Tankless Hot Water

Linda

We have a tankless hot water oil burner, Burnham. I'm the first one in the shower (second floor) in the morning. It takes a long time to get the water hot. I must turn the mixing valve handle all the way up. Then the water temp fluctuates. This is also the same time that the thermostat calls for heat. Lately there is low water pressure in out area due to frozen water mains. People who shower after me do not seem to have as bad a time with this, although it seems to fluctuate at other times. Help! Linda

Al Letellier

tankless hot water

It sounds like your mixing valve element is in need of replacement. You're getting variable temps as the boiler runs through its normal high/low cycling and it's affecting your hot water.
Have you plumber or heat tech check the element in the valve and replace if necessary. Also, make sure the tempering valve is properly installed (trapped). If not, the excess heat from the coil will shorten the life of the mixing element.
Don't leave the mixing valve turned all the way up!!! A scalding condition could occur. Turn it down and get a pro to fix it.

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"

Linda

tankless water

Thank you. We will definitely have someone look at it. Linda

PatchoguePhil

Another reason....

...could be indicated by This is also the same time that the thermostat calls for heat

The call for heat is probably lowering the boiler temp a great deal. The tankless coil is not immersed in as high of a temperature and cannot absorb enuff heat for a shower. A contributing reason why the coil may not be able to absorb enuff heat could be if it has a lot of deposits scaling. When the call for heat is satisfied, the boiler temp rises. No more competition so then the later showers get hotter water.

I used to have this problem. You could try setting the house thermostat(s) to raise the room temperature an hour earlier. Then when you go to take a shower , lower the thermostat a few degrees. This way your shower is not competing for heat from the boiler. Also, slowing the flowrate of the shower hot water will allow the water to absorb more heat.

The settings on the aquastat might not be set correctly, allowing the boiler temp to drop considerably before the burner kicks in again. Takes a while for all that circulating water to get hot again.

Bottom line is to get a professional to assess what's going on.

Just my $0.02
Phil

Bob Gagnon plumbing and heating

a quick fix

is to turn the volume down, slow the water down while keeping your handle to hot. this will slow the water down as it goes through the boiler allowing it to get hotter. it will take a minute or two before the hotter water gets to your faucet. when you are tired of that hire a contractor to install a storage tank. bob

kevin_5

To Learn More About This Contractor, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Contractor"