Essential Tips for Maintaining Tankless Water Heaters and Optimal Efficiency
                     How Often Do Tankless 
Water Heaters Need 
Maintenance?
Why Maintenance 
Matters for Tankless 
Water Heaters
Unlike traditional tank heaters, tankless systems 
heat water on demand through a heat exchanger. 
While efficient, these exchangers are susceptible 
to scale buildup that can:
• Reduce efficiency by up to 30% if left 
unchecked
• Create hot water inconsistencies
• Shorten unit lifespan significantly
• Void manufacturer warranties (most require 
proof of maintenance)
Regular maintenance preserves your unit's efficiency, reliability, and longevity, ensuring you 
enjoy the full benefits of your investment.
The Annual Maintenance 
Recommendation
1 2 3
Manufacturer Descaling Filter Cleaning
Guidelines Frequency
Nearly all major manufacturers Annual flushing with a vinegar Water inlet filters and air intake 
(Rinnai, Navien, Rheem, Noritz) solution or commercial descaler screens should be inspected and 
specifically recommend annual removes mineral deposits that cleaned annually to prevent 
maintenance in their warranty accumulate on heat exchangers debris accumulation and ensure 
documentation. and internal components. optimal flow.
Water Hardness:
The Game Changer
Hard Water Regions Moderate Hardness 
In areas with very hard water, like Areas with moderate hardness 
parts of Arizona, Texas, and the typically follow the standard 
Midwest, maintenance may be annual maintenance schedule 
needed every 6-9 months to recommended by manufacturers.
prevent rapid scale buildup.
Soft Water Regions 
If you have naturally soft water or use a water softener, maintenance intervals 
might extend to every 2-3 years without compromising performance.
What Does Maintenance 
Involve?
Complete Maintenance 
Checklist:
• Shut off power, water, and gas supplies
• Connect hoses and pump for descaling
• Circulate vinegar or commercial descaling solution for 
45-60 minutes
• Clean inlet water filters and screens
• Inspect and clean condensate trap and line
• Check for leaks and proper venting
• Verify gas pressure and connections
• Test operation and temperature settings
DIY vs Professional 
Maintenance
DIY Approach Professional Service
Pros: Cost savings, convenient scheduling, develop Pros: Thorough inspection, proper technique, warranty 
system knowledge protection, problem identification
Cons: Risk of mistakes, no professional inspection, Cons: Higher cost, scheduling around technician 
possible warranty issues availability
Best for: Mechanically-inclined homeowners with Best for: Complex systems, warranty protection, 
simpler systems peace of mind
Signs Your Tankless Water Heater Needs 
Service
Performance Issues
• Temperature fluctuations during use
• Longer wait times for hot water
• Decreased water pressure
• Complete failure to heat water
Physical/Audible Signs
• Popping or crackling sounds (scale breaking off)
• White mineral residue around pipe connections
• Visible corrosion or leaks
System Indicators
• Error codes on digital display (common codes: LC, C1, P1)
• Scale error messages specifically
• System shutdowns or frequent resets
Contact Us
Total Comfort Cooling & 
Heating Inc
1207 Enterprise Dr
Port Charlotte, FL 33953
(941) 629-6222
[email protected]
TotalComfortCooling.com