Standard storage-tank water heaters are the type most often found in homes today—it’s the conventional system that people are used to. They’re big, and very noticeable, even if “hidden” away in a closet. Therefore, even if you don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it, you do know that it needs service. After all, scaling from hard water can have a major negative impact on your water heater, allowing for a mineral buildup that clangs around and can ultimately cause damage to the system.
What many people don’t realize is, while their tankless counterparts are space-saving and extremely efficient, they also need maintenance! Actually, much of the maintenance completed for tank water heaters is about the same as the maintenance performed on tank water heaters. Don’t hesitate to give us a call to schedule service. In the meantime, read on to learn more.
The Effect of Scaling on a Tankless Water Heater
Scaling impacts a tankless water heater in a way that could lead to its premature need for replacement. At least, this is the case if you don’t schedule routine maintenance and have the scaling dealt with. Hard water is defined by having a high content of minerals in it.
Calcium and magnesium are the most common minerals, and they’re found in water supplies across the country. When mineral deposits are left behind in appliances or pipes, that is what’s called “scaling.”
Scaling effects the heat exchanger component of your tankless water heater. You might already know, the heat exchanger is what actually heats up the water to begin with. You need it to be clean so the water can be heated efficiently. Scaling can make your burners work harder, or can overwork a tankless water heater to the point that it breaks down.
“How Often Should I Schedule Tankless Water Heater Maintenance?”
For some tankless water heaters, annual maintenance is essential to keeping the system running as smoothly as possible throughout its entire lifespan. For others, it’s perfectly okay to go a year or two between maintenance visits. The frequency of your maintenance depends on how bad the hard water problem is in your area. In some parts of the state, mineral deposits are far more common than in others.
Your water can be tested for hardness—or you may even be able to tell on your own. If you pretty frequently see a chalky white or yellow substance around faucets or drains, you likely have hard water, which means your tankless water heater is at risk.
When Should You Replace Your Tankless Water Heater?
While annual or semi-annual maintenance is vital for tankless water heaters, it won’t make the system last forever. Eventually, you will need to replace your tankless water heater with a new one, although a tankless water heater may last more than 20 years.
If your system starts failing before this point, it could certainly be due to lack of maintenance.
For service on your water heater, turn to the experts in water heaters in St. Charles, MO—Performance Plumbing. Contact us today!