon from Metropolitan's treated water (293 and 236 mg/L). Either way, that is hard water. A new tank will gather sediment, and a tankless unit will need regular descaling. Many owners pair a replacement with a softener or at least a yearly flush plan. Homes in Talega, served by Santa Margarita Water District, and the small north area served by South Coast Water District should check those districts' reports instead, since the numbers will differ.

Is tankless a good fit for a coastal home?

It can be. Tankless units save floor space and deliver continuous hot water within their flow rating, which suits busy households. The trade-offs are upfront cost, possible gas line and venting upgrades, and maintenance in hard water. Units mounted outside near the ocean face salt air, so the cabinet, gas fittings and vent terminations should be rated and placed with corrosion in mind. With the median San Clemente home built in 1982, older gas piping and venting are often due for attention during either kind of replacement.

Who handles the permit and the gas?

The City of San Clemente Community Development Building Division issues building permits, and the installer normally applies. The new heater must be strapped to meet California's earthquake bracing requirement. Gas in San Clemente is supplied by SoCalGas, while SDG&E provides electricity. If you ever smell gas near the heater, get out and call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from outside.

One more local note

If the old heater failed by leaking, the City's utilities hotline at 949-366-1553 is for leaks on the City's side, not inside the house; a plumber handles everything from the meter in. Ask for a written, all-in price covering the heater, permit, straps and removal before work begins. If the home has a pressure regulator, the plumber may also recommend an expansion tank so the new heater is not stressed by pressure swings, and in hard water a yearly flush is worth putting on the calendar the day the heater goes in.