[SGVLUG] OT(TTM) Tankless Water Heater

[DJ Byrne]

On Jul 23, 2009, at 12:54 PM, DYN: Jim Workman wrote:
> On Thu, Jul 23, 2009 at 7:54 PM, DYN: Jim  
> Workman<JimW at dynashoe.com> wrote:
>> I need to replace my water heater and am considering a tankless  
>> model.  Is
>> anyone already using this new technology?
>
> Yes.   It takes just as long or longer to get hot water to our
> taps with tankless.  I regret not wrapping our hot water pipes
> with insulation, hope to do it this year.

I put in a tankless water heater around seven years ago.
	Bosch 125X
I recommend against it.

It runs OK but is a maintenance problem.  You're supposed
to re-build the water valve every 3 years with a $45 kit
of gaskets and replacement screws.  Naturally I forgot,
and the result last month was that a slow leak built up
minerals over time, fusing the water valve to the gas valve.
Replacing both is about $400.  The cost of a refurbished
unit is $450 (BOSCH GWH 1600).
	http://cpotanklesswaterheaters.com/

I got the refurbished one because it would at least be
a newer model and under warranty for a while.  It doesn't
work.  After an hour troubleshooting with them on the phone,
they're sending out a new electronic control box.
There has been no hot water for a couple weeks now.
Glad it happened in July and not December.

Bosch tech support is pretty good, after you wade through
the front line customer service.