Running out of hot water is now a thing of the past when you own a tankless water heater. Even in the middle of winter, your tankless water heater guarantees that no matter what the day may hold, your morning will start off well.
But it’s important that you keep your system maintained.
Tankless heaters have become increasingly popular in recent years because they offer many benefits over traditional tank-style water heaters. Not only do they save space, but they also provide unlimited hot water and can be more energy efficient. A win-win situation for you and your family.
Like any other piece of equipment, your tankless heater needs maintenance annually to keep it in good shape, all year long. Here are some helpful tips to set you up for success.
Why Maintenance?
It’s important to note that the most significant reason tankless water heaters fail prematurely is a lack of maintenance. The good news is that by paying attention to your heater and maintaining it regularly, you can avoid common problems like mineral buildup which can lead to leaks or even a system fiasco. Tankless water heater maintenance helps because it can often prevent a small problem from turning into an expensive repair.
What’s Water Heater Service?
Water heater service is simply the process of keeping your water heater in good working order by inspecting, cleaning, and replacing parts as needed. Some tankless heaters require more regular attention than others. A general rule is you should have one professional maintenance a year to catch any problems before they get worse.
What Are Tankless Water Heater Services?
Tankless water heater services are a series of preventive maintenance tasks done regularly to keep your tankless heater running smoothly. The service includes:
- A complete inspection of your unit.
- Cleaning all filters.
- Adjusting any burner flames as needed.
- Descaling the unit itself.
How to Service a Tankless Water Heater
First things first: we recommend reading your owner’s manual. Each tankless water heater model is a little different, so it’s important to follow your unit’s specific instructions.
Next step is to shut off the power to the unit. (If you’re not sure how, give us a call!) Then, open the access panel and remove all debris (usually lint or dust). Last but not least, you’ll need to clean the filters by running them under cold water until they’re free of all dirt and grime.
Flushing Your Tankless Water Heater
Flushing a tankless water heater is important for maintenance. It removes any sediment or other debris that may be clogging up the heat exchanger, helping your unit run at its peak efficiency. It also helps keep your electric bill lower and prevents premature failure due to overheating.
Great news! If you’re a member of our Home Maintenance Plan at Lee Company, descaling (cleaning) your tankless water heater is included in your annual plumbing maintenance.
Why Should I Maintain My Tankless Water Heater?
Maintaining a tankless water heater ensures it’ll run smoothly and provide you with years of hot water and warm toes.
Tankless water heaters are a great alternative to a traditional hot water tank. They’re more efficient and can save you money on your electric bill. Just remember, if you want your tankless to perform at its best, you’ll need to make sure regular maintenance is part of its routine!
If you want Lee Company’s pros to provide professional maintenance on your tankless water heater, or you’d like to learn more about our home maintenance plan, contact us today.
Jeff Siedentop, Plumbing Manager
