Tankless water heaters are convenient, compact and efficient. They offer instant hot water and are ideal for busy families who want to make sure everyone can enjoy a hot shower during the morning rush. However, just like your HVAC unit and furnace, they require maintenance. If you haven’t had your system serviced in a while, book a tankless hot water heater maintenance visit from bluefrog Plumbing + Drain to keep your plumbing running as efficiently as possible.
Why Is Maintaining a Hot Water Heater System Important?
It’s all too easy to overlook maintenance for a tankless water heater, because the systems are so compact and reliable. However, tankless water heaters are complex systems with thermostats, heating elements, pipes and electronic controls, all of which can fail or become damaged. In addition, gas water heaters require regular testing to ensure they’re operating properly and are well ventilated. A failing gas water heater can present serious safety risks.
Regular maintenance helps identify potential issues with your tankless water heater so they can be repaired early, before they develop into leaks or damage expensive parts.
How Often Should You Have Your Tankless Water Heater Serviced?
Most manufacturers recommend you have your tankless water heater serviced annually. As a part of the service, plumbers work through an extensive checklist, testing each part of the system, calibrating components and addressing any minor issues they notice.
Regular water heater maintenance can improve the energy efficiency of the system and give you peace of mind that it’s running well and in good condition. You can depend on the experts at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain to be attentive and thorough, and to do everything they can to ensure your tankless water heater works reliably for as long as possible.
If our plumbers identify any serious issues during their tune-up, they let you know what they’ve found and explain what it means. We don’t incentivize our plumbers to sell new units or undertake costly repairs, so you can feel confident that any advice they give is impartial and purely their professional opinion. Our goal is to save you time and money and give you peace of mind your home’s plumbing is in the best possible condition.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Tips
To keep your tankless water heater running efficiently and maximize its lifespan, there are a couple of basic maintenance tasks you can perform.
- If you have a gas water heater, check the air filter regularly and clean it if it’s clogged with dirt and debris. Some newer systems have a warning light or display an error message on the screen if the filter is dirty and the system isn’t getting sufficient air flow.
- Clean or replace the water line filter, if your unit has one. Alternatively, if your tankless water heater doesn’t have a filter attached to the water line, have a whole-house water filter installed to protect your water heater and all other water-using systems and appliances in your home.
- Descale and flush the system annually if you have hard water, or once every 3-5 years if your home has soft water. This can be done with white vinegar or a specialized descaling product. Descaling the system requires a submersible pump. If you don’t have access to one, call a professional plumber to complete this job for you.
With proper maintenance, you can expect a tankless water heater to last for around 15 years. You can extend the lifespan of the system by being proactive and fixing issues as soon as you notice them. Some warning signs you might need to call in a plumber between service visits include strange noises when the system is in use, fluctuating water temperatures and poor water pressure.
Think of maintaining a tankless water heater as an investment. By fixing small issues as they arise, you reduce the likelihood of more serious problems occurring.
When to Call in the Professionals
If you have a tankless water heater, it’s recommended you have it serviced every year. Regular tankless water heater maintenance helps extend the lifespan of the system. However, those annual tune-ups don’t cover all potential problems. If you notice your water heater is making strange noises or otherwise isn’t performing as it should, it’s vital you call in the professionals.
The licensed plumbers at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain can work with gas and electric tankless water heaters. We offer affordable, reliable service and are available 24 hours a day for plumbing emergencies. Contact us today for all your tankless water heater care needs.
