As a homeowner, staying ahead of maintenance tasks can save you time, money, and frustration. One crucial aspect of home maintenance is ensuring your tankless water heater runs efficiently. Regularly flushing your tankless water heater is a key preventive step to keep it in optimal condition. Here are the signs that indicate your tankless water heater needs flushing and why it’s essential for preventive maintenance.
1. Decreased Water Temperature
A common sign that your tankless water heater needs flushing is a noticeable drop in water temperature. If your hot water isn’t as hot as it used to be, mineral deposits may be accumulating on the heating elements, preventing them from functioning correctly. Addressing this early by flushing the system can prevent further temperature inconsistencies.
2. Reduced Water Flow
Mineral buildup can clog the water lines, leading to reduced water flow. If you experience a significant decrease in water pressure from your hot water taps, it’s likely time to flush your tankless water heater. Regular flushing ensures the water flow remains strong and uninterrupted.
3. Increased Energy Bills
An increase in your energy bills without a change in usage patterns can indicate that your tankless water heater is working harder due to mineral buildup. Flushing the system regularly helps maintain its efficiency, preventing spikes in energy consumption and costs.
4. Visible Mineral Buildup
If you inspect your tankless water heater and notice white, chalky deposits around the water inlet or outlet, it’s a sure sign of mineral buildup. Addressing this early with a flush can prevent the deposits from affecting the performance of your heater.
How Often Should You Flush Your Tankless Water Heater?
Regular maintenance is essential for prolonging the life of your tankless water heater. It’s generally recommended to flush your tankless water heater at least once a year. However, if you live in an area with hard water, you might need to do it more frequently—every six months—to ensure optimal performance and prevent buildup.
For Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester, Menifee and Hemet Residents:
Residents in Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester, Menifee and Hemet should be particularly vigilant about flushing their tankless water heaters due to the hard water prevalent in these areas. Hard water contains higher levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which can accelerate the buildup in your water heater.
Recent Facts:
- Water Hardness in Riverside County: Recent water quality reports indicate that Riverside County, including Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar, Winchester, Menifee and Hemet, has higher-than-average levels of water hardness. This makes regular flushing even more critical for maintaining the efficiency of tankless water heaters in these areas.
- Energy Efficiency Trends: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters are 24-34% more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters, but this efficiency can be significantly reduced if mineral buildup is not managed through regular flushing.
- Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), which serves parts of Riverside County, reports that their water quality meets or exceeds all state and federal standards, but it still contains minerals that contribute to hardness (Eastern Municipal Water District – EMWD).
- Riverside Public Utilities also highlights that their water, while safe and of high quality, travels through mineral-rich regions, picking up natural minerals along the way (Riverside City Website).
Benefits of Regular Flushing
Regularly flushing your tankless water heater as part of your preventive maintenance routine offers numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Efficiency: Removing mineral buildup ensures the heating elements work properly, providing consistent water temperature.
- Extended Lifespan: Regular maintenance helps prevent damage to internal components, extending the life of your unit.
- Lower Energy Bills: An efficient water heater uses less energy, which can help lower your utility bills.
- Improved Water Flow: Clearing out deposits ensures that water flows freely through the system, maintaining strong water pressure.
DIY vs. Professional Flushing
While some homeowners prefer to handle flushing their tankless water heaters themselves, others may choose to hire a professional. If you’re comfortable with DIY projects, follow your heater’s manual for instructions on how to flush the system. Check out our guide, “HOW TO FLUSH A TANKLESS WATER HEATER: 7 CLEAR STEPS TO FOLLOW” to help you get started. However, if you’re unsure or want to ensure the job is done correctly, you can schedule an appointment with us and take advantage of our $100 new client offer today!
For professional assistance with flushing your tankless water heater, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We’re here to help with all your tankless water heater needs, ensuring you enjoy reliable hot water and peace of mind.
For more tips on home maintenance and water heater care, be sure to check out our other blog posts!