Tankless water heater clicking before hot water in Greater Vancouver

Hearing a series of clicks from your tankless water heater right before the hot water arrives is almost always the unit doing exactly what it should. Here is what those clicks are and the rare cases where they signal a problem.

The clicking is the ignition sequence

When you open a hot tap, the tankless unit senses flow, runs the fan for a brief purge, then fires the igniter. That rapid clicking is the electronic igniter sparking to light the burner, much like the click of a gas stove. Once the flame is established, the clicking stops and hot water begins to flow. A few seconds of clicking at start-up is completely normal.

In quiet Vancouver basements and condo mechanical rooms this sequence is easy to hear, and many homeowners only notice it after a renovation makes the space quieter.

• Clicking is the electronic igniter sparking the burner to life
• It should last only a few seconds before the flame lights
• You may also hear the fan purge just before the clicks

When clicking signals an ignition problem

If the unit clicks repeatedly without ever producing hot water, or clicks several times then shows an error code or shuts down, the burner may be failing to light. Common reasons include a gas supply issue, a dirty or worn igniter, condensation or debris on the flame sensor, or insufficient combustion air from a blocked intake. Repeated failed ignition is worth addressing because the unit will lock out rather than supply hot water.

• Repeated clicking with no hot water means the burner is not lighting
• An ignition lockout error code often accompanies it
• Causes include gas supply, igniter, flame sensor, or air supply issues

Safe checks and when to call

Confirm your gas is on (other gas appliances working is a quick test) and that the unit has power. Clear any debris from the outdoor intake and exhaust terminations. If clicking continues without ignition, stop there: the igniter, flame sensor, gas valve, and burner are gas components that a licensed technician must service. If you ever smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility's emergency line before anything else.

• Verify gas and power are on to the unit
• Clear the outdoor intake and exhaust of debris
• Leave igniter, flame sensor, and gas-valve work to a licensed technician
• If you smell gas, leave the home and call the gas utility first

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my tankless water heater click before the hot water comes on?

That clicking is the electronic igniter sparking to light the gas burner. It is a normal part of the start-up sequence and should stop within a few seconds once the flame is established.

Is the clicking sound a problem?

Brief clicking at start-up is normal. It only indicates a problem if the unit clicks repeatedly and never produces hot water, or if it clicks and then displays an error code.

What if it clicks but no hot water comes out?

Repeated clicking without ignition usually means the burner is failing to light, often from a gas, igniter, flame-sensor, or air-supply issue. A licensed technician should diagnose it.

Can I clean the igniter myself?

No. The igniter, flame sensor, and burner are gas-side components that should only be serviced by a licensed gas technician.

HeatLand Heating & Cooling is a licensed and insured, TSBC-certified HVAC company serving homeowners across Greater Vancouver. Our technicians diagnose the real fault, explain your options in plain language, and complete the work safely and to code.

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