Tankless water heaters are very reliable and offer the benefit of large energy savings. These are some of the main reasons why they’ve become something of a standard in homes these days.
They are highly durable and very low-maintenance, but sometimes, they can experience a few issues due to some unforeseen circumstances.
So if your tankless water heater is acting up or causing some trouble, here is some insight into what the issue might be and whether your heater needs maintenance.
Signs of Problems With Your Tankless Water Heater
If you spot any of these issues with your tankless water heater, you will most likely need to call a professional to service your system. Luckily, many of these problems are easy to spot, which means you can catch them early before more significant issues arise.
Water Is Not Hot Enough
If you find that the water you are getting from the hot water tap is not quite at the range you are looking for, then some adjustment might be needed. It may be that the only issue here is that the temperature needs to be changed.
This is a common occurrence when homeowners get a new water heater installed and are only starting to get familiar with it. Therefore, if your heater is new, don’t be alarmed. If your water is not hot enough, simply turn up the temperature by cranking up the dial of the heater. Once you reach your desired heat, you are all set. No expert needed!
Water Heater Shutting Off By Itself
If your tankless water heater is shutting off by itself, it can mean one of a few issues. In many cases, a water heater shutting off by itself will be due to a clog in the tankless system. But the only way to know exactly what is causing the problem is to call a professional.
If your tankless water heater is incapacitated, a professional can very easily take care of the problem and have your water heater up and running smoothly in no time.
Variable Temperatures
Water temperature that fluctuates from good to too hot or too cold can be frustrating, especially if you are in the shower. If this does occur, it is a sure sign that you’ve got a problem.
In many instances, the problem is connected with an electrical issue. Therefore, if you are experiencing big fluctuations in water temperature, make sure to call a professional as soon as possible.
Repairing such a problem is easy enough for an experienced plumber and waiting too long to get the issue resolved can lead to more serious issues.
Flickering Lights
Just like variable temperatures can be caused by some electrical problems, specific electrical issues can cause flickering lights. Therefore, if you notice that the lights are flickering on your tankless water heater, this might mean your home has electrical issues.
Problems like these can create frequent and sudden power surges, which can cause damage to your water heater. In such a case, it is best to call a professional to find the source of the problem.
Strange Taste or Color in the Water
Tankless water heaters do not have a reservoir for sediments to form, which means that discoloration or a funny taste in the water should not be considered normal. If you notice that the water is tasting strange or has a different color, it is a clear sign that something is wrong.
The problem might be with the water heater itself or due to an issue in the water supply. Either way, it is crucial to contact an expert right away to have a look at your water heater so that you can rest assured the water is safe to use.
As you can see, problems with a tankless water heater are pretty easy to spot. If you notice any of them, it is a clear sign that you need to contact a professional.
Unless your water heater is old and near the end of its lifespan, most of these issues can be fixed promptly and easily.
Keep in mind that just like with any home appliance, the longer you leave the issue unattended, the greater the chance of it turning into a more severe problem. Therefore, it is best to call a professional tankless water heater service as soon as you suspect a problem!