Water Heaters

So you’ve upgraded from a tank-type water heater and moved to a tankless one. This should be a game changing experience: finally, all the hot water you want, without needing to constantly heat it (and waste so much money maintaining a tank of hot water).

But as the water is flowing, you may find that the water heater you installed isn’t exactly what you hoped it would be. Yes, it’s true: tankless water heaters sometimes need repair work. Fortunately, a lot of the problems are easy to solve on your own without needing to call a repair person. Here are some of the biggest problems that we see regarding tankless water heater repair and plumbing problems.

Note that this article is for informational purposes only, and you should consult a professional before attempting any repairs.

Why is my tankless water heater not heating my water?

Cold water. This is by far the number one problem that comes up in regards to tankless hot water heaters (and tank hot water heaters, too). You’re just not getting all the hot water out of them that you want to.

The first thing know is that you will get only cold water for a short time before the hot water reaches you. The pipe between the water heater and you is filled with cold water when you turn on the water heater, and it takes a short tie before the hot water gets to you.

Otherwise, there could be several problems at play here. The first, and the most common, is that demand is running too high for supply. If you’ve got three people in the house taking showers, and the dishwasher is running and the clothes washer is running, then odds are good that your water heater just can’t keep up.

The Solution: There are a few solutions here, and they boil down to supply and demand. Either you need to make sure that not everyone is using the hot water heater at the same time, or you need to upgrade. You can upgrade by switching to a tankless water heater with a higher capacity, or you could add a second unit, either in parallel with the main one or elsewhere, to serve one or more of the places you use hot water.

When it comes to tankless water heater installation, adding a parallel second unit isn’t an elaborate fix and can be done in just a few hours by the technician. (Or you could get the second tankless water heater installed by yourself if you’re good at plumbing services.)

The best thing is that, while paying for a second water heater may seem like a large cost, it can save you from frustration because you won’t be short on hot water for your shower when you’re rushing to get to work.

Why is my water heater running out of hot water quickly?

Your tankless water heater may start off strong but run out of steam pretty fast. What is the reason for this? The problem may be that the inside of the water heater–yes even tankless water heaters–is full of mineral deposits. This drastically reduces the capacity the water heater can hold and properly heat.

This is especially problematic in places with hard water. The most common minerals to build up in the water heater are magnesium and calcium, which can clog pipes and faucets.

The Solution: There are a couple of solutions for cleaning hard water deposits out of tankless water heaters. The first is to check the filter to see if it’s still in good working condition. If it’s worn out or clogged, then clean or replace the filter–and that may be all you need to do to prevent it from getting worse. But the problem is getting rid of the deposits that are already inside.

Fortunately, there are products that you can buy that will descale your water heater. Whether you know if you have hard water deposits or not, it’s a safe idea to run these descaler kits through the water heater at least once a year. You may want have your tankless date heater professionally serviced on a regular basis to keep it in top operating condition.

And finally, maybe think about investing in a water softener for your system. It can prevent a lot of headaches.

Why am I getting an error on my tankless hot water heater?

There are several warnings that you can get on your tankless unit’s readout, but one that comes up frequently is that your air supply is blocked. This could either mean that you’re having trouble bringing air into the water heater, to allow for the combustion of the gas tankless water heater, or you’re having trouble venting the exhaust. Obviously, both are going to be bad.

The Solution: The first step is to inspect all of your vent pipes. Look for holes, disconnects, or blockages. If they’re blocked, evaluate if the blockage is something you can take care of yourself, or if you need a plumber to come in with repair services. For instance, if you can get up on your roof to see whether the top of the vent is blocked, you may be able to. clear an obstruction yourself.

You may find that animals have made their homes in pipes–anything from birds to wasps to mice. (This is your reminder to always make sure your vent pipes are securely covered so no animals can get in in the first place.)

But if the exhaust vent is blocked, you may want a plumber or HVAC professional to correct it; a blocked vent can cause conditions hazardous to your health.

Why is my tankless water heater not igniting?

If your tankless water heater simply isn’t heating up at all, there could be a few problems. The first one is easy: make sure that you’ve paid your gas bill and that gas is still coming to the house. (This can be done by making a call to the gas company, or by checking your furnace or a gas stove to see if they’re working.) If you have an electric water heater, you’ll probably already know that the electricity is on.

The second problem could be that the gas pressure isn’t there, possibly because you have a low propane tank (if you’re not connected to the municipal utility). But there could be more problems that aren’t so easy to diagnose, such as having an ignition system that isn’t properly functional, a regulator that isn’t working properly, or something more technical.

The Solution: If the problem is that your gas bill isn’t paid, or that the propane tank is empty, then you can take care of that fairly easily. If it’s one of the other problems, then you’ll probably need to see a technician about the problem.

Conclusion

All of the problems listed above aren’t hard to fix, but they can require a technician. And different brands sometimes require specialized help. Here are some helpful links for common water heaters:

• Rinnai tankless water heater repair
• Navien tankless water heater repair
• Bosch tankless water heater repair

Get a free quote today!

You might be in the market for a heating unit or looking to upgrade your current heating system. You’ve considered a tankless water heater, but you’re not sure what they are. Maybe you already have a hot water heater and are wondering whether it helps to have a tankless heating unit, too. You’re in the right place to find out all about tankless water heaters, keep reading as we get right into what they are and how they work.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater is a system that heats water only as you need it. When you turn on your tap, the tankless heater quickly heats up enough water to supply hot water to your taps. It then automatically shuts off until you use more. This means that when you’re not using any hot water, there are no energy costs associated with heating it.

In addition to saving energy and money, an on-demand unit also saves space: a single unit replaces both the storage tank and circulation pump of older models. The compact size means it can fit almost anywhere in any home—even in a small closet.

This is ideal because you typically want your tankless water heater installed as close to your faucets as possible to reduce the distance hot water has to run through pipes. This reduces the time you have to wait and lowers water waste.

On-Demand Models Can Be Powered By Either Gas or Electricity

Gas-powered tankless water heaters are more expensive, but they offer similar benefits as an electric tankless model. That being said, natural gas is typically cheaper than electricity in most areas in Canada.

Furthermore, gas tankless water heaters are typically able to heat the water more quickly, since gas burns hotter than electric heating elements.

In contrast, electric tankless models can be more efficient, compact, and in some cases require less maintenance than their gas counterparts.

When to Use a Tankless Water Heater

If you live in a large household or want to reduce your water heating costs, a tankless water heater may be the best option for you.

If your current water heater is a rental, replacing it may be more of a hassle. Furthermore, if you’re planning to move in the next few years, you may not be there long enough to recoup the cost savings, although a tankless water heater is a nice selling point for a home.

Water pressure can be a consideration, especially in more rural areas. If you have a cabin that uses well water, or if low pressure is an issue at home (for example, if there are multiple levels), then tankless systems may not work as well.

Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater

There are several reasons why a tankless water heater might be a better choice than other options. Let’s take a look at just a few of the advantages.

Hot Water On Tap

The biggest advantage of owning a tankless water heater is that you’ll never run out of hot water.

The traditional tank-type system works by storing heated water in a large tank, which fills up over time. When the demand for hot water increases, you have to wait for the tank to fill up again before it can heat more water for you.

With a tankless system, there’s no storage so your family will always have access to warm or even scalding hot showers whenever they need them.

A Tankless Water Heater Is Efficient

Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient than conventional storage units for several reasons, including the fact that they produce a greater volume of hot water per minute.

This is because tankless models heat water only when it’s needed and don’t store any hot water until there’s an entire tank full.

There’s also less wasted heat in these systems because each unit is individually controlled. This means it only heats what you need at that moment, rather than heating an entire tankful of hot water constantly at whatever temperature it was set to before.

A Tankless Water Heater Can Save Space and Money

A tankless water heater is a good choice if you have limited space, or if your family has many people who use hot water in the home. A tankless water heater can also save you money on your utility bill since it uses less energy to heat water than most storage-type units.

However, installing a tankless unit can be expensive because you may need retrofitting of your gas line and venting system. If you’re not sure whether this type of unit will work for you, consult with an HVAC professional before buying one. 

Long Term Savings

The cost of installation and the initial investment in a tankless water heater can be high, so you’ll want to consider whether or not it makes financial sense for your family before making a purchase.

Due to their higher efficiency and lower operating costs, most homeowners will recoup their investment—and continue saving energy dollars for years after that point.

Does your household use large amounts of hot water on a regular basis? Maybe your children are constantly taking showers or if you have large families who like doing laundry at home.

You might find that one tankless unit isn’t enough to meet all of your hot-water needs. If this is the case for you (or even if you just want peace of mind), consider getting more than one.

Cons of Using a Tankless Water Heater

The biggest con of using a tankless water heater is that they are more expensive to buy, install, and maintain.

You can expect to pay up to $4,500 for the average tankless water heater—including installation costs. It’s also important to note that if you need repair work done after it has been installed, it will cost more than a traditional hot-water heater.

Would You Benefit From a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters are a great option for your home or business, and so they are worth researching.

They’re efficient, convenient, and dependable. So the next time you need a new HVAC unit, consider whether tankless is right for you.

If you need more help with your HVAC systems, we’re here to help – compare professional quotes today or check out more articles on our blog.

Our Complete Hot Water Heater Buyer Guide: Learn everything you need to know about the best hot water heaters before you buy, including different types of water heaters, different features, top brands, warranty options, and more.

If you’re building a new home and looking for the best water heater available, or you’re looking to upgrade your current unit, this guide will help you choose the right water heater for your needs.

With various manufacturers offering different features, units powered by different fuels and various deals and pricing options, it can become confusing purchasing a hot water heater. That’s why we’ve put together this informative page, covering what heaters are, features to look out for, reviews, warranty options, pro tips and FAQS to make sure you’ve got all the information you need!

We tend to take the need for hot water instantly flowing out of our taps or shower for granted. However, behind that, there’s a hot water heater that needs to be sufficient for the needs of your home and family.

On average, a Canadian home uses around 75 litres of hot water every day. Also, water heating makes up approximately 17% of the energy used in homes, constituting the second largest utility cost after your home heating system.

Storage Tank Hot Water Heaters

This guide will focus mainly on the traditional storage tank water heater, although it will cover tankless heaters too. See our Tankless Buyer Guide for a more in-depth overview of those systems. The storage tank water heater is the most common type of water heater in the world today, with particular popularity in the U.S. and Canada.

How Do They Work?

Traditional storage tank heaters consist of a vessel or container, usually found in the basement of a home near where the furnace is kept, and it typically holds water ranging between 75 to 400 litres.

The water heater will heat the entire content of water that’s being held in its container ready for use when called upon. They tend to be efficient thanks to the fact that they can utilize energy at a fairly slow rate as the heat is stored for later use.

However, a disadvantage to water heaters of this type is that during periods of heavy water usage, the heated supply of water in the tank can be used up. This can cause a period of delay before hot water is flowing again!

Storage tank heaters can be powered by a number of different types of fuel. Below, we have compared a number of different types of fuel for water heaters, so you can see what is best for you.

Gas

Gas water heaters are great if there’s a natural gas pipeline available to use for your home. Gas water heaters tend to be cheaper to run than electric heaters and other types, as well as being able to heat the water at a faster pace. They also benefit from the fact that they’re easier to repair than electric water heaters.

However, gas water heaters incur a more difficult installation process due to the need for ventilation due to the emissions that are released. They also tend to have a lower lifespan than an electric heater and can cost more upfront.

Electric

An advantage to electric water heaters is that they’re easier to install thanks to not needing any ventilation. They also do not run on “fuel” like gas or propane which makes them very efficient. Thanks to running on electricity, they tend to be better for the environment because they produce fewer emissions and also manage a longer service life than gas heaters.

Nevertheless, there are some downsides to electric water heaters. Electric water heaters often have a slower flow rate than a gas water heater, and you can be at risk of a short circuit or blown fuse. They also tend to be quite difficult to repair due to the electrical component.

Tankless Water Heaters vs Traditional Tank Hot Water Heaters

Although this guide focuses mainly on traditional tank-style water heaters, it’s worth mentioning tankless water heaters, which are gaining in popularity.

Going tankless can be more efficient than traditional tank hot water heaters because they only heat the water when needed and can provide nearly limitless hot water. We’ve put together the list below to help you weigh up the pros and cons of a tankless water heater.

Tankless Hot Water Heater Pros

• They save money by not using energy throughout the day when no hot water is being called for
• Because water is heated on demand, it can be a virtually limitless flow
• They are smaller and more space efficient than tank water heaters
• Because of their smaller nature, they can be fitted closer to the areas of your home where you actually need the water, unlike tank heaters which are usually in the basement

Tankless Hot Water Heater Cons

• It can be very expensive to switch from a tank water heater to a tankless heater. This is because you’ll generally have to retrofit your plumbing and possibly even your electrical system
• Economically, due to the expensive switch, they only really make sense if you’re building a brand-new home or adding a new space to an existing one.
• If you have an electric tankless heater and there’s a power outage, you’re left with no hot water. This is unlike an electric traditional tank water heater, as you’re still left with the pre-heated water in the tank to ration until the power is restored

Best Features To Look Out For

Drain Valves

Drain valves are not an expensive part of the water heater in themselves, but they’re crucial to its operation. Brass drain valves may cost more than plastic drain valves, but they’re far more reliable and effective. We suggest going for a water heater with brass drain valves where possible!

Glass Lining

Some water heaters include a glass-lined tank. The glass-lined tank helps to reduce corrosion on the interior of the tank, helping to prolong a unit’s service life and prevent maintenance issues that can be caused by corroded parts.

User-Interface

Premium water heaters include technology such as digital displays. These digital displays can show you exactly how the water heater is performing, can help you monitor your purchase and customize how it runs, and some even include a vacation mode to ensure you save money while you’re away.

Top Water Heater Brands

A.O. SMITH / GSW / JOHN WOOD

These manufacturers offer high-efficiency gas/propane, electric tank, hybrid heat pump, tankless, and solar-powered water heaters. With over 600 different models of hot water heaters available, there’s an option for nearly any home. Many are also ENERGY STAR certified.

These brands are all connected, for example. A.O. Smith operates under John Wood in Canada, and they’re currently the largest manufacturer and marketer of water heaters in North America. Their ProLine & Proline Master Electric models all exceed NRCan energy efficiency standards and meet national energy efficiency requirements.

They also have over 80 years’ experience manufacturing the patented glass-lined water heater – which helps reduce erosion on the interior of the tank. For example, John Wood’s patented Blue Diamond glass coating is zircon-enriched, helping provide a tougher, water-resistant lining.

The price of these units is dependent on how efficient the heater is, your home details and how much additional technology they include. It’s best to ask a wholesaler/contractor to get a better idea of pricing specific to your circumstances!

Rheem and Ruud

Rheem and Ruud manufacture gas-fired tank storage and tankless water heaters, as well as a number of other water heating items and equipment.

Higher-end models have impressive efficiency ratings, and select models are also ENERGY STAR rated. Many of these models also come with high-tech user-interface tools to help provide detailed system diagnostics and control.

There are also natural gas and propane burning models that feature eco-friendly burners with low NOx designs, helping the water heater to achieve its high-efficiency levels as well as helping the environment!

It’s worth considering the models that feature Rheem’s Guardian System air/fuel shut-off device which disables the heater in the presence of flammable vapour accumulation, increasing safety. These units are also low maintenance and require no filter.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool is one of the world’s largest home appliance manufacturers, and chances are something in your home has been made under the Whirlpool Corporation.

Whirlpool water heaters include some impressive features, such as self-cleaning technology, and numerous additional safety features. Some of these safety features include the FLAME LOCK Safety System which reduces the risk of accidental fires, 6th Sense technology which uses microprocessor-controlled Honeywell gas valves for tighter temperature control, fewer moving parts and self-diagnostic technology.

Whirlpool’s heaters also use environmentally friendly non-CC polyurethane foam insulation to reduce heat loss, and their models are certified up to an altitude of 10,100ft, great for those living at higher altitudes.

Warranties

Depending on what model of water heater you choose, and from which manufacturer, warranties can vary. On average though, water heaters generally come with a warranty period of three to twelve years. Unsurprisingly, premium units tend to have longer warranty periods.

Installation

Unless you’re a certified HVAC professional yourself, we strongly recommended having an experienced HVAC company or contractor fit your water heater for you. Mistakes can be extremely costly and do damage to your home.

Depending on what water heater you’re having fitted, the installation time can vary. If you’re moving to a tankless water heater, expect it to be a larger job as often plumbing will need to be changed, and additional professionals may be required for the job.

If, however, you’re upgrading to a tank water heater of a similar type, chances are it won’t take long. Nevertheless, when choosing an HVAC service provider to install your brand-new unit, make sure to look out for their reviews, and don’t be afraid to ask about their certification. Choosing the wrong professional can be costly.

Water Heater Average Price Range

On average, a storage tank water heater tends to cost around $1,000 – $1,300 including installation, but this depends on where in the country you live, what manufacturer and what tier of unit you decide to go for.

Tankless water heaters, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive. This is because they can mean a whole new plumbing system for your home, and that’s why, for many, a tankless water heater is best if you’re building a new home or at least an extension to your home.

On average, a tankless water heater costs around $2,000 – $4,500 including installation.

Financing

When you put the cost of a brand-new water heater and the cost of installation together, you can be looking at a sizeable up-front cost. However, in most cases, there are financing options available to you.

Financing allows you to pay back the cost of a water heater over time, usually a number of years, with bi-weekly or monthly payments. Be wary of interest rates though, as high-interest rates can mean you pay back far more than the cost of your heater and installation by the end of your repayment period.

However, many manufacturers and HVAC companies have special promotions at certain times of the year advertising various models or services, financed, at a lower interest rate. If you’re able to pick up the model or service you’re looking for during a promotional period, you could save a lot of money!

New Water Heater Pro Tips

Insulate

One of the downsides to tank water heaters is that once the water is heated, it slowly cools over time causing the need for more energy to heat the content back up. To slow the rate that water cools, consider insulating the pipes around the heater.

So, if you’re looking to save money on your monthly water heating bill, consider insulating your hot (and cold) water pipes that are within 2 to 3 meters of your water heater. This is one of the most effective improvements you can make to your existing or new storage tank water heater!

Check your hot water heater settings

Most hot water heaters allow you to set the maximum temperature the water in your home can be heated to. If you’re worried about leaving your tap running on maximum heat and then sticking your hand under it, then it may be worth turning down the maximum heat on your water heater.

A lower maximum heat is safer, and this is particularly the case if you’ve got children in your house. But also, by turning down the maximum temperature your water heater can reach, you can save money too! A lower maximum temperature means less energy wasted as you’re heating your water to the temperature you want from the start.

However, be wary of the fact that setting your water heating temperature too low can lead to a growth in bacteria in your water system, as the hot water can help prevent things such as legionnaires’ disease. If in doubt, seek out a professional opinion who can evaluate your home and needs personally.

Your New Hot Water Heater

Buying a new hot water heater is a substantial investment for your home. Whether you’re replacing your old unit or building a brand-new property, we hope this guide has helped you make an informed choice. Remember, take your time when purchasing a new heater – deals are always available, and it’s a good idea to shop around before making a purchase!

Water Heater Frequently Asked Questions