Unlike traditional tank water heaters which must constantly heat up water for it to be ready when you need it, tankless water heaters heat water instantaneously.

When you turn on a faucet, cold water flows through the tankless water heater’s heat exchanger, and the water is heated either by a natural gas burner or an electric element. Although hot water heaters are more expensive to install upfront, you’ll recoup some of the money through lower energy bills; plus, you’ll always have hot water available when you need it! Schedule tankless water heater services in Greenwood, IN today!

No Hot Water

A tankless water heater that isn’t producing any hot water is obviously not doing its job and needs to be inspected by a professional plumber. This inconvenient issue is often caused by a problem with its fuel source. Check the breaker box to see if a fuse has blown. If that’s not the issue, make sure the water heater is on and that it hasn’t run out of gas. No hot water can also be caused by a faulty heating element, a clogged filter, and a malfunctioning thermostat.

System Overload

Depending on your tankless water heater’s capacity, it can become overloaded due to too many hot water applications running simultaneously, such as multiple hot showers running at the same time. If this occurs, your water heater can struggle to provide the hot water you need or shut down altogether. You should consider limiting simultaneous applications or purchasing a tankless water heater with a higher capacity.

Blocked Air Supply or Exhaust

Your tankless water heater needs access to fresh air from outside to properly vent outdoors while it is running. A tankless water heater that isn’t running properly could be caused by a blocked exhaust system. Make sure that the exhaust pipe is open and the vents leading from your home to the outside are not obstructed. You can also check for holes in the pipes. A tankless water heater that is installed too close to other objects can also lead to a blockage. We recommend contacting a licensed plumber to fix these issues.

Leaks

A tankless water heater can sprout leaks because of water pressure issues, hard water, and improper installation. Other causes of leaks include damaged or corroded components, including the pressure relief valve, heat exchanger, and water inlet or outlet connections.

Ignition Failure

If the unit won’t ignite, there could be an ignition failure. A dirty flame sensor within the electrical ignition means that the current is unreadable by the system, preventing the burners from heating. This issue can also be caused by a low gas supply, and you may need to contact a professional.

Scaling or Buildup

Just like a traditional tank water heater, calcium and magnesium can build up over time and cause a scaly buildup inside tankless water heaters, especially if you have hard water which is high in mineral content. This can cause clogged pipes, damage to the unit, and reduced efficiency. To avoid damage caused by mineral buildup, consider flushing your tankless water heater every six months.

Faulty Thermostat

In some cases, your tankless water heater might be working just fine but its thermostat is faulty. If your system’s thermostat is faulty, you will not be able to use your tankless hot water heater.