6 Issues That Require An Appointment For Tankless Water Heater Repair | San Antonio, TX

11/26/2021

Photo By martan at Shutterstock

Over the last few years, more and more homeowners have switched from traditional tank water heaters to tankless water heaters. Tankless models have benefits that you cannot get with a conventional tank water heater. These include:

• Hot water on demand: Traditional tank water heaters store hot water in the tank, so it is there when you need it. If you use too much hot water in a short time, you can run out of hot water. Tankless water heaters heat the water only when the hot water is turned on; therefore, running out of hot water won’t be an issue.

 

• Less expensive energy bills: Traditional tank water heaters have to run all day to keep the supply of water in the tank hot, which requires a lot of energy. Tankless water heaters only run when the hot water is turned on, which can save a significant amount of money on your energy bills.

 

• Space saver: Traditional tank water heaters are very large because they need to hold the hot water supply. Because tank water heaters are so large, they require a large amount of floor space. Tankless water heaters don’t store water and are much smaller. Tankless models can be hung on the wall of a closet or basement, saving space in your home. If your San Antonio, TX home is small or you don’t have a basement, tankless models are a great option.

 

• Longer lifespan: The average lifespan of a traditional tank water heater is 8 to 12 years, and the average lifespan of a tankless water heater is 20 years.

 

• Less maintenance: Tankless water heaters require less maintenance than traditional tank water heaters.

 

• Energy efficiency: Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than traditional tank models. Therefore, if you switch to a tankless model, you can do your part for the environment.

In a perfect world, the tankless water heater in your home would function properly forever. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, and your tankless water heater can develop issues that will require a call to a plumber specializing in tankless water heater repair.

The plumbing system in your home is very complex, and this includes tankless water heaters. With all the DIY plumbing videos online today, many homeowners will try to repair plumbing issues themselves; however, this is a bad idea. A DIY repair can result in further damage to the unit and leaks, which can cause water damage and mold growth in the area.

If your tankless unit is experiencing any of the following issues, it is best to call a licensed plumber to schedule an appointment for tankless water heater repair.

#1 No Hot Water

Tankless water heaters are designed to provide hot water on demand. If you let the water run and it doesn’t get hot, you have a serious problem on your hands. Without hot water, you cannot perform many daily tasks in your San Antonio, TX home, and your water-based appliances won’t function properly. If you aren’t getting any hot water from the taps, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. Before you make the call, there are a few things you should check. The last thing you want is to pay a plumber specializing in tankless water heater repair for an unnecessary service call.

• Electric tankless water heater: Make sure there is power going to the unit and a circuit hasn’t tripped.

 

• Natural gas tankless water heater: Check your records to ensure your bills have been paid, and check the gas company’s website to ensure there isn’t a widespread power outage.

 

• Propane tankless water heater: Make sure there is propane in the tank.

 

• Oil-fueled tankless water heater: Make sure there is oil in the tank.

If everything checks out, it is time to schedule an appointment for tankless water heater repair. There could be a problem with the heating element or an issue with the fuel source. You will need to call a plumber specializing in tankless water heater repair to determine why you have no hot water to make the necessary repair.

The sooner you make the call, the sooner you will have hot water again.

#2 The Water Isn’t Getting Hot Enough

When you turn on the hot water in your San Antonio, TX home, you expect it to be hot. If you notice that the water isn’t as hot as it usually is, you may need to schedule an appointment for water heater repair. Before you make the call, there are a couple of things you should check. First, check the temperature setting on the thermostat. According to the EPA, it is best to set the thermostat to 120 to 140 degrees. Any higher will be too hot, and you can be scalded by the water. If the thermostat is set below 120 degrees, turning it up should solve the problem. Next, check to see how many water-based appliances are running. If you are trying to shower while the dishwasher and washing machine are running, it can cause the water temperature to drop temporarily.

If the thermostat is set correctly and you aren’t running any water-based appliances, it is time to call a plumber who specializes in tankless water heater repair.

If the heating element starts to fail, it won’t get hot enough for the water to reach the desired temperature. There could also be an issue with the thermostat, and the water heater isn’t getting the signal to heat the water to 120 to 140 degrees.

A tankless water heater repair professional can inspect the unit to determine why your water isn’t getting hot enough so the necessary repair can be made.

#3 Your Hot Water-Based Appliances Don’t Function Properly

The dishwasher and washing machine in your home rely on hot water to function correctly. If these appliances suddenly stop operating at peak performance, you should schedule a tankless water heater repair appointment. The chances of your washing machine and dishwasher breaking down simultaneously are very low; therefore, your tankless water heater could be to blame.

A plumber specializing in water heater repair can inspect the unit to determine why the water-based appliances aren’t getting the hot water they need to function at peak performance.

#4 The Tankless Water Heater Shuts Itself Off

If the tankless water heater in your San Antonio, TX home is shutting off on its own, you should schedule an appointment for tankless water heater repair. This problem is considered an emergency because the water heater can shut off on its own while you are in the shower or when you need to use the hot water.

The most common cause of this problem is when the system’s filter is clogged. When the tankless water heater runs, it creates a very hot exhaust, and proper ventilation is crucial. If the filter gets clogged, the unit won’t get the ventilation it needs and can cause the unit to shut down. There could also be an issue with the system’s electrical components or with the thermostat.

Because a few issues can cause the system to shut off on its own, it is best to call a plumber specializing in tankless water heater repair. A plumber can inspect the system to determine why the system is shutting down, so the necessary repairs can be made. The sooner you make the call, the better. The longer the problem persists, the longer the availability of hot water will be in question.

#5 Strange Sounds Coming From the Unit

It is normal for the tankless water heater in your San Antonio, TX home to make a clicking sound when someone turns on the hot water. If the unit is making any other strange sounds, it is best to schedule a tankless water heater repair appointment. The sound the water heater is making can help the plumber determine the cause.

• Humming or rattling: These signs often signify a loose part in the system. You will need a plumber specializing in tankless water heater repair to inspect the system to find the loose part to be tightened.

 

• Screeching: A screeching sound is a tell-tale sign that the water heater’s water flow is blocked. Restricted water flow is common with this issue.

 

• Cracking or hissing: Many people believe that because tankless water heaters don’t store water in a tank that sediment in the unit won’t be an issue, which is not true. Mineral buildup can occur in tankless units, especially if you have hard water coming into your home. When calcium and magnesium create a scaly buildup in the unit, a crackling or hissing sound can occur. If the sediment buildup is extreme, you can hear a popping sound when the sediment breaks up due to the heat.
  Sediment issues are serious because ignoring the problem will only cause the sediment to escalate; therefore, it is best to call a plumber specializing in tankless water heater repair. The plumber can flush the system to remove the sediment, which will quiet the unit.

 

• Ticking or vibrations: A ticking sound occurs when the water pressure fluctuates. You won’t know the actual cause of the sound until you call a licensed professional. A plumber specializing in tankless water heater repair may need to make a simple adjustment to improve the water pressure and keep it constant. There could also be an issue with the unit causing the water pressure to fluctuate.

If the tankless water heater in your San Antonio, TX home is making a strange sound, it should not be ignored. If you don’t schedule an appointment for tankless water heater repair right away, the issue can escalate, resulting in a more serious problem that will be more expensive to repair.

#6 Leaks

Tankless water heater leaks are rare; however, they can occur. Fortunately, a leaking tankless unit isn’t as serious as a leaking traditional tank water heater. When a tank model leaks, there is a risk of 50+ gallons of water flooding your home. A leaking tankless unit won’t cause so much water to leak; however, the leaking water can cause water damage and mold growth in the area. To prevent these issues from occurring, you should schedule an appointment for tankless water heater repair as soon as you see the leaking water.

A leak in a traditional tank water heater often cannot be repaired, and a replacement will be necessary. Fortunately, a leaking tankless water heater can be repaired.

The most common causes of leaks are loose valves or fittings, which can easily be repaired by a plumber specializing in tankless water heater repair.

Why Choose Bluefrog Plumbing & Drain of San Antonio?

If you have issues with the tankless water heater in your San Antonio, TX home, contact Bluefrog Plumbing & Drain of San Antonio. We are a full-service plumbing company and are experts with tankless water heater repair.

We have been serving customers in the area for years, and during this time, we have earned an excellent reputation in the community and the plumbing industry. We are a Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) member and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We are a Google Guaranteed business and have a 4.7-star rating on Google. In addition, Home Advisor rated us an Elite Service and Top Rated business. Finally, we have over 1,200 positive reviews on our website.

If you have a problem with your plumbing system and we aren’t in the office, don’t panic. We have been in the plumbing business long enough to know that many plumbing issues arise at the most inconvenient times. We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are always here when you need us.

We understand that most of our customers live on a budget, which is why we do our best to make our plumbing services affordable. Unlike many other plumbing companies, we don’t charge a trip charge or overtime charges.

Many of our loyal customers are members of the Proactive Protection Program, which can save you money. Members get priority service, a free annual plumbing evaluation, and 15 percent off service. You won’t find anything like this with most other plumbing companies.

If you need to schedule an appointment for tankless water heater repair or any other plumbing service, give us at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio a call today.