Tankless Water Heater Frequently Asked Questions

Get Answers from the Los Angeles Area's Premier Tankless Experts

Tankless water heaters are becoming popular upgrades for homeowners, but their substantial investment often leads to a number of questions. Check out this FAQ for answers you can count on, and give us a call today if you need further information about upgrading your home.

Where can I buy a tankless water heater?

Right here from Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Air! We are proud to be a dealer for several of the biggest brand names in tankless water heating, and that means we offer a wide variety of different sizes and models. We carefully work with you to choose the right model based on your needs, desired features, and your needed hot water capacity. Once we have chosen the right model, we’ll install it with our same legendary-quality plumbing craftsmanship and outstanding customer service.

How long do tankless water heaters last?

Tankless water heaters solve one of the most prominent problems that tank-style heaters have: durability. Even when well-kept, a tank heater will only last around eight years. However, a tankless water heater can easily last 15 to 20 years or more. Likewise, tankless water heaters are almost entirely reparable, meaning virtually every part can be replaced. With proper care and repairs when necessary, a tankless water heater may genuinely be the last new water heater you ever have to buy. That adds up to significant savings as the years go by!

Do tankless water heaters run on gas or electricity?

Both! Tankless water heaters come in both electric and gas-powered models, but the majority of them run on gas. Gas produces heat more efficiently than electricity does, and it takes far less time to warm up. However, all units do still require electricity to operate as well. Most gas-powered heaters use an electric ignition system, and many others have electronic control panels to allow you to set temperatures and change other settings. Some models even have Wi-Fi connectivity so you can control them from a smartphone app!

How does a tankless water heater heat water instantly?

As soon as a hot water tap is turned on, a tankless water heater uses either a gas burner or electric element to instantly heat water as it flows through the unit. The amount of time required for the hot water to reach a faucet depends on the distance it must travel. Once the hot water tap is turned off, the burners or electrical elements power down, allowing you to only consume energy when hot water is needed. While a conventional unit expends energy to prepare a preheated reservoir, tankless water heaters take a more eco-friendly approach by heating water on demand or “on an as-needed basis.”

Are tankless water heaters worth the cost?

The idea of “worth” is going to change from person to person, but we can say this with confidence: upgrading to a tankless water heater is an overwhelmingly beneficial investment for the majority of homeowners. Their initial investment is significantly higher, but these systems do burn less energy than their tank-style counterparts. Plus, they experience fewer problems, and only need simple, basic maintenance, generally once per year. Their added longevity is also a huge benefit as well, and many estimates say that these systems pay for the difference in the upgrade cost over roughly the lifespan of a single tank-style system. Additionally, you’ll never run out of hot water again, and the thought alone of showers that are always warm and inviting is worth it to some.

Why is my tankless water heater leaking?

Tankless water heaters do rely on gaskets, seals, and other components that can wear out over time. Generally, an annual maintenance service will include an inspection of these components and give you the ability to have them replaced when they start to show signs of wear or failure. However, if you do find water leaking from your system, don’t be alarmed. Simply call us to come out and take a look at the issue and our team will quickly identify and fix it for you. In addition to offering tankless water heater installations, we also offer a comprehensive range of repairs for all types of equipment.

Why is my tankless water heater making noise?

Tankless water heaters are not silent. Most do burn gas to create heat that warms your water, and likewise, water needs to flow through them, which isn’t silent either. However, if you hear your heater making a loud grinding, whistling, or other strange noise, or you smell gas in the vicinity of the heater unit itself, we recommend calling us right away so we can come to take a look at it.

What does "cold water sandwich" mean?

“Cold water sandwich” is the term used to describe pockets of cold water sandwiched in between stretches of water at your ideal temperature. This isn’t a common problem with tankless water heaters, but it is one that they are prone to. This is typically a symptom that indicates there is some sort of a problem with your water heater’s heating system. It might be that your heating element is wearing out, it could be overheating and shutting down for safety, or it might not be getting enough gas or electricity to operate properly. Whatever it might be, you should call a professional and have them diagnose the problem for you.

Do tankless water heaters require maintenance?

Yes. While regular water heaters also require maintenance, professional tune-up services are vital to the smooth, reliable, and energy-efficient operation of a tankless system. Flushing a tankless system, for example, requires considerable professional knowledge and skill to do properly without damaging the system or potentially damaging your plumbing. This needs to be done once a year, and while this may seem like a hassle, it is well worth it when you consider the savings on energy costs and the improvement to your quality of life from never running out of hot water again.