Why Maintenance Matters with Tankless Systems
Tankless water heaters are highly efficient and space-efficient—but they also require regular care to maintain these advantages. Reasons include:
- Mineral buildup (scaling): In hard-water areas, heat exchangers can accumulate scale, reducing performance and restricting flow.
- Air/gas supply blockages: Proper combustion requires clean vents and filters.
- Electronics & sensors: Modern units include digital controls and sensors, which must be kept clean and functioning.
- Heat exchanger wear: Over time, components degrade and may need inspection or replacement.
- Flow demand changes: If your household usage changes (e.g., added a bathroom or laundry), the system may need reassessment.
By staying on top of maintenance, you preserve your system’s efficiency, reliability, and longevity.
Regular Maintenance Checklist
Here’s a practical checklist to keep your tankless water heater in top condition:
Monthly or Bi-Monthly
- Visually inspect for water or gas leaks around the unit.
- Check venting/exhaust for blockages, clear of debris, nesting or damage.
- Confirm temperature and flow output are consistent when hot water is used.
Annually
- Flush the heat exchanger with a descaling solution or follow manufacturer-specific instructions (especially important in hard-water regions).
- Inspect and/or clean the inlet filter or water screen to ensure unobstructed flow.
- Check the electrical or ignition system (for gas units).
- Inspect the venting system for corrosion, deterioration or incorrect assembly.
- Review hot water usage patterns—ensure the unit still meets your flow and demand requirements.
Every 3-5 Years (or As Recommended)
- Have a professional perform a comprehensive inspection including internal sensors, burner assembly (gas models), heat exchanger condition, and any software/firmware updates.
- Consider replacing worn-out parts or scheduling servicing if flow rate drops or you notice intermittent performance.
Common Issues & How to Address Them
Reduced Flow or Inconsistent Hot Water
Cause: Mineral scaling or undersized unit.
Solution: Flush and descale the unit; evaluate flow demand; upgrade unit if needed.
Unit Shuts Off or Ignites Infrequently
Cause: Vent blockage, ignition failure, gas supply issues (for gas units).
Solution: Clean venting, inspect ignition/sensor, verify proper gas pressure and supply.
Fluctuating Water Temperatures
Cause: Flow changes, temperature setting mismatches, sensor issues.
Solution: Test with multiple fixtures; check temperature settings; calibrate or replace sensors.
Corrosion or Leakage
Cause: Water chemistry, poor venting, installation errors.
Solution: Inspect for corrosion; ensure proper vent and combustion; replace affected components quickly.
Upgrading Your Maintenance Plan for Changing Usage
If your household changes—added bathrooms, more occupants, or you’re remodeling—you may need to adjust maintenance frequency or even evaluate a higher capacity system. A tankless unit installed 10 years ago might still be working—but usage patterns, water chemistry, and household demand may have shifted. At that point:
- Consider a professional flow and system review.
- Evaluate whether your current unit’s capacity still meets peak demand.
- Update your maintenance schedule (e.g., flush twice a year if usage increased).
How Maintenance Enhances Value From Your Investment
By maintaining your tankless heater effectively:
- You get longer service life (often 15-20 years or more when well-maintained).
- You retain high efficiency, meaning lower energy bills.
- You avoid emergency replacements and the disruption that comes with them.
- Your hot water performance remains consistent, boosting comfort and reliability.
Ready to Get the Most from Your System?
If you’ve upgraded or are planning to upgrade to a tankless water heater, now is the time to plan your maintenance strategy. For expert support for selecting, installing, maintaining your system, visit: Tankless Water Heater Services – Glendora, CA and reach out via our Contact Us page.
Conclusion
A tankless water heater offers big advantages in efficiency, space savings, and long-term performance—but only when sized correctly, installed professionally, and maintained properly. By following a good maintenance plan, you’ll enjoy consistent hot water, reduced energy costs, and fewer headaches. Thanks for reading this series. Now you’re armed with the knowledge from why, how, and how to maintain your tankless system.
If you’d like help creating a tailored maintenance plan or exploring upgrade options, don’t hesitate to contact us via our Contact Us page.
