Highland homes can run tankless water heaters well, but the city sits at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, so winter inlet water is cold and older houses may need gas and vent upgrades. The City requires a permit for water heaters. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Highland.
Highland conditions
Highland stretches along the southern foot of the San Bernardino Mountains, split into Highland, East Highland and West Highland. Being up against the foothills, it sees more frost on exposed pipes than lower parts of the valley, and the water coming into a house is colder on winter mornings. A tankless heater has to lift that colder water to a comfortable temperature, so a unit that seems generous on paper can feel small in January.
Census survey figures show a median year built of 1983, with about 44% of homes built before 1980 and the 1980s and 1990s as the busiest building decades. Older houses here often have the heater on a shared flue and a gas branch sized for a tank; newer ones tend to have garage installs that make a sidewall vent easy.
The City's residential plan-check handout names East Valley Water District as the water agency, and new structures connect to sewer where available, subject to EVWD review. EVWD's annual water quality report lists the hardness, so check it before choosing scale treatment.
Whole-house tankless versus point-of-use
| Whole-house gas unit | Point-of-use electric unit | |
|---|---|---|
| Serves | Every fixture in the home | One sink or bathroom |
| Typical location | Garage, closet or exterior wall | Under a sink or in a nearby wall |
| Main requirement | Gas line sized for full burner input, dedicated vent | A dedicated electrical circuit |
| Winter performance | Must be sized for cold inlet water | Small units lose output in cold weather |
Signs it is time to act
- Hot water that fades faster in winter than in summer
- A tank heater with rust, leaks or a failing relief valve
- Long waits for hot water at a remote bathroom
- A tankless unit with dropping flow or recurring faults
Timing notes
Plan replacements before the cold months if you can. Outdoor units need working freeze protection, and that depends on electricity. Highland's Building & Safety Division at 27215 Base Line St. issues permits for plumbing systems and water heaters; the permit counter is (909) 864-8732 x232. If you smell gas, leave the house first and then call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200.
Tankless Water Heaters questions in Highland
How is a tankless heater sized for my house?
Do I need a permit to switch to a tankless water heater?
Is a whole-house electric tankless heater practical?
Can a tankless heater be mounted on an outside wall here?
More plumbing services in Highland
Tankless Water Heaters nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
Last updated: