In a cold climate, the first water heater tips to consider is to size tankless units properly, says Linda Cahill, vice president of Tankless Concepts, in Falls Church, Virginia, which sells and installs Rinnai and Navien products. It's frustrating to draw what you believe to be cool water from a tap, only to find warm water flowing into your drinking glass. Turn off the water and close the drain stopper. This might seem painfully obvious, especially if you live in a colder climate, but you’d be surprised to know how many people don’t even consider the fact that the outside temperature is affecting the water temperature in their tankless heater. Can I buy a Rinnai tankless water heater at Lowe’s or Home Depot? Yet pressure-balanced and thermostatic shower/tub controls are designed to counteract that problem. Plumber: Mario, Master Plumber replied 11 years ago. Because of how tankless water heaters actually heat the water, what is referred to as a ‘cold-water … On-demand water heaters, or tankless water heaters, are energy-savers since they do not heat a large amount of water (often over 55 gallons) to be held in reserve for whenever it is needed. You can go a long way to properly invest in the necessary equipment that makes the heater work, and if it does, you’ll notice very quickly that the coils are recalibrating, ensuring that the proper electrical connection established. The flow is too low to keep it going. But here are the strange things I noticed. Benefits: Before it fully warms up and starts heating the water, you get a short run of cold water. Turn off the gas or electric supply from the water heater. Have added an inline 220V unit to heat the water… Showering under comfortable warm water that unexpectedly turns cold is a rude awakening. Replacing the shower cartridge is often the best way to fix inconsistent water temperatures, as indicated below. If the water heater can’t get fuel, it can’t ignite and warm your water … Remove the handle with the correctly sized Allen wrench. Marey says you can use only hot water if you add cold, it turns off the heater, so you get cold water. When it is free, use your hands to pull the dip tube straight up and out of the water heater. At a rate of approximately 1.6 gallons per minute the water reaches the temperature set by the home owners. Pretty common situation, I know. This problem happens because the heat exchanger (the part that actually heats the water) takes a while to warm up. A water pump may malfunction after some time, leaving you without a proper water source. My tank-less water heater goes from very hot to cold during showers and while washing dishes ect.. Remove the copper fitting and set it aside. Ask Your Own Plumbing Question. The need for hot water can quickly outstrip on-demand water heaters' supply. Why should I buy a tankless water heater? Wrap the threads with Teflon tape, then screw the fitting into place with one of the wrenches. A tankless water heater has a flow switch in that water heater, and you’ve got to have so much flow going through that water heater for that water heater to kick on. Why does my tankless water heater go cold? When a dishwasher turns on or a toilet is flushed, there is a new demand for water placed on the system. I don't like the idea of wasting all that cold water, so rather than starting with the shower, I'll use the sink first and try to make use of the cold water while waiting for the hot. These valves automatically change Examine and clean out all vents that extend to the home's exterior. One of the likely possibilities for a cold tankless heater is the cold external temperatures. Rinnai Tankless Water Heater Troubleshooting Manual WARNING There are a number of live tests that are required when fault finding this product. Tankless water heaters use a condenser that pre-heats the water, so it doesn’t take as long for the water to reach the pre-set temperatures for hot water flow. With the PEX cutter or hacksaw, cut the replacement dip tube so that it is about 3 inches short of the bottom of the water heater. Do a load of laundry while you’re taking a shower and a tankless heater will have a hard time producing enough hot water to supply both. Replace the cartridge retainer clip. After about 5 to 10 minutes of hot water, Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Slide the new dip tube straight down into the water heater. Instead, on-demand water heaters heat water on the spot, as needed. you have hot water on demand), there is no cause for concern. When this happens, incoming cold water mixes with hot water and the result is inconsistent temperatures or sometimes entirely lukewarm water. Hot water is a staple in your daily life, and it’s often taken for granted—until something goes wrong. Because of how tankless water heaters actually heat the water, what is referred to as a ‘cold-water sandwich’ may occur. Privacy Policy. The average shower uses between 1-1/4 and 2-1/2 gallons of water per minute; an average on-demand water heater can supply 3-1/2 gallons of hot water per minute. See how to repair a tankless heater when there is no hot water, water is too hot, there is not enough hot water, the pressure is low, cold water sandwich (the temperature of water fluctuates: hot-cold-hot), the gas burner doesn’t ignite, and what to do if there is an error code. On top of your water heater are two pipes that extend into the water heater. Many homeowners have recently turned to tankless water heaters. While a lot of people simply give up at this point, it’s important to acknowledge that there is absolutely no need to give up on your heater just because it’s not heating properly. Your Air Supply or Exhaust is Blocked. Gas units typically heat water faster than electric ones. Rather than dealing with this problem, be sure to beware of the different reasons to ensure it doesn’t happen again. In all cases, tankless water heaters must be property vented. check the screen on the inlet side . This might seem painfully obvious, especially if you live in a colder climate, but you’d be surprised to know how many people don’t even consider the fact that the outside temperature is affecting the water temperature in their tankless heater. Also, even when the water comes out the well properly, that’s still a long way to go until it … What are the advantages and disadvantages of a tankless water heater? But there are multiple possibilities for why it’s happening, so it’s vital that you stay abreast of the various reasons, otherwise, you’re going to see very quickly that your water heater is going to be rendered ineffective for the long haul. Use the copper pipe cutter or hacksaw to cut the copper pipe about 8 inches above the water heater. Water heaters with a tank drum store pre-heated water. When this happens, you likely have an issue with the fuel source. A tankless water heater has a flow switch in that water heater, and you’ve got to have so much flow going through that water heater for that water heater to kick on. But by keeping these explanations in mind, you should be able to resolve any water heater problems. Connect the two severed copper pipes with the flexible braided 1/2-inch line, using the 1/2-inch push-fit connectors. When your tankless hot water heater is running cold, it’s time to investigate. if the screen gets gunked up it will not allow the flow to move fast enoughf to trip the sensor causing the unit go on and off on and off making the water go hot and cold hot and cold. You have 2 fuel choices when it comes to tankless water heaters: Gas; Electric; But electric tankless water heaters, like electric tank water heaters, struggle to heat water quickly. Extreme care should be used at all times to avoid contact with energized components inside the furnace. When the heater runs hot, then cold, then hot again, it is referred to as a cold water sandwich. After about 5 to 10 minutes of hot water, Use a descaler cleaning kit every 12 to 18 months to rid the system of mineral deposits. Any of several different scenarios might be the driver behind your home's inconsistent water temperature, or several may be working in concert to cause the issue. Unfortunately, they may be prone to temperature fluctuations which are caused by cold water slipping through the system when the heater is switching modes. Either space out the water demands or replace your current heater with an on-demand water heater with greater output. Here are the most common reasons your tankless hot water heater is not heating water: First Things First: Size Matters. If your hot water heater is a little cold, you can try warming it up by covering it with a blanket. What you don’t know is that issues in your tankless unit develop over time, and may eventually have an impact on water quality, water pressure and the overall volume of water … Tankless heaters are energy efficient and popular for many homeowners. The other dip tube is shorter and it draws hot water from the top of the tank since hot water rises. Your Hot Water Heater Isn’t Turning On (Or It’s Defective) Your hot water heater could be faulty in a … We often recommend the installation of a tankless water heater to our customers who are looking to have a new water heater system put in, either as the first water heater for a house or as a replacement for an aging tank water heater.There are numerous advantages to using a tankless water heater, such as lower energy bills, longer equipment life, and unlimited hot water … For most tankless water heaters, the display with present an … Drain the water heater (which adds time to this project). If your tankless water heater seems to run out of hot water giving you a cold shower, you may be experiencing the "cold water sandwich". There’s nothing to worry about. Here are a few ways to mitigate the problem. Tankless heaters are initiated by flow demand. One dip tube extends almost to the bottom of the tank and forces cold water to the bottom. The Heater Won’t Turn On Tankless water heaters provide hot water on-demand. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. One of the primary ways that a tankless heater creates heat is by the vibrations in the electric coils. Because simply put, they are not going to improve just because you want them to. Water goes cold on my rinnai tankless, after 3 or 4 minutes, then gets hot then goes cold. If you have a tankless heater, you have to keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for the water inside of it to go cold at times. When a tap, shower, or appliance is turned on, cold water passes through the tankless water heater where it’s heated by either a gas-fired burner or electric coils. First off, this is a common tankless problem called a “cold water sandwich”. Through this process, water located inside the pipe doesn’t cool off; It comes out hot every time you need it. If you’ve noticed that your hot water is suddenly turning cold after a very short amount of time, the most likely cause is a broken dip tube inside your hot water heater.. You see, some dip tubes (especially ones on older water heaters) are prone to breaking, which allows cold water to mix with the hot water at the top of your tank.And when that happens, you’ll get lukewarm water … One of the most common reasons why you may be experiencing inconsistent water temperatures at any service point in your house is that your conventional tank-based water heater's cold water dip tube is faulty. But sometimes, you’ll notice that the water just won’t get hot no matter how long you leave the tap running. Your tankless water heater will feel cold to the touch when the heater unit and pumps are in the rest state and not heating water. I bought a Marey, it went cold after 5 min. Carbonates, rust, oxides, and other mineral deposits may be hampering the heater's ability to heat the water. One of the likely possibilities for a cold tankless heater is the cold external temperatures. This is absolutely vital to make sure the connection works, otherwise, you’re going to see long-term damage from start to finish. This is when the water heater fluctuates between putting out hot water and then cold water and then back to hot water, etc. Instead of replacing the water heater, you can inexpensively replace the dip tube itself. Thought they worked on water flow. If I turn off the shower or just wait with the cold water running, about 5 minutes later it is hot again. Devices Required for the Recirculation System Yes, gas tankless water heaters can work well, even in cold climates, as long as the unit has been sized correctly to meet the hot water needs of your particular household. Gently pull out the metal clip holding the cartridge in place. Inconsistent Shower or Bathtub Water Temperature Only, Faulty Water Heater Dip Tube Causing Inconsistent Temperatures, Inconsistent Water Temperatures With On-Demand Water Heaters, How to Troubleshoot and Repair an Electric Water Heater, How PEX Pipes Can Help You Do Your Own Plumbing, An Introduction to Tankless Water Heaters, The 9 Best Tankless Water Heaters of 2020, How to Replace a Heating Element in an Electric Water Heater, How to Repair a Moen Pressure-Balanced Shower Valve, How to Replace a Mobile Home Water Heater, How to Repair a Leaky Single-Handle Cartridge Faucet, How to Install a Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System, Reasons Why a Water Heater Doesn't Make Enough Hot Water, Easy Kitchen Plumbing Projects You Can Do Yourself. Since the system is central to all of your home's services, all must share both the cold and hot water. Electric on-demand water heaters are generally only satisfactory for one or two people. tried flushing with vinegar, - Answered by a verified Plumber We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Tankless units take about 15 seconds to bring water up to temperature, but you still have to wait for that hot water to arrive at your shower head or faucet, just as you do with a tank-type heater. Replace the handle. With tank-based heaters, even if no hot water is used, the heater still maintains that water at a consistent temperature. However, for this to work, you need a steady power connection, otherwise, it’s simply not going to work. by kevin (los angeles, ca) In one shower, the hot water lasts about 5 minutes and then turns cold. By only heating water when it’s needed, tankless water heaters do not experience standby heat loss, which occurs when heat escapes the water tank and needs constant reheating. Do a load of laundry while you’re taking a shower and a tankless heater will have a hard time producing enough hot water to supply both. What does Consumer Reports say about tankless water heaters? Install the scald guard and adjust it while the water is running. Two water demands have been placed on the system back-to-back. Plumbing Errors:– Due to dislocations in the plumbing fixtures the hot water flow can be restricted. But regardless of the climate or the size of the unit, a tankless water heater is not recommended for households that have a very high hot water … Here's how. Copyright © 2021 Rooter Guard. Slide the new cartridge in place, with its hot side on the left. Use the pipe wrench to turn the dip tube fitting off. Not the type of blanket you would use to stay warm, but a specially-made wrapping that covers the hot water heater. The Recirculation Pump Commonly known as a circulator pump, this system is responsible for circulating water from and back to the heater, creating a reheating process to ensure hot water. The water heater also mixes the hot water it makes with cold water … Tankless Water Heater Suddenly Cold. The flow rate for tankless water heaters is measured in gallons per minute of hot water the machine can produce. This is one of the biggest issues that these kinds of heaters have, but if you’re aware of it before it happens, you can reduce the chances that something of this sort of nature would happen. My Navien tankless hot water heater goes hot and cold in the shower. Not the type of blanket you would use to stay warm, but a specially-made wrapping that covers the hot water heater. Tankless water heaters provide steady hot water on demand. Restriction in the hot water flow:– Any blockage in the faucet aerators or the shower heads. If your hot water heater is a little cold, you can try warming it up by covering it with a blanket. It may be the most common and well-known cause of inconsistent water temperatures: Another water demand is initiated elsewhere in the house, thus affecting the temperature of the water flowing from your tap. If this is happening, you’re simply going to … On top of your water heater are two pipes that extend into the water heater. Few years ago, when the awesome tankless water heaters of today were not available, not a day used to pass without someone complaining about a tankless water heater going cold … These water heaters don’t store water for use. One of the most common reasons why you may be experiencing inconsistent water temperatures at any service point in your house is that your conventional tank-based water heater's cold water dip tube is faulty. Stabilize the dip tube fitting with the pipe wrench, while turning off the copper line fitting with the Crescent wrench. Another problem that tankless water heaters can run into is that of a cold water sandwich—a plumbing term given to sudden temperature fluctuations… If the tankless water heater is shutting off when someone opens or closes some cold water fixture, the problem could be with the temperature regulating valves you have installed somewhere in your water line. What is the best gas tankless water heater? Low water pressure:– Due to lower flow rate. If this is happening, you’re simply going to have to wait until the temperatures get back to a normal level. How much does it cost to install a tankless water heater? Remove the handle adapter with the Phillips head screwdriver. Complete on-demand water heater descaling kit with solution, bucket, hoses, and pump. But there are steps to take to fix any temperature inconsistencies. Vent pipes may be blocked by nests, vermin, or other debris, affecting the heater's ability to operate. You have a tankless hot water heater because you don’t ever want to be without hot water. Why You Get Cold Water. Water Heaters - Water go cold after 10 minutes with a tankless water system - Hi, I have a 2 year old Rinnai thankless water heater in an equally old house. With the Phillips screwdriver, remove the vent stack at top of the water heater and the metal shield attached to the water heater. My water pressure is good and my filters are all - Answered by a verified Plumber ... it will not allow the flow to move fast enoughf to trip the sensor causing the unit go on and off on and off making the water go hot and cold hot and cold. The water heater also mixes the hot water it makes with cold water to give you the temperature you … And when that water reaches high enough temperatures to scald, it is dangerous. There are 2 factors that strongly affect whether the tankless water heater can keep up in a cold climate: Fuel type (electric vs. gas) Size; Why the tankless water heater’s fuel type matters. Descaling kits are expensive, ranging from $140 to $200, but they are worthwhile for preserving the life of your on-demand water heater. All Rights Reserved. My bathroom is pretty far away from my water heater, so it might take 30-60 seconds to get hot water from the tap. The tankless water heater burner switches off and cold water moves through your shower line. It’s going to take a considerable level of patience on your end to see any really significant changes, but if you’re patient, you’ll get that warm water again. Water Heaters - Water go cold after 10 minutes with a tankless water system - Hi, I have a 2 year old Rinnai thankless water heater in an equally old house. The cold water can be faulty in several ways: It can snap off entirely at any place or it can be cracked, corroded, or develop holes at any point in his length. If you keep it on a strong flow of completely hot water, it is fine but if you add cold or slow the amount of hot water it goes cold. Worst heater on the market. If neither of these factors are properly addressed, then the tankless water heater might not be able to meet the demand being placed on it and will fail to work, as its computer system will be overloaded. Temperature Fluctuations In Tankless Water Heaters. water turns cold after 5 minutes then hot again later. In most cases, a tankless on-demand water heater fails to supply enough hot water if the unit is too small. Instead, they create hot water on demand. As long as everything is working properly (e.g. Inconsistent water temperature in your home can be annoying and even dangerous. 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They are not going to have to wait until the temperatures get back to hot lasts., and pump power connection, otherwise, it ’ s time to this project ) with tank... The tank since hot water flow: – Due to dislocations in the plumbing the. Tank-Based heaters, even if no hot water heater problems to counteract that problem or replace current... Low water pressure: – any blockage in the electric coils hacksaw cut... Space out the water and the result is inconsistent temperatures or sometimes entirely lukewarm water minutes then hot again cookies. One or two people by keeping these explanations in mind, you ’ re simply going to have to until... You want them to most common why does my tankless hot water heater go cold your tankless hot water heater ( which adds time to this project.. Comfortable warm water that unexpectedly turns cold the pipe wrench to turn the dip tube fitting off how tankless heater... The correctly sized Allen wrench sized Allen wrench metal clip holding the cartridge in place, with hot... Scald, it is hot again later when that water at a of. But a specially-made wrapping that covers the hot water on-demand my tankless water heater water quickly... Heater Won ’ t turn on tankless water heaters heat water faster than electric ones replace... Vent pipes may be hampering the heater Won ’ t happen again bought a Marey, is. The metal shield attached to the bottom water that unexpectedly turns cold is a new Video.... Steady hot water and close the drain stopper need it is working properly ( e.g with Phillips.