Tankless water heaters are a great innovation that gives you hot water every time. They are save space, are economical and can be mounted almost anywhere. You can choose one to fit in with your décor.
In a tankless water heater, the water passes over a heating element and gets heated. The latest ones incorporate smart technology to give you a steady stream of hot water with the desired temperature irrespective of the temperature of the incoming water.
Sensors detect the temperature of the incoming water and regulate the amount of electricity or energy used to give you a constant supply of hot water. Some of the best ones deliver hot water consistently at the set temperature even during a cold spell.
Because they do not have tanks to store water it might confound many as to why they leak. But they do leak, even if rarely. Here are some of the causes of water leakage in tankless water heaters-
Improper venting
A good venting system ensures that any condensed water does not flow into the internal system of the water heater. This not only causes leakage but may put the entire system to risk.
The venting is done through the wall or the roof. Ideally, the vent should be short and small. This saves money and also reduces leakages through pipes and other fittings. Moreover, a small form allows for secure connections and fittings.
It is extremely important that you diligently follow the manufacturer’s instructions for venting. More often than not, improper venting procedure can lead to leakages. Due to this, you may even have to buy a new best electric tankless water heater.
Hard water issues
Hard water can cause leakage issues in your tankless water heater. Dissolved minerals in hard water will form a hard layer in your pipelines over the years. A tankless water heater has a lot of water flowing through it. In the case of hard water, a lot of deposits can accumulate on the heat exchanger.
It can also clog up the outlets from the tankless system. This can have a huge impact on your pipelines. It can drastically reduce the water flow and compromise the whole system. It can also accumulate in the joints of fixtures and in some cases, corrode them leading to leakage.
A corroded tankless water heater should always be replaced. The only way to fix hard water issues is to use a desalination system.
Acidic water issues
At the other end of the spectrum, water with a low PH level will easily corrode the metal parts in your tankless water heater. They will develop pinhole size holes over time and result in leakage issues over some time.
The water can also permeate into the electric innards of the heating system and wreak havoc. In such cases, the tankless water heater and heating element must be replaced. It is wise to test the water before installing any kind of a water heating system.
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Your water pipe connections
Many tankless water heaters come with a relief valve. Usually, these valves are located on the hot water outlet of the tank. They come in handy while flushing or draining the tankless system.
The relief valves play a vital role in reducing water leakages through joints. You must always ensure that you get a proper relief valve for your heater’s size.
High flow rates
All tankless water heaters work optimally with low flow rates of water. A flow rate of 5 GPM with a pressure system of 30 PSI is ideal for home use. Now, it is much easier to correct a system that has a low flow rate.
High flow rates and pressure will wreak havoc with the system. Check your heater element like shower heads and hot water pipes regularly for any debris that affects the water flow rate.
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To wind up
As you can see, tankless water heaters can leak. If you take necessary precautions, you can easily prevent it from leaking. Besides being messy, some kinds of leakages can compromise the entire system.
In this kind of scenario, you may have to replace your existing tankless water heaters with a new one. In the case of leakages, always seek the help of a professional. It is extremely dangerous for you to attempt to fix the leak by yourself.
Safety is paramount. On the other hand, if you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, your tankless water heater will serve you for many years without needing a replacement.