One of the many benefits of a tankless water heater is that they last for much longer than traditional water heaters – 5-10 years longer on average. However, it’s important to perform regular maintenance and servicing on your boiler to ensure that it stays in good condition, helping it to achieve or even exceed this longer lifespan.

Let’s look at some tips and advice for maintaining and servicing your tankless water heater.

Maintenance required for tankless water heaters

The maintenance required for tankless water heaters is slightly different than that required for traditional storage tank heaters. Obviously, you don’t have the water tank to service and maintain. But it is still necessary to have the parts of your tankless water heater descaled on a regular basis to prevent the build-up of scale and mineral deposits.

Hard water vs. soft water

One factor affecting maintenance is the hardness of the water in your home. Hard water contains more minerals than soft water, and these mineral deposits can build up throughout your tankless water heater system. This makes it more difficult for the system to heat water as pipes become partially blocked, forcing it to work harder. So, if you have hard water, you will need to have your tankless water heater serviced and maintained more frequently than in a home with soft water.

If you have hard water in your home, then you may want to use a water softener with your tankless water heater to increase its longevity and reduce its maintenance needs.

When to get your tankless water heater serviced

Scheduling regular servicing and maintenance from a professional plumber will keep your water heater in good condition and ensure that it keeps working for longer. If you have problems with hard water, we would recommend tankless water heater maintenance at least once a year. You may need it as often as every 6 months.

Homes with soft water or those using a water softener are likely to last longer than 12 months before needing maintenance, but an annual servicing can still help to prevent problems and keep your water heater in good working order. With the proper maintenance, tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years.

Whatever the water is like in your home, you should always look out for warning signs that might indicate that your tankless water heater needs repair or maintenance. If your water isn’t heating properly, gives off a strange smell, or if your water heater starts making unusual noises, then call a plumber to have it checked out.

If you need installation, maintenance, or repair for a tankless water heater in your North Carolina home, then contact Brandon Plumbing for our professional and reliable services around Lewisville, Clemmons, and Winston Salem.