Water Heater Replacement in Redlands, CA

How does the permit work for a water heater in Redlands?

The City of Redlands Building & Safety Division, through its One Stop Permit Center, issues plumbing permits. A water heater permit can be started on the City's online portal, but payment has to be made in person before the permit is issued, so build that step into your timeline. The permit center can be reached at (909) 798-7536. In most cases the installing plumber handles the paperwork and schedules the inspection, where seismic straps, venting, the gas connection and the relief valve line are checked. Ask that the permit be part of the written quote.

What is Redlands water like for a new heater?

The City of Redlands Municipal Utilities & Engineering Department supplies drinking water from the Santa Ana River and Mill Creek watersheds, Bunker Hill Basin groundwater and, during peak demand, imported State Water Project water. The City's 2022 water quality report, covering 2021 data, listed groundwater hardness averaging 152 mg/L (range 100 to 200) and treated surface water averaging 135 mg/L, with chlorine as the disinfectant. That is moderately hard to hard water, so sediment and scale will build in any tank over the years. Flushing once a year and checking the anode rod every few years help a new heater last. The City also reports no lead or galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines in its distribution system.

Should I stick with a gas tank or try something different?

A same-size gas tank is the most straightforward swap and keeps the existing vent and gas line in use. Some homeowners use the replacement as a chance to try a heat pump water heater, which pulls heat from the surrounding air; it needs a dedicated electrical circuit, a condensate drain and enough open space around it, so a garage is usually the best spot. Tankless units are another option for steady, heavy use but typically require a larger gas line and new venting. In older homes, plumbers may also find a closet install with limited clearance, which can narrow the choices. A plumber can walk through what your space supports and price two options.

One Redlands note

SoCalGas is the gas utility in Redlands. If you smell gas around the heater, leave the house right away, then call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200 from a safe place.