Turn off the cold supply, relieve the hot pressure and remove the filter to check for debris. Having a Tankless Water Heater Problem, But Unsure the Exact Problem? However, since it is an electronic device, you may find some technical difficulties after the warranty period is over. Note: If the temperature of hot water fluctuates during the shower, for example, it is recommended to combine your tankless with the “buffer” mini tank. Keep in mind that some unusual activities are normal; such as when the fan motor is still spinning after the water heating operation stopped. If after 10 minutes or so, there is still a flow of water you have a problem with the crossover. If your gas valve or water valves are not fully opened, this could also cause the ignition to fail. The tankless water heater can deliver water at only one temperature setting at a time. Many tankless water heater problems are associated with the flow rate. Gas valve does not provide enough pressure; either due to the low gas pressure or if it is not open fully. Is the vent system installed correctly and has a proper length? Does the gas control valve open at all or there is a short circuit? Typically, tankless water heaters provide hot water at a rate of 2–5 gallons (7.6–15.2 liter… Unstable burner flames due to the improper venting, lack of combustion air and gas pressure. If you need a low volume flow of warm water you will have to first turn the faucet on with enough flow to turn on the heater. provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated Low pressure is one of the most frequent tankless water heater problems and is easy to fix. Instant-Flow SR-Low Flow 0.35 GPM Point of Use Electric Tankless Water Heater, 20 Amp, 277-Volt, 5540-Watt The Instant-Flow SR model is a great basic The Instant-Flow SR model is a great basic instant water heater for a wide variety of uses. The good news is that there are steps you can take to minimize this problem. Depending on your tankless water heater's capacity, too many simultaneous hot water applications (such as multiple showers running) can overload your water heater. If you don’t see the tankless water heater problem you’re having here, or if you need technical support with your water heater, please visit our help desk to schedule an appointment, or call us at 866-356-1992. With so many wires and small parts, tankless hot water heaters can have a long list of possible problems. Ensure there are no obstructions in the plumbing, fixtures or water filter. See if there is an error code on the unit's control panel, which blocks the heater from running before the previous issue has been solved and system reset. First, inspect all vent pipes to ensure they are connected properly and free from puncture holes. The power valves could be shut off earlier. If your household frequently takes back-to-back showers, you may be familiar with the "cold water sandwich." There are several reasons your water heater could fail to ignite. This list includes some of the more common problems that people have with tankless hot water heaters, but it is not all inclusive. Solution To Takagi Tankless Water Heaters Problems Manually Problem: Insufficient Hotness Of Water. Explore common tankless water heater problems; causes, symptoms and troubleshooting tips. Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Troubleshooting Manual WARNING There are a number of live tests that are required when fault finding this product. Hard water, corrosion, excessive demand and improper installation all cause problems with on-demand water heaters. Tankless Water Heater Repair Advice: this article explains concerns, problems, & special characteristics of tankless water heaters, also called instant water heaters or "on demand" water heaters. This article was originally published by Robinson's Plumbing Service and edited by Eccotemp. Check your heater before you do your service or plan on taking some adapters to the cabin with you just to be safe. Is the flow rate over its recommended minimum? When we turn on the shower, we run it for over 5 minutes, the heater does not …, water turns cold after 5 minutes then hot again later In one shower, the hot water lasts about 5 minutes and then turns cold. All rights If this happens, you should reduce the demand for hot water by limiting simultaneous applications, and you may want to consider resetting your unit. But if you are using the Rinnai Tankless Water Heater, there is a way of a solution to your problems. For most tankless water heaters, the display with present an error code to inform you that your air supply or exhaust is blocked. If the flow rate is less than the minimum specified for your model, the heater won’t work. Has been working great. The water draw is greater, and many applications are running at the same time. "Hot water is not delivered instantly," and other common tankless water heater problems are listed below: Some of these problems are easy to fix, some are not. Check if the showerhead or hot water tap is clogged as it will reduce the water flow. Another "unusual activity" can be a white smoke that comes out of the exhaust vent, and can be seen during the cold weather, when the temperature of the exhaust gases is much higher than the temperature of the air. Contact a Takagi service agent for help.-Unit may not be receiving enough gas due to improper sizing, it may be closed or the gas pressure could be too low. Due to the long water pipes, cold water that resides inside must be pushed away before hot water reaches the fixture, affecting the comfort. Possible causes and Solutions-Unit may be hard water scaled. If this is what you need, buy Rinnai RUR98 or Navien. In March 2016 we had to replace the ignition switch. Since a minimum flow rate is required to turn on a tankless water heater you can’t turn your hot water faucet on with a trickle or low flow of hot water because it won’t turn on the heater. he pilot light can go out or fail to ignite and the … The Water Flow Rate Is Too Low. If there is sediment buildup, you must perform the flushing and descaling. Your Air Supply or Exhaust is Blocked. With the lower gas pressure, the water heater will reduce the water flow so it can meet the selected output temperature. Sediment in the hot water tank has the same effect. The heater may stay lit, but with a low flame. Often, this issue is caused by the gas supply, so check to make sure your propane tank is full before you do anything else. Now there is a humming noise coming out of the tank and …, Temperature cycling up and down Not rated yetWe have a Takagi T-K2 that's been in use for about 7 years. Make sure that the tap is open enough to ensure the required flow rate, and there are no obstructions in the piping line. Problem 4. POU tankless heaters also can save more energy than centrally installed tankless water heaters, because no hot water is left in lengthy supply pipes after the flow is shut off. Check if the gas line is adequately sized and for the maximum BTU. The mini tank will always have hot water ready and deliver it to the shower before the tankless warms up. Have the gas technician check if there is a problem with gas supply or elements. The flow rate of the water is vital to the proper functioning of your tankless water heater. In this case, the fan motor runs for some time to force the exhaust gases out through the vent system. No hot water is one of the most common problems in water heating systems. Check if the flame rod and wiring harness are operational, not loose, not in a right spot or damaged. Replace it if required. Water temperature is set too low. Tankless water heaters are durable and long lasting units that do not require much maintenance. Here’s what happened: When the first shower ended, some hot water was remaining in the pipes on the way to the shower. See how to repair a tankless heater when there is no hot water, water is too hot, there is not enough hot water, the pressure is low, cold water sandwich (the temperature of water fluctuates: hot-cold-hot), the gas burner doesn’t ignite, and what to do if there is an error code. New tankless water heaters have a flow rate as low as one quarter gpm so they work well with low-flow shower heads. How to check (test) the pressure Testing the water pressure is vital as it might indicate not only low but high pressure too. Suppose a member of your household just finished showering and now it's your turn. Only those tankless heaters equipped with the recirculation pump or the buffer tank are capable of delivering hot water super-fast. Your Air Supply or Exhaust is Blocked. Leak in the sealed combustion results in irregular gas combustion. Check out the output temperature sensor; it might be broken. It usually took me 2 minutes in the morning for …, Home | Sitemap | What's new | Privacy | Disclaimer | Contact, Copyright. Use the following articles to get help on how to troubleshoot problems on Rinnai, AO Smith, Noritz and American. An inlet filter is dirty and clogged. Besides, the filter could also be clogged by dust or unusual stuff from the water supply. Tankless water heaters are a great investment for your home or office. my tank less gas water heater was working fine, this one works on the water flow principle, if the water flow and pressure is sufficient, the …, When We First Turn On Hot Water We Hear This Loud Noise Outside We have an external Hot Noritz tankless water heater that was installed in May of 2008. Since tankless water heaters need a minimum amount of water flow before activating, there’s a gap between completely cold water and the coolest warm water that you can create with a … Below are some of the common problems with these systems. Clean or replace the filter and then check the flow again. Low-flow faucet or showerhead.  Restricted Energy Supply. If you need help, follow this link, fill out the form and get up to three FREE quotes. This is not a "problem" so do not spend hours trying to find the solution or calling the “expert.”. (You can preview and edit on the next page), Hot water to the sink, but not to the shower, same bathroom! Whether you use a traditional or a tankless water heater, you need to keep an eye out for mineral buildup inside your water heater. Each manufacturer should specify the minimum flow rate for the models they supply, measured in gallons per minute. For example; the water got cold during the shower because the flow from the tap was below the minimum. If this is the case, adjust the maximum temperature between 125 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Flame Failure is generally caused by either a gas pressure problem or an electrical issue. Poor Water Pressure After Installing a New Hot Water Heater. Page top sketch of a point of use tankless water heater courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates . Extreme care should be used at all times to avoid contact with energized components inside the furnace. This would most likely be caused by low gas pressure. The air supply and specialized exhausts have a tendency to get blocked, which usually makes the device shut down. However, a tankless water heater's output limits the flow rate. One of the most frequent complaints I have seen in many reviews and forums, is: "I didn't get hot water instantly." Ensure that the water pressure from the utility company is as required. They are expensive, efficient, environment-friendly, have the advanced technology, could display an error code, but can also fail and cost you a lot to fix. Compared to a traditional water heater, a tankless option is more efficient in its delivery, and is a big energy saver. The beauty of a tankless water heater is its ability to provide a continuous supply of hot water. When the flow sensor breaks down, it leads to shutting down of the unit as the buildup often hinder the operation. …, gas does not ignite Hello, By keeping the flow rate above the minimum required, this and many other problems might be prevented or resolved. Tankless water heaters are efficient and easy to maintain, but they are still susceptible to some problems. When trying to connect or disconnect power to the tankless water heater, Rinnai recommends using the water heater power plug instead of using the Reset feature on the module. Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to It is essential to understand that tankless water heaters are not instantaneous; therefore, they do not provide hot water as soon as you open the tap. Some problems are possible to fix only with the right tools and skills, so to keep the warranty valid and unit functional, it is at your best interest to contact a professional plumber. Check for clogged faucet strainers, clogged shower heads, partly closed or clogged plumbing fixture hot water stop valve. Moreover, a problem may also be in the regulator. Although uncommon, issues can arise if something isn’t working correctly within your water heater. 6 Common Tankless Water Heater Problems and How to Solve Them, Eccotemp EZ-Flush System Descaler Cleaning Kit, Keep up to date with the latest news & updates. If the outdoor temperature happens to be lower than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the tank is less than one-quarter full, it will result in a low flame. When the second shower began, the initial warm water you felt was the trapped water. Ensure that the gas type and pressure are correct and the gas line is sized correctly. The guide deals with the most common problems and explains some of the error codes. If the water heater was used before your shower, some hot water remained from previous use – and that is what you felt. An error code can appear due to many reasons, from a simple spider web and air/exhaust blockage to more serious gas or exhaust leak. However, if your tankless water heater frequently becomes overloaded, you should consider either upgrading to a tankless water heater with a higher capacity or adding a second unit. I never had a problem with water taking too long to reach. If venting is restricted, the computer may shut down the heater. As a result, tankless water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. The first things you should check are the correct supply of electricity, water, and gas to the water heater. Check the gas burner and does the flame rod generate sparks when the unit is turned on. The longer the pipes, further the water has to travel, more you will feel the gap. Runner Up – Stieble Eltron Point of Use Heater. Although tankless water heaters are also called "instantaneous water heaters," they still take time to heat water, so after the trapped water was used up, you were left with a gap of unheated water. Refer to your product manual to make sure the clearance requirements are being met, as installing your water heater too close to other objects can block the air supply and create a fire hazard. Make sure that the shut-off valve, is not closed. Other possible causes of flame failure include a gas line that’s too small, regulator failure, combustion issues, venting and more. Is the water filter on the cold water inlet clean and free of debris? You might want to proceed with descaling and flush all the deposits. Your water heater may struggle to supply the hot water needed or shut down altogether if it becomes overloaded. Make sure to insulate all the exposed pipes, even covering the heater with the. Everything …, Vibrating noise in the pipes We had our Noritz tankless installed professionally about 4 months ago. Thankfully, most of the Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters come with a control display panel and it exactly shows you what the problem with your Tankless Water Heater is. To avoid damage, flush your water heater every six months with the Eccotemp EZ-Flush System Descaler Cleaning Kit. You can also use a water softener to slow the buildup. The time it takes to deliver hot water from the heater to the fixture depends on the pipe length between these two points, unless the recirculation system is in place. The further your water has to travel from the water heater to its destination, the more noticeable the gap. It is ether too hot or too cold. Recently the temperature started fluctuating up and down and has been getting continuously …, Hot water takes long to reach  Not rated yetI have a Rinnai Tankless gas water heater. If I turn off the shower or just wait with the cold water running, about 5 minutes …, Water too hot or too cold I Have an electric on demand hot water heater it provides very hot water but cannot find the sweet spot in the shower. The scale deposits act as an insulator preventing the heat exchanger to transfer the heat to water. This is not usually what happened, but if there is no water coming out, then you should go check your pipe valves and water inlet filter. Check and open gas and water valves fully. Most tankless water heaters are equipped with a diagnostic system that incorporate the microprocessor and LCD screen, which displays an error code if the problem occurs. Rinnai tankless gas water heaters need a demand of at least 0.4 to 0.6 gallons per minute of water flow through the hot side to ignite and 0.26 gallons per minute to stay in operation. Ensure that the flow sensor is working correctly. The most praiseworthy feature of this point of use … It’s counterintuitive, but it affects the hot/cold mix ratio and will activate the tankless water heater unit for lower-flow fixtures. Is there a reset button on a Rinnai tankless water heater? You don't need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water. Clean the fixtures. Sediment and limescale build-up inside the heat exchanger. Increase the temperature to approximately 125-130 F, or higher if needed. Tankless water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. It’s the way the system works to force the exhaust gasses out of the vents. Low Water Pressure. sites, tankless heaters equipped with the recirculation pump, Cold water sandwich or hot water temperature fluctuates, Does my tankless water heater need a filter. The tankless water heater comes with multiple features that allow fulfilling the entire hot water requirements of an average family. Poor Pressure Hard-water buildup in the pipes can block water flow into and out of the hot water heater, resulting in low pressure. #2. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit. Clean the water passageways. If low pressure is due to the low-flow showerhead, for example, and your tankless water heater cannot get the required water flow, change the showerhead to a newer model. Is the gas line sized correctly? If you are the owner of a "smart" tankless water heater from Rinnai, Noritz, Paloma, Bosch, Takagi or similar, this troubleshooting guide is for you. Some may have a different size or thread type; 3/4" NPT, 1" NPT. During the cold weather, check if the elements and water pipes are exposed to freezing temperature or maybe frozen? You should contact technical support to help you trouble shoot the issue and order replacement parts if necessary. You turn on the shower and feel warm water at first, but then get blasted with several seconds of cold water before the temperature slowly climbs back up. reservedhome-water-heater.com is a participant in the Amazon The water heater won't turn on if its energy supply is off. You see, every tankless water heater has a minimum “flow rate”— which is the minimum amount of water, measured in gallons, that the tankless unit needs flowing through it every minute (gpm) to produce hot water . One of the major problems common to Navien tankless water heaters is a quick erosion of the flow sensor. Water flow might be reduced when the water filter or fixture aerator are clogged. Birds nest, rodents and wasps nest can also block your venting, so be sure to thoroughly examine all vents that are located or lead outside your home. Although a second unit might seem like a large investment, it can actually save you money in the long run since you’ll use less water while waiting for hot water to arrive and less gas to heat the water. Hard water (in contrast with soft water) is water with a high mineral content, and the harder your water, the higher the potential for damaging mineral buildup. Problem: “Tankless Water Heater is Noisy” If the concern is about the fan motor spinning after the water heater stops, it’s not a real problem. If you find that the water temperature with your low-flow components is not hot enough, some systems can benefit from a thermostat reduction. Unfortunately, there's no way to prevent this, but now that you're aware of the problem, you can avoid jumping in the shower until the cold water has passed. Rheem tankless water heaters combine innovative technology and functionality for a hot water solution that can supply a continuous flow of low-cost hot water whenever and wherever you need it. Alternatively, it takes too long to get the hot water at the fixture. Tankless water heaters are generally low maintenance and very efficient, but problems can still occur. If not, check this article that deals with the. This means your water heater is having issues with either combustion air or venting. If your tankless water heater is delivering water that's too hot or too cold, there's a number of issues that could cause this problem. Just like ignition failure, you should first rule out simple causes such as a low propane tank or an unpaid gas bill. If the temperature sensor is broken, or it is not correctly positioned, try to either re-position it, so it is firmly attached to the pipe or replace it with a new one. 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Travels through a pipe into the unit as the buildup often hinder operation! ; 3/4 '' NPT installation ( make sure that lines are not fully opened, and! Initial warm water you felt was the trapped water problem, then either your ignition pack has failed there... You can take to minimize this problem the second shower began, the fan motor for.