A tankless water heater – also referred to as a demand-type, on-demand, or instantaneous water heater – instantly heats water that flows through it, without the capacity or needs to contain it (hence the word “tankless”).

A tankless heater has a water flow sensing functionality every time a hot tap is open. The heater then boils the water using either an electric element or a gas burner. The hot water then flows to the parts of your home connected to the system.

Since there is no refilling of any tank – all the water flows from a different tap, there is no need to fret about your children wasting resources. Once you shut the source tap, the heater senses that the water flow has stopped and shuts off immediately.

What Are The Advantages?

Nowadays, tankless water heaters are highly recommended, not just because they are modern but also because they are energy efficient (fewer bills for you), space-efficient (portable – easy to transport), and durable with appropriate maintenance. However, they are not perfect systems. And when they become problematic, it is cheaper to replace than repair them.

How To Know When To Replace Your Tankless Heater

Nobody would love to find out that their water heater is faulty in the middle of a soothing shower. So, there is no gain saying that you will have to replace your tankless water heater sooner or later, irrespective of how well you maintain and repair it. At places like Think Tank Home, it’s advised that you should contact a professional as soon as you have any doubts about whether your heater is working or not. This way you wouldn’t have to obsess about it.

Things You Should Look Out For

●     Manufacturing Date

This is preemptive. Tankless units are typically built to last for more than 20 years. Past that point, they can begin to develop severe faults and cost a lot to repair and keep running. So try to remember how long you have been using it. In case there are no faulty signs yet, brace up for it. You can try to keep your aging water heater functioning way past its prime, but it is likely cheaper to replace it than forcing it.

●     Change In How Your Water Looks

When your water starts coming out looking cloudy, rusty, or filled with sediment – that is a serious sign that you have a faulty water heater. If this is the problem, you may need to get a new water treatment system. Beyond that, your best bet is to call a plumber to see whether your tankless water heater needs urgent replacement.

●     Strange Smell Or Taste

Does your water taste metallic or unusual? This could be because of iron rusts within your tankless water heater. If it smells awful, do not use it. Ensure to contact a plumber immediately. They will help you find out whether the issue is with your water or the heater itself.

●     Your Water Heater Is Making Strange Sounds

Booming and banging sounds coming from your tankless water heater could be another sign that there is sediment within the device.

●     Trouble Getting Consistent Hot Water/Water Pressure

One of the advantages of tankless water heaters is that they heat water instantly as they flow. You do not have to wait for hot water. If your heater is not able to do this, there is a problem. The problem may be with the heating element or the electric thermostat. It is not unusual for these parts to fail entirely or simply malfunction over time. The absence of hot water and low water pressure altogether means the fault may be serious, and you have to replace the heater entirely.

●     Repair Increases

Healthy tankless water heaters do not require repairs more than once every two years. If you have to get your water heater repaired every few months – that is a sign that you need to replace the entire water heater.

●     Dwindling Efficiency

This requires a strong observation. Of course, most water heating devices would wear out if too much demand is placed on them. If you are only exerting moderate demand on your tankless heater – perhaps used by a couple without kids only, and the heater’s performance drops within a short time – that is a sign that there is something off. You should get it checked or, better still, replace it.

●     Your Water Heater Gives You Warning Messages

The most vital sign that something may be wrong with your tankless water heater is likely to come from the device itself. Most tankless water heaters produce a displayed warning when there is a problem. You should not disregard such warnings.

If you experience one or more of the above, your tankless water heater says it needs a check. Get in touch with a professional plumber to have it checked immediately. Brace yourself for a new purchase that may or may not be necessary.