Cold showers that hit you out of nowhere, lukewarm water when you’re trying to wash dishes, or a tankless water heater that suddenly flashes an error code right before guests arrive – these are the kinds of headaches that usually trace back to one thing: neglected maintenance. Tankless systems are marketed as “set it and forget it,” but in real homes around Plano, TX, hard water, dust, and everyday wear quietly chip away at their efficiency. The result is higher energy bills, inconsistent hot water, and a unit that wears out years earlier than it should.
The good news is that tankless water heater maintenance does not have to be complicated, time-consuming, or stressful. With a simple routine, a few basic checks, and occasional professional service, you can keep your system running smoothly and reliably. The key is knowing what actually matters, what you can safely handle yourself, and when it is time to call in an experienced technician. That’s where a practical, step-by-step approach makes all the difference.
Hajek Heating & Cooling has worked on countless tankless units throughout Plano and the surrounding communities, and the pattern is always the same: systems that receive regular care almost never have surprise breakdowns. Instead of waiting for a failure, you can treat maintenance like a small insurance policy — an easy habit that protects your comfort, your budget, and your equipment for years to come.
Why Maintenance Matters
Tankless water heaters work very differently from traditional tank models. Instead of storing hot water, they heat it on demand as it flows through the heat exchanger. This high-output, instant-heating design is incredibly efficient, but it also means that even minor issues, like scale buildup or a partially clogged filter, can have an immediate impact on performance. A little obstruction goes a long way when water is being forced through narrow passages at high speed.
In and around Plano, TX, hard water is one of the biggest threats to any tankless system. As water is heated, minerals like calcium and magnesium settle out as scale inside the heat exchanger and piping. Over time, this buildup forces the unit to work harder to achieve the same temperature, which increases energy consumption and puts more stress on internal components. Without regular descaling, you may notice that it takes longer to get hot water or that your water never feels quite as hot as it used to.
Another reason maintenance is so important is that tankless units are packed with sensors and safety devices. Flow sensors, temperature sensors, and ignition components all have to be in good working order to keep the system running safely. Dust, debris, and even insects can interfere with these parts, especially in garages, attics, and utility rooms common in Plano homes. Routine cleaning and inspection by a professional from Hajek Heating & Cooling can catch these issues early, preventing nuisance error codes and sudden shutdowns.
Understanding Your Tankless System
Before you can take care of your tankless water heater, it helps to understand the basic components and how they interact. At the heart of the unit is the heat exchanger, where the actual heating takes place. Cold water enters, passes through the exchanger, and leaves the unit hot. Surrounding that exchanger are gas burners or electric heating elements, a combustion or venting system, and a control board that acts as the brain of the entire operation.
Most residential tankless units also include a water filter or inlet screen designed to catch debris before it enters the heat exchanger. If this screen becomes clogged with sediment, rust flakes from old piping, or mineral deposits, the flow rate drops and the unit may fail to ignite properly. That’s why one of the simplest yet most powerful maintenance tasks is checking and cleaning this filter on a regular basis.
Another key piece of the puzzle is the venting system. For gas-fired tankless heaters, proper venting is critical to safe operation and efficiency. Blocked or damaged vent pipes can lead to poor combustion, condensation issues, or in severe cases, dangerous exhaust buildup. While homeowners can visually inspect vents for obvious damage or obstructions, a thorough venting check is best left to a licensed professional, especially when working with gas appliances. In Plano, where temperature swings and storms can affect outdoor vent terminations, this inspection is particularly important.
Simple Tasks Homeowners Can Handle
Many homeowners assume that maintaining a tankless water heater is complicated or requires specialized tools, but there are several easy tasks you can safely perform yourself. One of the most straightforward is periodically cleaning the inlet water filter. After turning off power and water to the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you can remove the small screen, rinse away debris, and reinstall it. This simple step can improve water flow and reduce strain on the system.
Another easy habit is to visually inspect the area around your tankless heater once a month. Look for signs of leaks, corrosion on the plumbing connections, or unusual moisture on nearby walls or floors. Check that nothing is stored too close to the unit, especially flammable materials for gas models. Keeping the area clean and unobstructed not only improves airflow but also makes it easier to spot small problems before they become major repairs.
Homeowners can also keep an eye on the system’s display panel. Many modern tankless water heaters will flash warning codes or messages long before a full shutdown occurs. If you see recurring error codes or notice that the unit frequently resets, that’s a sign to schedule service with Hajek Heating & Cooling. Recording the error code before calling can help the technician arrive prepared with the right parts and tools, saving time and reducing disruption.
Descaling And Flushing Explained
Descaling, or flushing, is one of the most critical maintenance tasks for a tankless water heater, especially in a hard-water region like North Texas. Over time, mineral deposits accumulate inside the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency and potentially causing noisy operation or overheating. Flushing the system with a descaling solution removes these deposits and restores proper water flow and heat transfer.
The basic process involves isolating the water heater from the home’s plumbing using service valves, connecting hoses to the hot and cold ports, and circulating a descaling solution (often white vinegar or a specialized product) through the unit using a small pump. After a set period, usually 45 to 60 minutes, the system is flushed with clean water and returned to normal operation. While some experienced homeowners choose to perform this task themselves, many prefer to have a professional handle it to ensure it is done safely and completely.
For Plano homeowners, an annual flush is generally recommended, though very hard water or high usage may warrant more frequent service. During a professional flushing appointment, a technician from Hajek Heating & Cooling will not only descale the unit but also inspect gaskets, check for leaks, verify combustion quality on gas models, and confirm that the system is operating within manufacturer specifications. This comprehensive approach turns a simple flush into a full health check for your tankless heater.
Professional Service: What To Expect
When you schedule professional tankless water heater maintenance, the goal is more than just cleaning; it is to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation for the next year or longer. A trained technician starts with a visual inspection, looking for signs of corrosion, water staining, loose wiring, or venting issues. For gas units, they will verify that the gas line, shutoff valves, and connections are secure and up to code, which is especially important in older homes or after renovations.
Next, the technician typically performs performance tests, checking inlet and outlet water temperatures, flow rates, and combustion parameters. These measurements can reveal hidden problems like partial blockages, failing sensors, or improperly adjusted gas pressure that might not yet be obvious to the homeowner. Catching these issues early can prevent sudden breakdowns and extend the life of the unit.
In addition to descaling and cleaning filters, a professional maintenance visit may include updating firmware on digital models, verifying error code histories, and confirming that the system’s settings are appropriate for the home’s needs. For example, the technician might adjust the temperature setpoint for better energy efficiency or to reduce the risk of scalding. In Plano, where households often have varying hot water demands due to multi-story layouts or outdoor living spaces, these fine-tuned adjustments can make a noticeable difference in comfort.
Creating A Maintenance Routine
The easiest way to keep tankless water heater maintenance from becoming a burden is to turn it into a simple routine. Start by marking your calendar for an annual professional service appointment with Hajek Heating & Cooling. Many homeowners choose a specific month each year, such as early fall, to prepare for the heavier hot water usage that comes with holiday cooking and guests. Having a set time each year reduces the chance of forgetting and allows technicians to spot developing issues before peak demand.
Between those yearly visits, build in a few quick monthly checks. Spend a couple of minutes looking at the display for error codes, listening for unusual noises, and inspecting the surrounding area for leaks or clutter. Once or twice a year, depending on your water quality, clean the inlet filter and wipe dust from the exterior of the unit. These small habits take only minutes but dramatically reduce the risk of surprise problems.
It can also be helpful to keep a simple maintenance log. Note the date of each professional service, any error codes that appear, and any changes you notice in performance, such as longer wait times for hot water or changes in water temperature. If you ever need repair or warranty service, this record gives your technician a clear history and can speed up diagnosis. For homeowners in Plano who want a completely hands-off approach, asking Hajek Heating & Cooling about maintenance plans or reminders is a smart way to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I flush my tankless water heater? In the Plano, TX area, most homeowners should plan to flush and descale their tankless water heater once a year. Harder water, larger families, or very heavy hot water use can justify flushing every six months. An annual professional visit ensures that flushing is done correctly and allows a technician to inspect other components at the same time.
Can I maintain my tankless water heater myself? You can safely handle some basic tasks, such as cleaning the inlet water filter, keeping the area around the unit clear, and monitoring the display for error codes. However, more involved work like descaling, gas-pressure checks, combustion analysis, and internal inspections are best handled by a licensed professional. Improper DIY work on gas or electric systems can void warranties and create safety risks, so partnering with Hajek Heating & Cooling for the technical parts is a smart choice.
What are the signs my tankless heater needs maintenance? Common signs include fluctuating water temperatures, longer wait times for hot water, reduced water pressure when using hot water, unusual noises from the unit, or recurring error codes. A sudden increase in energy bills without a change in usage can also signal that the system is working harder due to scale buildup or restricted flow. If you notice any of these issues, scheduling service promptly can prevent more serious damage.
Will maintenance really extend the life of my tankless water heater? Yes. Regular maintenance directly affects both efficiency and lifespan. By keeping the heat exchanger clean, filters clear, and combustion properly tuned, you reduce stress on internal components and lower operating temperatures. This helps prevent premature failure of expensive parts and allows many tankless units to last 15–20 years or more. Skipping maintenance often leads to early breakdowns and costly repairs that could have been avoided.
How do I get started with easy maintenance in Plano, TX? The simplest way to begin is to schedule a professional inspection and flush, then build a basic routine from there. A technician from Hajek Heating & Cooling can show you where the inlet filter is, explain any error codes your system may display, and recommend an appropriate maintenance schedule based on your home’s water quality and usage. To learn more or schedule service, visit Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Made Easy and take the first step toward a more reliable, efficient hot water system.