Tankless Water Heater in Firestone, CO

Firestone is a fast-growing Carbon Valley town of mostly newer family subdivisions along I-25. Newer homes usually make tankless venting simple, but nearly every whole-house tankless unit needs more gas than the tank it replaces, and that's where the Town's plan review comes in.

What to do now

1. Expect plan review if gas piping changes. The Building Division's fee schedule lists a permit for tank-style water heater replacement, but tankless water heaters with new gas piping require plan review. Allow time for it.
2. Have the gas load calculated. Black Hills Energy supplies gas. The plumber totals your appliances and measures the line from the meter to show the reviewer the pipe can carry the tankless burner.
3. Check your water provider. Most homes are on Town of Firestone water, bought treated from Central Weld County Water District and St. Vrain Water Authority. Barefoot Lakes homes get water from Little Thompson Water District instead.
4. Plan the vent and condensate. Sidewall or roof exits work in most homes; condensing units need a drain.
5. Save the emergency numbers. Town utility billing is 303-833-3291, and after-hours water emergencies go to 720-652-4222.

Symptoms and likely causes

Cost factors

The main drivers are gas line upsizing and the plan review it triggers, the vent route, condensate drainage, unit size and any recirculation. Scale treatment is rarely needed on Town water: Central Weld County Water District reports average total hardness of 33 mg/L, which is soft, and Firestone's supply is disinfected with chlorine. Barefoot Lakes owners should check Little Thompson's report. Questions about the permit go to Building@Firestoneco.gov or the Building Division at 9950 Park Ave. If you smell gas, leave the house, then call 911 and Black Hills Energy at the number on your gas bill.