Tankless Water Heater Not Working Right?
Expert repair and installation for all tankless brands. We answer the phone 24/7.
When Your Tankless Water Heater Has Problems
Tankless water heaters are built to last 20+ years, but they’re not maintenance-free. When error codes appear, water runs cold, or the unit won’t ignite, you need someone who actually understands these systems. Most plumbers are trained on tank units. We’re trained on both.
According to the Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be 24-34% more energy efficient than conventional tank units for homes using 41 gallons or less of hot water daily. But that efficiency depends on proper installation and maintenance. A neglected tankless unit loses efficiency and develops problems.
We service and install tankless water heaters throughout the Triad. Gas and electric. Indoor and outdoor. Rinnai, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, and others. If you have a tankless problem, we can diagnose it.
Signs Your Tankless Unit Needs Repair
Tankless water heaters give warning signs before they fail completely. Here’s what to watch for:
Error Codes on Display
What it means: Modern tankless units have diagnostic displays. Codes indicate specific problems: ignition failure, flame sensor issues, exhaust blockage, or water flow problems.
What to do: Write down the code. Some are minor (like dirty filter). Others need professional diagnosis. Call us with the code and we’ll tell you what it means.
Water Runs Cold Mid-Shower
What it means: Often called “cold water sandwich.” Can indicate undersized unit, flow rate issues, or heat exchanger problems. Sometimes it’s a simple fix; sometimes it’s a sizing issue from the original installation.
What to do: If this is new behavior, something changed. Call for diagnosis.
Unit Won't Ignite
What it means: For gas units, could be gas supply issue, igniter failure, or flame sensor problem. For electric, could be heating element or control board.
What to do: Check that gas is on (other appliances working?). If so, call for service. Don’t keep trying to ignite; it can cause other problems.
Fluctuating Water Temperature
What it means: Temperature swings usually indicate scale buildup on the heat exchanger, flow sensor problems, or gas pressure issues.
What to do: This often means the unit needs descaling. Regular maintenance prevents this.
Reduced Hot Water Flow
What it means: Scale buildup restricts flow through the heat exchanger. Common in areas with hard water. The unit may work but delivers less volume than before.
What to do: Professional descaling usually restores flow. Severe cases may need heat exchanger replacement.
Strange Noises
What it means: Clicking during ignition is normal. Loud banging, whistling, or rumbling is not. Often indicates scale buildup, fan problems, or loose components.
What to do: Don’t ignore unusual sounds. They usually get worse. Call for diagnosis.
Visible Leaks
What it means: Water around the unit indicates a problem. Could be condensation (sometimes normal), pressure relief discharge, or actual component failure.
What to do: Note where the water is coming from. Call immediately if it’s more than minor condensation.
Tankless Water Heater Services
We handle all tankless water heater needs:
Tankless Water Heater Repair
Error codes, ignition problems, temperature issues, flow problems, and component failures. We diagnose and repair all major brands. Most repairs completed same-day.
Tankless Water Heater Installation
New construction, tank-to-tankless conversions, and replacement of existing tankless units. We size units properly, handle gas line upgrades if needed, and ensure proper venting.
Outdoor Tankless Installation
Outdoor units save indoor space and simplify venting. We install freeze protection and weatherproof enclosures where needed. Good option for garages, utility areas, and space-constrained homes.
Tankless Maintenance & Descaling
Annual flushing removes scale buildup that reduces efficiency and causes problems. The Department of Energy recommends annual maintenance to maintain efficiency and extend lifespan. We use food-grade descaling solutions.
Gas Line Upgrades
Tankless units often require larger gas lines than tank water heaters. If your home’s gas supply is undersized, we handle the upgrade as part of installation.
Why Homeowners Choose Tankless
- Endless Hot Water
Tankless units heat water on demand. No tank to run out. Multiple showers, laundry, and dishes without waiting for recovery.
- 20+ Year Lifespan
According to the Department of Energy, tankless water heaters typically last 20+ years with proper maintenance. Tank units average 10-15 years. That’s potentially one tankless vs. two tank replacements.
- Energy Savings
Tankless units only heat water when you need it. No standby heat loss from keeping 40-50 gallons hot all day. The EPA estimates 24-34% energy savings for homes using 41 gallons or less daily.
- Space Savings
Tankless units mount on walls. They’re the size of a small suitcase. Free up floor space where your tank currently sits.
- Cleaner Hot Water
No tank means no sediment buildup sitting in your water supply. Fresh water heated instantly.
- Potential Rebates
Some utility companies and manufacturers offer rebates for high-efficiency tankless installations. We can help you find applicable programs.
What's Included in Our Service
- Tankless Repair Includes:
- Full diagnostic to identify the actual problem (not guesswork)
- Error code interpretation
- Component testing
- Written quote before any repair work
- Repair with quality parts
- System test before we leave
- Tankless Installation Includes:
- Load calculation to size the unit properly for your home
- Review of gas line capacity (upgrade if needed)
- Venting assessment and installation
- Unit mounting and connection
- Full system test and temperature calibration
- Homeowner walkthrough on operation and maintenance
- Tankless Maintenance Includes:
- Descaling flush to remove mineral buildup
- Filter cleaning
- Burner and heat exchanger inspection
- Safety device testing
- Performance verification
how can we help?
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24/7 emergency plumber service for leaks, backups, and sudden plumbing failures.
Drains & Sewer
Drain cleaning, sewer inspections, and water or sewer main repairs done efficiently.
Commercial
Business & industrial plumbing, backflow testing, excavation through High Point and the Triad.
Remodels
Plumbing upgrades and renovations for kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home remodels.
Emergency Plumbing
24/7 emergency plumber service for leaks, backups, and sudden plumbing failures.
Water Heaters
Installation, repair, and maintenance for tank and tankless water heaters.
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Find and fix water leaks, slab leaks, pipe leaks
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Drain cleaning, sewer inspections, and water or sewer main repairs done efficiently.
Commercial
Business & industrial plumbing, backflow testing, excavation through High Point and the Triad.
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Plumbing upgrades and renovations for kitchens, bathrooms, and whole-home remodels.
Your Plumbing Problem, Solved in 3 Simple Steps!
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Call and speak with a real person
No automated systems or call centers. When you call All-Star Plumbing, a real person answers 24/7, listens to the issue, and schedules help right away so you’re never waiting.
Get Clear Pricing Before Starting
Before any work begins, we explain the problem, walk you through your options, and give clear upfront pricing. You know the cost before we start, no surprises and no pressure.
We Fix the Problem
Our licensed plumbers arrive prepared to fix the issue correctly the first time. If we can’t fix it, you don’t pay. Simple, honest, and backed by our guarantee.
Helpful Plumbing Tips From Local Experts
Our blog shares clear advice homeowners can use right away.
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When Should You Replace Old Plumbing Fixtures?
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Locations and Areas Served
Plumber Service Company Serving the Entire Triad
Tankless Water Heater Questions
How long do tankless water heaters last?
20+ years with proper maintenance. The Department of Energy cites 20+ year lifespans as typical. Compare that to 10-15 years for tank water heaters. Annual descaling is the key to longevity.
Should I repair or replace my tankless unit?
Depends on age and problem. Under 10 years with a single component failure? Usually repair makes sense. Over 15 years with recurring issues? Replacement may be smarter. We’ll give you honest guidance based on your specific situation.
Can you convert my tank water heater to tankless?
Yes. We do tank-to-tankless conversions regularly. It involves removing the tank, potentially upgrading gas lines, installing proper venting, and mounting the new unit. We’ll assess your home and give you a complete quote.
What brands do you service?
All major brands: Rinnai, Navien, Rheem, Noritz, Takagi, Bosch, and others. Gas and electric. Indoor and outdoor. If it’s a tankless water heater, we can work on it.
How often should I flush my tankless water heater?
Annually in most areas. More often if you have very hard water. Flushing removes scale buildup that reduces efficiency and causes error codes. It’s the single most important maintenance task for tankless units.
Why does my tankless water heater show error codes?
Error codes indicate specific problems. Common causes: scale buildup, ignition issues, flow problems, or exhaust blockage. The code tells us where to look. Write it down and call us. We can often tell you what it means over the phone.
Is tankless worth the higher upfront cost?
For many homeowners, yes. The longer lifespan (20+ years vs. 10-15), energy savings (24-34% for smaller households), and endless hot water justify the investment. Larger households using more than 86 gallons daily may see 8-14% savings. We’ll help you determine if tankless makes sense for your situation.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency service for tankless problems?
Yes. Call (336) 462-1080 any time. No hot water is an emergency, whether it’s a tank or tankless unit.