Solutions to What are the Most Common Problems with Tankless Water Heaters

Tired of bulky, inefficient traditional water tanks? Then tankless water heaters are the home improvement game-changers you've been waiting for!

These space-saving wonders not only provide endless hot water but also help you save on energy bills by heating water instantly on demand. But like any sophisticated system, tankless water heaters are not immune to problems.

In this article, we'll delve into the most common problems with tankless water heaters and equip you with the knowledge to tackle them. From insufficient hot water and sediment build-up to flame and ignition failures, we've got you covered. Identifying and addressing these issues promptly is key to ensuring your tankless heater's peak performance and longevity.

So, let's dive in and discover how to troubleshoot and resolve these pesky problems, ensuring your tankless water heater operates at its best.

What is a Tankless Water Heater?

Imagine a water heater that never runs out of hot water, doesn't take up half your basement, and is highly energy-efficient. That's precisely what tankless water heaters bring to the table.

Unlike conventional tank-based models, tankless water heaters operate on an on-demand principle. Instead of storing hot water in a large reservoir, tankless units heat water instantly as it flows through the system.

Think of it like brewing a single cup of coffee rather than making an entire carafe. This way, you only drink what you need and there's no reason to keep the remaining coffee warm (which you may end up discarding anyway).

How does it Distribute Hot Water?

When you turn on the hot water tap, cold water enters the tankless water heater, passes through a powerful heating element or gas burner, and emerges as piping-hot water at the perfect temperature, all within seconds.

This on-demand heating process ensures you have an uninterrupted supply of hot water whenever you need it, without wasting energy on constant heating and reheating.

Advantages of Tankless Water Heaters Over Hot Water Tanks

• Great For Smaller Residences/Spaces: Their compact size makes them ideal for apartments, condos, and homes with limited space.
• Energy Efficient: Beyond their space-saving nature, tankless heaters offer exceptional energy efficiency, leading to substantial savings on utility bills.
• Saves You Money: By only heating water, as needed, they eliminate the energy losses associated with storing hot water in a tank, making them eco-friendly and wallet-friendly.
• Long Lifespan: Tankless water heaters also boast a longer lifespan compared to conventional models, often exceeding 20 years with proper maintenance.
• Simple Maintenance: Their modular design allows for easy replacement of individual components, reducing repair costs and enhancing longevity.

Install Your Tankless water heater with Whyte Plumbing

Ready to enjoy an endless supply of hot water and save?

Whyte Plumbing is your trusted partner for tankless water heater installation. Say goodbye to common water tank problems and embrace a more reliable, energy-efficient solution.

Don't forget to contact Whyte Plumbing today and experience the luxury of on-demand hot water in your home.

Solutions to the Most Common Problems with Tankless Water Heaters & Hot Water Tanks

Problem: Insufficient Hot Water & "Cold Water Sandwich"

When turning on the shower you may experience lukewarm water (this  also happens with a traditional hot water tank). This is called a "Cold water Sandwich" when one household member takes a shower after another and they experience cold water. This comes from the water resting in the pipes running from your tankless water heater to your shower. This means you'll have a blast of cool water before it begins to heat up again.

Solution: Have Your Tankless Water Heater Installed Close to Your Shower

There is a way to alleviate this problem. The closer the tankless water heater is to the destination (your shower), the less cool water you'll feel. Always ensure to run the shower for a few seconds before jumping in.

Problem: Not Enough Hot Water For the Whole House

Like with traditional hot water tanks, your tankless water heater has a limit on how much output it can withstand at once. If you're running hot water in your washing machine, have multiple showers going, or you're running a dishwasher simultaneously, you may not have enough hot water for your entire home.

Solution: Be Mindful of Hot Water Usage

Try to limit simultaneous hot water activities such as showering and using the dishwasher to avoid strain. Wash your clothes in cool or cold water to save money and capacity. If your tankless water heater is running out of capacity frequently, it's worth talking to a plumber to install a larger or a second unit. Ensure to talk to a plumbing expert to ensure a tankless water heater suits your household water needs.

Problem: Mineral Buildup & Scaling

Over time, mineral deposits and scale can accumulate inside any water heating system. Mineral buildup can happen to a tankless water heater's heat exchanger, diminishing its efficiency and performance.

Calcium and magnesium are common minerals that contribute to hard water. This buildup restricts the flow of water and hinders the heat transfer process, leading to longer heating times, system strain and reduced hot water output.

Solution: Simple Routine Maintenance: Flushing, Descaling & Cleaning Filters

Preventing sediment build-up is crucial, and the key lies in routine maintenance. Having a plumber regularly flush the system and perform descaling procedures will help keep your tankless water heater running optimally. Tankless water heaters contain water filters that collect debris.

Problem: Flame or Ignition Failure

When the burner fails to ignite in a gas-powered tankless water heater, it results in a disruption of the heating process, leading to no hot water supply.

Flame failure can occur due to gas supply issues, faulty ignition components or regulators, buildup in your heat exchanger, or ventilation problems.

Ignition failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including a dirty ignition sensor, gas supply problems, or an issue with the electrical components. Ignition problems prevent the heater from initiating the heating process, resulting in no hot water output.

It's best to seek professional assistance for more complex issues. They can help you troubleshoot and find replacement parts as necessary.

Solution: Check Obvious Causes Then Call a Certified Plumber For Help

Rule out more obvious causes before calling an expert, such as your electrical supply and see if you have an unpaid hydro bill. To diagnose and rectify ignition failure, check for gas supply issues or electrical faults.

If you experience flame or ignition failure, turn off the gas supply immediately and avoid any attempts to relight the burner yourself. Instead, call a certified plumber to diagnose and fix the issue safely.

When should you call a plumber?

Identifying Issues Suitable for DIY Troubleshooting

Before reaching for the phone, it's worth considering if the problem at hand is something you can tackle on your own.

Basic maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the water filter or checking for gas supply issues, are usually suitable for DIY troubleshooting.

If you're experiencing a slight decrease in hot water output or encountering error codes on the unit's display, you may want to try some DIY troubleshooting first. Most tankless water heaters come with user manuals with troubleshooting guides to help you identify and resolve common issues.

Knowing When It's Time to Call a Professional Plumber

While some problems are manageable with DIY efforts, certain issues warrant the expertise of a licensed plumber. If you encounter any of the following situations, it's time to make that call:

• Gas-Related Issues: If you suspect or smell a gas leak or encounter problems with the gas supply, never attempt to handle it yourself. Gas water heater-related problems can be dangerous and require immediate attention. If you notice symptoms or smell a strong odour of a gas leak, immediately turn off your gas valves and leave your home right away. Call your gas utility company provider's emergency number for help.

• Complex Malfunctions: If you've exhausted all basic troubleshooting steps in your instruction manual and the problem persists, it's best to call in a professional plumber. Complex malfunctions, such as flame or ignition failure, and system flushes require specialized knowledge and diagnostic tools to identify and resolve properly.

• High-Pressure or Scalding Hot Water: Problems related to high pressure or overheating can pose safety hazards and may involve intricate adjustments, system flushes, clogs or part replacements. A professional plumber can assess the situation, diagnose the underlying cause, and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and the heater's optimal performance.

• Sediment Build-up and Scaling: While you can perform routine maintenance tasks like flushing the system, dealing with severe sediment build-up or scaling often requires professional descaling procedures and expertise.

Connect With Whyte Plumbing For Your Tankless Water Heater Repairs & Installation

Don't continue to live with cold showers and not enough hot water for your home. Contact Whyte Plumbing now, your trusted experts in handling tankless water heaters. From issues pertaining to gas valves, and ignitions, to mineral buildup, and more our skilled plumbers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain your system.

Reach out to Whyte Plumbing today for expert assistance and get your tankless water heater back on track.

Tankless Water Heaters FAQ

What are the Disadvantages of Tankless Water Heaters?

One disadvantage is the higher upfront cost compared to traditional tank-based models. Also, some users may experience a delay in hot water delivery, especially in larger households or during peak demand periods. This is why it's important to ensure that your tankless unit is appropriately sized to meet your household's hot water needs.

Mineral buildup is a common issue with tankless water heaters. However, this is an issue in areas with hard water (such as Calgary, AB).

Good news if you live in BC the water is considered very soft, which means less maintenance costs and problems for your tankless water heater.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the energy efficiency, space-saving design, and long-term savings on utility bills make tankless water heaters a compelling choice for many homeowners.

What's the life expectancy/longevity of a tankless water heater?

The average lifespan of a well-maintained tankless water heater is around 20 years or more. This significantly exceeds the lifespan of traditional tank-based water heaters which is about 8-12 years. Tankless models are a long-lasting investment.

Do I need to Clean a Tankless water heater?

Yes, periodic cleaning and maintenance are essential for optimal tankless water heater performance. Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate inside the heat exchanger, impeding the heating process and reducing efficiency.

Regularly flushing the system and descaling the heat exchanger will help prevent sediment build-up and ensure continuous hot water flow. Again, the frequency depends on where you live and if hard water is a common problem in your area. Always check your tankless water heater's user manual or contact an expert to make sure.

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