Tankless water heaters are a great way to save energy and space, heating water on demand and providing endless hot water without a big storage tank. Regular maintenance is key for tankless water heaters, and although it might seem tricky, most tasks are straightforward.
In this post, we'll walk through the steps to keeping your unit in top shape. We'll cover cleaning filters, adjusting settings, and when it's time to call a professional. With these tips, you can ensure that our tankless water heaters continue providing hot water for years.
Tankless water heaters need regular upkeep to work well and last long. This article will explain why maintenance matters and how these units differ from old-style water heaters.
Regular maintenance keeps tankless water heaters running smoothly, preventing breakdowns and costly repairs. Clean units heat water faster and use less energy, saving money on bills. Limescale and mineral buildup can slow water flow and damage parts and you can remove these deposits by flushing the system yearly.
You should check for leaks and loose parts regularly as quick fixes can avoid major issues down the road. Regular care makes tankless units last longer and many can work well for 20 years or more with proper upkeep.
Tankless units heat water on demand and don't store hot water like old-style tanks. This means less energy waste from keeping water hot all day. Their maintenance needs are different too as tankless heaters need more frequent cleaning due to how they work and because the heating elements can get coated with minerals faster.
An advantage is there's no tank to drain or anode rod to replace in tankless units but you need to clean the filters and flush the system more often. Tankless heaters have more complex parts and may need a professional for some repairs, but many maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly.
Furthermore, these units are compact to save space and can be wall-mounted, making them accessible, so some maintenance tasks are easier to do.
Here are some essential tankless water heater maintenance tasks to keep your unit running smoothly, helping to prevent issues and boost efficiency.
The air filter keeps dust and debris out of your tankless water heater and should be checked monthly.
To clean the filter:
For heavy buildup, use a soft brush and replace the filter if it's damaged.
The water filter stops sediment from entering your heater and needs to be inspected every 6 months.
To check the filter:
The pressure relief valve is a safety feature and should be tested yearly:
The heat exchanger is the heart of your tankless water heater. We advise a yearly check:
For plumbing:
If you spot issues, call a pro. Regular checks prevent costly repairs down the line.
Keeping your tankless water heater clean is key to its long-term performance, and tasks like regular descaling and flushing remove mineral buildup and extend the life of your unit.
Start by turning off the power to the tankless water heater, you’ll likely find the switch near the unit or in your circuit breaker panel. Next, close the hot and cold water supply valves connected to the heater as this stops water flow during cleaning. It's best to do this task every 12-18 months, or more often if you have hard water.
Make sure you have these items ready:
White vinegar is a popular and safe choice for descaling. It's cheap and easy to find but you can also use a commercial descaling solution made for tankless water heaters. Always use food-grade white vinegar as it's gentle on your system but tough on limescale. Avoid harsh chemicals that might damage your heater's parts.
Let's walk through the steps to de-scale your tankless heater:
After running it for 45-60 minutes, flush the system with clean water for 10 minutes, rinsing out any leftover vinegar and loosened sediment. Once done, close the valves, remove the hoses, and turn the power back on. Run hot water at a faucet for a few minutes to clear any air from the lines.
Tankless water heaters can face issues that affect their performance and knowing how to spot problems, and when to call an expert is key.
Leaks are a common problem with tankless water heaters and you need to check connections and valves for any drips often. Low water pressure can also impact performance so test different faucets to pinpoint if it's a heater issue or a wider plumbing problem.
Strange noises may signal mineral buildup inside the unit and this can reduce efficiency and drive up utility bills - flush the system yearly to prevent this. If your water isn't hot enough, check the temperature settings first as it could be a simple fix.
For gas units, pay attention to the pilot light and if it won't stay lit, the thermocouple might need replacing. Electric models may trip circuit breakers if elements are faulty.
Call a professional heating technician for complex issues or anything involving gas lines. Attempting DIY fixes on gas systems can be a serious safety hazard, and if you smell gas, leave your home and call your gas company immediately.
Venting problems need expert attention too as poor venting can lead to carbon monoxide buildup. Watch for soot or discoloration around the unit as warning signs.
Persistent leaks, especially internal ones, usually require professional repair and the same goes for thermostat error codes you can't resolve with basic troubleshooting. Corrosion on parts or connections is another red flag that requires expert inspection.
Get in touch to arrange an inspection of your tankless heater to ensure it’s working at full capacity.
