Improvising your lifestyle by installing a tankless water heater at your home could be the most thoughtful step you can take. But does the thought of maintenance keep you awake at night and stop you from investing money after a tankless water heater? Does your previous bad experience with a water leakage problem is becoming an obstruction on the path of buying a tankless water heater? Do not worry then because this article will provide you all the information you need to know about the water leakage problem relating to a tankless water heater and the solution to it.
Tankless water heater generally possesses the least chances of water leakage comparing to the tank system water heater though it may happen for some reason. Leakage occurs mostly at the bottom of the tankless water heater and the place of connections. When such leakage happens, it seems very little and does not damage much, but eventually, it can be turned into disastrous damage if it is not treated in time. That is why it is better to involve a plumber whenever a tiny leakage catches your eye to avoid any catastrophe later.
Usually, a tankless water heater leaks less than a traditional tank system water heater, which is 1 gallon per minute. But the leakage water should be held temporarily as a precaution. Installing a drain pipe can save one from significant unwanted expenses later.
Causes of Water Leakage:
Professional installation of venting pipes is critical when installing a tankless water heater because it helps the proper fresh air flow into the heat exchanger. If there is no adequate venting present in the tankless water heater, it will inevitably cause water leakage. Condensation caused inside from lacking proper venting starts water leaking, and such continuation of condensation can ultimately fall the entire system. Installing horizontal venting or direct vent can stop such condensation. Say ‘NO’ to vertical venting and better follow the manufacturer’s instructions while installing a venting system.
The improper settings of pipes or loose connections may occur from water leakage. The passage used to flow the hot water from the unit to the fixture is needed to be checked while installing as a few joints and valves are included there. His case relieves the valve can play an important role in protecting the water dripping from those joints. It is necessary to install the correct size of the relief valve according to the heater’s size and set all the pipes and joints correctly to avoid dripping.
If you want to get your tankless water heater’s absolute efficiency, you need to supply sufficient gas to it by dedicating a separate gas line. Experts recommend using a separate gas line directly to the water heater, which will not rerun your house’s main gas line every time you switch on. Putting in less complicated joints will avoid unnecessary leakage. Through this whole process, gas might be leaked and does some significant damage. In that case, take professional help as soon as possible.
If you live in any area where the groundwater is hard in nature, it will increase a high chance of water leakage of your tankless water heater. Flowing of water time by time deposits minerals in the pipes, which is not suitable for any water heater. Such deposition creates pressure on the heat exchanger and causes overheating. Hard water contains calcium and magnesium, which are responsible for mineral disposition. Ultimately pipes and joints get blocked for such mineral build-up and lead to water leakage.
Kinds of water play a significant role in causing water leakage. Aside from hard water, acidic water can also harm the pipes, resulting in water drippings. Water below pH 7 is considered acidic water. Such kind of water can create pinholes in the pipe and results in water leakage. Necessary treatment needs to be done if the quality of supply water confirms it as hard or acidic water; otherwise, water leakage increases.
The tankless water heater is designed to have low flow rates of water and low water pressure. It is designed to work for household uses in 30 psi. Hindrance of normal water flow creates high water pressure inside the machine and can cause harm to the pipe and result in water leakage. To avoid this, regular check-ups and flushing are needed so that debris cannot be deposited in showerhead or faucets or inside of the heat exchanger.
How to Fix it?
Take an expert opinion whenever you spot a leakage on your tankless water heater and take immediate action. The action could be repairing or replacing after finding out a leak. A replacement will be a better option if you think the problem is severe. It is better to take a precautionary step by installing a drain pan. It will contain a 100% leak in a tankless system. It will save you from future structural repairs or mold issues caused by water leakage. A piece of modern equipment like a tankless water heater is no exception like other devices and always comes with a warranty. One should take advantage of it and contact the manufacturer immediately if any leakage is found. Always keep an eye on your warranty’s expiry date, and do not do anything to void that within that date.
Proper maintenance like flushing regularly and a definite professional installation can prolong a tankless water heater’s durability without any problem like water leakage for up to 20 years. It is also helpful to remember that any quick and corrective action can save your heater from any further damage. Water leakage is a minor problem that seldom happens to your heater. But with proper guidance, there is no obstruction to enjoy limitless on-demand hot water that the tankless water heater can deliver to you.