Tankless water heaters offer a compelling alternative to conventional tank-style water heaters. Renowned for their energy efficiency, they can lead to long-term savings on energy expenses. Tankless water heaters bring additional advantages to your household, including a constant supply of hot water. Discover more about our tankless water heater services below!
What Is A Tankless Water Heater?
A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater or instantaneous water heater, is a system that heats water directly without the use of a storage tank. Unlike traditional water heaters that continuously heat and store water in a tank, tankless water heaters heat water only when it's needed. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water flows through a heat exchanger where it is rapidly heated by a gas burner.
Benefits Of A Tankless Water Heater
- Energy Efficient- operating costs for a tankless heater are up to 40% less than a tank-style heater since they only consume energy when in use
- Endless supply of hot water
- Space saver- since there is no tank, your tankless unit will take up a fraction of the space
- Longer life span- roughly 20 years on average, versus 10-12 years on tank style water heaters
How Do I Know If My Tankless Water Heater Needs To Be Repaired Or Replaced?
If you notice any of the signs listed below or experience other unusual behavior from your tankless water heater, it's best to have it inspected and serviced by ABC Plumbing in order to diagnose and address any potential problems.
- Decreased Hot Water Flow: If you notice a reduction in hot water flow or pressure from your faucets or shower heads, it could indicate a problem with your tankless water heater. Mineral buildup or other issues may be restricting water flow through the system.
- Fluctuating Water Temperature: Inconsistent water temperature, such as sudden changes from hot to cold or vice versa during use, may signal an issue with your tankless water heater. This could be caused by mineral buildup, a faulty heating element, or other issues.
- Strange Noises: Unusual noises coming from your tankless water heater, such as popping, banging, or rumbling sounds, could indicate the presence of mineral deposits or other problems within the unit.
- Error Codes or Indicator Lights: Many tankless water heaters are equipped with diagnostic features such as error codes or indicator lights to alert you to potential issues. If you see an error code displayed on the unit or notice unusual indicator light patterns, consult the owner's manual or contact a professional for assistance.
- Leaks or Drips: Any visible leaks or drips from your tankless water heater should be addressed promptly. Leaks can indicate problems with the unit's plumbing connections, pressure relief valve, or internal components.
- Age of the Unit: If your tankless water heater is approaching or has exceeded its expected lifespan (typically around 10-15 years), it may be more prone to issues and could benefit from professional servicing or replacement.
Did you know that it’s recommended by tankless water heater manufacturers to have your unit inspected and flushed yearly? It’s true and many homeowners are unaware as to why manufacturers recommend this but now you know! ABC Plumbing offers water heater maintenance services click here to learn more.
Why Is It Important To Flush/Descale A Tankless Water Heater?
- Prevention of Mineral Buildup: Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate inside the heat exchanger of a tankless water heater. This buildup, known as scale, can reduce the heater's efficiency by insulating the heat exchanger and decreasing heat transfer. Flushing or descaling removes these mineral deposits, allowing the heater to operate efficiently.
- Maintenance of Performance: Scale buildup can also restrict water flow through the heat exchanger, leading to reduced water pressure and flow rate. Flushing or descaling helps maintain optimal water flow and ensures consistent hot water supply.
- Prevention of Corrosion: In addition to mineral buildup, other impurities and contaminants in the water supply can contribute to corrosion inside the water heater. Flushing or descaling helps remove these contaminants, extending the lifespan of the heater and preventing damage to internal components.
- Energy Efficiency: A clean heat exchanger operates more efficiently than one coated with scale. By removing mineral deposits, flushing or descaling helps improve the energy efficiency of the tankless water heater, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills.
- Prolonged Lifespan: Regular maintenance, including flushing or descaling, can prolong the lifespan of a tankless water heater by preventing damage caused by mineral buildup and corrosion. This helps protect your investment and ensures reliable hot water supply for years to come.
How does ABC Plumbing Determine If My Tankless Water Heater Can Be Repaired, Or Needs To Be Replaced?
There are many different ways our licensed plumbing professionals can diagnose and determine the best route of repairs for your unit or, if your unit needs replacement, we can walk you through the replacement process. First we listen to our customer’s observations and concerns, visually inspect the unit and then perform a series of different tests per each manufacturer's protocols. While some units are simple and quick to diagnose, some manufacturers require a licensed professional to call into their dedicated professional help line and run through a specific set of diagnostics. Our professionals can then provide you with an estimate for the needed repairs or replacement information.
What Brand Of Tankless Water Heaters Does ABC Plumbing Recommend?
Here at ABC Plumbing we highly recommend Navien Tankless Water Heaters as our first choice when having a new unit installed! Navien requires that only an NSS Technician can install or repair their units, which means you are in luck with hiring ABC Plumbing, since our technicians have completed all three levels of training and are Certified Navien NSS Technicians!
No Hot Water? Weird Noises? ABC Plumbing is here to help!
Call us today at 817-427-3222 to schedule a free onsite estimate to see if your tankless water heater needs repairs, annual maintenance or replacement today!