Tankless water heaters typically last between 15 and 20 years. With proper maintenance, you can help extend their lifespan. This includes understanding which tasks are safe for you to perform and which you should leave to expert plumbers. There are major differences between professional and DIY maintenance. Knowing the right maintenance tasks and why they matter can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Why Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Matters

Tankless water heater maintenance helps extend your system’s lifespan. A maintenance appointment allows our plumbers to notice and address minor issues before they turn into costly problems. Regular maintenance also ensures your water heater continues to deliver reliable hot water when you need it most. Additionally, systems that are cleaner operate more efficiently, which helps keep your utility bills to a minimum.

How to Maintain a Tankless Water Heater the Right Way

Flushing is the most important maintenance task for tankless water heaters. It involves removing mineral buildup, which encourages energy efficiency and a longer lifespan. The service also promotes consistent water pressure and temperatures. We recommend that homeowners schedule this service annually. Our team can perform it as part of your annual plumbing inspection. However, if your home has hard water or old plumbing, book a flushing every six months.

It’s important to perform regular visual inspections of your water heater. Look for signs of trouble, such as leaks and corrosion. You should also call us if the wall-mounted unit no longer seems securely attached to the wall. Write down any issues you notice, and be as specific as possible. This allows you to provide us with clear details when you schedule an appointment. Conduct these checks at least once a month, especially if the appliance is in an area you don’t normally frequent.

Signs Your Tankless Water Heater May Need Service

There are usually signs when there’s an issue with your tankless water heater. For example, you might notice foul odors, unusual sounds, discolored water, leaks, low water pressure, or inconsistent temperatures. Don’t wait to book professional assistance, as issues could quickly worsen. This is especially true if you continue using the system normally.

Never attempt to fix a tankless water heater yourself. This could worsen existing issues or result in injuries, such as cutting your hands. Additionally, it could void the manufacturer’s warranty on your system. If this happens, you may need to pay out of pocket for future repair costs.

Schedule Tankless Water Heater Services With Chesapeake Home Services, LLC

Chesapeake Home Services, LLC has been servicing plumbing systems for over 20 years. We’ve earned hundreds of positive online reviews during that time. We encourage you to browse them to discover why so many Delaware and Maryland homeowners count on us for dependable assistance. You can trust our team to provide high-quality water heater services that help keep the hot water flowing efficiently. As part of our commitment to excellent customer support, we offer service agreements, online specials, and 24/7 live answering. Financing is available on approved credit.

Chesapeake Home Services, LLC in Frankford and Odessa, DE, provides reliable tankless water heater maintenance services to local homeowners. Call today to schedule an appointment.

FAQ About Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

Learning how to maintain a tankless water heater is an important part of homeownership if you have this type of system. Having this knowledge allows you to better care for your system, prevent problems, and extend its lifespan. Here are a couple of questions we often receive about them.


Homeowners should schedule an annual plumbing appointment, during which we’ll also perform maintenance on your tankless water heater. However, it’s ideal to schedule a twice-yearly maintenance appointment if you have old plumbing or hard water. Before booking the service, make sure to ask us about our service agreement benefits. Perks range from priority emergency help to a discount on repairs.


Yes, hard water can significantly affect tankless water heaters. It allows mineral deposits, primarily from magnesium and calcium, to build up within the system. This can lead to numerous problems, including premature system failure, low water pressure, and higher energy bills. When it comes to tankless vs. conventional water heaters, both can benefit equally from a whole-home water softener.

Stephen Morrison
Stephen Morrison

General Manager

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