Rinnai tankless water heater
Installed an RU98 a few weeks ago; so far it's been a major disappointment. It shuts down at least once, sometimes twice, during every shower. If the "minimum flow" (supposedly .4 gallons per minute) is not maintained) the heater shuts off. It wastes a tremendous amount(nearly two gallons) of water before hot water again reaches the shower. That's twice as much as the traditional water heater used. Part of that is because the Rinnai requires 3/4 inch pipe, which stores twice as much cold water as the 1/2 inch pipe.
I've run water through the heater at .5 gallons per minute and the RU98 does NOT turn on, alghough the specification says it should.
If you live in an area where water is at a premium, or if you like to try to conserve water while taking a shower, forget the Rinnai tankless water heater. It wastes water and doesn't perform as advertised.
Location: El Cajon, California
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You're making assumptions, truegrit. It was installed by a professional and no shortcuts were taken.
FYI: Consumer reports does NOT recommend ANY tankless water heater.
They claim (and I concur) that the cost of the tankless and the installation is far more than you could ever save by switching from a conventional to a tankless water heater. While the cost of the tankless is only about double the conventional tank, the installation cost is about TEN TIMES the conventional tank, partly because new and larger pipes must be installed.
I had a recurring, similar problem with a Rinnai tankless water heater. It was professionally installed (as was my Bryant heat pump).
The Bryant product works with no problem whatsoever; but at times, my Rinnai water heater failed to turn on and eventually, it would not turn on at all. The Rinnai installer said there was a problem with the water flow sensor assembly. This required replacement of a failed part at considerable expense. Potential Rinnai buyers are advised to beware of future costs associated with expensive Rinnai parts and repetitive service calls.
Many products perform as advertised; but unfortunately, some do not.
You really should have had it professionally installed. Taking shortcuts and trying to install this unit in place of a traditional tank water heater, is a disaster waiting to happen.
Your problem is improper installation, and not installing according to the manufacturer's guidelines.