Common Tankless Water Heater Problems & How to Fix Them

Tankless water heaters are a highly sought-after advancement in water heating technology that provides ample benefits for your home’s efficiency, water usage, and comfort. However, that doesn’t mean they are impervious to issues. If you are struggling with frequent tankless water heater issues, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some problems we hear about:

My Tankless Water Heater Will Switch Between Hot & Cold Before Finally Getting Hot Again

This common issue is often referred to as the “cold water sandwich.” It occurs when the heat exchanger within the unit takes a bit of time to heat up. If this has been a recurring issue for your tankless water heater, your contractor may recommend a mini-tank water heater. It’s not the perfect solution for everyone, so it’s important to talk to a professional before making any final decisions. The small tank water heater will provide you with enough hot water until the heat exchanger heats up all the way.

My Tankless Water Heater Will Not Get Hot at All

Like all technology systems, tankless water heaters have their limitations. Tankless water heaters only produce hot water as it’s needed, so it’s possible that running too many hot water appliances at the same time can cause this issue. However, it could also indicate a more prominent problem such as a clogged heat exchanger, blocked vent, gas supply issues, a bad ignitor or flame rod, or dirty burners. You’ll be able to determine if it’s a demand issue if the unit works properly when you only use one appliance. However, it’s a good idea to stay on top of routine maintenance to catch problems as they arise. If the issue persists, contact a professional for a thorough inspection.

My Tankless Water Heater Keeps Shutting Off While I’m Using It

This problem most often occurs in older or outdated tankless water heater models. All water heaters have a minimum flow rate requirement. Older models stipulate higher flow rates than modern appliances demand. As such, tankless water heaters will often shut off to avoid damage to the heat exchanger.

In this case, you will most likely need to upgrade to prevent future problems. Newer units offer very low minimum flow rates, so you can be confident that your tankless system will be able to meet the efficiency standards of the current era.

For more information about tankless water heater installation and repair in Toms River, NJ, get in touch with our team today for a FREE estimate!