What would you do without your tankless water heater? Rather than spending forever running the faucet waiting for the water to heat up, it provides you with hot water instantly, without having to worry about it running out. The system does still require regular maintenance, though. Here are some signs that your tankless water heater needs to be repaired.
You Have No Hot Water
The most basic issue is that your water heater isn't doing its job. If the system shuts off at random and won't give you hot water, then there's a problem. Most likely, it means that the unit's filter is clogged and needs to be replaced. It's a fairly simple fix, but it requires a professional.
Your Water Isn't Hot Enough
Maybe your water is heating up a bit, but it's still just warm instead of actually hot. This might be a problem you can solve yourself. Look for the controls on the unit and try turning the temperature up a bit. This is an especially common problem in brand new water heaters that haven't been calibrated to your needs yet.
However, maybe the problem is a little more complicated than that. Maybe, as you're taking a shower, the water starts off hot enough, then gets colder, then switches back to hot - even too hot! This is probably an electrical problem, and you should call for a repair.
You've Noticed a Change in Your Water Pressure
Your water temperature is fine, but it's the water pressure that's causing problems. The flow is a lot weaker than it used to be, and it's hard to take a shower with anymore. The problem could be a few things, but your tankless water heater is one of the likely culprits.
If you have hard water, minerals can build up in the system causing what's called scaling, which restricts the flow of water. Not only does this result in low water pressure, it reduces your water heater's efficiency leading to higher energy bills. In the long run, it also shortens the life of your tankless water heater.
Call a repair person to get rid of the scaling and restore your water pressure. Then going forward, try a water softener, which can prevent the minerals from building up in your tankless water heater.
Your Tankless Unit Is Leaking
Since tankless water heaters don't actually store water in them, they tend not to leak very often. But that doesn't mean it can't happen. There could be a loose connection between the unit and your pipes. The system might not be venting the steam from the heated water properly, which causes it to condense inside the water heater. Or it could be another consequence of hard water.
Whatever the reason, if you notice a leak in your tankless water heater, call a professional to repair it immediately. If not handled quickly, it can lead to mold and mildew, structural damage to your floor and walls, and more.
To keep these and other problems at bay, schedule regular maintenance visits for your tankless water heater. A technician can spot issues early and address them before they turn into problems. This will help keep your system running smoothly and efficiently, giving you hot water for years to come. Give David Gray Plumbing a call today at (904) 605-8190 or contact us online.