A tankless water heater heats water as it flows and avoids the standby loss of a storage tank. It needs correct gas or electric capacity, venting and a maintenance routine, and a lot of homeowners find that out only after a problem. We schedule same-day appointments when available, and the line is open 24/7.
Flush and descaleTankless flushing and descaling
Scale is the common enemy of a tankless heat exchanger. Navien's installation manual ties flushing to water hardness. It recommends flushing once a year for moderately hard water, and says flushing is recommended if a treatment device is not installed. Rinnai's manual says hard water may require a more frequent flushing schedule.
Takagi's guide describes descaling as about 45 minutes of circulating a cleaning solution followed by a 15-minute flush. You do not need to memorize any of that. It is a reason to put flushing on the calendar.
Isolate the unit
Service valves are closed and the unit is disconnected from the water supply.
Circulate solution
A pump runs a descaling solution through the heat exchanger.
Flush and refill
Clean water is run through, filters are cleaned and the unit is restarted.
Test
Flow, temperature and error history are checked.
How hard is your water
Champlin's drinking water comes from six city wells, and the city's latest water quality report does not give a hardness number. The best approach is to test your tap or ask the Utilities Department. If your water is hard, a softener upstream of the heater protects the heat exchanger, and our water softener page explains how to decide.
Error codesTankless error codes and what they mean
Code 11 is a common one, and it means different things on different brands. Rinnai defines code 11 as no ignition. Takagi lists ignition failure under its three-flash code.
Noritz says code 11 indicates that air, spark or gas, the elements needed for ignition, are not all present. The short version is that code 11 usually points at fuel, ignition or venting.
No ignition
Check that the gas valve is open and the vent is clear. A loose flame rod can also cause the fault, according to Rinnai.
Lukewarm water
Scale on the heat exchanger or a clogged inlet filter can reduce output.
Error after a power or gas interruption
Reset the unit once. If the code returns, call.
Noise or pulsing flow
Scale, a restricted vent or low flow can be the cause.
Service, repair or replacement
Service or repair fits when
- The heat exchanger is clean and intact.
- The fault is a sensor, igniter, flame rod or filter.
- The unit is sized right for your home.
- Flushing was simply overdue.
Replacement fits when
- The heat exchanger is cracked or leaking.
- Scale damage is too severe to remove.
- Repeated faults follow repairs.
- Your demand has grown past the unit.
Many homeowners say the last company would only replace the unit. We look at service and repair first and explain when replacement is the better value. If your tank-style heater has failed instead, see water heater repair.
InstallationWhat a tankless installation involves
Tankless units often need a larger gas line than a tank heater, a venting path rated for the unit, a condensate drain for high-efficiency models and, for electric units, a lot of electrical capacity. Service valves for flushing should be included at installation, because they make every future flush simpler. For a planned conversion, the water heater installation page covers the broader decisions.
PriceWhat tankless work costs and what changes the price
We schedule tankless work across 55316 in Champlin and nearby ZIP codes, including 55311 in Maple Grove, 55433 in Coon Rapids and 55303 in Anoka.
FAQsQuestions About Tankless Water Heater
How often should a tankless water heater be flushed?
Follow the manufacturer's manual. Navien, for example, ties the interval to water hardness and recommends annual flushing for moderately hard water without a treatment device.
What does tankless code 11 mean?
It varies by brand, but it usually relates to ignition. Rinnai calls it no ignition, and Noritz says air, spark and gas are not all present.
Can you service my unit if someone else installed it?
Yes. Tell us the brand and model when you call, and we explain what we can do.
Do I need a water softener with a tankless heater?
Not always. If your water is hard, it protects the heat exchanger. Test your tap or ask the Utilities Department first.
Does tankless really give endless hot water?
It gives hot water as long as flow stays within the unit's rating. Running several fixtures at once can exceed it.