Tankless problems we repair
- An error code on the display and no hot water.
- Hot, then cold, then hot again in the shower.
- Hot water that takes much longer to arrive than it used to.
- The unit shuts off when a second tap is opened.
- It will not light or keeps trying to light.
- Water dripping from the unit or its connections.
- Less hot water flow than before.
What is usually behind it
A tankless heater is a small machine with sensors, a fan, a burner and a heat exchanger with narrow passages. The common faults are scale built up inside the heat exchanger, a dirty inlet filter, a failed sensor or igniter, a blocked vent or air intake, or a gas supply that is too small for the unit. That last one often traces back to the install: a tankless heater needs more gas than the tank it replaced. If the gas line was never upsized, the unit starves when it runs at full output.
How we handle a repair
Tell us the brand, the model if you can see it, and any code on the screen. On site we read the code, test the unit and find the actual cause, not just the part the code points at. Then we explain the repair and the cost. If the unit only needs a flush and a filter clean, that is what we do. If a part has failed, we tell you what it is.
Regular service
Tankless makers call for the heat exchanger to be flushed on a schedule, and how often depends on your water. A unit that is serviced holds its temperature better and lasts longer. If yours has never been flushed, it is due.
Repair or replace?
Tankless units are built to be repaired, and most problems are worth fixing. Replacement makes sense when the heat exchanger itself has failed, or when an old unit needs several costly parts at once. If you get to that point, our tankless page shows what we install.
Where we work
We are based in Hayward and repair tankless water heaters across the city (94541, 94542, 94544, 94545) and in Castro Valley, San Leandro, Union City, Fremont, Oakland and the Tri-Valley. For tank water heaters, see water heater repair.
About Friendly Services
Family-owned, over 20 years in Hayward. License CSLB #1156315 (C-36 plumbing). $1M general liability and workers' comp. Five-year workmanship warranty on our own work. 100+ five-star reviews online.