Looking for peace of mind regarding my tankless water heater

[drewskie]

I made a post a few days ago regarding installing a second, backup tankless water heater but it seems like most people think it's not a good idea. I've called around 5:00 local plumbers, and all except one told me it was a waste of money to install a second heater.

Currently, I have a Bosch aquastar that I believe is around 15 or 16 years old, and I have never once performed any maintenance on it. How about once a month, it malfunctions and I have to reset it, which isn't a big deal, but going without hot water even for a day is not really an option for me.

I'm curious if there are any ways to Make sure this tankless does not malfunction. Are there any parts I can buy beforehand that would be easily replaceable in case of failure? So instead of having a backup water heater, I would just have back up parts that I can change out?


Between everyone in the house, I think we turn the hot water on and off probably 200 times a day or so, which I'm sure cannot be good for the water heater. Is it better to let the water run a little longer as opposed to turning it on and off multiple times?

I just get really worried about not having hot water, especially if it's over a weekend or something when a plumber is not available. Hopefully you guys can ease my mind a bit, thank you.

 

[John Gayewski]

Not really sure on parts. Those bosch units aren't great I've only worked on one and we ended up replacing it with a Navien.

You could get a cheap electric tank that is filled with the tankless. It should get you by when your tankless fails.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[drewskie]

Thanks. When I Called all of the local plumbers, none of them worked on Bosch And they said they've never really even seen many of them. One plumber friend I know installed a tank that is filled by his tankless, but I'm not really sure how that works either. I'll look into that option

 

[Jeff H Young]

I respect your opinion to have a back up heater I just disagree that its economical but like I said just put 2 tankles water heaters side by side or wherever they dont need to match . to meet code I think you existing code would require the gas piping to handle both units so right around 400k btu od demand unless perhaps its built in way impossible to run both units at once. Anyway If you want 2 units go for it ! If you want a ferrari, or a tesla , or to rbuild a 57 chevy for your daily driver its individual . So its up to you to convey you dont care about the price this is your needs and wants how much to perform this work and when can you start?

 

[Fitter30]

I respect your opinion to have a back up heater I just disagree that its economical but like I said just put 2 tankles water heaters side by side or wherever they dont need to match . to meet code I think you existing code would require the gas piping to handle both units so right around 400k btu od demand unless perhaps its built in way impossible to run both units at once. Anyway If you want 2 units go for it ! If you want a ferrari, or a tesla , or to rbuild a 57 chevy for your daily driver its individual . So its up to you to convey you dont care about the price this is your needs and wants how much to perform this work and when can you start?

You want to use what is popular with the supply houses in your area. Parts can be next day air but where i live its two or three days.

 

[Jeff H Young]

You want to use what is popular with the supply houses in your area. Parts can be next day air but where i live its two or three days.

agree but he insists on using an old heater and a new heater he will have 2 working heaters when one is broke switch over to other and repair or replace the other Im not infavor of him doing this I just say he can do whatever he wants even if I think its a waste of money

 

[drewskie]

What would you recommend?

 

[Breplum]

Descaling tankless water heater should be done routinely as it removes mineral build-up in the water pathway.. Most mfrs say yearly, but your local water chemistry can be a factor. We find in our area that every two or three years is adequate.