Tips for Troubleshooting Tankless Water Heater Problems

For the utmost peace of mind, hire a licensed and uniformed for your plumber tankless water heater installation. Let Texas Rooter ensure your water heater is properly in sync with your plumbing system. Call now to speak with a knowledgeable member of our team.

Do You Have a Tank-Style, or a Tankless Water Heater?

This article is for tankless water heater troubleshooting. If you have a water tank in your garage or utility room, then read some of our content on troubleshooting tank-style water heaters. You can request a hot water heater tank repair by calling Texas Rooter. Our uniformed and experienced plumbers are on standby to help.

Identifying the Power Source

It's essential to determine whether your tankless water heater is electric- or gas-powered, because the troubleshooting steps may differ depending on the type. Here's how you can identify the type of tankless water heater you have:

Gas Tankless Water Heater: If your tankless water heater is gas powered, it will require a gas supply line and gas combustion to heat the water. It may also have an exhaust vent for safely removing gases.
Electric Tankless Water Heater: If your tankless water heater is electric powered, it will require an electrical power source, usually a dedicated circuit breaker, and wiring to operate. It will not have a gas line or gas supply.

Troubleshooting Electric Tankless Water Heaters

If your tankless water heater is electric powered, then consider these troubleshooting tips to help you address common issues:

• Power Supply: Ensure your tankless water heater is properly connected to the power supply. Also, make sure the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped or a fuse has not blown.
• Error Codes: Modern electric tankless water heaters have built-in error code displays that can provide diagnostic information. Check your user manual for your water heater for any error codes and take appropriate action.
• Water Flow: Tankless water heaters require a minimum flow rate to activate the heating element. Make sure that there is enough water flow through the unit. Ensure there is no blockage in the water line or filter screens.
• Heating Element: Check the heating elements for damage or scaling. Over time, mineral scale can build up on the heating element of an electric tankless water heater, reducing its efficiency. If you suspect scale build-up, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for descaling procedures.

How Do I Troubleshoot a Gas-Powered Tankless Water?

The general idea is similar with a gas-powered tankless. You want to ensure the power supply is secure and connected. A gas-powered tankless water can be much more risky than an electric-powered one, so hire a licensed plumber if you don’t feel comfortable working with a gas line.

In addition to checking the gas line, you should ensure proper ignition and make sure the burner is clean and functional. Also look out for any obstructions or misalignment in the ventilation. If you have a newer model, your unit probably has an error code display for diagnostics.

Prefer to Hire an Experienced Technician?

If you would rather avoid the risks and hire a uniformed technician for your tankless water heater repair, then call Texas Rooter to speak with member of our team.