Tankless Water Heater Repair in Coquitlam

Most modern tankless water heaters tell you what's wrong. If your tankless unit is showing an error code, write it down before you call, along with the brand and model. It helps the plumber narrow down the water heater issue, and it can make the first visit far more useful.



An error code points to where the fault is, not always to the part that failed. A code for ignition failure might be a dirty burner, a bad igniter, a gas supply problem, or a venting problem. That's why the repair process starts with testing. Swapping parts on a guess is an expensive way to fix your water heater.

• Ignition failure. The unit tries to light and shuts down. Common causes are the igniter, a dirty flame sensor, gas pressure, or a blocked air intake or vent.
• Water temperature swings. Hot, then cold, then hot again. This can come from a dirty inlet filter, a low flow rate, a failing temperature sensor, or a problem with a mixing valve.
• Low water flow. A clogged inlet screen, a partly closed valve, or buildup inside the unit can all choke water flow. A tankless heater also needs a minimum flow before it fires, so a low-flow fixture can stop it from coming on.
• The unit shuts off during a shower. It may be overheating, losing its flame, or short of gas. If several taps run at once, it may be working beyond what it was sized for.
• The cold water sandwich. A short burst of cold between warm stretches. This is common to tankless units, and it can sometimes be improved with adjustments or a recirculation setup.
• Leaks. Water from a valve, a fitting, or the heat exchanger needs prompt attention, because the unit is usually mounted on a wall in a finished part of the house.
• Electric tankless units. A failed heating element or a tripped breaker are common problems. Unlike a gas tankless unit, electric models don't have a burner or gas line, so the repair is different.

If your unit needs repair and you aren't sure which problem you have, that's fine. Finding out is our job.

Search for tankless water heater problems and you'll read a lot about hard water. In many cities, mineral scale on the heat exchanger is the top cause of trouble. Metro Vancouver's tap water is soft, so scale is usually much less of an issue here.



That doesn't mean it never happens. Scale and a clogged inlet filter can both cause temperature swings and low flow, and a maintenance fix is the cheapest thing to rule out first. Manufacturers also call for flushing as part of routine maintenance. But a descale won't fix everything, so a sensor, an ignition part, and the gas supply should be checked too. We'll tell you plainly whether it's a quick maintenance fix or something bigger.

1. We read the fault. The technician checks the error code history on the unit.
2. We diagnose and repair the right problem. That means testing the water supply, gas supply, ignition, sensors, filter, and venting before any part gets changed.
3. You hear the options. We explain what failed and what it will take to fix it, so you'll know before we start.
4. We make the repair. In BC, work on the gas supply, combustion, or venting of a gas tankless unit requires a licensed gas fitter. We're a licensed gas-fitting company, so the whole repair happens in-house.
5. We test it. We run hot water through the unit to confirm you've got consistent hot water at the right temperature.

Need tankless water heater repair today? Call (604) 873-3753 or book a water heater service online.

We repair all major tankless water heater brands found in Coquitlam homes, including AO Smith, Giant, IBC, John Wood, Navien, Rheem, Ruud, and Super Hot. Most tankless heater repairs start with the same testing, but parts and error codes differ by brand, so tell us what you have when you call.

On-demand water heaters are built to last well beyond a typical tank, and many water heater repairs come down to one part. Repair is usually the right answer, especially on a unit only a few years old, and we won't default to whichever job pays more. If the heat exchanger has failed on an older unit, or the parts are no longer available, the numbers may point the other way, and we'll explain why. Repair costs vary with the part and the brand, and our rates page is a good starting point.

If replacing it does make sense, our guide to tankless water heater installation explains what's involved. Have a regular storage tank instead? See our hot water tank repair page. We work on both tank and tankless units.

Regular maintenance is the easiest way to keep your tankless water heater running well. Cleaning the inlet filter and checking the venting can catch problems before you're left without hot water. See our guide to tankless water heater maintenance for details, or visit our tankless water heaters page to see all of our tankless water heater services.

Reliable Tankless Water Heater Repair From a Local Team

Tankless units are good at one thing: they heat water on demand. Getting them back to reliable hot water takes a professional repair from someone who has worked on them before. KCs is led by founder and Master Plumber Jack Japuncic, and we've looked after Coquitlam homes for more than 30 years. You get a diagnosis first, licensed gas work, and a straight answer.

Why Did My Tankless Water Heater Stop Working?

Common causes include ignition failure, a dirty filter, a sensor fault, low water flow, or a gas supply problem. Check the display for an error code, then give us a call.

Why Does My Tankless Water Heater Run Out of Hot Water?

A tankless unit shouldn't run out of hot water the way a tank does. If it goes cold mid-shower, the unit may be overheating, losing its flame, or trying to serve too many taps at once.

How Much Does Tankless Water Heater Repair Cost?

Repair costs depend on the part and the brand. A sensor and a heat exchanger are very different jobs. Our rates page is a good starting point, and we'll explain the repair before the work starts.

Do You Repair Gas Tankless Water Heaters?

Yes. As a licensed gas-fitting company, we handle gas tankless repairs safely and to code.

Do You Offer Emergency Tankless Repair?

Yes. Our emergency service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Can I Reset My Tankless Water Heater Myself?

Many units have a reset or power button, and the manual will explain it. If the error code comes back, stop resetting it and call a technician. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.

Get Your Hot Water Back

Whatever your tankless water heater needs, we're ready to help. Call KCs Plumbing & Heating at (604) 873-3753 or request a repair service online, and we'll work to restore your hot water.

Serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Burnaby, and New Westminster. Emergency tankless water heater repair is available 24/7.

Written by Jack Japuncic, Master Plumber, founder of KCs Plumbing, Heating & Drain Services.