Compared to a traditional tank water heater, tankless units don’t require as much attention or replacement parts. However, that doesn’t mean you should just simply forget about it. Therefore, to maximize your tankless water heater’s performance and service life, it’s important to do the following with the help of a professional technician.

1. Flushing the system to remove sediment and debris that can clog the unit and cause damage.

   • The most complicated and time-consuming tankless water heater maintenance is typically descaling and flushing out the unit. If you have hard water, it’s a good idea to descale and flush the unit once a year. However, for households with soft water or a water softener system, this maintenance should happen every 3-5 years.

2. Inspecting the unit’s electrical and gas connections to ensure they are secure and safe.

   • Inspecting the unit’s electrical and gas connections of a tankless water heater involves checking that the wiring and gas supply lines are correctly connected and functioning safely. This is an important step in tankless water heater service. Faulty or improperly connected electrical or gas connections can lead to dangerous situations such as gas leaks, fires, or electrical shocks. During an inspection, one of our technicians will check both: electrical connections and gas connections. 
   • The technician will check that the electrical connections to the unit are properly grounded. And, that the wiring doesn’t become damaged or frayed. They will also check that the voltage and amperage levels are within the manufacturer’s specifications. Then, the technician will check that the gas supply line is properly connected and that there are no leaks or damage to the gas line. Also, they’ll ensure that the gas pressure is correct and within the manufacturer’s specifications.

3. Clean or replace water line filter

   • A water line filter is a common feature of tankless water heaters. And, guards against silt, scale, and hard water. These impurities have the potential to accumulate and harm the water heater. Also, they have the ability to spread throughout the rest of your plumbing system, including pipes, faucets, and appliances.
   • There are several different kinds of filters; you can clean and reuse some, and others should be changed. You can add a water filter to your tankless water heater if it doesn’t already have one to enhance the water’s quality and safeguard your plumbing.

4. Cleaning the unit’s heat exchanger or heating element to remove mineral buildup and debris that can reduce efficiency.

   • Cleaning a tankless water heater’s heat exchanger or heating element involves removing mineral buildup and debris that can accumulate over time and reduce the unit’s efficiency.
   • In areas with hard water, mineral buildup from calcium, magnesium, and other minerals can accumulate inside the heat exchanger or heating element, which can cause it to work harder to heat the water. This can lead to reduced efficiency, increased energy consumption, and even damage to the unit over time. Cleaning the heat exchanger or heating element of a tankless water heater can help improve the unit’s efficiency, extend its lifespan, and prevent damage to the unit caused by mineral buildup. It’s highly recommended to have a professional SALT technician perform this service to ensure it’s done in s safe manner.

5. Checking the unit’s ventilation system to ensure it’s functioning properly and safely.

   • Checking a tankless water heater’s ventilation system involves ensuring that the unit’s exhaust gases are properly vented to the outside. This is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the unit.
   • Tankless water heaters produce exhaust gases as part of the combustion process that takes place to heat the water. These gases must be properly vented to prevent them from accumulating inside the home and posing a safety hazard. Also, a properly functioning ventilation system ensures that the unit operates efficiently. Remember, any blockages or restrictions in the vent can cause the unit to work harder to exhaust the gases, leading to reduced efficiency and potential damage to the unit.
   • If any issues are found with the ventilation system during the inspection, the technician will typically recommend repairs or modifications to ensure the unit operates safely and efficiently.