It might not seem like it at first, given their numerous benefits, but there are a couple of issues that are relatively commonly occurring with tankless water heaters. That’s why you need a reliable plumber for tankless water heater repair. Here are the four most common issues with tankless water heaters.
Ignition Failure
If there are issues with the flame igniting, then it’s likely either an electrical problem or there’s an issue with the gas line. Whatever the case may be, your water heater won’t be able to successfully heat your water. If you can’t or are unable to diagnose the problem yourself, then you need to call in an expert plumber to help diagnose and fix the issue.
Sediment or Mineral Build-Up
Your water heater and plumbing system are susceptible to partial or full blockages caused by a build-up of sediments or minerals. If you’ve got hard water, then this is particularly likely to happen – or if you have older, iron pipes. As time passes, the minerals in the water become stuck to the pipes or tank, which causes the passage for water to flow through to narrow. It affects the pressure and temperature of your water, which could potentially render it unsafe to use.
If you’re experiencing problems with a mineral or sediment build-up, then you’re going to need to call in a professional plumber to flush your system. Given that, this should be a part of regular, annual maintenance of your plumbing system and water heater, just to keep the build-up in check and keep more serious problems at bay.
Cold Water Sandwich Effect
A cold water sandwich occurs when one person finishes their shower and someone else hops in the shower immediately after. The water starts off hot, but then turns cold for a few seconds or a minute, before it heats up again. If you’re wondering why this occurs, it’s because once the shower’s turned off, the water isn’t heated any longer, but hot water remains in the pipes.
Now, this is fairly normal for a tankless water heater, as they’re not equipped with a tank to store hot water. However, if you’re noticing that these cold spells last longer than a minute, you might have other issues at play and it would be a good idea to call in a plumber to have a look.
Overload
All tankless water heaters have what’s known as a flow rate capacity that gives you an idea of how much hot water can be used simultaneously. If you happen to go over that, then you could potentially overload the system, which can cause problems. Overloading the system might cause some people in your household to get hot water, while others don’t. In the worst-case scenario, an overload can cause your heater to shut down completely.
If you’re experiencing any of the above problems with your tankless water heater, then you should call in for professional tankless water heater repairs. If you’re not sure who to call, then call the experts at Crowfoot Home Services. We’re here to help! Give us a call today!