Our blog on tankless water heater repair will talk about some of the common issues you might encounter with gas and electric models. Because repairing a tankless water heater is crucial to work properly.
If your problem is easy enough, you can handle it by yourself most of the time. The following is a list of common tankless heater problems and how to fix them.
The Best Way to Maintain a Tankless Water Heater
With routine maintenance, your water heater can last much longer, which means that you won’t have to make repairs as often. There’s not much special equipment needed, and the process is pretty straightforward. The best way to handle it is by flushing it every six months.
Supplies Required
A bucket of 5 gallons
Pump for submersible transfer
White vinegar, 2 gallons
Hose
pliers
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Service
Follow these simple steps are required for tankless water heater maintenance service :
Disconnect the water heater supply and output valves.
Cut off the gas to the heater by flipping the circuit breaker.
Identify the tab that holds the pressure-relief valve. The tab needs to be pulled.
Fill the 5 gallon bucket with vinegar.
In the bottom of the bucket, place the submersible pump.
Install a hose between the heater’s inlet and the pump’s outlet.
Run a second hose into the bucket from the pressure-release valve.
15 to 20 minutes is enough time to run vinegar through the heater.
Scaling from minerals in your water can be removed in this way.
It is necessary to turn off the pump. Remove inline filters. You should remove, clean, and then replace the filter.
You need to drain the vinegar lines by running the pump from the bucket.
Make sure you utilize the same pump arrangement you previously used to run clean water through the heater.
Restart the water and power.
It Is Time To Replace The Heating Element
You can experience a premature failure of the heating element over time if you have an electric tankless hot water heater. In some cases, repairing becomes a headache and expensive.
It’s not difficult to replace it yourself, but it can be time-consuming.
Supplies Required
Tape for masking
A voltage meter
Pliers
Screwdriver
Hair dryer
Bucket
Tag or towel
How to Replace a Heating Element
Safety Tip: Cover power switches and circuit breakers with masking tape to prevent people from unintentionally turning them back on.
At the breaker box or control panel, switch off the power.
Be sure the power has been turned off by checking the circuit with a voltmeter.
You can siphon off some hot water by opening one hot water tap.
Remove the hot water heater and drain it into a bucket.If you have a specific model, make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use a screwdriver to remove the wires at the top of the element.
The old element should be removed, and the control panel is covered in a rag or towel to prevent drips. This step may require pliers depending on what your heater is made of.
After installing a new heater element, install the new O-ring. Adjust the element to its maximum tightness.
Replace the top wires with new ones.
It is imperative to replace the drain stopper and tighten the cover.
You can now turn on the water.
If drips occur on the control panel, use a hair dryer to dry them.
Ensure that both the water supply and the power source are connected and functioning properly.
Be sure to open the shut-off valves and make sure that the minimum flow rate is flowing through the system in order to activate the switch.
Test the hot water by turning on a hot water tap
In case the water is too hot or not hot enough, do the following steps:
Ensure the unit is set between 120 and 125°F. Keeping the temperature at this level is considered safe.
It might be beneficial to reduce the temperature in your home if you have young children or others with sensitive skin.
Make sure filters and fixture aerators are clean.
Maintain the temperature sensor firmly attached to the pipe by placing it in the right position.
Follow the maintenance steps to descale and flush the heater.
Why Tankless Water Heaters Need Repairs
Breakdown of Heating Elements
Gas and electricity are both options for powering a tankless water heater. The heating elements in electric units may fail for a variety of reasons. In most cases, a broken heating element can be replaced and a malfunctioning water heater can be successfully repaired.
To verify that it is only the heating element that is defective, a certified plumber will examine the thermostat, circuit breaker, and any other wiring related to the heating unit. In this case, you need to have your need to replace the broken heater element to get hot water flowing again.
The Buildup of Sediment
Are you experiencing hard water? If this is the case, your tankless water heater might need to be repaired sooner than you expect. The accumulation of sediment and scale in tankless water heaters causes them to lose their functionality. The presence of these mineral deposits can cause a water heater’s tank to erode.
Tankless water heaters lack tanks to corrode, but the corrosion can penetrate heating elements and other parts, leading to failure and malfunction. Especially if you have hard water in your house, it may be worthwhile to hire a local plumber to make sure sediment does not accumulate on your heater’s heating parts.
Troubleshooting Gas Burners
In the same manner, like electric water heaters, gas heaters use burners rather than heating elements to produce heat. Thermocouples and dirty burners are two problems that can arise with these parts.
Make sure that all-natural gas-related repairs are properly done by a plumber prior to a water heater replacement.
A Tankless Water Heater Has Low Water Pressure
It is common for tankless water heaters to encounter low water pressure as a result of too many hot water appliances running at the same time. Troubleshooting low water pressure involves the following steps:
Test the water pressure by running a hot shower. While turning off all other hot water appliances. Observe the water pressure.
A number of other hot water appliances should be turned on. It’s possible and convenient to turn on the dishwasher and a hot water tap at the sink while the shower continues to run.
Once again, check the pressure in the shower. A lower pressure indicates that you should either lower your hot water consumption or consider upgrading your tankless water heater.
On the water heater, reduce the output temperature. On-demand water heaters heat the water at the moment of demand. The unit may slow down the water flow to allow more time for the water to reach the required temperature when the temperature is too high. The temperature can usually be adjusted manually on tankless units with digital displays.
Is the water pressure still low after you lower the temperature? It’s likely that you’re experiencing one of the following tankless water heater problems which require professional assistance:
A cold water inlet filter that is dirty
Building up of sediment
Tankless Water Heater Is Leaking
Sadly, you can’t fix a leaky tankless water heater on your own. Get in touch with a professional right away for its repair. In other words, on-demand tankless water heaters never store hot water – they always heat water on demand. Therefore, you should consider any leaking you notice from the unit as an indication of a larger problem.
One of the following issues could be causing your tankless water heater to leak:
Stacking of sediments
Gas units vent incorrectly
The connection of the water pipes is faulty
What is the cost of repairing a tankless water heater?
It’s usually necessary to have professionals do the work, and the cost can range from $150 to over $800. Generally, the average price hovers around $600.
A plumber will be required to inspect your unit first in order to provide an accurate estimate of the repair. The plumber usually charges a “diagnostic fee”. If you hire a plumber to repair your unit, they might waive the diagnostic fee.
Daniel Adley is a seasoned and skilled plumber with over 20 years of experience. Specializing in repairing and optimizing water appliances for large buildings, offices, and homes, he has a keen eye for efficiently identifying plumbing and maintenance issues. With a passion for his craft, Daniel brings extensive knowledge and expertise to every project, ensuring reliable and effective solutions for his clients.
