Water Heater Replacement in Colton, CA

Colton runs its own water and wastewater utilities, and its water is hard. About half of Colton's homes were built before 1980, so many heaters sit in older installations that need code updates when replaced. If your heater is failing, start with these steps.

What to do now

1. Close the cold water valve at the top of the tank, or the house main if it won't turn.
2. Turn off the gas control or the electric breaker for the heater.
3. If you smell gas, get out, then call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from outside.
4. Clean up standing water and move anything stored near the tank.
5. Write down the size, fuel and model from the label.
6. If water keeps running after hours and the house valve won't hold, call the City's after-hours line at (909) 370-5000.

Symptoms and causes

Cost factors

• Heater type, capacity and efficiency
• Code updates common in older homes: straps, vent, gas connector, relief line
• Expansion tank or drain pan if required
• Access to the heater's location
• Permit, inspection and disposal

Colton's drinking water comes mostly from seven city wells in three groundwater basins and is disinfected with chlorine. The City's 2025 water quality report lists total hardness for its Colton/Rialto sources averaging about 207 mg/L, with a range of 150 to 230 mg/L. That level of hardness speeds up scale in water heaters and fixtures, so plan on yearly flushing and consider whether a softener fits your budget. Point2Homes reports a median year built of 1979, with about 51.5 percent of homes built before 1980. The City of Colton Building & Safety Division can be reached at (909) 370-5079, and the plumber normally pulls the permit. Note that Colton's own permit guidance covers relocating a heater too, so moving it to the garage or another spot is also permitted work.