Inconsistent Hot Water
Inconsistent Hot Water? The Problem Might Be Smaller Than You Think
If you’re experiencing inconsistent hot water from your tankless water heater, the issue isn’t always a major plumbing repair. Recently, we diagnosed a tankless water heater that would randomly lose hot water and struggle to maintain temperature. After a thorough inspection, we discovered an unusual culprit—wasps had built nests inside the air intake and venting components.
Tankless water heaters rely on proper airflow to operate efficiently. When insects, debris, or nests block the intake or exhaust, the unit can struggle to ignite properly, cycle on and off, or produce inconsistent water temperatures.
Common Signs of a Blocked Tankless Water Heater
- Hot water temperature fluctuates
- Water turns cold during use
- Error codes on the unit
- Unit frequently shuts down and restarts
- Reduced overall performance
Preventative Maintenance Matters
Regular maintenance and inspections can help catch issues like insect nests, debris buildup, and dirty components before they leave you without reliable hot water.
If your tankless water heater isn’t performing like it should, don’t wait for it to fail completely. A professional inspection can often identify and resolve the problem quickly.
Craig Johnson Plumbing is here to help keep your hot water flowing year-round. Contact us for tankless water heater maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting.


