Tankless water heaters take up less space, and in the event of a leak, they won't flood your home like a tanked water heater.
Because you won't be storing upwards of 50 gallons of water in a traditional hot water tank, you can reduce your risk for conventional hot water tank flooding thanks to a ruptured tank. Keep in mind that tankless water heaters can still lead to flooding issues, but are less commonly damaged.
Unlike traditional storage water heaters, tankless units may not be able to meet your home's hot water needs if you have multiple outlets running simultaneously. This is because the flow rate of a tankless unit may not be high enough to support multiple uses of hot water at the same time.
High water pressure is another cause of tankless water heater leaks. These water heaters are designed to work with low water pressure. So, a tankless water heater trying to operate with high water pressure can wear out and leak over time.
If the relief valve fails in the closed position, then too much pressure can build up, and the tank can burst, releasing 40 gallons of water (or more) all at once. That's about half a bathtub full, and enough to fill a 10ten by 10-foot room 1/2 inch deep.
When water damage comes from flooding, it's typically not covered on a standard homeowners insurance policy. This type of damage is usually covered by flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program.
The best way to protect your water heater from flooding is to install water heater shut-off valves, which protect your home from flooding via a burst of water from the water heater itself. Alternatively, install an anti-flood ring around your heater.
One of the most common questions asked by consumers about tankless water heaters is how long they will last. A tankless water heater can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and operation. In comparison, a standard tank water heater normally has a working life of 10 years or less.
One of the most common causes of a dripping overflow pipe is a faulty T&P valve. Over time, these valves can wear out and fail to seal properly, leading to continuous drips. Mineral deposits and corrosion can also build up on the valve, further compromising its ability to function correctly.
Because there is no stored water, pressure doesn't typically build up like in a tank-based system. As a result, many tankless models do not require a pressure relief valve. However, whether one is needed often depends on your chosen unit and how your home's plumbing system is configured.
Before you commit to buying a tankless water heater, the primary drawbacks to know include: Higher upfront costs. Tankless water heaters are, on average, quite a bit more expensive to buy and install than tank water heaters. Access to fuel.
Additional Installation Costs
Tankless water heaters are much more complex than traditional hot water tanks. As a result, they require professional installation. If you're switching from a hot water tank to a tankless unit, you will likely need your gas lines rerouted, as well as a larger gas supply line.
Absolutely! In fact, tankless water heaters are becoming the standard for new home construction because of the energy efficiency.
Can Tankless Heaters Burst? We have some good news: tankless water heaters don't burst. There is no tank, so there's no need to worry about pressure buildup.
Some people hesitate to decide on a tankless water heater because they can be a slightly higher cost; however, you get significantly more life out of one. A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!
Common Reasons for a Leaking Water Heater
A cracked or corroded water heater tank. Loose or faulty fittings and pipe connections. Improperly installed temperature and pressure relief valve. Worn out anode rod to protect the hot water tank from corrosion.
Specifically, tankless water heaters can leak due to several reasons: Hard Water – Water containing high mineral content can result in deposits that lead to corrosion and, ultimately, leaks in your heating system.
A leaking overflow pipe can indicate a problem with your heating or water system, such as excessive pressure or a faulty component. While not immediately dangerous in most cases, ignoring the issue could lead to water damage or further system faults, so it's important to address it promptly.
The condensate drain line is typically located at the bottom of the tankless water heater unit and connected to a PVC pipe or drain hose.
Over time, a tankless water heater may accumulate mineral build up which can erode the walls inside your tank's heating chamber. To properly maintain and clean your tankless water heater, it's important to flush those mineral deposits at least once a year.
Yes, you can leave your tankless water heater on all the time. The system only heats water as it is requested, so there's no unnecessary energy consumption. For vacation properties, it's still recommended to leave the unit on, but if you choose to turn it off, ensure you drain the system entirely to prevent any damage.
How Often Should Tankless Water Heaters Be Serviced? To be certain your Navien tankless water heater is working correctly and will provide service for many years, annual maintenance is recommended. Annual maintenance removes mineral deposits collected on heat exchangers and other parts.
But because tankless water heaters don't actually store water at all, the risk of flooding is tremendously reduced (although damaged pipes still pose a potential risk).
In general, homeowners insurance policies cover sudden and accidental damage to your home and personal property. This includes damage caused by a water heater leak, as long as the leak is considered sudden and accidental.
If too much pressure builds in the tank, it will eventually spring a leak and burst. And if the pressure gets really ridiculous, the tank actually explodes, becoming part bomb, part rocket. But even with the valve, all that extra pressure can wear down the tank over the years.