As the technology behind building systems continues to improve, homeowners are fine-tuning their choice of mechanical components. Where inefficient and oversized equipment once lumbered away in concrete-block basements, new streamlined units with better performance over longer life spans now purr as they provide constant comfort.

Tankless water heaters are a prime example. As an increasingly popular choice for propane-powered homes, tankless units take up far less space and heat water only when it’s needed, using fuel more economically than tank-style units. Although performance improves dramatically with tankless, so does the required maintenance.

“Most tank-style water heaters have something like a compact car engine,” says Matt Risinger, CEO and chief builder of Risinger & Co. in Austin, Texas. “A 200,000 Btu tankless [water heater] is like a Ferrari engine.” And like upgrading from a small Honda to an Italian sports car, maintenance needs are going to increase along with performance. “A tankless water heater is heating the water on-demand and has to do it quickly because it’s not storing any water,” Risinger explains. “As a result, scale can build up a lot faster, so a tankless water heater will need to be flushed more often than a tank-style unit.”

David Federico, brand director for Rinnai America, agrees. “Maintenance for a tankless water heater is minimal,” he says, “but as with any appliance, if not properly maintained, it can affect the product’s long-term performance and life cycle.”

How often to flush

Unlike tank-style units that could go several years between maintenance, tankless water heaters should be flushed once a year. “The frequency is typically annual, unless the water quality is poor, in which case it’s recommended more frequently,” Federico says. He adds that many units, including those from Rinnai, can be outfitted with modules to remind users when maintenance is due. Some units can even be remotely monitored by the homeowner’s plumbing company. For his family of six, Risinger says he flushes his tankless unit every 12 months — whether the maintenance notifications call for it or not.

Water softening helps

Another factor in Risinger’s frequent tankless water heater flushes is that his family lives in a hard water area. Because scale is caused by a buildup of minerals (mostly calcium), hard water will result in more scale than softer water. Both Risinger and Federico note that adding a water softener can be beneficial for homes with tankless water heaters.

“Water softeners can be very helpful, particularly in areas where the water quality is not optimal,” Federico says. “They can help to increase the life of the product and decrease the frequency of the unit needing to be flushed.”

Not flushing is hazardous

While most of a home’s mechanical systems are fairly hands-off, Risinger cautions against lax tankless water heater maintenance. Left too long without flushing, excessive scale buildup can cause sand-like calcium particles to start traveling through the water lines. The particles will collect behind aerators and valve screens throughout the home’s plumbing, which can be costly and inconvenient to repair or replace.

“Tankless water heaters are very cleanable, but if you go too long between cleanings, it will start to affect other systems in the house,” he says. “A lot of people never do any maintenance until there’s a problem, so if [your customers are] thinking about installing a tankless water heater, make sure [they are] willing to maintain it.”

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Flushing your tankless water heater on a regular basis is essential to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently. A properly maintained tankless water heater will provide hot water on demand and last for many years, so it’s important to take the time to flush it regularly. This can help prevent sediment buildup, which can cause clogs and reduce the efficiency of the unit. It can also help prevent mineral deposits from forming, which can lead to corrosion and other problems. By flushing your tankless water heater regularly, you’ll be able to keep it running at its best for years to come.

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Tankless water heaters are becoming more popular due to their cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. However, it is important to remember that regular maintenance is required to keep your tankless water heater working properly. Flushing a tankless water heater regularly can help reduce the risk of mineral buildup, which can cause damage to the unit and lead to costly repairs. This article will explain why flushing a tankless water heater regularly is important and how you can do it easily at home.