That’s why it was turning off and on during a shower. But you still should not neglect flushing it altogether. Depending on where you live, the cost of installing a storage tank water heater can range from $800 to $1,300, installing a tankless water heater … Can I buy a Rinnai tankless water heater at Lowe’s or Home Depot? Prices range from about $170 for small gas-fired units to more than $2,000 for high-output heaters that can supply two showers at the same time; $1,000 is about average. The customer said their tankless water heater kept shutting off in the middle of a sower. No hot water is one of the most common problems in water heating systems. Here’s another example from a recent customer call. If this flow requirement is not met, the heater will not fire. Check the gas burner and does … After all, that’s what happened to an earlier customer who hadn’t flushed their tankless water heater. These valves automatically change the hot water flow to prevent you from getting scalding water … 4. But in this case, dielectric unions should NOT have been used. Descaling is the critical part of routine maintenance. Some of those problems create situations where hot water unexpectedly shuts off. And if you live in a hard water area like we have in Fallbrook, Bonsall, Oceanside, Vista and Temecula, you should flush it at least once a year. − Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building. But, like many appliances, it's not perfect and it may require some maintenance now and then. A Dirty or Clogged Air Inlet Screen. Check the filter to make sure that there's no debris in it. Wait 5 minutes and check all taps. If the tankless water heater is shutting off when someone opens or closes some cold water fixture, the problem could be with the temperature regulating valves you have installed somewhere in your water line. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Call me for any plumbing, sewer or gas line issues. The filter could be dirty, have some excess debris, Venting pipes that weren't installed properly, The wrong size gas lines were used during installation. Closed on Saturday. But if this valve or its inner elements are damaged, it can’t deliver enough gas … Additionally, hard water (water containing high levels of minerals) can cause tankless water heaters to work harder and eventually break down. A failure in any part of this system can cause a water heater to shut off. We open at 6:00 am and close at 10:00 pm Monday through Friday. It had to be replaced. You can also shut off the cold feed valve just to ensure no water is siphoned out of the tank if cold water is also used with the tank off. Finally, the problem may have to do with low water flow rate. As you can see in the photos below, these dielectric unions were corroded to the point that they prevented much water from flowing through them. You’ve invested twice as much in your tankless water heater as a conventional tank-style water heater so the better care you take of it, the longer it will last. So, it’ll flicker off. This type of problem is typically caused by low water flow. Also, since tank-style heaters have been around longer and are more common, more professionals are capable of installing them and the labor costs are lower. What does Consumer Reports say about tankless water heaters? Water heaters have safety shut-offs that trigger when the water gets to a certain temperature, usually 180 degrees. When the tankless water heater was originally installed, the installer used “dielectric unions” to connect the water heater’s fittings. Fulton County, Bartow County, Cobb County, Paulding County, Cherokee County, Gwinnett County, and Douglas County. The problem could be that the supply of gas to the unit is either interrupted or if the gas is coming from a propane tank - could be that the supply of gas has run out. Besides, the filter could also be clogged by dust or unusual stuff from the water supply. But no water would flow out. It could be something as simple as a loose wire. Condensation may drip onto on the gas burner and cause corrosion that blocks the gas supply. We asked “when was the last time it was flushed? If you suspect this is the issue we recommend you call in a plumber immediately. For most tankless water heaters, the display with present an … Make sure that the shut-off valve, is not closed. Open all hot water taps supplied by the heater. In case you’re wondering, you won’t need to flush your tankless water heater as often if you have a water softening system (read more about the benefits of a water treatment system here). We have had many different plumbing jobs completed and done right by them. That’s the turquoise colors. I’ve lived in Fallbrook all my life. Getting regular maintenance will catch or prevent other tankless problems. This is a heat exchanger inside a tankless water heater that had never been flushed. Check that the heater is getting electricity, gas and water. Tankless water heaters are not immune to problems. Acworth GA, Atlanta GA, Austell GA, Cartersville GA, Doraville GA, Douglasville GA, Hiram GA, Kennesaw GA, Lawrenceville GA, Lithia Springs GA, Loganville GA, Mableton GA, Marietta GA, Powder Springs GA, Rockmart GA, Roswell GA, Smyrna GA, Tucker GA, Villa Rica GA, Vinings GA, Woodstock GA, and Surrounding Communities. • WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS − Do not try to light any appliance. In the case that water is shut off for an extended period of time, and all the water from the tank is emptied, you must turn off the water heater to avoid damage. When properly maintained, a tankless water heater should last about 20 years (according to National Labs). To check for this, shut off the cold supply to the heater and open either the pressure relief valve or any hot-water faucet. The pilot light can get dirty from soot, dust and other particles. You may have turned it too high. tankless water heater. 98% chance of that. Instead of the dielectric unions, brass fittings should have been used. Turn off the unit. Need to Add a Gas Line for a Barbecue Grill or Outside Fireplace? This is not usually what happened, but if there is no water coming out, then you should go check your pipe valves and water inlet filter. If, however, the valve is broken, you must turn off the main water supply to prevent a never-ending flood. Close off installer supplied cold water shut off valve (if none installed, install before proceeding). Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Installation and Operation Manual U334 • Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. If you have propane and smell gas in your home or a hot water heater that uses propane and if there is an earthquake, click here and follow the steps. great benefits to a tankless water heater. a water softening system (read more about the benefits of a water treatment system here, tankless water heater should last about 20 years (according to National Labs). Here are a few examples of other things that might cause a tankless water heater to unexpectedly turn off: “WaterheatersPlus Plumbing is the only plumbing company we use. My tankless water heater keeps shutting off. Water is Too Hot. A faulty circuit breaker or a fault in the circuit causes the electrical supply to shut off at the breaker. So we hooked up the pump to flush it. And that’s when we saw the problem. Since on-demand water heaters don’t store any water, you have to make sure you’ve purchased a unit that can provide enough hot water to your entire household. Your water heater reset button is a safety device that shuts off power to your water heater when the water temperature inside it exceeds 180 degrees Fahrenheit.. Side note: the reset button is also sometimes referred to as the ECO (emergency cut off) switch or “high limit safety thermostat switch”. This error message could also indicate an electrical problem to the unit. Read more about flushing tankless water heaters here. Icy cold water splashes your noggin and down your back. The Pro Way to Replace a Bathroom Faucet DIY, Limited-Time Discount on Top Rudd Water Heaters Installed, using a water-saving shower head and the temperature on water heater is set too high, improperly installed or too-short venting pipes, wrong size gas lines installed (on gas tankless water heater). Noritz tankless water heaters have a minimum flow requirement (0.5 gpm for most models.) Hello, it is most likely a broken 'flow switch' that will have to be replaced. Tankless water heater keeps shutting off; Water heater is suddenly cold; Tankless water heater won't ignite; Electric Tankless Water Heater Keeps Shutting Off. Often, mistakes take a while to show up. Did you recently turn up your hot water heater? Your Air Supply or Exhaust is Blocked. You’re scheduling regular maintenance. Open again on Sunday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. What could cause this problem? How much does it cost to install a tankless water heater? There are a few things that could be causing your electric tankless water heater to shut off. If you heater shuts off during usage, here are a few things to check: Ensure your filter is clean and free of debris (instructions) Its a $400 or $500 job. They have been reliable and do excellent work. This one actually corroded to the point it started leaking. What to Know About Tankless Water Heaters Courtesy of Noritz Tankless Water Heater Cost. The power valves could be shut off earlier. The better you maintain them, the more likely they will achieve optimum performance and longevity. Water running is a sign of a; plumbing cross-over. Your gas valve is what delivers natural gas directly to your water heater. Shut off the inlet isolation valve on the water heater. Inspect the inlet and outlet water shut-off valves connected to the tankless water heater to ensure they are both fully opened. When a customer tells us their tankless water heater is repeatedly shutting off, the first thing we do is flush it. Call us to routinely flush your tankless water heater! If this … That told us water was not getting through the fittings. Grew up helping my dad in his plumbing business. Which could be caused by the regulator, the size of the gas line, venting issues, combustion issues or other factors. What is the best gas tankless water heater? That’s because tankless water heaters have brass connections. If you can light your pilot light, but it keeps going out, the first item to check is … He uses his "old-school" experience with all the latest plumbing technology to solve virtually any plumbing problem. The flame sensor is a safety device designed to turn off your furnace if no flames are detected, protecting you against dangerous gas fumes. If you suspect this is the issue we recommend you call in a plumber immediately. Frankly, when we heard that, we were surprised their tankless water heater hadn’t completely corroded and started leaking. Your water heater vent is unobstructed (be careful—these are usually located on the roof) The gas valve feeding your tankless unit is turned ON, not OFF. Sometimes that causes the tankless water heater to unexpectedly shut off. Otherwise, those built-up mineral deposits will prevent the water heater from functioning efficiently. A flame sensor problem could be why your furnace keeps shutting off. Gas from this valve lights your pilot light and eventually lights the gas burners that heat your water. In all cases, tankless water heaters must be property vented. The response: 10 years – the same age as the water heater! So we disconnected the tankless water heater from its fittings. Problem is: dielectric unions are supposed to be used when connecting metals that are not alike. Descaling is the critical part of routine maintenance. Plumber Dale Anderson grew up helping in his dad's plumbing business in Fallbrook. You’ll get a free quote and guaranteed best price. They are trustworthy and honest in all their work.”. The first things you should check are the correct supply of electricity, water, and gas to the water heater. By shutting off the flow of water, Rheem Smart Water Heater with LeakGuard models can help you avoid an average of $4,000 in water leak damage 1,4 Built-in EcoNet Technology Complete control of your water heater—from adjusting water temperature and tracking energy usage to setting vacation mode—all from a smart phone 2 Eventually, if not flushed, those minerals will literally eat away at the heat exchanger, causing it to leak and shortening its life. #2. Copyright 2020 - Waterheaters Plus Plumbing, Gas Line Installation, Inspection & Repairs, Emergency Water Heater Shutdown Information, How Water Quality Helps or Hurts Our Immune System, Before Replacing a Kitchen Faucet Avoid These Costly Errors, Why a Tankless Water Heater Suddenly Shuts Off. Dirty Thermocouple. Check that the … Unfortunately flushing isn’t as simple as pushing down a handle like you would to flush a toilet. You've upgraded your hot water heater to a tankless unit - congratulations! The problem could also be a venting issue. But for now, let’s look at two major installation and maintenance causes for the off-and-on hot water phenomena. This may be as inconspicuous as a worn seal in a single-handle faucet. Since yesterday. This is a problem that should be attended to by a professional plumber. 1. Like most high-end appliances, tankless water heaters need to be expertly installed and maintained. Are tankless hot water heaters better than a tank? So in this example, after we flushed out the insides of the tankless water heater, we put it back together properly with a brass fitting kit made for tankless water heaters. There are some great benefits to a tankless water heater. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In fact, these dielectric unions actually created the corrosion. This means that the mechanism is trying to light but it's unable to. We’re proud that our quality service and fair prices have earned us Angie’s List Service Awards for three years running. However, if corrosion does occur, it can lead to serious problems. You’ll save money in the long run. The normal life span of those water heaters is in the 10 to 12 year range. If there is a steady flow of water from the hot output after the pipe has drained, there is a cross flow somewhere in the plumbing that must be fixed. Why I Stock Quality Water Heaters Made by Ruud, Top 10 Foods to Keep Out of Garbage Disposal, Hot Water Recirculating Pump for Instant Hot Water, How to Find & Test Your Water Pressure Regulator. It could be something as simple as a loose wire. However. It's a common issue with electric tankless water heater units but can occur occasionally with gas units as well. Read more about flushing tankless water heaters here. Here are some potential causes for … This is usually your first clue there’s a problem with your tankless water heater. Turn the hot water faucet on in a nearby sink. This is an example. Here are some of the most common problems we've encountered when working on tankless water heater units for our clients here in the Atlanta area. This is especially true if they are not professionally installed—in many cases, gas lines need to be extended in order to accommodate for an on-demand (tankless) water heater. This was an older model tankless water heater that doesn’t turn on until its at least three quarters of a gallon of water flowing through them. If the water heater is over 9 years old, it will most likely be a good idea to replace it. Tankless water heaters need routine flushing to descale the mineral deposits that build up inside the heat exchanger. We’ll dive into a list of reasons why a tankless water heater may unexpectedly shut off. If the flame sensor becomes corroded or covered in soot, it cannot detect flames, even when your furnace is running properly. Here’s the most likely problem: The water in your water heater is getting too hot. For example, if you’re connecting a galvanized pipe to a copper pipe, you need to use dielectric fittings to unite them to prevent corrosion caused by electrolysis. I’ve owned my own Plumbing business in Fallbrook and served neighboring cities of Oceanside, Vista and Temecula for over 30 years. Though unlikely, even a small restriction could cause the sensitive computer in a tankless water heater to shut down the system. Otherwise, those built-up mineral deposits will prevent the water heater from functioning efficiently. Consult a local plumber or service person for help in … Sometimes that causes the tankless water heater to unexpectedly shut off. Electric Water Heater Keeps Turning Off. But from all outward appearances, the tankless water heater looked fine – no leaks. Not that I’m aware of - Answered by a verified HVAC Technician. When your water is turned off, cold water stops flowing into your plumbing system from the outside, meaning that a tank-type or hybrid heater stops being able to refill with more water. He has owned and managed his own plumbing business for over 30 years. Call a plumber to repair the crossover between hot and cold water lines. If you have any questions about tankless water heaters, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. How does a tankless water heater work? Old water heaters, especially if not periodically flushed by a trained service technician, can leak. If you are using an electric water heater, find the electrical circuit for the unit at … This error message tends to indicate a problem with the gas pressure. This would, however, not allow much of the hot water to be used out of the tank as this will have now air locked the system. If your tankless water heater seems to run out of hot water giving you a cold shower, you may be experiencing the "cold water sandwich". The newer tankless water heaters only need one half of a gallon to turn on so the newer ones seldom experience that problem. Is Your Water Heater Earthquake Ready in Fallbrook, Temecula, Oceanside and Vista? When the water temperature in your water heater exceeds 180°, the red reset button (also known as the high-limit switch) trips. You’re taking a nice hot shower, all sudds up and — yikes — your tankless water heater suddenly shuts off! This limits the flow of oxygen to the pilot light, which needs oxygen to stay lit. Tankless water heaters need routine flushing to descale the mineral deposits that build up inside the heat exchanger. Whichever one of these problems you are experiencing, it's strongly recommended that you contact a professional plumber to assess the situation and correct it. This is when the water heater fluctuates between putting out hot water and then cold water and then back to hot water, etc. Help, My Tankless Water Heater Shuts Off During Showers. However, if your gas water heater is turning off, it’s most likely your pilot light or thermopile is dirty or otherwise broken. November 29, 2018 – By #Me. If there is a steady stream of water, the cold water is flowing into the hot water lines. Then, just as suddenly, the water may turn hot again. Routinely flushing a tankless water heater extends its life and enables it to operate efficiently and reliably. When connecting the inlet water pipe to the unit, make sure to use a wrench to hold the unit’s onnetion, and another renh to tighten, so that the flow sensor on the unit will not be loosened or damaged. Some tankless water heaters have a minimum flow rate requirement and if that number is not reached, then the heater will not turn on. 4. Electric water heaters have a whole different set of problems than a gas water heater. I’m here to help with any plumbing issue. Customers call me “Plumber Dale”. 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