Your tankless water heater works harder in Texas than almost anywhere else. Between the scorching summers, North Texas cities have hard water, which means mineral buildup over time that can lead to more frequent maintenance, and the constant demand for hot water in busy households across Dallas–Fort Worth, these systems need proper care to deliver reliable performance.
A tankless water heater can last upwards of twenty years and can last up to 20 years or longer with low energy costs if it’s properly maintained. Without regular maintenance, however, you could find yourself needing a replacement in as little as six years. That’s why understanding how to care for your system makes all the difference between decades of reliable service and costly early replacement.
Understanding Your Tankless System in Texas Conditions
A tankless water heater heats water as it flows through the unit rather than storing water and heating the entire tank all at once, as with a traditional water heater. This on-demand heating makes them incredibly efficient, but it also means every component must work perfectly to deliver consistent hot water.
Texas presents unique challenges for tankless systems. The one true enemy of the water heater, tank or no tank, is hard water. The result of the mineral-rich water we have here in southeast Texas is evident in the filmy residue that builds up on your shower glass and other surfaces. This same mineral content that leaves spots on your dishes can severely impact your water heater’s performance if not properly managed.
When tankless water heaters rapidly warm up water flowing through them, scale (that is, hard deposits of calcium and other minerals) can build up within their components. These deposits may cause the water flow to slow down, thus forcing a system to work harder in order to function properly. In the short term, this can raise cost of operation. In the long term, it can cause irreparable wear to the system, requiring a heat exchanger replacement.
Essential DIY Maintenance Tasks You Can Handle
You don’t need professional plumbing experience to perform basic tankless water heater maintenance. Navien tankless water heater maintenance is relatively simple. You certainly don’t need to be a professional plumber, but it doesn’t hurt if you are comfortable tackling the occasional DIY project. Here are the key tasks every Texas homeowner should know how to perform.
Cleaning the Inlet Water Filter
Clean the inlet water filter(s): Remove filter, rinse with clean running cold water and scrub clean with brush, if necessary. All Navien tankless water heaters have water screens on the cold water inlet, and the NPE-Advanced models have an additional screen on the recirculation inlet.
To maintain your tankless water heater, we recommend cleaning the water inlet filter every few months. This simple task prevents debris from reaching your system’s internal components and maintains proper water flow.
Step-by-step filter cleaning:
1. Switch off its power supply. So, if your tankless heater runs on gas, turn off the valve that supplies the ‘fuel’. Likewise, switch off the power supply and unplug the heater if it’s electrically powered
2. Turn off the unit and wait until it cools down before attempting any DIY work on the system
3. Locate and remove the inlet filter according to your manufacturer’s instructions
4. Rinse thoroughly with cold running water
5. Use a soft brush to remove stubborn debris
6. Reinstall the clean filter and restore power
Air Filter Maintenance
Clean air filters are essential for proper airflow and operation. A clogged air filter puts unnecessary strain on the system, leading to higher energy consumption and increased wear. Regularly replacing the air filters improves performance and can save you money on utility bills. Failing to clean the filter can reduce the system’s efficiency and lead to eventual damage.
Replace the air filter: Do this every six months to ensure proper airflow. Most filters can be cleaned rather than replaced, making this an economical maintenance task.
Visual Inspections
Check the venting system: Inspect the venting system for any blockages or leaks. Inspect water connections: Ensure the inlet and outlet connections are secure and tighten them if they’re loose.
During your monthly visual inspection, look for:
– Loose connections at water inlet and outlet points
– Signs of corrosion or mineral buildup on external components
– Blocked or damaged venting
– Any unusual sounds during operation
When removing the water inlet filter, keep an eye out for any leaks, connection seal issues, and damaged parts. If you notice any of these issues, call a professional to help you repair your water heater.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Texas homeowners frequently encounter specific problems with their tankless systems. Understanding how to diagnose and address these issues can save you time and money.
Temperature Fluctuations
One common problem is fluctuating water temperature, which often arises from insufficient flow rate or improper installation, potentially leading to inconsistent hot water delivery. The cause for this could be a blocked filter which hinders water movement and thus disrupts the appliance’s performance. Some other parts, such as the thermostat or temperature sensor, may also malfunction and require replacement to solve this issue.
What you can try:
– Clean the Filter To clean the filter, turn off the power and water supply to the unit, and remove the filter. Rinse it under running water and use a soft brush to remove debris
– Check that multiple hot water fixtures aren’t running simultaneously
– Verify your water pressure meets manufacturer requirements
No Hot Water
If you turn on your hot water faucet and nothing but cold water comes out, you may be experiencing a no-hot water issue with your tankless water heater. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, mainly if you rely on warm water for daily tasks like bathing, washing dishes, or laundry.
Troubleshooting steps:
1. Check to ensure your tankless heater receives power. Check that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped if it’s an electric unit. If it’s a gas unit, ensure the gas supply valve is open and the pilot light is lit
2. Check to ensure the water supply valve is open, and there is no blockage in the pipes
3. Check to ensure the part or burner is clean and debris-free. If it’s dirty, clean it with a soft brush and some water
System Overload
Depending on your tankless water heater’s capacity, too many simultaneous hot water applications (such as multiple showers running) can overload your water heater. Your water heater may struggle to supply the hot water needed or shut down altogether if it becomes overloaded. If this happens, you should reduce the demand for hot water by limiting simultaneous applications, and you may want to consider resetting your unit.
Error Codes
Tankless water heaters show error codes to help identify problems. Each code points to a specific issue. For example, Error Code 11 means ignition failure. Error Code 12 means flame loss.
To reset error codes, turn off the water heater. Wait for a few minutes. Then, turn it back on. This process clears minor issues. If the error code returns, contact a technician. Do not ignore persistent codes. They indicate serious problems.
When to Call a Professional
While DIY maintenance handles routine care, certain situations require professional expertise. In Texas, all water heaters must be installed by licensed professional plumbers, and complex repairs should follow the same standard.
Annual Professional Maintenance
We recommend annual maintenance to keep your tankless water heater in top working condition. We recommend you call a professional to service your tankless water heater once a year. This will ensure that the unit is operating efficiently and safely.
To be certain your Navien tankless water heater is working correctly and will provide service for many years, annual maintenance is recommended. Annual maintenance removes mineral deposits collected on heat exchangers and other parts.
Professional maintenance includes:
– Complete system descaling and flushing
– Heat exchanger inspection and cleaning
– Gas pressure testing (for gas units)
– Electrical connection verification
– Combustion analysis
– Safety system testing
Signs You Need Professional Help
Contact a licensed plumber immediately if you notice:
- Gas odors around your unit
- Water leaks from connections or the unit itself
- Persistent error codes that return after resetting
- Unusual noises like banging, whistling, or grinding
- Inconsistent water temperature despite clean filters
- Reduced water pressure at hot water fixtures only
If your water heater is gas-powered, it could be an ignition problem. In this case, it’s particularly important to call a professional, as it can be hazardous to attempt tankless water heater repair on a gas system.
Hard Water Solutions
Another thing to keep in mind when installing one of these modern units is that hard water can also be rough on a tankless water heater. If you live in an area with hard water, that may mean investing in a water softener.
Installing a water softener can greatly reduce the rate at which minerals build up in your system. Water softeners treat the water before it enters the heater, removing calcium and magnesium ions that cause scaling. By doing so, they not only prevent mineral buildup but also enhance the overall quality of water in your home.
Professional Descaling and Flushing
Flushing/descaling is a routine maintenance activity that tankless owners must undertake. Failure to flush/descale most tankless water heaters will result in lack of hot water, high wait times, higher energy bills, potential breakdowns, low water pressure, and costly repairs.
Your tankless water heater maintenance schedule depends in part on water hardness. If you have hard water, you may need to perform maintenance more often. You can also install an anti-scale or water softener system to minimize corrosive lime and mineral buildup.
If you have soft water or just average water, plan on flushing your unit once a year. If you have hard water, flush it more often. In the Dallas–Fort Worth area, most homes have moderately hard to hard water, meaning professional flushing every 6-12 months may be necessary.
Maximizing System Efficiency
Beyond basic maintenance, you can take steps to optimize your tankless water heater’s performance and extend its lifespan.
Temperature Settings
To further improve the functionality of your tankless water heater, adjust the temperature settings to reduce standby energy loss. Lowering the temperature to 120°F can lead to significant energy savings without compromising comfort. It also puts less strain on the unit, preventing early breakdowns and other problems.
Usage Patterns
Understanding your system’s capacity helps prevent overload situations. If your tankless water heater frequently becomes overloaded, you should consider either upgrading to a tankless water heater with a higher capacity or adding a second unit. Although a second unit might seem like a large investment, it can actually save you money in the long run since you’ll use less water while waiting for hot water to arrive and less gas to heat the water.
Preventive Measures
As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to clean your tankless water heater yearly, ideally before winter. Depending on your water quality, you might need to do it more often. Manufacturers usually provide maintenance guidelines, so it’s wise to follow their advice.
Emergency Preparedness
Texas weather can be unpredictable, and knowing how to protect your tankless system during extreme conditions is crucial.
Freeze Protection
While tankless units are generally more freeze-resistant than traditional tank systems, proper winterization remains important during rare Texas freeze events. Ensure your unit’s freeze protection features are enabled and consider insulating exposed pipes.
Power Outages
Most tankless systems require electricity even for gas models. Consider having a backup power source or understanding how to safely restart your system after power restoration.
Working with DFW Professionals
When you need professional service, choosing the right company makes all the difference. Look for contractors who:
- Hold proper Texas licenses and insurance
- Specialize in tankless systems
- Offer transparent, upfront pricing
- Provide warranty coverage on repairs
- Understand local water conditions
We serve homeowners throughout Dallas–Fort Worth, including Arlington, Plano, Irving, and Garland, with water heater installation and maintenance services. Our licensed and insured technicians understand the unique challenges Texas water presents to tankless systems.
For emergency plumbing needs, we provide 24/7 service throughout the DFW area. Whether you’re dealing with a complete system failure or need urgent repairs, our certified technicians respond quickly to restore your hot water service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I flush my tankless water heater in the DFW area?
Because of the design of these units, due to the hard water that exists in North Texas, we recommend performing regular maintenance. Most DFW homes should have professional flushing every 6-12 months due to moderate to high mineral content in local water supplies. It’s recommended to perform maintenance on your tankless water heater at least once a year. Regular maintenance helps prevent mineral buildup, ensures efficient operation, and extends the system’s lifespan.
Can I perform my own tankless water heater maintenance?
If you are reasonably handy, it is rather simple, and you will save an annual financial expense. If this is the direction you choose, please consult the owner’s manual for a complete outline and checklist for this process. However, be advised that if you damage your water heater while performing routine maintenance, you may void your warranty. Basic tasks like cleaning filters and visual inspections are safe for homeowners, but complex procedures like descaling should be left to professionals.
What are the most common tankless water heater problems in Texas?
Mineral buildup is a common problem that can affect performance due to Texas hard water conditions. Signs include inconsistent water temperature, reduced water flow, strange noises, or error codes displayed on the unit. These symptoms indicate potential issues that require professional attention. Other common issues include system overload from simultaneous usage and ignition problems in gas units.
How long should a tankless water heater last in Texas?
Properly maintained tankless water heaters can last for over 20 years. Improperly maintained, and your system could need replaced in as little as 6 or 7 years. The frequency at which a system requires maintenance can vary according to three factors: The amount of hot water used. The “hardness,” or mineral content, of your water. With Texas hard water conditions, regular professional maintenance becomes even more critical for achieving maximum lifespan.
Regular maintenance keeps your tankless water heater running efficiently for decades, providing reliable hot water while saving energy costs. When you need professional water heater installation DFW services or expert maintenance, our licensed technicians are ready to help. Call us today to schedule your annual service and keep your system operating at peak performance.