Tankless Water Heater Repair in New Jersey
Tankless running cold? We’ll find out why.
An error code on the display, water that turns cold mid-shower, or a unit that won’t fire? Tankless is our focus. We diagnose the cause, descale and flush the heat exchanger, and get your hot water back.
- Tankless specialists
- Bradford White, Navien & Rinnai
- Upfront price before work begins
“We used Howard Ryan to convert our old steam radiators to a tankless hot water system… It’s much more efficient and the space saving benefits are great.”
Common problems
Signs your tankless unit needs repair.
Tankless water heaters usually tell you when something’s wrong. Call us if you notice:
- An error code on the displayThe unit has detected a fault and may refuse to fire until it’s fixed.
- Hot water turns coldCold spells mid-shower can mean scale, a flame failure, or a flow too low to trigger the burner.
- Temperature swingsHot, then cold, then hot again, often from scale or a failing sensor.
- The unit won’t igniteClicking with no flame, or no response at all when you open a hot tap.
- Weak flow at hot tapsA clogged inlet filter, or scale narrowing the heat exchanger.
- Water under the unitA leaking fitting, valve, or heat exchanger, or a blocked condensate line.
Error codes
What your error code is telling you.
Each brand uses its own codes. These are some of the most common on two popular brands. Write down the code and your model number before you call; it helps us bring the right parts.
| Problem | Rinnai | Navien | Common causes |
|---|---|---|---|
| No ignition | 11 | E003 | Gas supply off or low, air in a new gas line, a failed igniter, or a blocked vent |
| Flame lost | 12 | E012 | Low gas pressure, a dirty flame rod, or venting or condensate problems |
| Overheating | 14 | E016 | Scale in the heat exchanger, restricted flow, or a failed sensor |
| Scale buildup | LC + a digit | — | Hard-water minerals coating the heat exchanger; it needs descaling |
Codes vary by model, and your owner’s manual has the full list. A dash means there’s no single matching code. Resetting may bring the heat back briefly, but the fault usually returns until the cause is fixed.
Descaling & flushing
How we flush a tankless unit.
Northern New Jersey’s hard water leaves calcium and magnesium scale on the heat exchanger, restricting flow and shortening its life. A professional flush dissolves it.
Shut it down safely
We turn off the gas and power and close the isolation valves on the hot and cold lines.
Circulate descaler
A pump circulates a manufacturer-approved solution through the heat exchanger to dissolve the scale.
Rinse and clean the filter
We flush the unit with clean water and clean the inlet filter screen.
Restart and test
We restore gas and power, check for leaks, and test the flow rate and outlet temperature.
Check your scale control
We review your filter cartridge and water hardness, so the next flush is further away.
How often to flush
Flush on schedule, not after it fails.
The U.S. Department of Energy says descaling intervals range from twice a year to once every three years. Hard water, heavy use, and a high temperature setting all push toward the shorter end.
Every tankless unit we install gets a 3M Aqua-Pure scale-inhibiting filter at no extra charge, which can stretch descaling to about every three years. No service valves on your unit? We can add them so future flushes are quick and clean.
What we repair
Every part of your tankless system.
Ignition & gas
Igniters, flame rods, gas valves, and gas pressure problems.
Scale & heat exchangers
Descaling, flushing, and heat exchanger leaks.
Sensors & controls
Temperature and flow sensors, and control boards.
Venting & condensate
Blocked vents, condensate lines, and neutralizers on condensing units.
Electrical faults
Power supply, fuses, and wiring on gas and electric units.
Leaks & valves
Fittings, isolation valves, and pressure relief valves.
Tankless repair FAQ
Tankless questions, answered.
Still wondering about something? Our team is happy to help.
Why does my tankless water heater go cold for a few seconds?
Often it’s a “cold water sandwich”: when a tap is turned off and back on quickly, a slug of unheated water passes through while the burner relights. A few seconds is normal. If the water stays cold, or goes cold mid-shower without anyone touching the tap, have it checked.
Can I flush my tankless water heater myself?
If your unit has service valves and the manual allows it, yes. But mistakes can damage the heat exchanger or void the warranty, and a professional visit also checks combustion, venting, and sensors.
Does scale damage void the warranty?
Many manufacturers exclude scale damage from their warranties, and some ask for proof of maintenance. Keep a record of every flush, and use the scale treatment your heater’s maker recommends.
Is an older tankless unit worth repairing?
Usually. A well-maintained tankless water heater can last 20+ years, and most parts can be replaced. A leaking heat exchanger outside its warranty is the main exception. We’ll price repair and replacement so you can compare.
Which brands do you service?
We train on Bradford White, Navien, and Rinnai units. Have a different brand? Call with the model number and we’ll tell you whether we can help.
Make it affordable
Upgrade now. Pay over time.
Flexible financing, utility rebates, and current promotions help make the work your home needs fit your budget.
Flexible financing
Quick approval with a soft credit check that won’t affect your score.
Explore financingUp to $750
PSE&G rebates
Qualifying energy-efficient upgrades may be eligible. We’ll help you find out.
Check rebatesCurrent promotions
10% off any service for new customers, $299 water heater maintenance, and more.
View promotionsCustomer reviews
Trusted by your neighbors.
“We used Howard Ryan to convert our old steam radiators to a tankless hot water system… It’s much more efficient and the space saving benefits are great.”
“We contacted Mr Tankless around 3 PM in the middle of a heat wave. Howard was at our house before the end of the day and we had a new AC unit in 48 hrs!”
“From the first phone call to the final installation, he was responsive, professional, and transparent about the process and prices.”
Ready when you are
Endless hot water, back on demand.
Talk to a real person today. You’ll get honest advice, an upfront price, and work done right the first time.