Tankless service we handle
A tankless water heater heats water as it flows, so there is no tank to leak or run out. That also means the unit works harder at the moment you open a tap, and it is sensitive to scale, venting and gas supply. Most tankless problems come from one of three sources: mineral buildup, a restricted vent or a sensor that has gone out of range.
We install new units, repair existing ones and flush them. If your unit is showing an error code, cycling between hot and cold or giving lukewarm water, it is usually one of the issues below.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Error code on the display | Ignition, flow, vent or temperature fault | Read code, inspect, clean or replace the sensor. |
| Lukewarm or fluctuating water | Scale on the heat exchanger or low flow | Descale flush, check filter screens. |
| No hot water at all | Gas supply, power or igniter problem | Check supply, clean or replace the igniter. |
| Unit shuts off mid-shower | Flow too low or vent restricted | Clear inlet screen, inspect vent. |
| Noise or rumbling | Scale in the exchanger | Flush and descale. |
| Water takes long to reach the tap | Distance from heater, not a fault | Consider a recirculation line. See installation options. |
Why flushing matters in this area
San Jose Water Company supplies most Saratoga homes. Its groundwater source reads roughly three times harder than Valley Water imported supply, so the mineral load in your water depends partly on which source feeds your street. Hardness leaves scale on the heat exchanger. A scaled exchanger loses efficiency, throws error codes and fails early.
A flush circulates a mild acid solution through the exchanger to dissolve the scale, then rinses it. Many manufacturers recommend annual service. If your home is on harder water, ask us whether a water softener makes sense, since it protects the heater and every fixture.
Tankless installation: what changes
Size the unit
We calculate the flow rate you need and the temperature rise from your incoming water, so the heater can deliver hot water to several fixtures at once.
Check gas and venting
Tankless gas units draw more gas than most tanks and use specific venting. Both may need upgrades, including a larger gas line.
Install and connect
The unit is mounted, vented and connected to gas or power and water, with a service valve kit so it can be flushed.
Test and explain
We fire the unit, check the temperature, confirm there is no gas leak and show you how to read the display and flush it.
PG&E delivers natural gas up to the meter. The piping beyond the meter is ours to size and test. If you ever smell gas, leave the house and call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. When replacing a failed tank with a tankless unit, our water heater replacement page explains what happens to the old tank, and the installation page covers the sizing and venting plan in more depth.
Tankless strengths
- Hot water on demand with no standby loss.
- Takes less floor and wall space.
- Units often outlast tank models with proper service.
- Good for households with steady, spread-out use.
Tankless limits
- Higher installation cost.
- May need gas line and vent upgrades.
- Needs annual flushing in harder water.
- Several fixtures at once can exceed the flow rating.
Safety checklist before any tankless service
Gas appliances follow strict rules, and a tankless unit is certified to gas appliance standards such as ANSI Z21.10.3 when it is made. It must be installed to the manufacturer's instructions and the California Plumbing Code (UPC-based).
- If you smell gas, leave the building, then call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
- Never block, cap or alter the vent pipe on a tankless unit.
- Keep a working carbon monoxide alarm near the heater and outside the bedrooms.
- Keep the area around the unit clear of stored items and chemicals.
Warranty coverage often requires documented annual maintenance. Keep your service records. If a unit fails due to scale and maintenance was skipped, the manufacturer may deny a claim.
Tankless unit giving you trouble?
Call and tell us the brand and the error code on the display.
Where we service tankless units
We install and service tankless water heaters across Saratoga 95070 and nearby Los Gatos (95030, 95032), Monte Sereno and Campbell. If your unit has stopped working entirely and you need hot water fast, water heater repair describes our emergency response, and the Los Gatos page has details for the neighboring area.
Common Questions
Many manufacturers recommend yearly. Homes on harder water may need it more often. Your manual states the manufacturer interval.
Codes point to ignition, flow, vent or temperature faults. The code list in your manual helps, and we diagnose the cause on site.
We service the common gas and electric brands. Parts availability varies, so tell us the brand and model when you call.
Yes, though it may require a larger gas line, new venting and a condensate drain. We check these before quoting.
Scale on the heat exchanger or low flow through the unit are common causes. A flush often restores the temperature.
Most need electricity for the controls, even gas models. A power outage usually shuts them down.
It depends on your household. Savings come from no standby loss and possibly longer life, but upfront cost and venting upgrades are higher. We lay out both sides.
Yes. Tell us when you book and we can add it.