How To Troubleshoot Your Tankless Water Heater?
Tankless water heaters are becoming more and more popular every year. Many people choose them because they are energy-efficient and can save you money on your monthly utility bills. However, like any other piece of machinery, tankless water heaters can sometimes malfunction. If this happens to you, don’t worry. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot your tankless water heater and get it up and running again in no time.
Ways To Troubleshoot Your Tankless Water Heater
If you have a tankless water heater, you know that it can be a great way to save space and energy. However, like with any appliance, they can sometimes run into problems.
Here are ways how to troubleshoot your tankless water heater if something goes wrong:
- There is no hot water coming out of the taps.
If there is no hot water coming out of the taps, the first thing you should do is check the power supply. Make sure that the breaker has not been tripped and that there is power going to the unit. If everything looks good on the power front, then it is time to check the water supply. Make sure that the water valves are turned on and that there is enough pressure in the system. If all of these things check out, then it is most likely an issue with the unit itself and you will need to call a professional for help.
- Your house’s water temperature is too hot.
If your house’s water temperature is too hot, it could be due to a few different factors. The first thing you should check is the thermostat on the unit. If it is set too high, then that is an easy fix. Just turn it down to the desired temperature and you should be good to go. If the thermostat is not the issue, then it could be that there is sediment build-up in the unit. This can happen over time and will need to be flushed out by a professional.
- Water runs hot, then cold, then hot again.
If your water is running hot, then cold, then hot again, it is most likely due to a problem with the thermostat. It could be that it is not calibrated correctly or that it is going bad and needs to be replaced. Another possibility is that there is a leak in the system somewhere. This can cause the unit to cycle on and off more frequently than normal and will need to be fixed as soon as possible.
- The water appears discolored and has an unpleasant odor.
This is often a sign of sediment accumulation. Turn off the water heater and let it cool down. Drain the tank using the drain valve at the bottom. Flush out any accumulated sediment by running hot water from a faucet until it becomes clear. Reattach the drainage hose and restart the unit. If this does not solve the problem, call a professional to inspect your unit.
- The gas tankless water heater won’t ignite.
The first thing you should do is check the gas supply. Make sure that it’s turned on and that there’s enough pressure. If there isn’t, turn up the knob on your propane tank or call your local utility company to have them increase the pressure in your natural gas line. If the gas is on and there’s enough pressure, check the pilot light. It may be out. If so, use a lighter to reignite it. If the pilot light is lit but the water heater still isn’t igniting, there may be something blocking the flow of gas. Check for any obstructions and remove them if necessary. You should also clean out the burner assembly to ensure that everything is clear.
- The tankless water heater is leaking.
If your tankless water heater is leaking, the first thing you should do is check the connections. Make sure that all of the pipes and fittings are tight and secure. If they are loose, tighten them with a wrench. If they are still leaking, you may need to replace the gasket or O-ring. Another possible cause of a leaky tankless water heater is a cracked heat exchanger. This is a more serious problem and will require professional repairs.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems with your tankless water heater, there are plenty of ways to troubleshoot the issue and get your home back up and running as smoothly as possible. We’ve outlined some common issues and their solutions above. But if at any point you feel uncomfortable attempting to fix the problem yourself, please call us today, we’re here to help.
Do You Need a Tankless Water Heater Installer You Can Trust?
Superior Mechanical Services, Inc. began in 1948 as a family-owned business with a vision to provide value-minded service with a down-to-earth approach to customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. As the premier Commercial and Residential Plumbing Service and HVAC Service provider for Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton, Superior Mechanical can do it all, from heating and air conditioning services to Tankless Water Heaters. Our technicians are certified Tankless Water Heater professionals who will ensure every part of your project is done right using a careful checklist to guide and test each step. At the end of your appointment, we’ll show you how to get the most out of your new Tankless Water Heater system and give you tips on maintenance so it lasts for years to come. Contact us today for amazing service tomorrow!
