You invested thousands in a tankless water heater for endless hot water and a 20-year lifespan. But here’s what nobody told you: that long lifespan comes with a condition—regular maintenance.
Skip it, and your 20-year investment becomes a 10-year headache. At H&H Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ve seen too many tankless units underperform or fail early because homeowners didn’t know maintenance was required.
Why Tankless Needs Maintenance
Tankless water heaters have more complex technology than traditional tanks. Precision components, sophisticated heat exchangers, and electronic controls all require clean conditions to function properly.
The biggest threat? Mineral buildup. Unlike tank heaters that many homeowners ignore until failure, tankless units actively suffer when scale accumulates—efficiency drops, components overheat, and lifespan shrinks.
The Enemy: Scale Buildup
Hard water contains calcium and magnesium that deposit inside your heat exchanger every time water is heated. This scale acts like insulation—forcing the unit to work harder to heat water through the buildup.
Without regular descaling, mineral deposits can reduce heating efficiency by up to 40%, cause erratic temperature fluctuations, and eventually crack the heat exchanger. Service records show unmaintained units require major repairs 3x more frequently than properly serviced systems.
Richmond and the surrounding areas have moderate water hardness (Virginia averages around 72 PPM). That’s enough to cause meaningful scale buildup over time, making annual maintenance essential.
Annual Flushing: The Essential Service
Flushing (descaling) circulates a cleaning solution through the heat exchanger to dissolve mineral buildup and restore full efficiency. Here’s what’s involved:
- Turn off power (gas and/or electrical)
- Close water isolation valves
- Connect flushing kit to service valves
- Circulate descaling solution for 45-60 minutes
- Flush with clean water for 10+ minutes
- Restore power and test operation
Most manufacturers recommend white vinegar or food-grade descaling solutions. Avoid harsh CLR-type products—they can damage copper heat exchangers.
Frequency: Annual flushing for most homes. Every 6 months if you have hard water. With a water softener installed, you may extend to every 2-3 years.
Filter Cleaning
Your tankless unit has inlet filter screens that trap sediment before it reaches sensitive components. Clogged filters restrict water flow, causing error codes and safety shutdowns.
How often: Every 6-12 months (more frequently with well water or high sediment)
DIY-friendly: Yes—remove filter, rinse with clean water, scrub with soft brush, reinstall. Check your owner’s manual for filter location.
Gas Unit Maintenance
Gas tankless water heaters require additional attention:
Burner inspection: Dust and debris accumulation affects combustion efficiency. Dirty burners can cause incomplete combustion, soot buildup, and safety shutdowns.
Venting inspection: Critical for safety. Blockages can cause dangerous backdrafting and carbon monoxide risk. Check for obstructions, damage, and proper connections at the outdoor termination point.
Condensate trap cleaning: Condensing models have a trap that collects acidic condensate. Remove, clean, and ensure the o-ring seats properly.
These inspections are best left to professionals.
What Happens If You Skip Maintenance
The consequences compound over time:
- Efficiency drops (higher energy bills)
- Scale buildup accelerates
- Heat exchanger overheats and cracks
- Error codes and frequent shutdowns
- Premature component failure
- Warranty voided
- Lifespan drops from 20+ years to 10-12
- Expensive repairs or early replacement
Studies show unmaintained units fail 5-8 years earlier than properly serviced systems and consume 20-40% more energy.
DIY vs. Professional Service
DIY-friendly tasks:
- Filter cleaning (10 minutes, easy)
- Visual inspection of exterior and venting
- Basic descaling with kit (if you’re comfortable with the procedure)
Professional service recommended:
- Annual comprehensive service
- Gas burner inspection and cleaning
- Electrical connection testing
- Troubleshooting error codes
- Warranty-compliant documentation
Many warranties require professional maintenance records. DIY flushing done incorrectly can void your warranty if damage occurs.
Warning Signs Your Unit Needs Service
Don’t wait for the annual visit if you notice:
- Water not as hot as usual
- Temperature fluctuates during use
- Error codes displaying
- Unusual noises
- Longer delay before hot water arrives
- Higher energy bills than normal
The H&H Approach
Our annual tankless maintenance includes complete descaling and flushing, filter cleaning, burner and venting inspection (gas units), electrical connection check, performance testing, and documentation for warranty compliance.
We’ll also assess your water hardness and recommend the right maintenance schedule for your specific situation. One visit per year keeps your tankless running efficiently—and ensures it lasts as long as it should.
When was your last tankless service? Schedule your annual maintenance with H&H and keep your investment protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
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