Electric tankless water heaters are known for their energy efficiency and ability to provide on-demand hot water without the need for a bulky storage tank. However, like all appliances, they can sometimes experience problems that disrupt their performance. If you’re having issues with your electric tankless water heater, don’t worry—many of the common problems are fixable with some basic troubleshooting. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most frequent issues with electric tankless water heaters and provide solutions to get them back to working properly.
Understanding How Electric Tankless Water Heaters Work
Electric tankless water heaters operate by heating water directly as it flows through the unit. Unlike traditional water heaters that store hot water, a tankless system only heats the water you need, which can save energy and reduce water waste. The unit uses electric heating elements to rapidly raise the water temperature. However, since it operates on electricity and requires a certain amount of power to function, issues with the electrical supply, temperature control, or heating elements can cause problems.
Common Electric Tankless Water Heater Problems
If your electric tankless water heater isn’t functioning properly, here are some of the most common issues you may encounter, along with troubleshooting steps to resolve them.
1. No Hot Water
If your electric tankless water heater is not providing hot water, this is one of the most obvious problems you may face. This could be caused by several different factors.
Possible Causes:
- Power supply issues: The unit may not be receiving enough power to operate, either due to a blown fuse, tripped circuit breaker, or faulty wiring.
- Incorrect thermostat setting: The thermostat might be set too low or may be malfunctioning, preventing the water from reaching the desired temperature.
- Faulty heating elements: If the heating elements inside the unit are damaged, they may not be able to heat the water properly.
- Electrical connection issues: Loose or corroded electrical connections can interfere with the unit’s ability to generate heat.
How to Fix It:
- Check the power supply: Ensure that the unit is properly connected to the power supply and that the circuit breaker is not tripped. If the fuse has blown, replace it with a new one.
- Inspect the thermostat: Ensure that the thermostat is set to an appropriate temperature (typically 120-140°F). If it is malfunctioning, the thermostat may need to be replaced.
- Test the heating elements: Use a multimeter to check the heating elements for continuity. If the elements are faulty, they will need to be replaced by a professional.
- Inspect electrical connections: Check for any loose, damaged, or corroded connections and repair them as necessary. Make sure all electrical components are properly secured.
2. Inconsistent Water Temperature
If your electric tankless water heater is producing hot water, but the temperature is inconsistent or fluctuating, this can be caused by several different factors.
Possible Causes:
- Too many fixtures running simultaneously: Tankless water heaters can only handle a certain flow rate of water at once. If too many faucets or appliances are using hot water simultaneously, the system may struggle to maintain a consistent temperature.
- Clogged filters: A clogged water filter or mineral buildup inside the unit can reduce water flow, making it difficult for the system to heat the water properly.
- Inadequate power supply: If the unit is not receiving the required power, it may not be able to maintain a steady temperature.
How to Fix It:
- Reduce water usage: Ensure that you are not running too many hot water fixtures at once. Try turning off any unnecessary faucets or appliances to reduce the load on the heater.
- Clean the filters: Clean or replace the water filter to ensure that water is flowing freely through the system.
- Check the power supply: Ensure that the unit is receiving adequate power. If needed, have a licensed electrician inspect the electrical supply to ensure it’s within the manufacturer’s recommended voltage and amperage range.
3. Heater is Tripping the Circuit Breaker
If your electric tankless water heater is tripping the circuit breaker every time it’s turned on, this could be a sign of an electrical overload or a short circuit.
Possible Causes:
- Overloaded electrical circuit: If the heater is drawing more power than the circuit can handle, the breaker will trip to protect the system.
- Wiring issues: Damaged or loose wiring can cause a short circuit, leading to the breaker being tripped.
- Faulty heating elements: A short in the heating elements can cause the circuit breaker to trip.
How to Fix It:
- Check the electrical circuit: Make sure the unit is connected to a dedicated circuit with enough power capacity. If necessary, have an electrician install a new circuit.
- Inspect the wiring: Check the wiring for any signs of wear or damage. If there is visible damage, the wiring may need to be replaced.
- Test the heating elements: Use a multimeter to test the heating elements for continuity. If there is a short, the heating elements will need to be replaced.
4. Heater Produces a Foul Smell
If your electric tankless water heater produces an unpleasant odor when it’s running, this could be caused by mineral buildup or debris inside the unit.
Possible Causes:
- Mineral buildup: Over time, minerals from the water can accumulate inside the heater, producing a burnt smell when heated.
- Dirty heating elements: If the heating elements are dirty or have buildup, they may emit an odor when heated.
How to Fix It:
- Flush the heater: Perform a descaling procedure by flushing the system with a vinegar solution to remove mineral buildup.
- Clean the heating elements: Turn off the unit and allow it to cool before cleaning the heating elements with a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris.
5. Heater Is Making Strange Noises
If your electric tankless water heater is making unusual noises, such as buzzing, popping, or hissing, this could indicate internal issues such as mineral buildup or air in the system.
Possible Causes:
- Mineral buildup: Hard water can cause minerals to accumulate inside the heating elements and pipes, leading to popping or hissing sounds.
- Air in the system: Trapped air in the system can cause strange noises as it passes through the unit.
How to Fix It:
- Descale the unit: Perform a descaling process to remove any mineral buildup that could be causing the noise. Flushing the system with a vinegar solution can help.
- Purge air from the system: To remove air trapped in the system, open a hot water faucet and allow the water to run until the noise stops.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve followed the troubleshooting steps and your electric tankless water heater is still not functioning properly, it may be time to call in a professional. Issues such as faulty heating elements, electrical component failures, or gas flow problems require specialized knowledge and tools. A qualified technician can properly diagnose and repair these issues, ensuring the unit works efficiently and safely.
Conclusion
Electric tankless water heaters are a convenient and energy-efficient way to provide hot water on demand, but like all appliances, they can encounter issues. From no hot water to strange noises, many common problems can be diagnosed and fixed with basic troubleshooting steps. If the problem persists or if you’re unsure about handling electrical components, don’t hesitate to call a professional technician to ensure your heater is operating safely and effectively.