Tankless Water Heater Repair Services in Englewood, CO
Tankless water heaters have been growing in popularity in recent years for a wide variety of reasons, but most homeowners cite their efficiency as the number one factor driving purchasing decisions. The only problem is that not all Plumbing Services have experience working with this newer type of water heater.
When homeowners in Englewood, CO need tankless water heater maintenance, repairs, or replacements they should only work with experienced plumbers. Find out about some of the most common tankless water heater issues and how to resolve them below.
Common Tankless Water Heater Repairs
Tankless water heaters are less prone to breakdowns than their traditional counterparts and can last for decades with proper maintenance. Unfortunately, though, that doesn’t mean these water heaters never need repairs. As with any appliance, it’s best to schedule a service call as soon as trouble arises, not to wait until minor problems become major headaches. Keep an eye and an ear out for the following problems and schedule Tankless Water Heater Repair services as soon as they come up.
Broken Heating Elements
Some tankless water heaters are powered by natural gas, while others use electricity exclusively to heat water. Electric tankless water heaters can experience issues with their heating elements, which causes them to be unable to produce sufficient hot water. Before replacing a heating element, a good plumber will always check the thermostat settings, circuit breaker, and wiring to ensure that the heater elements are the only faulty parts. If nothing else seems to be amiss, replacing the heating element should get the hot water flowing again in no time.
Issues With Gas Burners
Instead of heating elements, natural gas-powered tankless water heaters use burners. These components can cause a similar range of symptoms if they fail, leaving homeowners and their families with insufficient hot water to meet their needs. The most common culprits are dirty burners and worn-out thermocouples, both of which can be resolved with ease by a professional technician.
Sediment Buildup
All types of water heaters, including both traditional and tankless models, will experience reduced efficiency if sediment and scale build-up inside of them. This issue typically arises in areas that have hard water. The mineral deposits found in hard water build up on the heating elements or other components, causing them to eventually fail. The best way to tackle this problem is to stop sediment from building up, to begin with, by scheduling annual cleaning services.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Many tankless water heater repairs can be avoided by providing the units with adequate maintenance. During a preventative maintenance visit, a plumber will evaluate every part of the tankless water heater and its associated systems to make sure everything is in working order and identify potential problems before they cause breakdowns. He or she will:
- Check the gas pressure
- Clean the fan motor and water filter
- Check the condensation system
- Inspect the flue system and burner
- Look for error codes
- Ensure that the flow rate and temperature are adequate
Keep in mind that annual Tankless Water Heater service won’t replace the need for periodic home maintenance. Homeowners should also check and clean their units’ inlet filters every few months. This simple procedure only takes basic tools and about five minutes of time, but it can prevent all kinds of more serious issues and even extend the usable lifespan of the water heater.
When to Replace a Tankless Water Heater
Tankless water heaters are expensive, so most homeowners want to get as much life out of them as possible. Providing the units with periodic maintenance and repairing minor issues before they cause more serious problems can help to prolong a tankless water heater’s lifespan quite a bit, but eventually, there will still come a time when the unit will need to be replaced.
The best rule of thumb when it comes to making this vital decision is to pay for repairs if they will cost less than half of the price of a new tankless water heater. However, there are also some mitigating circumstances that could influence homeowners’ decisions. Tankless water heaters can last 20 years or longer with proper maintenance, but if the unit is over two decades old and losing efficiency, it may be more cost-effective to replace it than to continue making repairs.
Trust the Pros
Englewood homeowners deserve to work with plumbers that are efficient, effective, and able to tackle any type of repair. That’s just what they’ll find at Cronen Plumbing & Heating Inc. With over 30 years of experience, the experts at our family-owned business can repair, maintain, and replace any type of water heater, including tankless models. Learn more about us online or call (303) 937-8369 to schedule an appointment.