Tankless water heaters offer efficiency, endless hot water, and a compact design, but like any appliance, they can run into issues. If your tankless water heater isn’t working properly, don’t panic—many common problems have simple solutions. Below, we’ll cover the most frequent issues homeowners face and what steps you can take to get your hot water running again.
1. No Hot Water
If you turn on the tap and only get cold water, there could be several reasons why your tankless water heater isn’t producing heat. Here’s what to check:
Power Supply: If you have an electric unit, ensure it’s plugged in and receiving power. For gas models, verify that the gas supply is turned on.
Ignition Failure: If your unit isn’t igniting, check the gas valve, ignition system, and air supply.
Cold Water Sandwich Effect: If you experience brief hot water followed by cold, this could be due to the residual hot water left in the pipes.
What to Do:
Reset the unit and check the circuit breaker.
If you have a gas model, ensure the propane or natural gas supply is flowing properly.
If the problem persists, a faulty igniter or burner might need professional attention.
2. Water Temperature Fluctuations
Inconsistent water temperature can be frustrating, but it’s often caused by a simple issue such as excessive demand.
Common Causes:
Too Many Fixtures in Use: If multiple appliances (e.g., shower, dishwasher, and washing machine) are using hot water simultaneously, the heater might struggle to keep up.
Mineral Buildup: Hard water can cause scale buildup inside the heater, reducing efficiency.
Dirty Water Filter: A clogged filter can restrict water flow, causing temperature swings.
What to Do:
Reduce simultaneous water usage to see if the temperature stabilizes.
Flush your tankless water heater to remove mineral buildup.
Clean or replace the inlet water filter if it’s clogged.
3. Low Water Pressure
If your tankless water heater isn’t delivering strong water pressure, several factors could be at play.
Common Causes:
Clogged Pipes or Filter: Sediment or mineral buildup can restrict water flow.
Undersized Gas Line: If the gas supply isn’t adequate, your heater may struggle to function properly.
Municipal Water Supply Issues: Sometimes, low water pressure originates from your local water provider.
What to Do:
Inspect and clean the inlet filter and pipes.
If you suspect an undersized gas line, consult a professional plumber.
Check with your water provider to rule out municipal issues.
4. System Overload
Tankless water heaters have limits on how much hot water they can provide at one time. If your unit is overloaded, it may shut down or struggle to maintain temperature.
What to Do:
Stagger appliance use to prevent overloading the system.
Consider upgrading to a higher-capacity unit if your household demand has increased.
5. Error Codes on Display
Many modern tankless water heaters display error codes when there’s an issue.
What to Do:
Refer to your owner’s manual to decode the error message.
Try resetting the unit.
If the error persists, reach out to a professional for troubleshooting.
When to Call a Professional
While some tankless water heater issues can be fixed with DIY troubleshooting, more complex problems—such as gas line issues, internal component failures, or persistent error codes—require expert attention. If you’ve tried the above steps and still experience issues, it’s time to call a plumbing professional.
At Rowell Heating & Air, we proudly offer tankless water heater installation. We can provide you a cutting-edge new system and help you get it up and running ASAP. Don’t let cold showers ruin your day—reach out to our experts today!
Rowell Heating & Air is available by phone at (706) 514-4191 or you can always send us a message online.