Yearly water heater maintenance is crucial to ensure that your system works efficiently and reliably. Neglected water heaters may experience performance issues and even fail when you need them the most. That's why Plumbing Plus is here to help you with a comprehensive range of maintenance services tailored to meet your needs.

Tankless water heaters also require maintenance, although they have different needs compared to traditional tank heaters. Here’s what a typical maintenance service includes for tankless units:

1. Descaling and Flushing the System

Mineral buildup, especially calcium and magnesium, can clog the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging the unit.

Technicians use a descaling solution, typically vinegar or a specialized chemical, to flush the system and remove mineral deposits. This process is usually recommended annually, though it may be needed more often in areas with hard water.

2. Cleaning the Inlet Filter

Tankless water heaters often have a small filter on the cold-water inlet to trap debris and sediment.

Cleaning or replacing this filter helps maintain optimal water flow and protects internal components from blockages.

3. Inspecting the Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is a critical component that transfers heat to the water as it passes through. Over time, it can develop scaling or other buildup.

During maintenance, the technician will inspect the heat exchanger for scaling or corrosion, and clean it as needed to ensure efficient heat transfer.

4. Checking and Testing the Burner (for Gas Models)

For gas tankless water heaters, the burner assembly is inspected to ensure it’s clean and functioning properly.

Any dust, debris, or soot that has accumulated is removed, and the flame pattern is checked to ensure proper operation and efficiency.

5. Inspecting the Venting System and Exhaust (for Gas Models)

Proper ventilation is essential to prevent carbon monoxide buildup and ensure safe operation.

The technician inspects the venting system for blockages, leaks, or signs of wear to confirm safe exhaust of combustion gases.

6. Checking Electrical Components (for Electric Models)

The heating elements and wiring connections are checked to ensure they’re in good condition.

For electric tankless heaters, this may involve inspecting connections and verifying that the heating elements are functioning properly.

7. Testing Flow Rate and Water Temperature

The technician will test the system to ensure it’s delivering hot water at the desired temperature and adequate flow rate.

Adjustments may be made to the thermostat or settings to optimize performance and energy efficiency.

8. Inspecting for Error Codes and Diagnostic Issues

Many tankless water heaters have diagnostic systems that display error codes if something is wrong.

The technician will check for any stored error codes that indicate past issues and resolve any that might suggest maintenance needs.

9. Insulating Pipes (if necessary)

In colder climates or uninsulated spaces, the pipes leading to and from the heater may be insulated to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.

Recommended Maintenance Frequency

Annually in most cases, especially for descaling if you have hard water.

Every 6 months for homes with very hard water or in cases where the water heater is heavily used (like in large households).