Problems with our second John Wood tankless water heater

by May McConaghy
(Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada)

A John Wood tankless water heater was recommended for our large home. It gave us problems from the start (2011) and was replaced under warranty just before the 5th year. We had to pay for the labour and prior service calls. We were told to get a water softener which would help preserve the new water heater. We have done that, but have experienced continual concerns with not having hot enough water. The water will turn cold in a shower with no notice whatsoever. The technician from A O Smith has been very helpful and did send a new part for it after we did many tests recommended by him. We do need to keep cleaning the water filter every two weeks in order to keep the water hot, even now. We have a next door neighbour who has a different make of tankless water heater, and has had no problems with hers. We are going to install an additional filter system in our plumbing pipes that will make it easier to keep the John Wood filter clean, and hopefully, provide hot water more consistently.