Tankless water heaters have revolutionized how we experience hot water, offering endless supply, energy efficiency, and space-saving benefits compared to traditional tank-style water heaters. As these systems become more popular in homes and businesses, it’s important to understand that proper maintenance is key to ensuring they continue working at their best.
While tankless water heaters are known for their long lifespan and lower maintenance needs than traditional water heaters, they still require regular upkeep to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency, costly repairs, and even premature failure.
In this blog, we’ll cover the most essential maintenance tasks you should never skip for your tankless water heater. By following these steps, you can avoid unnecessary breakdowns and keep your system running smoothly for years to come.
Why is Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Important?
Before diving into the specifics, let’s explore why regular maintenance is crucial. Tankless water heaters work by heating water on demand, without storing it in a tank. This means they rely on intricate components like the heat exchanger, valves, and sensors, which need to be in good condition to function properly. Regular maintenance prevents issues like mineral buildup, faulty sensors, or clogging, all of which can decrease your unit’s efficiency.
Here are some reasons why you should never skip maintenance for your tankless water heater:
- Increased Efficiency: A well-maintained unit will run more efficiently, which can save you money on energy bills.
- Longer Lifespan: Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your tankless water heater, allowing it to serve you for many years without requiring a costly replacement.
- Consistent Hot Water Supply: Ensuring your unit stays in top condition will prevent disruptions in your hot water supply, especially during peak usage times.
- Prevent Costly Repairs: Addressing small issues early can prevent them from turning into expensive, time-consuming repairs.
Essential Maintenance Tasks for Tankless Water Heaters
Now, let’s walk through the maintenance tasks that are critical for the longevity and optimal performance of your tankless water heater. We’ll break down each task, explain why it’s necessary, and provide a general timeline for when you should perform each one.
1. Descaling and Flushing (Annually or More Frequently)
Why it’s important: Over time, mineral deposits from hard water can build up inside your tankless water heater. These minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium, can clog the heat exchanger and decrease the unit’s efficiency. This buildup can also lead to overheating, which can cause your heater to fail prematurely.
How to maintain it: Flushing your tankless water heater removes the mineral deposits and restores the unit’s efficiency. This process involves circulating a descaling solution through the system, which dissolves the calcium and magnesium deposits. If you live in an area with hard water, this process may need to be performed more frequently—every six months to a year.
When to perform: Once a year, or more often if you have hard water.
2. Cleaning or Replacing the Air Filter (Every 6 to 12 Months)
Why it’s important: Tankless water heaters rely on air intake to operate efficiently, and over time, debris and dust can accumulate in the air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which can cause the unit to overheat or reduce its efficiency.
How to maintain it: Cleaning or replacing the filter involves removing any debris or dirt that may have gathered in the system. If the filter is reusable, you can clean it with soap and water, ensuring it’s completely dry before reinserting it. If the filter is worn out, it’s best to replace it with a new one.
When to perform: Every 6 to 12 months, depending on usage and the environment around your heater.
3. Inspecting the Venting System (Annually)
Why it’s important: Tankless water heaters that run on gas require proper venting to expel exhaust gases safely. Over time, venting pipes can accumulate soot, debris, or even pests, which can clog the system and affect performance. Poor ventilation can also be a serious safety hazard.
How to maintain it: Inspect the venting system to ensure there are no blockages or damage. Check for signs of soot buildup or any physical obstructions that could restrict the flow of exhaust. If the system is clogged, it’s important to have it professionally cleaned.
When to perform: Annually, or more frequently if you notice any signs of poor ventilation.
4. Checking for Leaks (Quarterly)
Why it’s important: Leaks can occur in any plumbing system, including tankless water heaters. A leak might indicate a loose connection, a damaged seal, or corrosion. If left unchecked, leaks can lead to water damage or more severe plumbing issues.
How to maintain it: Regularly inspect the water heater’s connections, joints, and surrounding areas for any signs of leaks. If you notice water pooling near the unit or dampness around the connections, take immediate action to prevent further damage.
When to perform: Every 3 months.
5. Examining the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve (Annually)
Why it’s important: The temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is a critical safety feature in any water heater. It prevents excessive pressure or temperature buildup within the unit, which could lead to dangerous situations. The T&P valve needs to be tested periodically to ensure it’s functioning properly.
How to maintain it: To test the T&P valve, lift the lever to release a small amount of water. If water flows freely and the valve reseals itself, it’s working properly. If not, the valve may need to be replaced.
When to perform: Annually.
6. Check the Flow Rate and Water Pressure (Annually)
Why it’s important: A tankless water heater relies on consistent water flow and pressure to provide a steady supply of hot water. If the water pressure is too low or the flow rate is inconsistent, the unit might not operate efficiently, or it might not produce hot water at all.
How to maintain it: Have a professional check the water pressure and flow rate to ensure they meet the specifications for your unit. If there are any issues, they can adjust the system accordingly.
When to perform: Annually.
7. Error Code Troubleshooting (As Needed)
Why it’s important: Tankless water heaters are equipped with diagnostic systems that display error codes when there’s a malfunction. These codes can indicate issues like overheating, gas flow problems, or a malfunctioning sensor. Ignoring these error codes can lead to further damage and increased repair costs.
How to maintain it: If you see an error code on your unit’s display, refer to the user manual to identify the problem. For more complex issues, call a professional to resolve the problem promptly.
When to perform: As needed—whenever an error code appears.
Professional Tankless Water Heater Maintenance in the Treasure Valley
While some of the above tasks can be performed by homeowners, others—especially descaling and venting inspections—are best left to professionals. If you’re unsure about any aspect of maintenance, or if you’d prefer to leave it to the experts, Pristine Plumbing offers comprehensive tankless water heater services in the Treasure Valley area. Our team of licensed plumbers can handle everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.
At Pristine Plumbing, we understand how important it is to have a reliable, efficient water heater. That’s why we’re committed to providing top-notch maintenance services that will keep your tankless water heater in optimal condition for years to come.
Conclusion
Tankless water heaters are an excellent choice for homeowners, small business owners, and property managers looking to save space, energy, and money. However, to ensure that your tankless water heater continues to provide reliable service, regular maintenance is a must. By following these essential maintenance tasks, you’ll help prevent costly repairs, increase the lifespan of your unit, and ensure consistent hot water supply for your home or business.
If you’re due for your annual maintenance or need help with any of the tasks listed above, don’t hesitate to reach out to Pristine Plumbing. We’re here to help you keep your tankless water heater running smoothly, so you can enjoy hot water when you need it most.