Tankless Water Heater in Highlands Ranch, CO

What happens when you call

The call connects you with an independent plumber who works in Highlands Ranch. Expect questions about your heater's age and fuel, the number of bathrooms and where the heater sits, usually a basement or garage in this master-planned community. The plumber checks the gas line, the vent route and power at the heater location, then recommends a size. Once you decide, the plumber applies to the Douglas County Building Division (100 Third Street, Castle Rock; 303-660-7497), whose Plumbing/Mechanical permit application includes gas and electric water heaters. Highlands Ranch Metro District says its own project approval is required before the county issues building permits, so if the job adds a new exterior vent, ask the plumber whether that review applies.

What affects the cost

• Gas supply. A tankless burner needs much more gas at full fire than a tank; the line may need upsizing.
• Venting. Sidewall vents from a basement or garage are usually short.
• Condensate. Condensing units need a drain, often with a neutralizer.
• Recirculation. Popular in two-story homes with distant bathrooms.
• Permit and approvals. County permit plus any metro district review.

Highlands Ranch conditions

Highlands Ranch Water, the district behind the Centennial Water and Sanitation District website, serves every property in Highlands Ranch and Solstice. Its supply is mostly surface water from the South Platte River, Plum Creek and Dad Clark Gulch, stored in McLellan, Chatfield and other reservoirs, with wells mainly as backup. It's treated at the Joseph B. Blake Water Treatment Plant and disinfected with chloramine in the distribution system. The district's report doesn't list a hardness figure for its own system, so a quick test guides the descaling schedule.

For a plumbing emergency on private property, Highlands Ranch Water will help shut off water at the curb stop; its 24-hour emergency line is 303-791-2185. Gas service wasn't verified for the community, so check your gas bill for the utility. If you smell gas, leave the house, then call 911 and your gas utility from outside.

Before the plumber arrives

• Note the heater's age and model from its label
• Clear space around the heater, furnace and gas meter
• Know where your main water shutoff is
• List how many showers or appliances run together on busy mornings