Tankless Water Heater in Centennial, CO

Centennial conditions behind a tankless install

Centennial doesn't run its own water or sewer. Service comes from a patchwork of special districts, including Southgate, Willows, Arapahoe County Water and Wastewater Authority, East Cherry Creek Valley and others, and much of the city's water arrives through Denver Water distributors. For Denver Water-supplied districts such as Southgate and Willows, Denver Water's report lists total hardness averaging about 105 ppm, a moderate level that calls for regular flushing of a tankless heat exchanger. Other districts publish their own reports, so check the name on your water bill.

The housing is mostly suburban, split by I-25, with established neighborhoods west of the interstate and rolling, newer areas to the east. Water heaters usually sit in a basement or garage. A gas tankless unit needs its own sealed vent and a gas line large enough for its burner. Xcel Energy supplies gas.

Comparing your options

Signs your current heater needs attention

• Lukewarm water before the second shower is done
• Popping noises from sediment in a tank
• A tankless display showing ignition or flow errors
• Rusty hot water or moisture under the heater

Timing and seasonal notes

Winter water is colder, so a tankless unit has to work harder and delivers less hot flow in January than in July. Size for the cold months. Spring and fall are easier times to plan a swap, before an aging tank picks its own moment to fail. The City of Centennial Building Division (13133 E. Arapahoe Rd., 303-754-3321) issues the permit, and the plumber typically applies and schedules the inspection. If you smell gas at any point, leave the house, then call 911 and Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-2999.