Tankless Water Heater Repair: When Your Hot Water Stops Flowing | Richardson, TX
In recent years, more and more homeowners are opting to install tankless water heaters in their homes. There are many reasons for this, the most important of which has to do with their efficiency and the reduction of energy costs they produce. It has been estimated that tankless water heaters can save up to 50 percent on energy as compared to their storage counterparts. They are also more efficient in that they only heat water when it is needed and don’t keep turning on and off throughout the day. They are also less expensive than gas-run storage heaters and can easily be installed outdoors, removing the worry about emissions and toxic fumes. Tankless water heaters also work very well in states such as Texas, where the number of days in which temperatures drop below freezing is only a handful of days per year. This fact means that while winterizing might be a good idea, it is not an absolute requirement, and with good maintenance, it can last for quite a long time.
But, even though tankless water heaters have an entire list of favorable features, they are not perfect and can sometimes stop working properly. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons for which you might need Tankless Water Heater Repair in Richardson, TX and what you can do to get them fixed as soon as possible regardless of whether your tankless water heater runs on gas or electricity.
No Hot Water? Check Your Water Heater’s Flow Capacity
One of the most common problems presented by tankless water heaters is when you have no hot water in your house but cold water still comes out of all your faucets. The first thing that should come to mind when this happens is whether you are surpassing your water heater’s flow capacity. If, for example, you are running your washing machine, your child is taking a bath and your spouse is doing the dishes all at the same time, you may have exceeded your water heater’s flow capacity. Before you call a plumber you are going to have to decide which activity requires the immediate use of hot water and turn everything else off right away. Then restart your unit. If the hot water returns, then the problem is solved and you must avoid running too many faucets at the same time in the future. Your tankless water heater should have a flow rate capacity clearly marked on the side of the unit, which should help you figure out how many fixtures you can use at the same time without any problem. You should also check your water pressure. Your tankless water heater should also specify how many gallons per minute should run through it in order to produce the desired output of hot water. If your home’s water pressure does not feed enough water to the heater, the unit might not work properly and it might be time for a Tankless Water Heater Repair.
When to Call a Richardson, TX Plumber for Tankless Water Heater Repair
If you verify that water is flowing into your tankless water heater and you are not overloading it with too many faucets running at once, it is time to call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas for Tankless Water Heater Repair. Your plumber will inspect your water heater in search of blockages and broken parts. Here are some things a plumber will look for when he is called in for Tankless Water Heater Repair:
- Faulty heating elements – tankless water heaters that run on electricity can occasionally present with a faulty heating element. Your plumber will inspect the thermostat and other elements of your unit to make sure the problem lies with the heating elements and not elsewhere. Once the problem has been confirmed, your plumber will change the parts and get your hot water running once again.
- Sediment accumulation – when you live in an area with hard water, Tankless Water Heater Repair might be needed more often than it would be in areas that don’t have this problem. The accumulation of minerals and sediment from hard water can build up on certain elements of your tankless water heater causing it to malfunction. A plumber can easily remove the build-up and get your tankless water heater working properly again.
- Gas burner malfunction – with tankless water heaters that are powered by natural gas, the problems may be a little different than in those that run on electricity. Dirty burners are a common issue with these water heaters which is why regular maintenance is required. A plumber will easily detect these types of issues during the initial inspection and take the required steps to bring your water heater up to par again.
Cold Weather Can Cause Issues Too
When the winter temperatures get too low, your tankless water heater may have problems working properly, especially if the temperature goes below freezing for more than 48 hours. In this case, your water pipes could freeze, preventing the water from reaching the heater appropriately. When this happens your best bet is to try to thaw out your pipes carefully to prevent any leaks and cracks from forming and let your water heater do its job once the water starts flowing again. If you are expecting very cold weather, make sure to call your plumber for help winterizing your pipes and tankless water heater so it continues to work properly through the worst winter storm without the need for Tankless Water Heater Repair.
At bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of North Dallas we provide efficient and fast Tankless Water Heater Repair to the Richardson, TX area. Our commitment to our clients is to help them get their hot water running again as quickly as possible. We offer technical assistance when a replacement tankless water heater is required. Our experienced plumbers are being continuously trained in order to be always up to date with new technologies and techniques, so don’t hesitate, if you need Tankless Water Heater Repair for your home, give us a call today!
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