No hot water, fluctuating temperatures, or a stubborn error code on your tankless unit? This guide explains the most common issues, what our technicians check first, typical timelines/cost factors, and when repair vs. replacement makes sense. Need help now? Call us for tankless water heater repair in Houston.
Tankless Water Heater Repair: Quick Safety Steps
- Turn off power/fuel. For electric, switch the breaker off. For gas, set the gas valve to OFF.
- Shut the cold-water inlet to stop flow if you see active leaking.
- Ventilate the area and leave immediately if you smell gas.
- Take a photo of the error code and the rating/serial label—this speeds up parts matching.
- Clear access to the unit (attic/garage/closet) so we can work safely.
- Note symptoms (no hot water, temperature swings, breaker trips, unusual noises).
- Call our team for guidance and scheduling.
Tankless Water Heater Repair: Common Problems
- Ignition failure / won’t fire. Often tied to a worn igniter, low gas pressure, clogged air intake, or a dirty flame rod. We test ignition components, verify gas supply, and clean or replace parts as needed.
- Intermittent hot water / temperature swings. Mineral scale on the heat exchanger or a sluggish thermistor/flow sensor can make temps jump. We flush, clean filters, and recalibrate sensors.
- Low flow or the “cold-water sandwich.” A clogged inlet screen, scaled heat exchanger, or undersized gas line can restrict performance. We check restrictions end-to-end and restore proper flow.
- Scaling / mineral buildup. Houston’s harder water leaves scale that insulates the heat exchanger and confuses sensors—leading to lukewarm water and error codes. Descaling is the cure.
- Vent/condensate issues. Improper vent slope, blockages, or a full condensate trap can trigger shutdowns; we correct routing and clear the lines.
Tankless Water Heater Repair: Error Codes (Rinnai / Navien)
Error codes point to the system that needs attention—ignition, flame sensing, exhaust/air, water flow, or temp sensors. Our process:
- Read and document the code; check brand-specific service data.
- Test components (igniter, flame rod, fan, thermistors, flow sensor).
- Clean & reset: inlet filter, flame rod, air intake, and internal screens.
- Replace only what’s necessary (igniter, sensors, valves) and run a post-repair load test to verify steady temperature and safe venting.
Tankless Water Heater Repair: Descaling & Preventive Maintenance
Hard water is the #1 tankless issue. Descaling (flushing) dissolves mineral buildup, restores heat transfer, and stabilizes temperature. Most homes benefit from a flush every 6–12 months depending on water hardness and usage. During a maintenance visit we typically:
- Flush the heat exchanger; clean inlet screens and strainers.
- Inspect venting/air intake and condensate routing.
- Check gas pressure, electrical connections, and error history.
- Review your home’s hot-water demand and temperature settings for comfort and efficiency.
Tankless Water Heater Repair Costs & Time in Houston
Every job is different, but here’s what to expect:
- Diagnostic + tune-up/flush: usually a same-day visit.
- Parts: components like igniters, sensors, or valves vary by brand/model and availability.
- After-hours: urgent late-night or weekend calls may include a small emergency fee.
We always diagnose first, explain options, and confirm pricing before any work begins.
When Tankless Water Heater Repair vs. Replacement Makes Sense
- Repair is usually best when the unit is under 8–10 years old, the heat exchanger is healthy, and the fault is isolated (sensor/igniter/valve). According to Energy.gov – Tankless Water Heaters, proper sizing, maintenance, and installation quality strongly affect performance and lifespan.
- Consider replacement if breakdowns are frequent, multiple major parts are failing, or quoted repairs approach a significant portion of a new, properly sized unit.
- Capacity or lifestyle changes (added bathrooms, simultaneous showers) can justify upgrading to meet demand and improve comfort.
24/7 Emergency Tankless Water Heater Repair in Houston
No hot water before guests arrive? Leak you can’t control? We provide same-day, 24/7 dispatch across Greater Houston. Call us and we’ll guide you through quick safety steps while we schedule a technician.
Tankless Water Heater Repair — Service Areas
Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, Pasadena, Cypress, The Woodlands, Spring, Bellaire, and Missouri City. If you’re nearby, ask—we often cover additional ZIP codes.
Tankless Water Heater Repair FAQs
Do you fix Rinnai and Navien tankless error codes in Houston?
Yes. We handle diagnostics, descaling, and part replacement for major brands. After the repair, we test flow and temperature under load to confirm stability.
How often should I descale a tankless unit?
Typically every 6–12 months. Homes with very hard water or heavy use may need more frequent maintenance.
Can I prevent the “cold-water sandwich”?
Regular descaling, clean inlet screens, correct gas pressure, and steady flow settings help minimize temperature spikes.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency tankless repair?
Absolutely—24/7 dispatch for urgent no-hot-water or leak situations.
Will you confirm pricing before repair?
Always. We diagnose first, explain your options, and get approval before we proceed.
Ready for help? Call (877) 957-9130 for same-day tankless water heater repair in Houston. For non-urgent issues, schedule a maintenance flush to keep your system running efficiently year-round.
