How Much Maintenance Does a Tankless Water Heater Need?
Are you considering upgrading to a tankless water heater? If so, you may be wondering how much maintenance it will require compared to a traditional water heater. In general, tankless water heaters are low maintenance, but they do require some attention to keep them running efficiently.
Regular Maintenance Tasks
One of the primary maintenance tasks for a tankless water heater is regular descaling. This involves removing any mineral buildup that can occur in the heating elements of the system. This is especially important in areas with hard water, as mineral buildup can significantly reduce the efficiency of the unit.
To descale a tankless water heater, a professional plumber will typically flush the system with a descaling solution. This is an important task that should be performed at least once a year to maintain the system’s efficiency and longevity.
Maintenance of Gas and Electric Units
Gas and electric tankless water heaters have slightly different maintenance needs. For gas units, the burner assembly should be inspected and cleaned annually to ensure it is functioning properly. The gas pressure should also be checked regularly to ensure it is within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
For electric units, the heating elements should be checked periodically to ensure they are not damaged or corroded. If any damage is found, the element should be replaced promptly. In addition, the electrical connections should be checked regularly to ensure they are tight and secure.
Importance of Professional Maintenance
While some maintenance tasks can be performed by homeowners, it is important to have a professional plumber perform regular maintenance on your tankless water heater. A professional will have the expertise and tools necessary to properly maintain your system and ensure it is running efficiently.
Regular maintenance by a professional can also help identify any potential issues early on, allowing for prompt repairs and preventing costly breakdowns.
Signs of Trouble
Even with regular maintenance, tankless water heaters can experience issues. It is important to be aware of the signs of trouble so you can address them promptly. Signs of trouble with your tankless water heater may include:
- Fluctuating water temperatures
- Reduced water flow
- Error codes displayed on the unit
- Unusual noises coming from the unit
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact a professional plumber for repairs right away. Delaying repairs can lead to more serious issues and higher repair costs down the line.
Preventing Leaks
One common issue that can occur with tankless water heaters is leaks. To prevent leaks, it is important to ensure the unit is installed properly and maintained regularly.
During installation, a professional plumber will ensure the unit is installed with the proper fittings and connections to prevent leaks. Regular maintenance, including descaling and inspection of the unit’s components, can also help prevent leaks from occurring.
In addition, it is important to be mindful of any changes in water pressure or temperature, as these can be signs of a leak. If you suspect a leak, it is important to contact a professional plumber for repairs right away to prevent water damage to your home.
Schedule Professional Maintenance Today
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your tankless water heater runs efficiently and has a long lifespan. Don’t wait until you notice issues to schedule maintenance – contact a professional plumber in San Jose for routine maintenance today. With proper maintenance, your tankless water heater can provide efficient and reliable hot water for years to come.
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Our Reviews
Stanley W2024-10-04We recently hired United Plumbing to replace our old HVAC system. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional. Their technician, Oleg, thoroughly inspected our attic and crawl space to accurately assess our needs. The estimator, Fariza, provided a clear and competitive quote based on Steve's findings. The installation team, Oleg and Valerii, were true professionals. They were courteous, efficient, and meticulous in their work. The quality of their installation was outstanding. We were highly impressed with United Plumbing’s professionalism, responsiveness, and fair pricing. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy HVAC company.Matt W2024-10-03Victor showed up quicker than any other technician from any company could during a AC malfunction during a heat wave. He was thorough and fixed the main and secondary issues. Great job.David Tresslar2024-10-03Semenov was knowledgeable and straightforward with descaling my tankless water heater. Didn’t try to upcharge me. $130 cost for descaling, same as buying the tools. Good value.Robert Garnero2024-10-02United Plumbing responded quickly with a fair estimate for my garbage disposal replacement. They were able to schedule for the next day and the work was done professionally and on time. Perfect!Sandy Fried2024-10-01Igor B is very knowledgeable and professional. He and the United Plumbing staff were super responsive and communicative. I highly recommend United Plumbing!Katie Little2024-10-01Super fast to respond to my request and very easy to communicate with. Alex was prompt, professional and friendly and didn’t make me feel bad that I had a very simple job I probably could have figured out myself. Great service. I’ll be back.Grace C2024-10-01This was the 3rd company I looked into for my plumbing issues. I was able to get a same day appointment and the technician Almaz arrived at the start of the 2-hour window they quoted. I even got a text that he was on his way. I had two pipe leaks, one under the bathroom sink and one in the crawl space. Almaz was careful and thorough in diagnosing the latter and worked his way down the tight crawl area. We ended up cutting out dry wall in my garage to get an actual quote. Their prices seem very fair and so far I’m very happy I went with them. Will update once the fix is complete.Laurie Frederick2024-09-30Excellent serviceman, Alex. Company receptionist and online/ texting to keep me (client) updated every step of the way. I want that easy of a client because so had specific requests and they handled everything. 5 stars **** New sump pump installed under house.Miyana Harris2024-09-29Had some plumbing issues with backed up pipes. I contacted United Plumbing and was able to get a service update within 30 minutes on a Sunday which was amazing. Alex came out and took care of the issue at hand swiftly and efficiently.
