Many Dallas, TX homeowners don’t schedule water heater service until there’s a problem. However, plumbing experts recommend regular maintenance. This is because water heaters experience significant wear and tear as the result of normal usage. In Dallas, you also have the added concern of hard water that exacerbates deterioration. An annual tune-up is an opportunity to identify any issues early on and correct them. Without this service, the wear will continue to accumulate and eventually manifest as serious malfunctions. With regular maintenance, you’ll enjoy more consistent hot water, lower operating costs, and a longer equipment lifespan.
Signs Your Tankless System Needs Service
High energy efficiency is among the top benefits of a tankless water heater. Tankless systems use less energy than their traditional counterparts, resulting in lower utility bills and reduced carbon footprints. Elevated energy use is often one of the earliest signs of a problem. That’s why it’s important to record your electricity or fuel usage over time. If a sudden spike in consumption occurs, you know to call us to schedule diagnostics.
You should also monitor how your on-demand water heater functions. Don’t ignore changes that you notice. Low water pressure may mean you’re running too many fixtures and appliances simultaneously. If that’s not the case, the problem may be a faulty flow sensor or clogged valve. A properly sized tankless water heater shouldn’t experience long hot water delays. A common problem is the delay getting longer as time passes. Often, this indicates that the system needs descaling. Another problem that can occur suddenly is the cold-water sandwich effect. It’s most notably an issue in showers, where you can experience the hot water interrupted by a burst of very cold water. Other signs you may need tankless water heater maintenance or repairs include error codes showing up on the unit’s display, unusual noises, visible corrosion, bad smells, or inconsistent water temperature.
Descaling: How Often and What’s Involved
All well water and municipal water supplies have some sediment in them. Some of these particles are suspended in your water when it flows into your water heater. Traditional tank-based water heaters have more room for error in this regard. The sediment collects in the tank, and those systems have sacrificial anode rods to help protect against the accumulation. Tankless systems, on the other hand, are far more susceptible to that buildup.
Descaling is the maintenance technique through which a plumber cleans all debris from the tankless system. How often you should descale your system depends on many factors, including water hardness, the size of your system, and how much water you use regularly. Many experts agree that most systems need descaling every 12 to 18 months, regardless. If you find your system desperately needs the service every year or more frequently, you may need a water softener.
When descaling a tankless water heater, a plumber will use a recirculating pump. That pump will move a cleaning solution throughout the entire system. For routine maintenance, this takes about 45 minutes. It can take up to two hours for heavily scaled units. In scenarios where there’s heavy scale buildup, a plumber may recommend a chemical cleaning agent instead of vinegar and water. In either case, when the process completes, the scale will have loosened and flowed out of the system.
Combating Hard Water: Filters, Softeners & Maintenance Plans
Descaling is standard maintenance for all tankless water heaters. Plumbers recommend it even if you’re in an area with soft water. The problem in the Dallas area is that most residential properties have hard water, and many have extremely hard water. Hard water has an abundance of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. These minerals can leave behind scale whenever the water in your system is still or heated. This is what causes a tankless system to need descaling every six months, and it likely will shorten the system’s lifespan.
Most modern tankless water heaters have an air filter and a water filter. You should check those filters at least once a month, especially if you have hard water. Clean them as directed in your system’s owner’s manual. You’ll typically need to replace these filters once a year, which your plumber can handle during your annual water heater maintenance appointment. In some cases, your plumber may recommend that you swap filters out every six months instead.
For homes with hard water, plumbers generally recommend an additional layer of protection. One option is an anti-scale device, which is a solution for the water heater itself. An anti-scale system uses templated-assisted crystallization (TAC). TAC doesn’t remove the minerals. Instead, it changes them chemically so they’re less likely to form scale. This is a good approach when your water isn’t hard enough to warrant a whole-home approach.
For hard water, a better solution is a point-of-entry (POE) water softener. A POE system functions between the main water line and the home’s plumbing system. Minerals can be removed before the water enters the home to protect your water heater and water-using appliances. Whole-home water softeners function by exchanging the minerals with salt, which is harmless to your plumbing. There are single-tank systems that must go offline to regenerate for about an hour every night. You can also opt for a dual-tank system that never has to go offline.
Regular maintenance for your tankless water heater is integral to lowering your short- and long-term costs. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their warranties require it as a condition of coverage. Without proof of the service, manufacturers can deny claims. Routine service will result in better efficiency and lower energy bills. It will also extend the life of your equipment so you replace it less often.
Homeowners with tankless systems should consider joining a company-providedmaintenance plan. You’ll never forget to schedule vital service because your trusted plumbing company will provide you with reminders. Membership often includes maintenance at a discount and provides you with an array of other benefits at no additional charge. This can include priority scheduling to make the process of scheduling appointments easier.
Keep Hot Water Flowing Year-Round
Cody & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air is a local and trusted plumbing company with locations in Dallas and Plano. Our family business has been serving the DFW Metroplex area since 1969. We employ licensed, highly skilled plumbers who install both tank and tankless water heaters and water softeners. Our team provides maintenance and repair services for all water heater and water softener brands and models. We offer an MVP Program that can help you save money on your water heater and avoid inconveniences. For water heater and water softener installations and replacements, we offer free quotes and flexible financing options on approved credit. To book tankless water heater maintenance or learn more about our maintenance plans, call Cody & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air in Dallas today or contact us online.
