Tankless Water Heater Services in Des Moines & Cedar Rapids, IA

If you have been looking for reliable, professional hot water heater services in the Cedar Rapids area, look no further than Schaal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. We offer comprehensive tankless services that include expert installation, repair, maintenance and replacement. Many homeowners think that because these units are much smaller than traditional storage tank hot water heaters that they are easier to manage. This isn’t true. Tankless units are actually more complicated, particularly the natural gas-powered ones that need to be properly vented in order to work. Gaining the benefits these types of systems have to offer is totally dependent on the kind of installation and service they get, and if yours is poor, you can end up with a lot of troubles instead of a great hot water heater. We are available day or night and work with both electric and gas tankless water heaters, so give us a call!

When you need help with a tankless hot water heater, it’s time to call Schaal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling!

How Does a Tankless Unit Work?

It may seem odd that a hot water heater can work without a storage tank, but that is precisely what a tankless unit does. The key to the unit is at its core, where the heat exchanger resides. It is here that the hot water is heated.

The process is fairly simple. When you turn on a hot water tap anywhere in your home, the cold water flows into the heat exchanger where the coils in the heat exchanger have become very hot. The heat from the coils is transferred to the water, and once the water reaches the pre–set temperature, it flows to the open hot water tap. While this may seem like it would take a while, the process happens in mere seconds. This is why tankless units are also referred to as “on–demand” because that’s how they generate the hot water for your home.

The Benefits a Tankless Unit Can Offer

Here are some of the reasons why homeowners are making the switch to tankless hot water heaters:

• Great energy efficiency – with a tankless unit, you will never have to worry about standby heat loss because there isn’t a tank. Additionally, gas or electricity is only used when you need hot water, so you are paying for far less fuel than with other kinds of hot water heaters.
• Longer lifespan – the average lifespan of a traditional tank hot water heater is 10–13 years; tankless systems have an average lifespan of 20 years.
• Save space – tankless units are considerably smaller than tank units, giving you more room in the location where your hot water heater will be installed.

Common Tankless Water Heater Problems Des Moines Homes Face 

Tankless systems are reliable, but they’re not immune to problems, especially when hard water and cold winters are in play. Here are some of the most common issues we see in Des Moines homes. 

No Hot Water or Inconsistent Hot Water 

• Low Water Flow: Clogged aerators or showerheads, partially closed shut-off valves, or kinked water lines can restrict flow. 

• Sediment Buildup: Hard water in Iowa can cause scale to build up in the heat exchanger. Without regular flushing, performance suffers. 

• Ignition Failure: If your gas unit won’t start, it may be due to gas supply problems, a faulty igniter, or a worn-out flame sensor. 

• Venting Issues: Blocked or improperly installed vent pipes can stop your system from igniting safely. 

• Electrical Problems: Tripped breakers, faulty sensors, or wiring issues can interrupt performance. 

• Unit Overload: Running multiple fixtures at once may exceed the system’s capacity. In some cases, the unit is simply undersized for your home’s needs. 

Unit Cycles On and Off Frequently (Short Cycling) 

• Inadequate Water Flow: Similar to above, clogs or low pressure can interrupt consistent operation. 

• Temperature Fluctuations: The unit may struggle to maintain water temperature, especially with inconsistent incoming flow. 

• Minor Leaks: Pressure drops from small leaks can trigger restarts. 

• Undersized Unit: If your tankless water heater can’t keep up with demand, it may short cycle frequently. 

Pilot Light Issues (for Gas Units) 

• Thermocouple Malfunction: If the unit can’t detect a flame, it will shut off for safety. 

• Draft Issues: A strong draft or ventilation problem can blow out the pilot light. 

• Gas Supply Problems: Inconsistent gas pressure can cause ignition failure or flame instability. 

Water Leaks 

• Loose Connections or Fittings: Improper installation or vibration can loosen components over time. 

• Frozen Pipes: In uninsulated or exposed areas, cold weather can lead to cracks and leaks. 

• Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) Issues: If pressure builds up too much, the PRV may leak or release water. 

• Internal Component Failure: Though rare, cracks in the heat exchanger or internal seals can lead to water loss and serious system damage. 

Schaal Provides Expert Tankless Water Heater Services to Des Moines Homes 

Our experienced plumbing team is here to help with any tankless water heater need, no matter what the make or model. 

Tankless Water Heater Installation 

We help you select the right size and type for your home’s needs. Our professional installation ensures proper venting, drainage, and long-term efficiency. 

Tankless Water Heater Repair 

From ignition issues to flow problems, our technicians are trained to diagnose and repair all common tankless system faults. We arrive ready to restore hot water quickly. 

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance 

Preventive maintenance is key to keeping your unit running efficiently. We flush the system to remove scale, inspect components for wear, and test performance to avoid surprise failures. 

Call Us for All of Your Tankless Hot Water Needs

Taking care of your tankless unit is paramount to its good operation, and the pros at Schaal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling are here to help with all of your tankless hot water heater needs in Des Moines. We’ll help you size and install a new tankless system or make sure your existing one works optimally with expert repair and annual maintenance services. Call us today and see how we can help you with your tankless hot water heater!

Did you know that we can also help you with all traditional tank water heaters and or heat pump water heater needs? At Schaal Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’ve got you covered when it comes to water heater services in Des Moines. If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding your hot water needs, don’t hesitate to call or email us today.