Licensed Plumber LICENSE #CO88900054
Call For a Licensed Plumber: (317) 859-9999

Homeowners have tankless water heaters installed for any number of reasons: To improve energy efficiency, to save space, and to ensure there is always warm water come shower time. Additionally, tankless units tend to offer greater longevity than conventional heaters, especially when paired with the right preventative maintenance strategy. In short, tankless heater installation can be a sound investment for homeowners everywhere.

With all of that said, it’s certainly possible to run into problems or inefficiencies. In this post, we’ll provide insight into some of the most common tankless water heater problems, helping homeowners to troubleshoot their units. Note that some of these issues can be resolved on a DIY basis, while others will require the assistance of a professional plumber.

For tankless water heater installation in Indianapolis or in Greenwood, Indiana, homeowners choose Carter’s My Plumber. We are also happy to perform diagnostic and repair services should your unit ever give you any trouble.

What Causes Tankless Water Heaters to Malfunction?

If your water heater is not working the way it’s supposed to, it could be for any of the following reasons.

Installation Issues

First and foremost, the issue would be that the heater was not properly installed to begin with. Note that tankless water heater installation is fairly complicated, and even some professional plumbers lack the experience to do it properly. If your unit was installed by a novice plumber, or if you attempted to install it yourself, it could be that a simple setup error is to blame for your ongoing problems.

Mineral Buildup

Nothing’s more frustrating than a water heater that gives you inconsistent temperatures, sometimes running hot but other times giving you nothing but cold. There are several factors that can contribute to this, but one of the most common is sediment buildup. This is especially true if you live in an area with hard water.

Limited Flow Rate

It’s important to note that, while tankless heaters can potentially let you run multiple showers or faucets at once, every unit has its limits. If you’re taking a shower, running the dishwasher, and watering your lawn all at once, don’t be surprised when you run into a limited supply of hot water. Installing a water softener may help.

Venting Issues

Another common problem that homeowners face with their tankless heaters is the blockage of exhaust or vents. Most units will provide an error code if this is a concern. If you receive one of these error messages, visually inspect all exhaust and intake lines, ensuring secure connections with no blockages or holes.

Flame Failure

One additional problem to be aware of is the failure of ignition. If your unit is giving you a flame failure error code, that’s likely a problem with the gas line or gas valve. We highly recommend having this issue diagnosed and addressed by a licensed plumber; attempting to handle gas issues DIY can be pretty dangerous.

Cold Water Sandwiches

Tankless water heaters often give their owners a cold water sandwich, which basically means an initial burst of hot water, then a shocking burst of cold, then back to hot. If this is a persistent problem, you may wish to talk with a professional plumber about installing a recirculating system.

Inadequate Maintenance

Tankless heaters come with comparatively little maintenance, especially when compared to more traditional plumbing appliances. With that said, most units will require you to clean or replace the water filter from time to time, and to descale and flush the system. If you’re having performance issues, the problem may be that you simply aren’t carrying out the right maintenance steps. Your plumbing company should be able to offer some tips, or even put you on a maintenance plan.

Gas Boiler

Other Issues to Consider When Installing Tankless Hot Water Heaters

Beyond these potential maintenance issues, there are a few other considerations that homeowners might want to keep in mind as they decide whether to install a tankless heater at their home.

Quality Products

First and foremost, it’s important to remember that not all tankless units are created equal. To ensure greater longevity and fewer problems, we recommend selecting from high-quality brands. Carter’s My Plumber installs Bradford White units, widely considered to be among the best on the market.

Initial Cost

One of the only major drawbacks to installing a tankless unit is that they tend to be more expensive on the front-end, meaning the initial installation can leave some homeowners with sticker shock. There’s no denying that tankless units are a bit pricier, but consider that they also last longer and usually require less ongoing maintenance, which means they are often the better investment overall.

Power Requirements

While tankless heaters are touted for being more energy efficient, there are some circumstances in which they might actually consume more energy, or require a special power source. Check with your plumber to determine whether you’ll need to worry about any of these issues.

Expertise in Installation

As we noted above, some of the most common problems that tankless heaters face stem from installation issues. The single best way to avoid complications is to find a plumbing company you can trust to provide expert installation, and to help you identify the highest-quality product that fits your household needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Water Heaters

Do tankless water heaters have a lot of problems?

Actually, tankless heaters are widely considered to be durable and low-maintenance. Any appliance can produce occasional hiccups, but these units are not especially error-prone.

What are the disadvantages of tankless water heaters? 

There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages to tankless water heaters. The biggest drawbacks are installation complexity, as well as a fairly high tankless water heater installation cost.

Why is the tankless water heater not staying hot?

The issue could be insufficient gas supply, blocked vents or exhaust, or sediment buildup. Ignition failure could also be the cause of your cold shower problem.

What is the lifespan of a tankless water heater?

With regular maintenance, a tankless heater can potentially last you for 15 to 20 years, in some cases even more.

Is a tankless safer than a tank water heater?

Because they have no holding tank, tankless units actually are a bit safer, bringing with them no risk of overheating or combustion.

Is a tankless water heater good for the whole house?

Tankless heaters can certainly work well to supply whole-house needs, though you’ll want to work with your installation company to determine a unit that’s right-sized to meet the hot water demands of your household.

Does cold weather affect tankless water heaters?

In extreme cold, it is possible for a tankless heater to freeze, though this risk can be mitigated with just a bit of caution and preparation.

Can tankless water heaters overheat?

There are certain scenarios in which a tankless heater can overheat, just like traditional water heaters can. A broken flow sensor is one potential cause. If you are experiencing this problem, make sure you hire a trusted plumber to help you address it, as overheating units can sometimes cause serious risks of burning.

Kelson Carter

Article reviewed by:

Kelson Carter, aka, The Prince of Plumbing

Kelson is a 3rd generation Plumbing Contractor. His family business is located in Greenwood, Indiana, and provides Residential Plumbing Service to the Indianapolis Metro market.

Kelson grew up watching his grandfather and father do plumbing. After graduating high school, Kelson went to Trade School and became a Licensed Master Plumber and Licensed Plumbing Contractor. He is also Certified in Backflow Prevention. He currently owns and operates Carter's My Plumber with his parents.


Instagram

Schedule Your Appointment Now

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
Take the time to read this review 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

"Thank you for being you. We can't find that in the world much."

We are so grateful for our loyal customers & our team that makes everybody feel like  a part of the family! 317-859-9999
Mr. Max reporting for duty! Let's get the weekend rolling! 

Happy Golden Friday! 🌟
Did you know we have appointments on Saturdays? Unlike our competitors, we've got technicians working on the weekends to make sure we can fit your schedule. 

We recognize life is busy and sometimes the weekends are the ONLY times to get things done. Call us to get a limited weekend spot! 317-859-9999 πŸ‘‘
Eat your veggies & support your local plumber! 

317-859-9999 πŸ₯¬
Sometimes it takes a team to get a job done right & we've got the best one! 

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for Larry, Alex, and Jarred. Get our crew in your home to tackle any plumbing problem, big or small. 317-859-9999
END OF SUMMER MAINTENANCE DEAL! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Check out this limited offer. *** Plumbing maintenance really does save you money & time in the long run. Those pieces of equipment that keep your life running smooth need annual attention to maintain themselves! 

Have our team out to inspect your water softener, water heater, and sump pump before the cold weather hits and you're really in trouble. 

Call 317-859-9999 and mention this post for the deal!
Did you know your appliances use more energy during the summer months? Leading to additional wear and tear on your plumbing appliances? 

Check the lines leading to your washing machine, refrigerator, and dishwasher to ensure there are no leaks. Cracks & leaks expand in colder weather so getting ahead of the game is the KEY! 

317-859-9999 πŸ’¦
END OF SUMMER MAINTENANCE!!! 🌟🌟

Next up, inspecting sewer lines. With warm weather and rain comes GROWTH. Most growth, we love to see, but some growth can be detrimental. Tree and plant roots have potential to invade your sewer lines and cause a true headache for your family. 

If you notice obvious wet areas in your yard where sewer lines are below, call US to get ahead. Save yourself the time and the money. 317-859-9999 πŸ‘‘πŸ’ͺ
We hate it say it, but the end of summer & colder weather is near. That means it's time to start our end of summer maintenance lists. With the use of outdoor hoses to wash cares, water plants, fill pools, etc. there is the inevitable wear and tear. 

Check those outdoor hoses for water leakage before the fall/winter and make any repairs or replacements as necessary. Call us if you need some help! 317-859-9999 πŸŒŸπŸ› πŸ‘‘
It's Friday, sun is shining, trucks are clean, & we've got the best team of technicians taking care of our loyal customers today. We are counting our blessings!!!

What are you grateful for going into the weekend? πŸŒŸπŸ’¦
Free estimates, Reasonably priced, & Courteous! 

Call us @ 317-859-9999 and get your headaches resolved! 

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
No time for funny business....

CALL CARTERS! 317-859-9999 πŸ’ͺπŸ’¦
Paul, one of our senior technicians, is celebrating his 1 Year Work Anniversary with Carter's My Plumber! πŸ’ͺ

Paul is hard working, experienced in his trade, shows pride in his work, and really hones in on the details required for fine craftsmanship. πŸ› 

If Paul's your technician this week, give him a BIG congrats!! Call our office to book with a plumber who you can trust! 317-859-9999
WE'RE EXPANDING THE TEAM! πŸ‘‘πŸ’¦

Carter's My Plumber has open positions for licensed & apprentice plumbers. Join a group of like-minded professionals who truly value YOU and your hard work. Let's chat!

Visit us online at www.cartersmyplumber.com or call our office at 317-859-9999 to get some additional information. πŸ› 
It's Friday & we've got some food for thought. 

When you're booking with a company, make sure they stand by their warranties on the weekends because THINGS HAPPEN. At Carters, we stand by our work. That means we're here for you when things go wrong, EVEN when its not convenient. 

Book with a company that won't leave you hanging. πŸ‘‘

317-859-9999