Watching for clues that your tankless water heater needs repair will save you money and aggravation
Tankless water heaters are considered a great choice for households because they are able to provide hot water on demand. Better yet, they do it without wasting any energy on heating water that is not being used. With a tankless water heater, you never run out of hot water and you pay lower utility bills. Moreover, they only take up a small amount of space. While they are very reliable, they can still develop issues just like any other piece of household equipment. It is important to watch out for signs that indicate that your tankless water heater needs repair.
7 signs to look for
Water doesn’t heat up
The most straightforward sign that there is something wrong with the tankless water heater is that the water won’t be warm enough. If the water is cold or not as warm as it usually is, it is a sign that there is a problem with the heating element. In this case, seek professional help right away.
The unit shuts itself off
If the water heater shuts itself off, it could be due to a clogged filter. The heater creates hot exhaust. This exhaust must be ventilated properly or it will cause the system to shut down.
Lower than usual water pressure
Quite often, when the water pressure is low, we blame it on a leaking pipe. However, leaking pipes are not the only reason behind low water pressure. Your water heater could also be the culprit. It could be due to a leak in one or more of the connections or due to the build-up of sediment in the lines. It is best to have the issue resolved at the earliest before the problem gets worse.
The water smells or tastes strange
If you can sense an unusual or metallic taste in your hot water, it could be due to iron in your heater. High iron content in water makes it unfit for consumption. If you are facing this problem, call in a professional to inspect the system. They will be able to tell whether the problem is with your tankless heater or the water itself.
Leaks
Leaks from any household or plumbing appliances always spell bad news. Although leaks are far less common in tankless water heaters compared to storage tank water heaters, they are not unheard of. If you see water pooling below your tankless water heating unit, it could be because of a broken or loose valve. Call for technicians to diagnose and repair the problem.
Odd noises
A little noise coming from your water heater is normal. However, when this noise becomes louder and more frequent, it could be a sign that the tankless water heater needs repair. This normally happens due to the build-up of mineral deposits near the heating components. The dirt particles and calcium deposits at the bottom of the tank form a layer and make it harder for the unit to warm water. These deposits are responsible for the odd noises coming from your heater.
Increasing energy bills
Tankless water heaters are known for their energy efficiency and can help you save money on utility bills. However, when something goes wrong with your tankless water heater, you may notice a spike in your energy bills.
The best way to get top performance from your tankless water heater and to save on repair costs is through scheduled preventive maintenance. It is a misconception that tankless water heaters do not require maintenance. To help keep the tankless water heater in good shape, it is important to flush the system frequently. Get in touch with our team now to know more.