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Finding A Talented Plumber

Although it may seem simple to fix little things around your house, the fact of the matter is that there are a few professionals who really do work hard to make your life better. For instance, while you may be likely to paint your place on your own, even doing something as simple as switching out a toilet can be really challenging. I started thinking about how valuable professionals like plumbers were for my business, and I wanted to start a new blog that centered around how much a plumber can help to make your life better. Check out this website for tips on finding a talented plumber.

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Finding A Talented Plumber

3 Things That Can Go Wrong With A Tankless Water Heater

by Vernon Elliott

One of the common reasons why people change to tankless water heaters is that these appliances tend to have fewer problems than standard, tank-style water heaters. They're simply simpler; they only heat water, rather than storing it. However, while tankless water heaters do tend to be durable and long-lived, they do sometimes experience issues and require repairs. If you know what to expect, this will come as less of a surprise. So here's a look at three things that can go wrong with a tankless water heater.

Mineral Scale Buildup

This is most likely to occur in places with hard water. Over time, the minerals in that water — which are primarily calcium and magnesium — slowly settle out of the water and collect on the parts inside the tankless water heater. This scale starts impeding the flow of water out of the heater, and it can also impede the heater's ability to heat, which results in your water coming out cooler than you would prefer it. 

Luckily, mineral scale buildup can be cleaned out of your tankless water heater with a good flush. You can open the heater, remove the pump, and place the pump in a bucket of water and white vinegar. Connect a hose to the pressure relief valve, and just let the tank pump the vinegar solution for about 15 minutes. A plumber can do this for you if you're wary of trying yourself.

Burned Out Heating Element

The heating element may also burn out prematurely. When this happens, your water typically stops heating suddenly. Replacing a heating element is a pretty simple task for a plumber or a tankless water heater repair technician, but it's probably not something you want to tackle yourself. If your unit is still under warranty, this repair will most likely be covered.

Faulty Temperature Sensor

Is the water suddenly coming out scalding hot? Or is it cooler than you want, even though you adjusted the temperature and removed mineral scale? You could have a problem with the temperature sensor. They're pretty small, delicate parts, so they are often the first part of the water heater to wear out. Your technician can replace the sensor and re-calibrate it — and it's important to have this done for safety reasons. (You don't want anyone to be scalded.)

Tankless water heaters are pretty easy to work on, so don't be afraid to call for repairs if yours is acting up. Many times, your technician can make a simple fix rather than you having to replace the unit.

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