Are you a homeowner looking for reassurance that your money is well-invested in a tankless water heater? Trust us, we get it. Tankless units are notorious for their reliable service and long-term savings, but just like any complex appliance, they can experience problems from time to time. Here’s the good news: most issues are fixable with routine maintenance and proper installation—and many don’t cost an arm and a leg!
9 Signs Your Tankless Water Heater Needs Repairs
Here are some common signs that a tankless water heater is having problems:
- Mineral Buildup: This can occur if your water supply contains high levels of minerals. Over time, these minerals can accumulate inside your water heater, causing it to work less efficiently.
- Cold Water Sandwich: This phenomenon happens when you get a burst of cold water in the middle of a hot shower. It’s usually caused by turning off and then quickly turning back on the hot water tap.
- Air Supply or Exhaust Blockage: If your water heater’s air supply or exhaust is blocked, it could cause ignition or flame failure.
- Ignition Failure: If your water heater isn’t igniting, it could be due to a problem with the ignition system itself or a lack of gas supply.
- Flame Failure: This could be caused by a problem with the gas supply or the burner itself.
- Poor Hot Water Quality: If the hot water quality is poor, this could indicate a problem with your water heater.
- No Hot Water: If no hot water is coming from your taps, it could mean that your power source is off or that the flow rate is too low.
- Inconsistent Temperatures: If the water temperature varies, there might be an issue with the water heater’s thermostat or there could be a mineral build-up.
- Significant Leaks: Any significant leaks from the unit could indicate a serious problem that needs immediate attention.
If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to call a professional for a thorough inspection and necessary tankless water heater repair.
Estimated Costs for Most Common Tankless Water Heater Repairs
Here are some common repairs for tankless water heaters and their estimated costs:
- General Repair: The national average for tankless water heater repair costs is between $100 and $650, with most homeowners paying around $375 to fix their heater.
- Circuit Board Replacement: If the water is lukewarm, it could indicate a faulty circuit board in your tankless water heater. The cost to repair or replace a broken circuit board would likely fall within the general repair cost range.
- Water Heater Replacement: If the water heater is beyond repair, replacement might be necessary. The typical range for water heater replacement is between $1,300 and $5,500, averaging around $1,700.
- Maintenance Work: A plumber can perform tankless water heater maintenance work for between $45 and $200 per visit.
- Thermocouple or Element Repair: Hot water heater repair, including thermocouple or element issues, costs from $150 to $700 on average for a tank.
Conclusion
Remember, these are estimated costs and actual prices can vary based on factors like your location, the exact nature of the problem, the age and model of your water heater, and the rates charged by your local plumbers. Always consider getting quotes from several professionals before making your decision.
