Tankless Water Heater Repair
Tankless water heaters are efficient and reliable hot water solutions for many compatible homes and workplaces. These units don’t store hot water; instead, they provide hot water on demand by rapidly heating water and directing it to your fixtures. If your water heater isn’t working as it should, TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing is here to help repair tankless water heaters and more.
Common Tankless Water Heater Problems We Fix
While tankless water heaters are durable, occasional repairs are inevitable. From minor leak repair to tankless water heater installations, TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing's crew of plumbers is well-equipped to handle all types of hot water tank repair.
Water leaks
Water leaks are a common problem that requires prompt repair to prevent further damage to your water heater and home. Tankless water heater leaks may result from poor pipe connections, loose fittings, or failing internal components.
Some fixes are simple, such as replacing a valve. Others may require more complex repairs or necessitate a replacement unit.
Inconsistent water temperature
Depending on your configuration, your tankless water heater may be some distance away from the fixture you’re using. This lets cold water linger in the pipes between uses, causing it to flow from the fixture briefly before the hot water arrives. These small fluctuations aren’t necessarily a problem, even if they are frustrating. However, our plumbers can assess your home’s installation to determine if modifications or an additional heater are worthwhile upgrades.
System overload
Depending on your tankless water heater’s capacity, a system overload may also be responsible for inconsistent or insufficiently low water temperature. Using hot water from multiple fixtures on a single tankless unit, such as showers, laundry machines, or dishwashers, may cause a system demand deficit.
In some cases, limiting how often you use multiple hot water fixtures simultaneously may fix this problem. If that’s not an option or doesn’t resolve the issue, our plumbers can recommend an upgrade or supplementary unit.
No hot water
If you’re not getting hot water, try turning the tap on high for a few moments. Tankless water heaters have a minimum flow rate, which refers to the rate of water movement required before the heater starts a cycle. Most heaters have low flow rates but need more than a trickle to initiate a heating cycle.
In other cases, no hot water might mean that your water heater can’t respond. If the ignition or flame fails, it may have a tripped breaker, loose connection, or a closed gas valve. Our plumbing team can assess your system and determine the underlying problem, such as wiring damage or faulty components, to prevent recurring problems.
Blocked air supply or exhaust
Tankless water heaters have a ventilation or exhaust system for the combustion process. Built-in safety features may shut your system down if they detect blockages in the air supply. The heater may display an error code indicating an obstruction, which requires a plumber for proper inspection and repair.
Sediment buildup
Hard water leads to mineral deposits in the unit, which interferes with your system’s efficiency and causes extra strain. Typical fixes include unclogging and descaling, followed by deep cleaning and other necessary maintenance.
Poor water quality
Water that appears rusty, cloudy, or otherwise discolored may signal a significant problem with sediment buildup. Unpleasant odors or taste also suggest faulty parts or leaky pipes leading to poor water quality.
What Do Tankless Water Heater Error Codes Mean?
Tankless water heaters feature built-in diagnostic tools that communicate issues through error codes. Error codes and messages vary across models and manufacturers, but familiarizing yourself with the codes for your water heater can help you understand the nature and severity of its breakdown. These error codes may describe a range of faults, such as:
- Ignition failure
- Faulty temperature sensor
- Combustion error
- Blocked vents
- Thermal fuse problem
How Can I Maintain My Tankless Water Heater to Prevent Problems?
Preventative maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your tankless water heater, ensure its efficiency, and prevent repairs.
Regular descaling
Arrange for professional descaling services once per year — if your area has hard water, schedule descaling annually or more frequently as needed. Descaling involves flushing the system with a descaling solution to remove calcium and other mineral buildup.
Annual inspections
Regular professional inspections and services help identify and anticipate potential problems with your tankless water heater. At TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing, our team provides comprehensive tankless water heating maintenance to ensure the performance and efficiency of your system. In addition to flushing and descaling your system, plumbers typically check for:
- Gas leaks
- Combustion chamber
- problems
- Safe ventilation and exhaust
- Water quality
- Pressure relief valve function
DIY inspections
While you shouldn’t neglect annual professional maintenance, extra upkeep helps keep your tankless water heater in optimal condition between services. Perform these checks on a routine basis:
- Test hot water supply and pressure at faucets
- Look for discolored water
- Listen for banging or other strange noises
- Monitor the water bill for unexplained spikes
- Verify ventilation
- Look for signs of leaks, such as water on the floor or near the water heater.
Check filters
Clogged tankless water heater filters impede the water flow and may cause water leaks and other problems. Inspect and clean the water heater’s filters to ensure proper water flow.
Mindful usage
Be mindful of your household’s hot water usage habits. Frequently using multiple fixtures strains your water heater, resulting in a loss of energy efficiency and accelerated wear.
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