How Often Should I Flush My Tankless Water Heater?

If you’ve recently made a switch from a traditional tank water heater to a tankless unit, congratulations! Tankless water heaters are more efficient than their tank counterparts – and although they cost more upfront – they are cheaper in the long run because of the energy savings they produce.

Regarding water heaters, one of the common questions Grove Heating & Cooling plumbers hear from homeowners is whether or not they should flush their tankless water heater and, if so, how often.

Grove has the answer to that question and will explain in detail the preventative maintenance to perform on tankless water heaters. If you have any questions about your tank or tankless water heater, give the water heater experts at Grove Heating & Cooling a call today.

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters have high-powered burners that can heat water very quickly as it runs through the heat exchanger. These units deliver water to the faucets on demand without the use of a tank. Tankless systems use up to 30 to 50% less energy than tank units because they eliminate the need to hold water in a storage tank. Tankless water heaters are much more compact and are mounted directly on the wall.

Should I Flush My Tankless Water Heater?

The short answer – absolutely! Although tankless models, which are also called demand-type water heaters, don’t hold 40 or 50 gallons of water like traditional tanks do – which can lead to significant scaling – the interior components and pipes still require maintenance and cleaning.

Over time, calcium, magnesium and other minerals build up in tankless systems, which can reduce the unit’s efficiency and lead to a shorter lifespan. Mineral and sediment buildup that is left unchecked for long periods of time can cause obstructed pipes and even clogs, which can damage your home.

One of the most critical components of a tankless water heater is the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has narrow passages that can become easily blocked by scaling that prevents enough water from passing through. When scaling occurs, the burners must work harder to heat water to compensate for lost efficiency, leading to a reduced lifespan.

Just like a tank unit, tankless water heaters need to be flushed once per year. Homeowners with hard water should consider flushing and cleaning the unit even more frequently, perhaps every six to nine months because of the excess amounts of magnesium and calcium found in hard water supplies. If you have questions, contact the plumbers at Grove today.

The Benefits of Flushing a Tankless Water Heater

One of the main benefits of a demand-type water heater system is they rarely break down and can last as long as 20 years – almost twice as long as a tank unit. If you want your tankless system to reach its maximum lifespan and provide your home with clean water and energy savings, you’ll need to flush it periodically.

Maintenance on your home’s tankless water heater ensures optimal efficiency for years to come. Some of the other benefits include:

• Reducing repairs
• Maximizing the unit’s longevity
• Reducing the effects of scaling
• Preventing obstructed pipes and clogs
• Improving heating speeds
• Reducing noises
• Extending equipment life

Trust Grove for Water Heater Repair and Maintenance

If you’re handy and know your way around a water heater, flushing your tankless system can be a DIY project; there are several online videos and articles that explain the step-by-step approach to perform this function. However, if you’re not confident in your ability to flush a water heating system – or want the task left to a professional who will do the job right – contact Grove Heating & Cooling.

Whether it’s for water heater maintenance, repairs or replacement, call Grove Heating & Cooling for all your water heater needs. Contact Grove today to book an appointment with one of our plumbers!