The 2026 Guide to Tankless Water Heater Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment
One of the biggest selling points of a tankless water heater is its 20+ year lifespan. But there’s a catch: that lifespan is only possible with regular maintenance. Without a yearly flush, the mineral deposits from Victoria’s water can "bake" onto your heat exchanger, leading to loud noises, error codes, and eventual system failure. At Praise Plumbing, we want to help you keep your "unlimited hot water" truly unlimited.
Keep your hot water unlimited! [Click here to book with Praise Plumbing]
or call us today to discuss your options.
1. Descaling the Heat Exchanger (The Flush)
This is the most critical step. Over time, calcium and lime scale build up inside the narrow copper or stainless steel tubes of your heater.
-The Process: We use a specialized pump to circulate food-grade white vinegar through your system for 45–60 minutes.
-The Result: The vinegar dissolves the scale, restoring your heater's ability to transfer heat efficiently and lowering your gas or electric bills.
2. Cleaning the Water Inlet Filter
Most tankless units have a small screen filter designed to catch sediment before it enters the machine.
-The Maintenance: We pull this filter, rinse away any grit or debris, and reinstall it. A clogged filter is the #1 cause of "low flow" issues in Victoria homes.
3. Cleaning the Air Intake & Flame Sensor
Because tankless units are "high-fire" appliances, they need a massive amount of air.
-Air Filter: We clean the internal air filter to ensure the burner can breathe.
-Flame Sensor: We gently clean the flame sensor rod to prevent "false" error codes that can cause your heater to shut down unexpectedly.
4. Inspecting the Condensate Trap (Condensing Models Only)
If you have a high-efficiency (condensing) unit like a Navien, it produces acidic condensation.
-The Check: We ensure the condensate trap is clear and the "neutralizer" is still active to protect your home’s drain pipes from corrosion.
Signs Your Tankless Needs Immediate Service
Don't wait for your annual check-up if you notice:
-"Scale Build-up" Error Codes: (e.g., Error Code 11 or 12 on Rinnai/Navien).
-Fluctuating Temperatures: The "Cold Water Sandwich" effect where water gets cold in the middle of a shower.
-Loud Humming or Knocking: A sign that the heat exchanger is overheating due to scale.
Ready to keep your Victoria homes unlimited hot water running longer? [Click here to book with Praise Plumbing] or call us today to discuss your options. [250-580-4777]
