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5 Signs You Need a New Tankless Water Heater

Written by
Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC Experts
January 27, 2025
5 Signs You Need a New Tankless Water Heater

Your tankless water heater in Charlotte, NC, will last much longer than a tank-based water heater, but in time it will need repairs and eventually need to be replaced. Your tankless water heater won’t typically go bad overnight. It will let you know ahead of time that there is something wrong.

Finding the best tankless hot water heater repair Charlotte, NC, has to offer may be harder than you think. Although tankless water heaters have been around for decades, they are just now becoming popular. Before allowing a plumber to work on your tankless water heater, make sure they have the experience to do so.

Signs you need a new tankless water heater include:

1. Increased Energy Bills

Tankless water heaters are known to save you money on heating costs. That’s probably why you invested in it one the first place, but if you’ve noticed your energy bill increasing over time, then you may want to look at your tankless water heater.

If you’ve had your tankless unit for several years, and have missed several of your recommended yearly maintenance checks, then your water heater probably isn’t working to its full potential. When this happens, it has to work harder to produce the same level of water heating, which will raise your utility bill in the process.

2. Poor Hot Water Quality

You may notice the hot water isn’t the same anymore. You can tell there is something seriously wrong if the water from the faucet:

  • Smells bad
  • Tastes wrong
  • Looks cloudy or rusty
  • Has sediment

In any of these cases, the tankless water heater isn’t working proficiently, or there is something wrong with the water itself. Call your local municipality to see if there is currently something wrong with the water supply.

If that inquiry turns up negative, then you’ll need a plumber specializing in tankless water heater repair and tankless water heater plumbing.

3. Strange Noises

Noises coming from your tankless unit can be caused by many things, but the two most likely culprits are a mechanical failure or excessive sediment buildup. The noise itself is typically a popping, banging, or crackling sound but can also extend to hissing or other noises.

If you hear your tankless water heater making noises, it’s imperative to have it looked at immediately. If the unit is currently troubled, then it may be able to be repaired, but waiting can cause more serious problems. When one part goes bad, other parts are sure to follow if the unit is not properly maintained and repaired.

4. Age

Most tankless water heaters are designed with a 20-year lifespan, but there are several factors that can reduce that number, such as:

Lack of Maintenance 

All appliances should be looked at periodically, and it’s recommended to have tankless water heaters maintained every year.

Overworking

If you received a tankless water heater designed for a two-person family home, but you have 4 to 5 people living in your home, then the device may be overworked. A 20-year lifespan is contingent on a certain number of hours of use per day. If your heater is consistently used more often than recommended, this will shorten its longevity.

Frequent Repairs

The fact is, when an item is repaired, it’s not at 100%. If part A goes bad and is fixed, then the unit may work fine, but other parts affected are not replaced and continue to work at a subpar level. This process will continue until the unit is no longer worth keeping.

Although a tankless water heater should last 20 years, it may only last 15 years if it’s not properly maintained. As new technology comes out, it makes more sense to replace your current water heater with a more efficient model.

5. Multiple Charlotte Water Heater Repairs

Constantly repairing your tankless water heater not only degrades the unit but also creates an unexpected yearly cost. Although it’s a good idea to immediately repair your heater as soon as a problem is detected, preventive maintenance helps prevent the repairs from occurring in the first place.

You also have to realize that the water heater unit is not the only concern. Your water heater’s plumbing can produce leaks, rust, or clogs, depending on their location. If the pipes are not located in a safe place, then you may be banging against them every time you place your garbage can under the sink.

Best Tankless Water Heater Installation Charlotte, NC

Superior Plumbing & Drains, LLC has over 30 years of experience in the industry, and the number one thing we’ve learned is that customer satisfaction is all that matters.

We train all of our already-experienced plumbers on a daily basis, so they know all of the current plumbing codes. They are verified during the hiring process, and we are licensed, bonded, and insured.

Our company provides prompt service and is open every day of the year, including holidays. We also do everything we can to ensure that your plumbing repairs and installations are completed the same day we show up.

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    They were able to respond quickly when our water heater quit working. One of their plumbers came to the house, inspected heater, recommended replacement and explained clearly why he was recommending replacement. He then gave options of different prices and types of heaters. Once we made our choice they completed the work the next day. I would recommend this company without a question.
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