It’s easy to maintain a tankless water heater with the right techniques and tools. Tankless water heaters can provide uninterrupted hot showering and extra space heating when you need it, but if you don’t maintain them properly, this convenience can start to cost you more money and time. Keep reading to learn the best ways to take care of your tankless water heater at home.
Turn down the temperature
Your tankless water heater heats water directly on-demand, allowing you to set precise temperatures for whatever you’re using – whether it be your shower, washing machine, or dishwater. But you don’t need to have such a high-temperature setting. Lowering the temperature on your tankless water heater will also lower your utility bills.
Flush the water heater
It’s not uncommon for tankless water heaters to develop sediment build-up in the bottom of the tank. Over time, this sediment buildup can cause your water heater to fail prematurely, or it may adversely affect the performance of your hot water system. If you notice that there is a significant change in how long it takes your hot water to reach your fixtures, then you should flush out the sediment.
Flushing your tankless water heater may seem like a hassle, but it is a simple procedure that can save you from having to replace it. Make sure to follow the safety instructions from the manufacturer, and leave the job to a professional if you are unsure how to do it or don’t have the time.
Check the pipes
If you have a tankless water heater, it is important to check the pipes at least once a year. If your tankless water heater breaks, these pipes can fill with water, freezing and causing damage to your home. These checks can ensure that all of your pipes will stay in good condition and keep you and your family safe.
Clean the exterior
If you don’t clean the exterior of your tankless water heater, scales and hard water deposits can build up on the walls of your unit. These deposits can prevent heat from transferring through your water tank, which can lower its capacity to transfer heat to your faucets and fixtures.
The best way to clean the exterior of a tankless water heater is to use a gentle washing solution and a soft washcloth. Detergents, abrasive cleaners, metal scouring pads, and sponges can scratch the surface, causing rust. Warm water is preferred when dealing with mildew or stains.
When to call for a professional tankless water heater repair
A tankless water heater usually does not have a scale build-up, however, it can be affected by the same factors that cause a conventional tank water heater to have problems. If you smell an odor from your tap water, or if you notice that your hot water takes longer than normal to heat up or is lukewarm, then call for a professional tankless water heater repair. Only trust the pros to service your unit; waste no time and book a service today!