We had a recent question from one of our customers:
“The manufacturer of my tankless water heater says that the unit should be flushed clean of mineral deposits annually ($150-200). While certainly a good rule if using well water, I live in Peachtree City, and the water is so clear and mineral-free that the last flush showed only slightly discolored cleaner. Would perhaps every 2, 3, or 5 years be more realistic?”
David’s response:
“While I agree that it may be excessive to service a unit on most municipal water systems every 12 months, I wouldn’t recommend exceeding 24 months between services. Manufacturers generally recommend descaling or flushing tankless heaters every 12 months. However, the frequency may vary depending on the water quality. The most important thing you can do to keep your tankless water heater in great shape is to perform regular intervals of maintenance, which include descaling it. If you’re uncertain, schedule it on your calendar to recur annually or biennial. Descaling helps to flush out all of the sediment that has built up in your water heater. Unlike a traditional tank-style heater, which has an anode rod to attract corrosive elements, a tankless heater doesn’t have this. Limescale from your water supply naturally builds up within your tankless water heater. Failing to regularly flush out limescale can lead to significant buildup, which may hinder your unit’s heating efficiency and impact water pressure or volume. Moreover, it can severely shorten your water heater’s lifespan by corroding the heat exchanger, leading to leaks and potentially voiding the warranty. You can attempt to do this on your own, or you can contact us to carry out the service. During our visit, we will also inspect additional components of the water heater.”
CLEANING THE TANKLESS HEATER
Your tankless water heater needs to be kept very clean around the burners, circulating air passages, and control compartments. Dust and debris build up over time and can cause critical failures. We recommend that you call a licensed plumber to clean your heater’s burner chamber, passages, and compartments every time you have it descaled. You could perform this task on your own, but it can be very dangerous to work with gas components if you are not familiar with them.
REPLACE THE AIR INTAKE FILTER
If you have a tankless water heater, it is important to replace the air intake filter (as applicable) regularly or clean it with an air compressor. These filters protect your unit by trapping dust and other contaminants that could cause damage. A dirty filter can cause the unit to overheat and shut down.
As with cars, the more expensive the brand, model, or version of the model generally determines the higher cost for service and repairs. Tankless heaters are expensive to install and require regular intervals of maintenance. However, if neglected, the repairs can possibly get so expensive that the only viable option is to replace the heater, often many years before it otherwise would have been required.
“The comfort of hot water, especially during cold weather, is unmatched! This is a luxury made possible by the advanced technologies in water heaters. But, for water heaters to continue operating efficiently, it’s essential to have them inspected regularly to minimize potential damage.”
I trust you found this article beneficial. If that’s the case, please consider sharing it with a friend or family member. If you have any questions about a high water bill or need help with water heater maintenance, be sure to contact HIS PLUMBER today at 770-252-9966. We are always happy to help! We will advise you on the best way to care for your unit and ensure it is running properly.
