How to Troubleshoot Your Girard Tankless Water Heater

If you own a Girard tankless water heater, you know how convenient and efficient it is to have hot water on demand. However, like any appliance, it may encounter some problems from time to time. In this blog post, we will show you how to troubleshoot your Girard tankless water heater and fix some common issues.

What are the benefits of a Girard tankless water heater?

A Girard tankless water heater is a device that heats water only when you need it, without storing it in a tank. This means that you can enjoy unlimited hot water without wasting energy or space. A Girard tankless water heater also has a burner that automatically adjusts the BTU level according to the incoming water temperature and flow rate, ensuring a consistent and comfortable hot water experience.

How does a Girard tankless water heater work?

A Girard tankless water heater works by using a heat exchanger to transfer heat from a gas burner to the water that flows through it. When you turn on a hot water faucet, a sensor detects the water flow and ignites the burner. The water then passes through the heat exchanger and comes out hot. When you turn off the faucet, the burner shuts off and the water stops heating.

What are some common problems with a Girard tankless water heater?

Some of the common problems that you may encounter with your Girard tankless water heater are:

Failure to light

This means that the burner does not ignite when you turn on the faucet. This could be due to low gas pressure, faulty igniter, dirty burner, or blocked vent.

Fluctuating temperature

This means that the hot water temperature changes unexpectedly while you are using it. This could be due to low water pressure, high incoming water temperature, clogged filter, or faulty sensor.

No hot water

This means that the water does not heat up at all when you turn on the faucet. This could be due to no gas supply, no power supply, frozen pipes, or tripped breaker.

How can I troubleshoot my Girard tankless water heater?

If you encounter any of these problems with your Girard tankless water heater, you can try some of these troubleshooting steps:

Check the gas supply

Make sure that the gas valve is open and that there is no leak in the gas line. You can use a soap solution to test for leaks by applying it to the joints and looking for bubbles.

Check the power supply

Make sure that the power cord is plugged in and that there is no damage to it. You can also check the fuse or breaker box and make sure that there is no tripped breaker or blown fuse.

Check the vent

Make sure that the vent is clear of any obstruction or debris that could prevent proper airflow. You can also check the vent cap and make sure that it is not damaged or missing.

Check the filter

Make sure that the filter is clean and free of any sediment or scale that could reduce the water flow or pressure. You can remove the filter and rinse it with clean water or replace it if necessary.

Check the sensor

Make sure that the sensor is working properly and that it is not covered by dirt or corrosion. You can also check the wiring and connections and make sure that they are secure and intact.

Some basic tools and Materials

• A bucket
• A submersible pump
• Two hoses
• A pair of pliers
• A pair of gloves
• A bottle of white vinegar or a commercial descaling solution
• A towel

The steps to descale your Girard tankless water heater

Disconnect the supply and power

Turn off the main water valve and unplug the unit from the outlet or switch off the circuit breaker. This will ensure your safety and prevent any damage to the unit.

Release pressure and attach the hose

Open a hot water faucet in your house and let it run until the water stops flowing. Then, close the faucet and locate the service valves on your tankless water heater. They are usually located at the bottom of the unit and have red and blue handles.

Turn both valves perpendicular to the pipes to close them. Then, use a plier to unscrew the caps on the valves and attach one end of each hose to them. Make sure the hoses are long enough to reach a bucket.

Pour the vinegar solution into the bucket: Pour about four gallons of white vinegar or a commercial descaling solution into a bucket. You can use either one, but vinegar is cheaper and more eco-friendly.

Then, place the bucket near your tankless water heater and submerge the pump into it. Connect another end of one hose to the outlet of the pump and leave the other hose loose.

Let the solution circulate through the heat exchanger for an hour

Plug in or turn on the pump and open valve A (the blue one) on your tankless water heater. This will allow the solution to flow from the bucket into the cold water inlet of your unit. Then, open valve B (the red one) on your tankless water heater.

This will allow the solution to flow out from the hot water outlet of your unit back into the bucket. You should see bubbles forming in the bucket as the solution dissolves the scale inside your heat exchanger. Let this process run for about an hour or until you see no more bubbles in the bucket.

Dump the dirty solution and pour in some fresh water

Unplug or turn off the pump and close both valves on your tankless water heater. Then, disconnect both hoses from your unit and drain them into another bucket or a sink. Next, dump out the dirty solution from your first bucket and rinse it well. Then, fill it with fresh water and submerge your pump into it again. Connect one end of each hose to your pump and service valves as before.

Detach the hose and close service valves

Plug in or turn on your pump again and open both valves on your tankless water heater. This will allow fresh water to flush out any remaining vinegar solution from your heat exchanger.

Let this process run for about 10 minutes or until you see clear water coming out from both hoses. Then, unplug or turn off your pump and close both valves on your tankless water heater.

Disconnect both hoses from your unit and drain them into another bucket or a sink. Replace the caps on the service valves and tighten them with a plier.

Restore the supply and power

Turn on the main water valve and plug in the unit to the outlet or switch on the circuit breaker. Then, open a hot water faucet in your house and let it run for a few minutes to purge any air from the system.

Congratulations! You have successfully descaled your Girard tankless water heater. You should notice an improvement in the water flow, temperature, and efficiency of your unit. You should repeat this process at least once a year or more often depending on the hardness of your water and the frequency of use.

FAQs

Q: How do I adjust the temperature of my Girard tankless water heater?

A: You can adjust the temperature of your Girard tankless water heater by changing the water flow rate. The lower the water flow, the higher the temperature. The higher the water flow, the lower the temperature.

You can also use the mode switch inside your RV to set the burner to low or auto position. The low position will produce a lower BTU level and a lower temperature. The auto position will produce a higher BTU level and a higher temperature.

Q: How do I reset my Girard tankless water heater?

A: You can reset your Girard tankless water heater by turning off the power switch and waiting for a few seconds. Then, turn on the power switch again and wait for the unit to restart.

Q: How do I winterize my Girard tankless water heater?

A: You can winterize your Girard tankless water heater by draining all the water from it and blowing compressed air through it. You can also add antifreeze to it if you want to protect it from freezing temperatures.