Signs Your Tankless Water Heater Is On Its Last Legs: Time For Replacement?

A tankless water heater, also known as an on-demand water heater, is a type of water heating system that heats water only when needed. Tankless water heaters are more efficient than traditional tank water heaters because they don't need a tank to store hot water.

If you have a tankless water heater, it's important to know the signs that it's time for a replacement. Here are two key signs.

An Unexplained Drop in Water Pressure

A tankless water heater system is a great way to have an endless hot water supply. However, you may have noticed that the water pressure in your home has dropped since you installed the system.

A drop in water pressure in the tankless water heater may be due to scale buildup. Scale buildup happens when the water in your tankless system causes minerals to stick to the inside of your pipes and other heater components. Water has a hard time passing through these buildup areas, which causes your water pressure to drop.

The system may also be too far from your home's main water line. This too can cause a drop in water pressure since the water has to travel a longer distance to get to your tankless system.

Finally, there may be an undetected leak in the system. A leak can cause the system to lose water and may even damage pipes and other system components.

If you're not sure what's causing the drop in water pressure, it's best to consult a professional. They'll be able to troubleshoot the problem and arrange for a replacement, especially if the system is still under warranty.

Lukewarm Water

Tankless water heaters are often lauded for their energy efficiency, but sometimes they can fall short when it comes to delivering hot water. So if you've noticed that your tankless system is giving you lukewarm water, there are a few potential causes.

One possibility is that the system is too small for your needs. Tankless water heaters are rated by their capacity, so if you have a unit that's too small, it will struggle to keep up with demand.

Additionally, hard water can also be to blame. Over time, minerals can build up in the unit and restrict flow, resulting in lukewarm water. The minerals can adhere to the heating elements and prevent water from coming into contact with them. This means the water won't be heated properly, and you'll have to contend with lukewarm water.

If you notice that your tankless system isn't providing as much hot water as you expect, it's worth investigating these potential causes. Some of these issues can cause irreversible damage to your system. You'd have to replace whole parts or even the entire system to get back a constant supply of hot water. 

Contact a professional to learn more about tankless water heaters


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