Although relatively uncommon to the average American homeowner, tankless water heaters are ubiquitous throughout Asia. One of the biggest drivers for growth in this industry is the demand for energy-efficient water heaters.
Tankless water heaters are big money savers in more ways than one. Their efficiency rating means less energy usage and lower utility bills. They also have lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan than systems with tanks.
Despite their benefits, tankless water heater problems eventually happen. Check out the five most common causes below.
1. Energy Supply Problems
Whether it’s an electrical source or a gas source, a tankless water heater needs some form of energy to turn cold water into hot water. If the water refuses to warm up, it’s often a problem with the energy source.
For an electrical system, this means resetting the breaker. If that doesn’t work, there may either be a short circuit or a problem with the heater’s ignition system.
For a gas system, check the gas pressure and gas valves. The pressure should be on the right setting and the valves should be open. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to call a professional plumber in North Central Oklahoma for more help.
2. Maintenance Problems
Regular maintenance is the key to a happy home. Tankless water heaters also need regular maintenance to avoid problems.
About 85% of Americans, and many North Central Oklahomans, deal with a hard water problem. Calcium and magnesium are the usual culprits that scale up inside pipes and can discolor the water, cause a bad odor, or even damage the heating system.
At least once every six months, run some kind of descaling cleaner through the system to remove mineral buildup. You may also consider using a water softener to improve the maintenance of the system.
3. Overusage Problems
Tankless water systems are designed with a specific capacity for a reason. The first few times it happens, resetting the unit may be an adequate fix. If it continues to happen, however, that expensive system is not going to last long.
The best solution to overuse is to limit how many appliances are using the heater at one time. Try not to take simultaneous showers, do laundry, and run the dishwasher at the same time.
If that’s not possible, upgrading to a larger tank or purchasing a second one is the only option.
4. Overheating Problems
Overheating is a different issue from overuse, and it’s even more damaging to the system. First, identify the cause of the overheating. It may be the thermostat set too high, valve blockage, airflow blockage, sensor malfunction, or an issue with the heat exchanger.
5. Blockage Problems
These problems are usually indicated with an error code displayed by the system. The blockage often involves the air supply or the vents.
Check all the vent pipes for proper connections and no sign of degradation. Check the outside vents for any debris that can block them. Additionally, check the position of the water heater to ensure it has access to enough air supply.
Fixing Tankless Water Heater Problems
Tankless water heater problems are often easily repaired with replaceable parts. Usually, these repairs are best accomplished by professional plumbers who are familiar with these systems and know what they are doing. After all, the initial cost of purchasing a brand new tankless water heater is too high to take chances with a DIY project.
For professional help with your tankless water heater in North Central Oklahoma, request an appointment with us today.
