The Takagi T-K-Jr Tankless Water Heater – A Product Review

The T-K Jr. is the smallest water heater in the Takagi tankless line.

According to Takagi, it can meet the hot-water needs of a small home or apartment with one or two bathrooms, as well as small commercial applications.

They claim it was designed to do anything a 40-gallon tank-type water heater can do and more. It works with hydronic baseboard or radiant floor heating.  The Takagi T-K Jr has an energy efficiency rating of .81 with natural gas and can provide 3.8 gallons per minute with a 60 degree temperature rise.  Max. 140,000 Btu.

The T-K Jr has four preset temperature: 113°F, 122°F, 140°F, and 182°F. If you want some other temperature than these four preset temperatures you will need the TK-RE20 temperature controller. With the optional TK-RE02 remote controller you can set the temperature from 99ºF to 182ºF.

When the T-KJR Water Heater detects a flow of 0.75 gallons per minute or more, the fan, electronic igniter and gas valves turn on. While hot water is being used the built in computer monitors water temperature, flow rate and gas flow.

After the burners are ignited, a lamp comes on telling you the tankless water heater is lit. The computer modulates the gas valve and water flow to maintain the preset water temperature. It takes .75 gallons per minute to turn the burners on; but after the burners are on you can lower the flow to 0.6 gallons per minute without the heater shutting off.

While reading through the owners manual, which is available online at the Takagi web site, I ran across the following statement:

“The unit should be checked once a year or as necessary by a licensed technician. If repairs are needed, any repairs should be done by a licensed technician. The following systems and parts should be checked at least once a year:

1. Venting system

2. Burner

3. Manual operation of the pressure relief valve to ensure correct operation.

4. Periodic cleaning of the water filter (figure above).

5. Heat exchanger. Remove the thermistor and check for a mineral coating. A mineral

coating on the thermistor requires flushing the heat exchanger with a de-scaling

solution. Scale build up will void your warranty and shorten the life of your water

heater.”

You might have to add the cost of a yearly maintenance check to the costs of your tankless water heater, and that could reduce the savings from your tankless water heater.

Elsewhere in the Takagi site I read this:

“8. Water hardness may affect the water heater. Water heater may be damaged. The warranty will not cover damage caused by water quality.”

It’s something for you to think about if you live in a hard water area.

The Takagi T-K Jr  requires a 110 Volts to operate the controls, so if there is a power failure your tankless water heater won’t be able to provide you with hot water.

The T-KJR can be used for potable hot water heating applications as well as space heating applications.  The owners manual provides information about how to use the heater for baseboard and radiant heating complete with diagram of typical systems.

The Takagi water heater is also compatible with demand hot water systems or if it can be mounted near the point of use you will save water as well as energy.  Turn your hot water plumbing green with a Takagi tankless water heater and if you need one a hot water demand system.

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