Gas Tankless Water Heater Problems And Reviews

Question: Does a gas tankless water heater also "go out" (not provide hot water) when there is a power failure because

(Posted by: Bessie on 2007-12-10 16:53:58)

It has an electric pilot?

Posted by: Paul in San Diego on 2007-12-10, 17:01:37

Yes. That's one of the disadvantages of a tankless water heater. At least with a tank water heater you have some reserve hot water to get you through a power outaage. That said, though, I still think a tankless water heater is much better than a tank heater. You literally never run out of hot water.

Posted by: Tom T on 2007-12-10, 17:02:11

If it has an electric pilot then yet it will stop working, however if this is a concern for you then you might explore putting a UPS (Uninterupted Power Supply) on it. UPSs are usually used for computers and the such but we have put one on a few items around our house that are low power (florecent lights, cordless phones) so that we can keep some services going.

Posted by: Steve G on 2007-12-10, 17:04:19

Yes it does. But you can power it through a UPS (uninterruptable power supply). The draw is typically very minimal.

Posted by: Bill on 2007-12-10, 17:25:36

You can still by pass the electrical ignition and light it off by hand. This has to be done each time the hot water is needed. If the power is going to be off for a while once it's lit every one can shower, maybe not at the same time, but it would be interesting

Posted by: P N on 2007-12-10, 18:18:25

There are three types of ignition systems. I installed a standing pilot light so I always have hot water (cheapest and it cost about $15/ yr to stand by. You can also get a pizio electric ignitor that is powered by the water passing through the system. An electronic ignition system is most comon but does not work durning a power outage. If you loose power and are on a well your electic pump will not have pressure so you will not have any water any way.

Posted by: henryswtzr on 2007-12-10, 18:19:17

That is one of the drawbacks with tankless water heaters, whereas with the traditional water heater you do have some in reserve. I still think that there is a significant savings with them, in fact you can save over 50% on your water heating costs.