Are you familiar with Marey’s tankless water heater problems?
Marey tankless water heaters have increased in popularity in recent years as a result of their energy efficiency. The Marey tankless water heater provides a modern solution to an age-old problem. It generates on-demand hot water for bathing, laundry, cooking, and other household needs.
But just like any other household appliance, Marey tankless water heaters are prone to fail. The question is whether you know what to do when they malfunction.
This article discusses the most common issues encountered by owners of Marey tankless water heaters. It also outlines possible solutions to such problems.
Marey Tankless Water Heater Problems
Common issues of the Marey tankless water heaters include ignition issues, “cold water sandwich” experience, not enough hot water and heater shuts off during showers.
- Cold Water Sandwich
This issue occurs when the water takes some time to warm up. Initially, you may experience a brief burst of warm followed by cold water, before the heat exchanger becomes fully functional [1].
The initial hot water may be residual from the last hot water usage.
Consult a professional on the possibility of incorporating a mini tank water heater alongside your tankless unit. The small tank heater provides hot water while the main unit’s heat exchanger warms up. This eliminates the cold water sandwich and significantly reduces hot water wait times.
- Insufficient Hot Water
One of the most common complaints with tankless water heaters, even those from Marey, is insufficient hot water. The absence or insufficient hot water from your tankless unit can be caused by various issues.
For instance, it might be due to overloading the unit when multiple hot water appliances are used simultaneously [2].
Other probable causes include mineral buildup and inadequate water flow. Tankless heaters require a specific flow rate to activate and heat the water. If the water flow is too low, the unit may not ignite.
Ensure that all faucets and fixtures have sufficient flow. Mineral buildup – Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate in the heat exchanger, reducing its efficiency. Regularly flushing the unit can help prevent this.
Start by using only one hot water appliance at a time to assess the availability of hot water. If the problem persists, consider upgrading to a tankless unit with a higher flow rate. You should also have a regular maintenance schedule and install a water softener to help deal with mineral build-up issues.
- Heater Shuts Off During Showers
Some Marey tankless water heater owners are frustrated by the heater unexpectedly shutting off when showering. If you own an older Marey tankless water heater, particularly one that’s more than a decade old, the likely cause is a high minimum flow rate [3].
Tankless water heaters have a minimum flow rate. This is the amount of water required to flow through the unit every minute to produce hot water.
Older models often have minimum flow rates set at around 0.5 gallons per minute (GPM) or a little bit higher. Therefore, if your water usage falls below this minimum flow rate, the unit may shut off as a safety precaution to prevent overheating.
If you frequently experience this problem, it is time to consider an upgrade. The current Marey units, and tankless water heaters generally, offer lower minimum flow rates, sometimes as low as 1/4 GPM. This is an improvement that means that they can continue operating even when there’s minimal hot water supply.
- Ignition Problems
Ignition problems are another frustrating issue when dealing with a tankless water heater. Marey tankless water heaters utilize electronic ignition systems that may encounter issues over time.
If you find that your unit isn’t igniting as it should, you should promptly diagnose and resolve the problem. Below are some additional insights into ignition problems and how to address them:
Gas Supply Issues: The availability of a consistent gas supply is vital for the proper functioning of a gas-powered tankless water heater [5].
Here’s what to check if you suspect a gas supply issue:
Gas Supply Valve: Ensure that the gas supply valve connected to the water heater is fully open. Sometimes, the valve may inadvertently get partially closed, leading to a restricted gas flow. Check the valve and turn it counterclockwise to open it fully.
Gas Leaks: Examine the gas connections for any signs of leaks. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the gas supply, open windows and doors to ventilate the area. Contact a qualified technician immediately to address the issue.
Ventilation Problems: Proper ventilation is a critical safety consideration for gas tankless water heaters [6]. These units emit dangerous gases that should be vented outside your home. Ventilation issues can therefore lead to ignition trouble due to reduced oxygen supply, flame rollout, and triggering safety mechanisms that shut down the unit.
Igniter Failure: The igniter is the component that sparks the flame to heat the water. If the igniter is faulty or worn out, it won’t be able to light the burner, resulting in ignition problems. If this is the case, observe the igniter during a heating cycle to see if it produces a spark. If there’s no spark or it’s weak, the igniter may need replacement. You will need to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines or seek professional assistance for this task if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
How To Fix Marey Tankless Water Heater Problems Using Error Codes
Marey tankless water heaters are known for their technological advancements such as the incorporation of error codes into their systems. The error codes serve as diagnostic tools and help homeowners and technicians identify issues and their corresponding solutions [7].
Error codes in Marey tankless water heaters are designed to simplify the troubleshooting process and enhance the efficiency of the unit. When a problem occurs, the heater’s control panel will display a numerical or alphanumeric code.
Referencing the user manual provided, you can quickly determine the underlying issue and take appropriate action. Remember that error codes vary depending on the model of the Marey tankless water heater you have.
Therefore, always consult the specific user manual for accurate information on error codes and troubleshooting procedures. For more complex issues, or if the error persists, seek assistance to ensure the efficient operation of your tankless water heater.
Related: Tankless Water Heater Goes Cold After a Few Minutes
Final Word
Tankless water heaters have transformed the way we get hot water. They provide a more convenient and effective method of constant supply of hot water to your home. However, as with other appliances, they can malfunction.
The best way to fix Marey tankless heater issues is to practice regular maintenance, appropriate installation, and sourcing for technical assistance where necessary. This will ensure that you have access to an uninterrupted hot water supply in your home. Promptly handling all issues with your Marey tankless water heater will guarantee that it functions optimally for many years.
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Michael Davis is a heating & plumbing expert who currently works as independent contractor in SC. He also writes for Plumbertip.
For almost 10 years he worked on various plumbing tasks across South Carolina.
