Besides their outstanding efficiency, tankless water heaters are plumber-recommended due to their longer lifespan than tanked systems. However, as reliable as they come, they’re still vulnerable to breakdowns.
Tankless water heaters require just as much attention as any other appliance in your home. When issues crop up, they can affect your entire household’s comfort. From your hot showers to your dishwashing routine, the inconvenience can be serious.
So, to avoid falling victim to this struggle, we’ll discuss the most common repairs for tankless systems and how you can avoid them in this guide.
Mineral Buildup
Do white spots always appear on your faucet or shower head, even after cleaning them? These pesky lime scales are a hint of hard water. It’s a red flag that, if ignored, can compromise your water heater.
Besides ruining the looks of your surfaces and fixtures, these white spots can also build up within your unit. These are traces from your mineral-rich water that may cover up your unit’s heating element or clog its lines.
Either way, mineral buildup is bad for your tankless system. It reduces the efficiency and performance of your appliance. And if you fail to descale your unit, you’re likely to experience more frequent malfunctions and eventual, permanent breakdown. Regularly flushing your unit should be enough to remove these sediments. Installing a water softener will also help, giving you better overall plumbing protection.
Ignition or Flame Failure
Does your tankless water heater suddenly stop working mid-shower? You might be dealing with an ignition or flame failure. This problem often shows up in gas-powered units when there’s an issue with the igniter, gas line, or burner.
If the flame can’t ignite properly, your unit won’t heat any water. Dirty components or poor gas pressure can trigger this issue. While resetting the unit might work once or twice, frequent flame failures usually mean a part needs cleaning or replacing. It’s best to have a plumber inspect the unit to get to the root cause safely.
System Overload
Is system overload really a problem for tankless water heaters, which are known for peak efficiency? Like any appliance, tankless units are susceptible to overloading, too. It happens when many appliances are using hot water all at once. The demand can exceed your unit’s capacity, thus overstraining your heater.
There’s a high chance of serious damage to your unit if you keep insisting on using it beyond its capacity. Instead, consult a plumber for an upgrade. This way, you can still use hot water simultaneously without sacrificing your unit’s life.
Air Supply or Exhaust Blockage
Tankless water heaters need proper airflow to function safely. If something blocks the air intake or exhaust vent, your unit will shut off as a precaution.
This can be caused by dust buildup, nesting animals, or even snow blocking the vent. The system detects the airflow issue and shuts down to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Make it a habit to check the vents for any visible obstruction. If nothing is obvious, let a professional take a closer look.
Faulty Sensors
Tankless units rely on sensors to detect water flow, temperature, and safety conditions. If any of these sensors go bad, your heater might not work correctly or stop working altogether. Often, these malfunctions can be attributed to sediment-induced damage, electrical surges, or water damage.
You might get error codes or inconsistent hot water. In some cases, the heater may shut off on its own to avoid further damage. These parts are small but essential; only a plumber should test and replace them to avoid causing further issues. You can avoid this problem with regular flushing, too. Or, simple measures like keeping its vents and exhaust clear will also cut the risk of this problem.
Electrical Component Failures
Like most modern appliances, tankless water heaters have circuit boards and electrical parts that can fail over time. Power surges, moisture, or internal wear can fry these components.
If your unit isn’t turning on or keeps showing random error codes, this might be the cause. Never attempt to do a DIY water heater repair on these parts. Handling them without training can lead to more damage or even injury. Call a licensed plumber or technician for a safe and accurate fix.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY These Repairs
We get it. YouTube makes everything look simple. But tankless water heaters are more complex than they appear. One wrong tweak can turn a small issue into a bigger, costlier one.
From gas lines to electrical boards, these systems involve components that aren’t DIY-friendly. Without the right tools and know-how, you might void your warranty, or worse, create a safety hazard.
When in doubt, always call a professional. It’s the safest and smartest way to get your hot water flowing again without unexpected setbacks.
Maximize Your Comfort—Get Expert Tankless Water Heater Repairs with Streamline Plumbing
Neglect is often the leading cause of premature tankless water heater breakdowns. No matter how reliable these systems are, they have their breaking point. And you’ll often reach it if you keep disregarding the symptoms of early troubles. Stop waiting for bigger problems; once your unit acts up, call your trusted water heater repair expert.
At Streamline Plumbing, you’re guaranteed only premium tankless water heater solutions. We have certified plumbers who can take care of your unit, whatever its issues are. From faulty sensors to system overload, we’ll show up at your front door equipped to handle your heating concerns.
Book our service today!
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