Top 5 Benefits of Regular Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Contact Pride Services today to request tankless water heater maintenance in Oceanside.

Regular tankless water heater maintenance is essential to keep the equipment operational and safe to use. Tankless water heaters are a notable upgrade from the traditional model that uses a storage tank to contain water for heating. However, you can maximize your updated equipment and make the most of its 20-year lifespan by knowing how to care for it. 

Oceanside’s reliable plumbers from Pride Services know all the best ways to maintain any hot water heater and extend its lifespan. Below, we share the top practices to help you keep your tankless water heater in great condition. 

Benefits of Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

When you practice regular tankless water heater maintenance, the benefits of the appliance become more apparent. By maintaining the water heater’s components, your household can enjoy several benefits, including the following:

• Increased appliance efficiency
• Hot water on demand
• Reduced expenses for fuel and water heater repairs
• Clean water supply
• An increased lifespan

Following a proper maintenance schedule can extend your tankless water heater’s lifespan from 8 to 12 years, like a traditional water heater, to up to 20 years. The system will last longer and work more efficiently. 

Guide to Maintaining Tankless Water Heaters

If you ignore your tankless water heater’s maintenance needs, it could experience a serious efficiency downgrade. You’ll likely need frequent repairs due to scale buildup inside the appliance’s water lines. However, you can follow the guide below to give your tankless water heater the necessary care.

1. Flush the Water Heater

A flush is the first step in tankless water heater maintenance. Like traditional water heaters with storage tanks, the tankless variety need routine cleaning to remove natural minerals like lime and calcium. If you don’t flush the water heater, minerals can accumulate around the appliance’s components, leading to restricted water flow. 

It’s best to follow your equipment’s manufacturer instructions to flush your water heater properly. However, the process usually requires a complete shutdown of water and power to the water heater. Next, you may need to attach a hose with a small pump to the cold and hot water isolation valves, with the end of the circulation pump inlet hose inside a large bucket.

When you turn on the pump, it will circulate water through the tankless water heater. The pressure from the pump will help remove mineral deposits. 

2. Change the Water Filter

Tankless water heaters often include screens that prevent debris from entering their components. The filter protects the water heater from sediment, scale, and excess minerals in hard water. Without the screen, debris can accumulate in the tankless water heater and your pipes, taps, and appliances. 

You can clean the in-line filter by wiping it with a cloth. However, if your water heater doesn’t have a reusable in-line filter, you must swap the dirty one with a new screen. 

3. Change the Air Filter

Tankless water heaters that rely on natural gas like propane to produce heat sometimes have air filters in addition to water filters. You can usually find the air filter between the intake pipe and fan because it helps keep airborne particles out of your tankless water heater and its heating elements. 

When you clean or change the water filter, you should do the same for the air filter. To clean it, scrub it with soapy water and a soft-bristle brush to remove debris. Let the screen dry completely before reinstalling it. 

4. Understand the Descaling Process

Even if your home doesn’t have incredibly hard water, your water supply contains minerals that will leave trace amounts inside your tankless water heater and plumbing system. Unfortunately, tankless water heaters are vulnerable to scale buildup because the appliance dries out between uses. 

You can remove the scale by flushing the tankless water heater with a vinegar and water solution. The vinegar will help break down the mineral accumulations inside the equipment. 

5. Know When to Schedule Service

Tankless water heater maintenance should occur at least once every year. You can flush the appliance once every six months for optimal efficiency. 

Get the Best Water Heater Maintenance Service in Oceanside

The experienced plumbers at Pride Services have the skills and knowledge to maintain tankless and traditional water heaters. With our help, you won’t have to worry about rising energy bills or having cold water pour from the hot water tap. Our plumbing experts provide top-tier maintenance services, including water heater repair and installation. 

Published: Feb 20, 2023