Tankless Water Heater | Should You Replace Your Tankless Water Heater….or Repair it?

by | Dec 23, 2024 | Tankless Water Heater

Summary: A tankless water (Also known as on-demand water heater or instantaneous water heater) is vital when it comes to providing endless hot water. But what happens if it starts breaking down? This may be your first time this has happened, but not to worry! With this handy article you’ll become a complete novice tankless water heater to a confident owner who knows what to do!

Main Heading 1 What is a Tankless Water Heater?

First things first is knowing what a tankless water heater is. You may say,”I know what it is, that’s why I have it!” But are you able to explain it clearly? The first step to understanding is to be able to know and relay information about something with knowledge and confidence. It doesn’t hurt to have a little refresher every now and then!

A tankless water heater is a modern solution for heating water without the need for a storage tank. It is capable of heating water directly as it flows through the unit. This means that it can heat water instantly without the need to wait for it to fill back up like a traditional storage tank. It has a much longer life span (usually 20+ years), reduces the risk of water leaks or ruptures due to the lack of a large storage tank, and is more energy efficient since it only heats water when necessary. However, there are drawbacks like the installation complexity as well as the initial high cost. Which is why it’s extremely important to maintain it, or hire a professional when it comes time to replace it.

a professional repairman installing a tankless water heater.

Tankless Water Heater Installation Process

What to Expect when Installing a Tankless Water Heater

Before you consider replacing a tankless water heater, it’s important to know what to expect with installation. Before installing your tankless water heater, it’s good to choose a tankless water heater that suits your household’s water needs and water usage patterns. You also may have to check and see if you have the necessary permits to install one according to your local building codes. Lastly, you have to assemble all the required equipment for it, like plumbing supplies and safety equipment. Before you do anything, consult with a professional first so they’ll be able to answer your questions and provide sage advice so you can be a responsible home owner.

The first thing to expect is you’ll need to shut off all your utilities, then drain the old tank and disconnect it from any water, gas, and electrical lines. After that, the new unit must be mounted securely to the wall and connected to any water, electrical, and gas lines. Finally, it will be checked for leaks and all the connections will be carefully assessed before your water heater is ready to go. Although homeowners can attempt their own tankless water heater installation, it is best to hire a licensed professional, due to the complexity that is involved with the plumbing and electrical work.

Following Up After the Installation

After the installation, this is when you come into play. A tankless water heater installation is in the professional’s ball park. However, the maintenance of your tankless water heater is up to you. Every few months it is recommended that you clean or replace the water line filter every few months to prevent sediment and scale buildup. If your tankless water heater is gas-powered, you have to clean it regularly to avoid it from clogging.

Flushing and descaling your tankless water heater once a year is important as well. If your household has soft water, it just needs to be done every 3-5 years. Things you can do on a daily basis is adjust and maintain your tankless water heater’s temperature at 120℉, keep the exterior nice and clean, and use a vacuum with a low-power setting to remove dust and debris from internal components. Following these steps will ensure a long lifespan for your tankless water heater.

A tankless gas water heater mounted on a white wall.

Should I Replace Or Repair My Tankless Water Heater?

Signs You should Repair Your Tankless Water Heater

There are telling signs when it comes to tankless water heater repair. It is the most preferable route for most people since replacing it can be costly. One sign is the lack of hot water, or fluctuating water temperatures in general. This could indicate issues like mineral buildup. In this case, hiring a professional to conduct a flushing of your tankless water heater might fix the problem.

Other problems might be more obvious than the fluctuating water temperature. If it has low water pressure, it could indicate clogged lines or sediment buildup. Water leaks could mean loose parts. If you smell a stinky smell like rotten eggs or burning odors, that’s a serious problem like a gas leak or electrical issues. These are repairs that are easily fixable if they are taken care of promptly and properly. The tankless water heater repair cost might fluctuate depending on the type of repair needed, the heater’s fuel type, and the tankless water heater parts warranties.

Signs You Should Replace Your Tankless Water Heater

One sign you might need to replace your tankless water heater is the age of the unit. They usually last 10-15 years. If it starts breaking down at that point, it might be better to consider replacing over repairing. The signs that you should replace your tankless water heater are fairly similar to if you should repair it. If there is fluctuating water temperature, it is making strange noises, mineral build up, or there are visible leaks popping up, and these problems are becoming more and more frequent, it might be time to replace your tankless water heater. If you keep trying to maintain a unit that is in its prime, it will most likely cost you in the long run. Not just for the increasingly frequent breakdowns, but also the inconvenience and higher cost of utility bills due to the tankless water heater’s waning efficiency. It’s always good to consult with a professional before you make any final decision on the matter.

An Ambient Heating and Cooling Professional performing a routine water tank check up.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a tankless water heater has many benefits and if you take good care of it, it’ll serve you for many years to come. However, if you need to repair or replace it, try to get the issue resolved as soon as possible. That’s why you should work with us at Ambient Heating and Cooling. We provide quality service with our expert team who will provide the best advice when it comes to tankless water heater repair, maintenance, and replacement. We have fast response times and if you contact us, we promise to bring back quality and honesty – one job at a time!

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