Tankless Water Heater Whisperer Needed

1,500 Views | 7 Replies | Last: 9 mo ago by AggiePhil
AggiePhil
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AG
I'm in need of a plumber or technician who is a guru or at least a semi-expert in the world of tankless water heaters. Specifically, a Rheem tankless water heater that randomly goes on the fritz from time to time (usually during the hot part of the year) but that otherwise works fine.

The last guy we had out was extremely nice but admitted that he doesn't know much about the electronics and "just gets the manufacturer on the phone when the problem is occurring." Problem is, this is a sporadic issue that usually only happens in the evenings. So by the time we can finally get someone to come out, the problem has usually resolved itself.

So, if you know someone who is particularly good with these things, please send me their way. Thanks in advance!
scd88
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AG
I don't know of a specialist but I like Ed Phillips plumbing. He and I have talked through issues with my tankless and how to improve it.
EBrazosAg
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AG
For Rinnai, cascade tends to keep the motherboards in stock. That would be my guess for your fix - not a lot of field serviceable parts when it comes to the computer on those things.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
Hammerheadjim
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AG
If you have an electric tankless, you may have problems with low voltage. Otherwise, there is an issue with your mainboard.

If you have a propane tankless, it is probably a mainboard issue.
Walk softly and carry a big stick! Make sure the big stick makes big boom noises and flashy bright lights.
EBrazosAg
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AG
If he has a electric tankless, he needs a propane or natural gas tankless
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
AggiePhil
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AG
Thanks for the recommendation! Cascade came out and did a fantastic job. Identified the fact that a previous plumbing company we hired installed a propane regulator instead of a NG regulator (face palm!). Fixed that and one other part on the heater and now we're good to go. Saved us a lot of money! Highly recommended!
EBrazosAg
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AG
Wow. You must have some really hot water now - since NG BTU/Volume is significantly less. FYI - it's super easy to descale those heaters. About $100 on Amazon for hoses and a bilge pump - then vinegar and a 5 gallon bucket.
No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See full Medical Disclaimer.
AggiePhil
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AG
Oh yeah, when the heater worked, it worked well. Now it works all the time, which is great.

And yes, I bought a descaling kit on Amazon a year or so ago thinking maybe that was the cause of the problem. It wasn't, but it was very easy to do the descaling. Cascade said to do it once every five years, which sounds reasonable to me. When I did it last year, it was the first time our heaters had ever been descaled (8 years after the house was built) and there was relatively little buildup.
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