Tankless Water Heater in Broomfield, CO

Signs it may be time

• Your tank is past its prime and shows rust, popping noises or moisture
• Showers turn cool before everyone in the house is done
• You want back the space a tank takes in a garage or closet
• Your tankless unit shows fault codes or cycles off under load
• Hot water temperature wanders when the dishwasher or washer starts

Broomfield conditions

The City and County of Broomfield treats Colorado-Big Thompson water at its own plant and also buys treated water from Denver Water; the two mix in the pipes. Its water quality report puts distribution hardness at 24 to 140 ppm, or about 1.4 to 7.9 grains per gallon, and calls the water soft to moderate. That range means scale builds at a modest pace, so most owners can stick with the manufacturer's flush schedule. Broomfield disinfects with chloramines.

The permit side is specific. Broomfield's Building Division says all water heaters, new or replacement, require a permit, and switching from a tank to a tankless unit requires a gas pipe plan. That plan shows how the line from the meter will carry enough gas for the tankless burner at full fire along with your furnace, range and other appliances. Many homes need a larger pipe for part of the run. Venting is planned at the same time, since a gas tankless unit needs its own sealed vent rather than the old tank's flue.

Xcel Energy supplies natural gas here. If you smell gas, leave the house, then call 911 and Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-2999.

What affects the price

• Gas pipe plan results. Upsizing part of the line adds labor and material.
• Vent run. Sidewall exits near the heater are the simplest.
• Condensate. Condensing units need a drain and sometimes a neutralizer.
• Unit size. More bathrooms in use at once means a larger unit.
• Permit and inspection. Required for every water heater in Broomfield.

When you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Broomfield. Have your current heater's age, fuel and location ready, along with the number of bathrooms. The plumber prepares the gas pipe plan and applies through the Building Division (303-438-6370, option 5 for a plans analyst), then schedules inspection once the unit is in.