If you’re more familiar with tank water heaters but have transitioned to a tankless system, you may have some questions about the differences between the two and how to meet the needs of your new system. Although the two approaches to heating water for your home are obviously different, you may be surprised to hear just how similar their maintenance needs are.
The first thing to know is that your tankless water heater does require professional maintenance, just like a tank system. It is usually done annually, but your plumber may have specific recommendations based on your system and the water in your home.
What Happens During Tankless Water Heater Maintenance?
Your plumber will inspect the components of your tankless system to make sure everything is in good working order. But the main task performed during tankless water heater maintenance is flushing the system to clear out scaling.
What Is Scaling?
All water has dissolved minerals in it. The most common minerals are calcium, magnesium, and iron. These are harmless and don’t cause health concerns for humans. But in a system that heats water, the minerals will settle out and coat the interior of the system with a layer of mineral deposits which we refer to as scaling.
Why Is Scaling Bad for My Water Heater?
The buildup of mineral scaling can interfere with the operation of the heat exchanger. It can also build up enough to narrow the pipes that your hot water comes through, causing problems with water pressure.
How Is Scaling Removed?
Your plumber will flush the tankless system with a non-toxic solution that dissolves the mineral deposits, the way you can dissolve mineral residue in your tea kettle with vinegar. Then the system will be flushed again with fresh water, leaving it sparkling clean and ready to keep your house supplied with plentiful hot water.
How Often Should Maintenance Be Done?
As a starting point, once a year is a reasonable bet for tankless water heater maintenance in Bulverde, TX. However, if you experience issues that might point to excessive scaling in less than a year, it may be best to have it done more often.
If you have particularly hard water in your home, which is to say, water with a higher concentration of dissolved minerals than usual, your plumber may recommend a water softening system to reduce the impact of scaling on your water heater and other home systems. If you do have hard water, you may have noticed mineral buildup or staining on and around your faucets and fixtures, such as in sinks and bathtubs. A water softener would help with these concerns as well, and even get your dishes and laundry cleaner, as soap is less effective in hard water.
How Long Will My Water Heater Last?
Tankless water heater systems can function well for twenty years or even more if they are meticulously maintained, so it is worth putting in the effort now to avoid having to replace the system.
Contact D’Spain Sales & Service to schedule tankless water heater maintenance.
