Tankless Water Heater Maintenance: What is Required?

Tankless water heaters are smart, efficient, and powerful—but only if you treat them right. They’re built to last up to 20 years, but that kind of performance only happens when you stay on top of regular care. Without it, you’re risking higher energy bills, inconsistent hot water, or a complete breakdown. 

That’s why it’s important to know exactly what tankless water heater maintenance really involves—from simple DIY checks to the kind of in-depth service only licensed pros can provide. With the right upkeep and the trusted help of Platinum Plumbing, you’ll keep your system running strong year after year.

Tankless Water Heater Maintenance: Essential Tasks You Can’t Ignore

Think of maintenance as an insurance policy for your water heater. Without it, you’re risking mineral buildup, performance issues, and rising energy bills. With the right upkeep, you could boost your unit’s efficiency by up to 30%.

You don’t have to be a plumber to handle the basics. But there are moments when it’s worth calling someone who knows these systems inside and out. Let’s look at both sides.

DIY Maintenance: What Homeowners Can Handle

Want to keep your system running longer? Here’s what you can manage on your own:
Annual System Flushing: Once a year, flush the system using white vinegar or a descaling solution. This clears out mineral deposits. Most brands like Rinnai, Navien, or Noritz include instructions in the user manual.
Sediment Removal Tips: Got hard water? Louisiana homes often do. Sediment buildup is a common issue. Use screens and filters to trap particles before they clog your system. You can also check local water data at USGS.
Filter Replacements: Inlet filters should be cleaned or replaced every 6 to 12 months. It’s a quick job and protects your heater from gunk getting in.
Basic Water Quality Checks: Pick up a simple DIY test kit. It helps you monitor pH, hardness, and total dissolved solids. If your water’s too hard, a softener can help reduce damage.
Routine Visual Inspections: Every few months, take a look. Watch for leaks, odd noises, discoloration, or signs of corrosion.

Professional Maintenance: What Experts Should Do

Some things are better left to those with training, tools, and licenses. Here’s what a certified plumber brings to the table:
Advanced System Flushing: Professionals use pumps and industrial-grade cleaners for a deep descale, especially important if your system’s been neglected.
Comprehensive Inspection: We check everything—heat exchanger, burner, pressure valves, and venting—for wear or damage.
Gas Pressure and Electrical Testing: If gas pressure is off or there’s an electrical hiccup, performance tanks, and safety go out the window. Professionals use calibrated tools to verify everything’s within safe, efficient ranges.
Scale Prevention Tools: We can install scale inhibitors and water conditioning systems to stop scale before it starts, saving your heater from long-term damage.
Code Compliance and Safety: Louisiana has strict codes for devices like pressure and temperature relief valves. These need proper discharge piping to prevent backflow into the drainage. Check the Louisiana Plumbing Code for the legal side of things—we make sure you’re fully compliant.
Neglect leads to scale buildup, lower flow rates, higher bills, and sometimes full system failure. It’s just not worth the risk.

Tankless Water Heater Inspection Frequency

Most manufacturers recommend a full inspection once a year. But you might need more frequent checks if:
You live in a hard water area (which applies to many in Louisiana)
Your system sees heavy daily use
You run a short-term rental or Airbnb

Watch for these signs—it might be time to call in a pro:
Sudden cold water mid-shower
Weak water pressure
Strange thermostat readings
Noise or visible scaling around the unit
Issues with the electrical or gas lines
Catch these signs early, and you’ll avoid major headaches.

DIY vs Professional Maintenance: Compare Your Options

Want to do it all yourself? You absolutely can—up to a point. But here’s the full breakdown.
Pros and Cons of DIY Maintenance
Pros:
Saves money upfront
You get a hands-on understanding of your system
Easy to handle basic flushing and filter changes

Cons:
Risk of voiding warranties
May miss deeper issues
Time-consuming

Why Professional Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Is Worth It

There’s no substitute for trained eyes and proper tools. Licensed plumbers know how to open up your system, check every component, and fix small problems before they become big ones. Plus, professional service usually includes documentation that keeps your warranty valid.

Maximize Your Savings: Expert Tankless Maintenance for Lower Bills

Want to keep your utility bills in check and your water heater running like new? That’s where we come in. At Platinum Plumbing, we’ve got years of experience servicing tankless systems across Louisiana. We’re certified, licensed, insured, and fully aligned with local plumbing codes and energy efficiency incentives. Whether you’ve got a Navien, Rinnai, or Noritz, we know the ins and outs.

Our expert tankless water heater maintenance includes:
Advanced descaling and system flushing
Multi-point inspection and diagnostics
Real-time performance tuning and issue resolution
Brand-specific service for Navien, Rinnai, Takagi, Bosch, Rheem, Noritz
Local experience with coastal corrosion, extreme humidity, and flood-prone systems

We focus on preventing emergencies, not just fixing them. You’ll save money, avoid surprise breakdowns, and extend your system’s lifespan.

Book your maintenance or ask for advice—we’re here to help you make the smart call before problems start.