Tankless Water Heater Repair

Even with diligent maintenance, every tankless water heater is bound to run into some hiccups over the years. When your endless hot water supply starts sputtering, there could be any number of culprits behind the scenes. Here are some of the most common reasons you may need to call in the Bassett pros:

Mineral Buildup

Hard water is public enemy #1 for tankless water heaters. Over years of use, mineral deposits from your local water supply can gradually accumulate inside the heat exchanger and other components. This crusty buildup acts as insulation against heat transfer, severely reducing efficiency. Left unchecked, it can completely clog up the system. Bassett’s tankless repair experts are equipped with specialized descaling solutions to thoroughly flush out built-up sediment.

Ignition Failure

Is your water heater failing to actually heat the water? Chances are you’ve got an ignition issue on your hands. A simple igniter adjustment or replacement may be all it takes to re-light that pilot and fire up the burners again. But repeated ignition failures could signal other airflow issues internally that require a closer look by our professionals.

Flame Failure

Conversely, if the burners are kicking on but the flame keeps sputtering out, you likely have a ventilation problem restricting proper airflow. Anything from debris in the exhaust line to issues with the air intake can starve the flame of oxygen. Our techs will thoroughly inspect and clear any obstructions to get combustion firing smoothly.

Overload

Running too many hot water appliances at once is a surefire way to overwork your tankless heater. With the demand for hot water exceeding its maximum output, you’ll face lukewarm disappointment from every tap and shower. We can adjust temperature settings and flow rates to accommodate your household’s usage and avoid overwhelming the system.

Exhaust Blockage

On the exhaust side, any obstructions like bird nests or deteriorated venting can severely hamper your unit’s ability to expel combustion gases. This creates hazardous conditions as carbon monoxide and other gases get forced back into your home. Addressing blockages promptly is an essential safety measure.

System Overheating

While getting inadequate hot water is a nuisance, the opposite problem of overheating is just as frustrating – and potentially dangerous. Excessive temperatures can damage internal components and even create a fire risk. A trained eye is required to properly diagnose the root causes like faulty thermostats or combustion issues.

Water Pressure Fluctuations

Significant swings in your home’s water pressure, whether from local supply issues or internal plumbing problems, can seriously throw off your tankless water heater’s performance. Too little pressure reduces water flow, while excessive forces can overstress components. We’ll thoroughly check for any leaks, blockages, or pump problems behind abnormal pressure levels.

Corrosion of Components

Like any appliance with direct water exposure, corrosion from mineral-laden moisture and excessive heat takes a toll on tankless systems over years of constant use. Deteriorated parts like heat exchangers, burners, and venting simply fatigue and require replacement eventually to restore full efficiency and safety.

Electrical Issues

Today’s tankless models are intricate feats of electronic controls and sensors. But even excellent electronics occasionally go haywire – a simple electrical fault, short circuit, or crossed wire can render the entire unit’s command center useless. Our skilled plumbers are cross-trained to troubleshoot and repair the electrical side.

Cold Water Sandwich

There are few things worse than being in the middle of a steamy shower when suddenly getting sandwiched with blasts of ice-cold water from out of nowhere! This maddeningly disruptive problem often stems from thermostat calibration issues or sediment buildup at inopportune places. Get that fixed for uninterrupted hot water bliss.

Whatever tankless water heater woes come your way, you can count on Bassett Services to diagnose it quickly and tackle the repair with confidence!

When it comes to hot water heating equipment, the “tankless” design offers some serious advantages over traditional tank models. With no large reservoir to constantly keep heated, these modern marvels only fire up on demand to heat water as you need it. Energy efficiency, space savings, endless hot water – what’s not to love?

But just because they don’t have an integrated tank doesn’t mean tankless water heaters are completely maintenance-free. While they may be lower maintenance overall, some components still require periodic replacement to keep your system operating safely and at peak performance.

The Hard-Working Essentials

A tankless heater has a few key players that do the heavy lifting of repeatedly heating up cold water on demand:

• The Heat Exchanger – This is the heavyweight component where the actual heating process happens as incoming water passes over the high-temperature surfaces. Over years of constant heating cycles and mineral exposure, these heat exchangers gradually corrode and lose efficiency.
• The Burners & Ignitors – Whether using gas, electric or propane fuel, the burner assembly is responsible for creating and modulating that high-intensity heat source. Constant ignition cycles take their toll, slowly degrading ignitors and burners over time.
• The Electronic Controls – Today’s tankless models precisely regulate temperatures, flowrates and operational cycles through sophisticated circuit boards loaded with sensors and smart programming. But even the most advanced electronics have limited lifespans.

While these core components are designed for longevity, they’ll inevitably start showing their age and lose effectiveness after years of dedicated service. When that happens, your Bassett technician will recommend replacements during your annual maintenance tuneup.

The Routine Replacements

But those hard-working essentials aren’t the only parts with expiration dates. Your tankless system also relies on some more routine replaceable components like:

• Air Filters – Just like an HVAC system, tankless heaters have air filters that require swapping every 6-12 months to maintain proper airflow.
• Venting Components – Between exhaust pipes, termination caps, and condensation drains, visible venting components may need periodic replacement as they deteriorate.
• Sacrificial Anodes – Many tankless units have expendable anode rods that “sacrifice” themselves to protect against intensive corrosion, needing annual replacement.
• Washable Cleaners – Specialty descaling and deliming solutions help flush away mineral buildup, with replacement fluids needed yearly.

So while tankless systems may be lower maintenance than their storage tank counterparts, they’re no substitute for a hot water wizard! Consistent care from experienced professionals like the team at Bassett Services ensures your endless hot water keeps flowing reliably for many years to come.

As with any hardworking appliance, a little background noise from your tankless water heater is totally normal and nothing to worry about. These units have a lot of action happening behind the scenes to provide endless hot water on demand! Recognizing which noises are just routine operations versus potential warning signs will help you catch developing issues early.

The Sounds of Endless Comfort

When your tankless system kicks on to heat up cool water from the supply line, you’ll typically hear a few common noises:

• Fan Whirring – An integrated fan circulates air for the combustion process, creating a low whirring hum in the background. This white noise is a tell-tale sign your heater has fired up.
• Ignition Clicks – You may also pick up on a brief clicking sound as the igniter engages and lights the burner assembly every heating cycle.
• Expansion Pops – As the heat exchanger rapidly heats up, thermal expansion can cause some pinging or popping noises that are completely normal.
• Water Flow Noises – Of course, you’ll also hear the actual flow of water both entering and exiting the unit as it circulates for heating.

These ambient noises from your tankless heater system are no cause for concern. They simply indicate everything is working as it should to provide heated water!

When Noises Signal Trouble

However, any abrupt, excessive or abnormal noises deserve a closer inspection from one of Bassett’s expert plumbers. Sounds like these could indicate a developing problem:

• Screeching Fan – If the air circulation fan starts emitting high-pitched screeching rather than its normal whirring, it may have an obstruction or bearing issue.
• Booming Ignition – While some clicking is normal, unusually loud booming noises at ignition could signal gas flow problems or ignitor faults.
• Intense Clanging – Heat exchangers will naturally expand and contract a bit, but intense, persistent clanging likely means it has overheated and warped.
• Rumbling or Knocking – Any rumbling, knocking or kettle-like noises are red flags that mineral scaling buildup is obstructing water flow paths.
• Hissing or Whistling – Air leaks within the sealed combustion chamber may produce hissing or high-pitched whistling noises that require sealing.

If you start noticing any of these disruptive or unusual sounds, it’s wise to have one of our plumbers fully diagnose the issue before minor noises turn into major hot water headaches down the road. When in doubt, give Bassett Services a shout!

While tankless water heaters are renowned for their efficiency and safety compared to traditional tank models, that doesn’t mean they’re completely free of potential hazards as they age. Even the most well-built systems won’t last forever. And when it comes to any appliance combining water and electricity, older units require some extra precautions.

The Double-Edged Sword of Innovation

The advent of tankless technology has been a game-changer for hot water convenience and energy savings. But like many modern marvels, these innovative units rely heavily on sophisticated electronic controls and intricate wiring to precisely regulate temperatures and monitor operations.

While this digital brain adds incredible smarts, it also introduces new risks if those electrical components start deteriorating after years of hard use. Factors like moisture exposure, environmental stress, and just the general wear-and-tear on wiring insulation can potentially lead to:

• Electrical Shorts & Arcing – Damaged wires rubbing together or contacting metal surfaces can create dangerous short-circuits and arcing faults that could shock users.
• Control Hazards – Glitches in aging control boards may cause tankless units to rapidly cycle power on and off, stick in heating modes, or operate erratically.
• Fire Risks – In worst-case scenarios, shorted wiring or runaway heating cycles could potentially spark flames near gas lines or combustible areas.

The more diligent the maintenance, the longer these risks can be postponed. But even a well-maintained tankless heater will eventually reach the end of its expected service lifespan where replacement is highly advisable.

Prioritizing Safety

So how can you ensure your aging tankless system isn’t putting your household at risk of shocks or other electrical hazards? Here are some smart safety precautions:

• Annual Inspection – Have a trained pro thoroughly inspect your unit’s wiring, control boards and electrical systems every year once it reaches 8-10 years old.
• Isolate Electricity – Make sure there’s an easily accessible power shut-off switch that allows you to cut electricity to the unit if you ever suspect issues.
• Monitor for Warning Signs – Stay alert for any potential red flags like shorts tripping circuit breakers, scorch marks around wiring or units not powering off.
• Consider Replacement – When your tankless ages into its mid-to-late teenage years, it’s wise to start budgeting for an inevitable replacement to head off risks.

While tankless units are exceptionally reliable appliances, they’re not indestructible either. Staying ahead of electrical hazards as they get up in age is an important step to keeping your household safe. When in doubt, call in a trusted pro from Bassett to assess any aging concerns!

These days, it seems like every appliance and electronic device in our homes is vulnerable to power surges and electrical spikes. The digital age has brought incredible conveniences, but also some added risks when voltage levels fluctuate unexpectedly. Your trusty tankless water heater is no exception when it comes to potential surge damage.

While they may seem simple on the outside, today’s tankless models pack a surprising amount of sensitive electronic controls under the hood. Circuit boards precisely regulate temperatures, monitor operations, and control the ignition sequences that fire up the burners. Even a minor power surge can potentially fry these intricate components.

The Hidden Threat of Electrical Stress

Power surges come in many forms – lightning strikes, electrical grid switching issues, or even the cycling on and off of large appliances in your home. Whatever the cause, these abrupt voltage spikes stress the delicate circuitry in your tankless system.

Repeated exposure to power surges may not immediately knock out your water heater. But over time, this electrical beating gradually degrades connections, wears down insulation, and deteriorates those essential electronics until complete failure.

The end result? You wake up one morning to find your unit has stopped working entirely. No hot water for showering, doing dishes or handling laundry. Not an ideal situation for any household!

Playing Great Defense

So how can you protect your tankless investment from this silent threat? The team at Bassett Services always recommends a strong defensive gameplan against power surges:

• Use Dedicated Circuits – Ensure your tankless system is connected to dedicated electrical circuits and outlets without other large draw appliances that could contribute voltage spikes.
• Install Whole-Home Suppression – For maximum protection, invest in professional whole-home surge protection at your electrical panel to clamp down on any incoming power fluctuations.
• Connect Supplemental Protection – At the very least, use high-quality surge protector strips to guard your tankless system from surges traveling through electrical lines.
• Unplug During Severe Weather – If thunderstorms with lightning are rolling through, go ahead and unplug your tankless heater as an added precaution until skies clear.

While a little inconvenient, implementing these protective measures provides great peace of mind. You won’t have to worry about an unexpected power event leaving you suddenly stuck without hot water until repairs can be made.

At Bassett, we believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Don’t let an electrical surge cut your endless hot water supply short. Take the right precautions to keep your tankless system safe.

As with any major appliance repair, the cost of fixing a misbehaving tankless water heater can vary pretty widely depending on the specific issue. From basic component swaps to full system replacements, there’s a big range of potential expenses. The team at Bassett Services always aims for full transparency, so you can make smart decisions.

The “Easy Button” Repairs

On the lower end, you’ll find what we like to call the “easy button” repairs. These are the sorts of basic fixes and affordable parts replacements that can instantly restore hot water, like:

• Replacing worn-out igniters
• Recalibrating or swapping faulty thermostats
• Repairing electrical issues with control boards or wiring
• Clearing obstructions and repairing venting

For homeowners willing to catch problems early, these component replacements allow you to buy some more service life from an aging tankless system for a relatively low cost.

The Bigger Ticket Repairs

Of course, sometimes more significant repairs are required that understandably drive costs higher, such as:

• Replacing the main heat exchanger component
• Performing chemical flushing services to clear mineral buildup
• Repairing any issues with gas feed lines or control valves

While pricier, these major repairs can extend your tankless system’s life by years and represent significant savings over full replacement if the unit is still relatively young.

Factors That Increase Costs

No matter the repair needed, there are some factors that can cause costs to climb higher:

Age/Condition of the Unit – Older systems often require more extensive repairs as components deteriorate over time.

Quality of Parts Used – Some homeowners opt for longer-lasting, premium replacement parts which raise materials costs.

Accessibility Issues – If your tankless is installed in a tight space, this can increase labor time and difficulty.

Home Construction Type – Providing safe access through drywall, crawlspaces, or finished areas adds complexity.

The Replacement Route

In some cases, the cost of repairing an aging tankless system can approach the price of full replacement. With a new unit, you benefit from maximum efficiency, full warranty coverage, and the longevity of modern equipment.

No matter which route makes most sense, you can count on Bassett to provide straightforward explanations and advice. We’ll make sure you understand all the factors impacting costs, so you can make the most informed decision for your home’s hot water needs!

As with any major home appliance or system, a little preventative maintenance for your tankless water heater goes a long way toward avoiding nasty surprises and expensive repairs down the road. The last thing you want is to be caught off-guard by an unexpected hot water disaster! At Bassett Services, we’re big advocates of being proactive to keep your endless hot water supply flowing reliably.

The good news is that tankless units require far less routine maintenance than their traditional tank-style counterparts. No heavy rust-laden tanks to flush, no sediment buildup to manage. With a few simple care tips, you can maximize your tankless system’s longevity and sidestep many of the most common (and costly!) repair needs.

Put Mineral Buildup in Check

If you have hard water in your area, staying ahead of mineral accumulation is priority number one. Over time, calcium and limescale deposits can wreak havoc on your tankless heater’s heat exchanger and other components. Excess buildup creates energy-sapping insulation that forces your unit to work harder while slowly restricting water flow.

An annual deliming flush service will keep mineral buildup to an absolute minimum. Bassett’s experienced plumbers use specialized descaling solutions to dissolve away any potentially damaging accumulation.

Maintain Ideal Water Conditions

Speaking of water chemistry, managing the overall quality can prevent tons of other issues too. Adding filtration helps remove other contaminants like sand or grit which can gradually erode components. And installing a water softener virtually eliminates mineral buildup struggles altogether.

We also recommend having your water’s pH levels checked annually. Acidic or basic conditions resulting from pH imbalances will rapidly corrode heat exchangers, plumbing lines, and fittings over time.

Don’t Skip Annual Tune-Ups

Of course, the number one way to identify small tankless issues before they snowball into costly repairs is with annual professional maintenance tune-ups. During Bassett’s comprehensive multi-point inspection process, we thoroughly evaluate every facet of your system:

• Testing airflow and venting performance
• Cleaning fans and critical components
• Checking electrical connections and controls
• Verifying safety mechanisms are functioning
• Monitoring for any signs of deterioration

With our trained specialists’ expert eyes diligently watching for any potential problems, you can avoid nasty surprises and take care of minor needs before they escalate into major expenses.

A little routine care and professional preventative maintenance truly goes a long way! Don’t let your tankless water heating system’s performance and efficiency slowly spiral due to neglect. Stay ahead of repairs and maximize your investment with Bassett’s expertise.