Tankless Water Heater Repair in Lexington, KY

Tankless water heaters are an improvement on more traditional water heaters in many areas. For one thing, they're energy-efficient, which means they heat water faster and use less energy than a conventional heater. That alone can potentially save you a pretty penny on your water and heating bills. Their increased energy efficiency makes them better for the environment because it takes less energy to heat the same volume of water.

The only problem is because they're still just now becoming more common in American households, not as many licensed plumbing professionals in Lexington, KY know how to fix them when they become broken or worn out. They also require a larger up-front investment, which is why it's so disheartening when it needs to be repaired. That won't be a problem for you if you call on Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Lexington, KY. All of our plumbing repair experts in Lexington are knowledgeable about tankless water heater repair and have everything they need to get it working again.

Need a tankless water repair repaired in your Lexington, KY home? We're there for you. Call us for a job estimate or schedule an appointment online.

What Are the Most Common Problems with Tankless Water Heaters?

Tankless water heaters have a lot of benefits and advantages over conventional water heaters that make them worth the upfront cost, and a worthwhile investment in the long run. No man-made machine is perfect, and the same is true of tankless water heaters. Some of the most commonly occurring problems you'll find in tankless water heaters include:

• Mineral Buildup: Hard water with a high concentration of minerals can cause the system to back up and overflow your filter. Checking your water filter periodically can prevent this problem.
• Intermittent Cold Water: This is caused by cold water being stored in the pipes and blasts you with cold jets of water in the shower. Give the water time to heat up and travel through your plumbing to your tap.
• Blocked Air Supply or Exhaust: Make sure your tankless water isn't installed too close to the wall or any objects that restrict airflow.
• Ignition Malfunctioning: When your home tankless water heater won't light, it could be because your propane tank is empty, or your gas and water valves are not fully opened.

Benefits of Tankless Water Heaters

Why should you consider a tankless water heater? Because tankless water heaters provide homeowners with a variety of advantages that tank heaters do not.

1.Space Efficiency

Modern tank-style water heaters are more efficient and effective than ever before, yet the extra insulation has resulted in smaller tanks inside. Whereas you may have previously had an 80-gallon tank, you may now only be able to fit a 70- or 60-gallon tank in your heater space.

2. Improve Your Home Safety

Tank water heaters have a developing issue: their quick heating warms both the air and the water in your tank. Because air expands as it warms, the air in your tank can really exert a lot of extra pressure on the tank itself. Expansion tanks can help with this, but they are not a guarantee of safety. Similarly, relief valves that haven't been changed in a while may fail to open. All of this adds up to a rare situation in which a water heater could really explode and do extensive damage to your property.

3. Energy Efficiency

Because tank style heaters rely on maintaining your hot water at your preferred temperature, you must pay to heat the water once and then pay again to keep it at that degree. Regardless of how well-insulated your tank is, the water will eventually cool and need to be reheated. You only pay to heat your water once with tankless heaters, which means lower energy expenses and more money in your pocket.

Tankless vs. Water Heaters with Tanks

Tank-style water heaters use a heat source to heat a tank of water before transporting it to where it is needed in your home. Because they heated a huge amount of water at once (some tanks could store up to 100 gallons of water or more), tank style heaters required a long time to create hot water—sometimes an hour or more for larger systems. Heating durations decreased as they became stronger and more efficient, but there was no such thing as an endless supply of hot water—the tank would eventually run dry and you'd have to replace it.

Request an estimate from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Lexington, KY for your tankless water heater needs.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Tips If you have a tankless water heater in your home, you can perform some simple maintenance tasks to keep it working smoothly. Here are three important maintenance tasks to consider (always check your owner's manual for specific instructions):

1. Annual Flush: It's a good idea to flush your tankless water heater at least once a year. If you have hard water, you might need to do this more often to prevent mineral buildup.

2. Filter Cleaning: Some tankless models have filters for air or cold water intake. Regularly cleaning these filters helps maintain strong water flow.

3. Exterior Cleaning: Use a damp cloth to clean the outside of the unit, but be careful to avoid the fan blades, heat exchanger, or burner. This routine cleaning lets you spot any rust or issues. If you see rust, don't hesitate to contact your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing for assistance.

How Tankless Water Heaters Work

Traditional water heaters typically have large storage tanks that continuously heat water, usually around 49-50 gallons or more. These tanks store a lot of hot water for household use. When they run out of hot water, it takes quite a while to refill and reheat.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, don't need a water storage tank. They heat the water as it flows through them. The tankless water heater circulates cold water around a heat exchanger, turning it into hot water and sending it to your home through the pipes. This process provides on-demand hot water without the need for a storage tank.

Types of Tankless Water Heaters

There are three main types of tankless water heaters:

1. Electric-powered

2. Gas-powered

3. Propane-Powered

How Often Should I Service My Tankless Water Heater?

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure your tankless water heater works efficiently and lasts a long time. The frequency of servicing depends on factors like your water quality and your specific unit's make and model. Here are some general guidelines:

• Annual Maintenance: Many manufacturers and plumbing professionals recommend annual maintenance for tankless water heaters. This includes flushing the unit to remove mineral buildup, checking for leaks or corrosion, inspecting and cleaning the burner or heat exchanger, and testing safety features. Annual maintenance helps prevent issues related to mineral scaling and keeps performance optimal.
• Water Quality: If you live in an area with hard water (high mineral content), you may need more frequent maintenance. Hard water can lead to mineral deposits building up faster inside the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. In such cases, semi-annual maintenance might be necessary.
• User Manual: Always follow the maintenance guidelines provided in your unit's user manual or by the manufacturer. They will offer specific instructions tailored to your unit.
• Professional Inspection: It's a good idea to have a professional plumber or technician inspect your tankless water heater annually or as recommended by the manufacturer. They can identify and address potential issues that you might miss.
• Self-Maintenance: Homeowners can perform some routine maintenance tasks like cleaning filters, checking for error codes on the unit's display, and ensuring proper ventilation. However, more complex tasks, like flushing the unit, are usually best left to professionals.
• Water Softeners: If you have a water softening system, it can help reduce mineral buildup in your tankless water heater. Regularly maintaining your water softener can indirectly extend the lifespan of your tankless unit.
• Age of the Unit: Older tankless water heaters may need more frequent maintenance and inspections, as they can be more prone to issues.

Proper maintenance ensures efficiency, prevents costly repairs, and maintains safety. If you're unsure about your specific tankless water heater's maintenance needs, consult the user manual and seek guidance from a qualified plumber or technician.

No matter that tankless water heater issue, request an appointment from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Lexington, KY 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!