As a tankless water heater owner or user, you have probably noticed the wonderful technology it offers. From ultra-efficient performance that saves energy, to the space saving design, tankless technology is a smart and comfortable way to enjoy hot water in your life.
Did you know that all manufactures recommend annual maintenance? Having a manufacturer authorized service professional like Tankless Done Right keep the tankless in top performance will reduce your need for unexpected or emergency service. Have you ever pulled the cover off the front of your tankless to see the technological and electrical masterpiece that produces your hot water? All of those parts and connections are precisely placed, so it is important that even when the burner, fan and electrode are cleaned of debris annually that it is done by a professional capable of uninstalling and reinstalling any parts needing to be pulled from the machine. As an added benefit, a certified professional can visually inspect the inside of the heater and identify any other minor adjustments or other areas needing attention.
Tankless water heaters are highly affected by poor water quality. Due to the California drought we have experienced for some time, the aquafers are at an all-time low. This makes the water even harder than ever. There are 4 things you can do about hard water and your tankless water heater.
Now that you know the importance of maintenance, it is important that you know about the number one cause of tankless water heater failure: Hard water.
- Do nothing and wait until the hard water rears its ugly head, the tankless fails prematurely and you have no hot water.
- To descale or “flush” your tankless water heater. This is the process of removing rock from copper. The hardness heats to a higher temperature than the water and can burn holes in the copper within the tankless. When “scale” is removed by flushing, the hole(s) is exposed making a leak in the heat exchanger. During the flushing process, the copper is thinned as well and results in a shortened life of heat exchanger. This is not a preventive choice, it is trying to deal with a problem after it has occurred.
- Install a Scale Prevention Shield. This is a filter with an active ingredient that will prevent the hardness from attaching itself to the heat exchanger. It will also prevent a sand like substance that ends up in the aerators and shower heads (which clogs them and causes them to need replacing prematurely). This type of solution is not new as it has been used in the ice machine industry for 40 years and has notable success in the tankless application.
- Install a water softener. A water softener will protect the entire home. Water softeners remove all hardness so there are no issues. The faucets, shower heads, toilets will all be affected in a positive way.
Tankless Done Right has over 10 years of experience installing, repairing and servicing tankless water heaters. What sets them apart is that they are one of the only companies in Southern California that stock parts as well as have the ability to get tankless owners the most out of the warranty from the manufacture.