Tankless Water Heater Inspection Tips

Tankless water heaters require consistent upkeep to ensure safety, efficiency, and long-term performance. Skipping inspections can lead to costly repairs, void warranties, and even pose safety risks. Regular maintenance, which typically costs $100–$200, can extend the lifespan of your unit to up to 20 years while maintaining water quality and energy efficiency.

Key Maintenance Tasks:

• Inspect Safety Features: Test the TPR valve and check gas or electrical connections for leaks or damage.
• Clean Filters: Water and air filters should be cleaned every six months to ensure smooth operation.
• Flush the System: Annually descale the unit to prevent mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water.
• Check Burners or Heating Elements: Ensure proper gas combustion or inspect electric components for damage.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Flashlight, adjustable wrench, digital thermometer, descaling kit, cleaning brushes, and a five-gallon bucket.

By following these steps and scheduling professional inspections annually, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns, lower energy bills, and ensure reliable hot water in your home.

Tankless Water Heater – Annual Maintenance Routine

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools ahead of time makes inspecting your tankless water heater much easier and more efficient. Many of the items you’ll need are common household tools, while a few specialized ones are worth adding to your collection for more in-depth maintenance tasks.

Basic Tools for Standard Checks

Start with a good flashlight. Tankless water heaters are often tucked away in dim areas like basements, utility closets, or mounted on exterior walls. A bright LED flashlight is a great choice – it provides consistent light without overheating.

A digital thermometer is another must-have. It lets you check water temperatures quickly and accurately, helping you identify any inconsistencies in both the incoming cold water and outgoing hot water.

An adjustable wrench is handy for checking connections and making minor adjustments. It’s perfect for tightening water lines, gas fittings, or mounting hardware without the risk of over-tightening.

For more detailed inspections, you’ll need a few additional tools designed for specific tasks.

Special Tools for Detailed Inspections

A simple dish soap and water solution is a budget-friendly way to check for gas leaks. Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. When sprayed on gas connections, bubbles will form if there’s a leak.

A descaling kit with a recirculation pump is essential for removing mineral buildup. In regions with hard water, like the Greater Houston area, experts such as ATEX Inspects, LLC recommend flushing tankless water heaters annually to prevent scaling and corrosion.

You’ll also need washer and dryer connection hoses to link the pump, bucket, and service ports. These flexible hoses are compatible with most tankless water heater service valves.

A descaling solution is specially formulated to dissolve mineral deposits without damaging your system. Depending on the buildup, the descaling process usually takes 30 to 90 minutes.

A five-gallon bucket is a simple but crucial part of the setup. It holds the cleaning solution as it circulates through the heater.

Lastly, keep soft brushes and cloths on hand for cleaning delicate components like igniters, flame sensors, and heating elements. These tools allow you to remove dirt and buildup gently, preserving the integrity and performance of your system.

With these tools ready, you’ll be well-prepared to inspect and maintain your tankless water heater, ensuring it operates safely and efficiently. Proper preparation can make all the difference.

How to Inspect Your Tankless Water Heater

Start by checking the essential safety features of your tankless water heater. Focus on testing the Temperature and Pressure Relief (TPR) valve and inspecting the gas or electrical connections.

Test the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve

The TPR valve plays a crucial safety role by releasing water and pressure if things inside the system get dangerously high. It’s a good idea to test this valve every six months. Before you begin, place a bucket or pan under the drain pipe and wear closed-toe shoes to protect yourself from the hot water.

To test the valve, locate its test lever and lift it for about five seconds. You should see hot water flow into your bucket, and the lever should snap back into place when you let go. If no water comes out or if it keeps flowing after the lever is released, try lifting and releasing the lever again to clear any debris. If the valve still doesn’t work as it should, call a licensed plumber to replace it.

“Remember, the T&P valve prevents dangerous pressure build-up.” – Dave Jones, Master Plumber at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service

Once the TPR valve is checked, move on to inspecting the gas or electrical connections.

Check Gas or Electrical Connections

Make sure to turn off the energy source before inspecting the connections.

For gas-powered units, carefully examine the gas lines and connection points. Apply a soapy water solution to the pipes and fittings – bubbles will indicate a leak that needs immediate attention from a professional.

For electric units, inspect the wiring for any damage, such as frayed insulation, burn marks, or loose connections. Confirm that the unit is grounded properly according to local electrical codes, and avoid using extension cords with it. If you spot any issues, stop your inspection and contact a licensed plumber or qualified technician right away.

For more tips and in-depth maintenance advice, check out Plumbing Sniper at https://plumbingsniper.com.

Maintenance Tasks to Do During Inspection

Once you’ve completed safety checks, inspections are a great time to tackle important maintenance tasks. These simple steps can help your system run more efficiently, prevent expensive repairs, and extend the life of your heater.

Clean Filters and Flush the System

Most tankless water heaters come with water and air filters that need regular cleaning to keep everything running smoothly.

Cleaning the Water Filter

Start by turning off the power to your heater and shutting off the cold water supply. Remove the lower panel to access the filter, then take out the filter plug and the filter itself. Use a rag, small brush, or crevice tool to clean out debris, and rinse the filter thoroughly with water. When putting the filter and plug back in, hand-tighten them to avoid overtightening.

Flushing the System

Over time, mineral deposits can build up inside the heating chamber, which can damage the internal components. Flushing the system once a year removes these deposits and keeps your unit performing well.

The process takes around 45 minutes and requires 4 gallons of undiluted white vinegar. Avoid using chemical cleaners, as they can harm the unit. After turning off the power and closing the water valves, remove the purge port caps and attach hoses to each valve. Open the purge port valves and follow the instructions in your manufacturer’s manual for the flushing procedure. Once finished, close the valves, remove the hoses, replace the caps, and slowly turn on a hot water tap to release any trapped air. Finally, inspect the heating components to ensure everything is working properly.

Check Burners or Heating Elements

Whether you have a gas or electric model, inspecting the burners or heating elements is crucial.

Gas Burner Maintenance

For gas units, check the burner annually for damage or blockages. Make sure the exhaust venting and air intake piping are free of obstructions. Clean the burner assembly and nozzles to maintain proper gas flow. Pay close attention to the spark and flame sensor electrodes, cleaning them as needed.

A steady blue flame indicates proper combustion, while yellow or flickering flames suggest an issue. In March 2025, Aztec Plumbing reported that homeowners in Fort Myers, Florida, who performed annual burner inspections saw a 30% drop in emergency repair calls and a 15% boost in energy efficiency.

Taking care of these components ensures safe and efficient operation.

Electric Element Inspection

For electric models, use a multimeter to check the resistance of each heating element. A healthy element should read between 5 and 25 ohms. Also, inspect all electrical connections to ensure they are secure and free of corrosion.

Critical Safety Note:
Always make sure the tank is completely full of water before restoring power after maintenance. Turning on the power while the tank is empty can cause a “dry fire”, which can damage the heating element.

Keep a detailed log of all maintenance tasks, including cleaning dates and any part replacements. If you’re unsure about handling certain steps – especially those involving gas lines or electrical components – it’s best to consult a professional technician.

Setting Up a Maintenance Schedule

Creating a regular maintenance routine is key to keeping your tankless water heater running smoothly and lasting longer. Routine upkeep ensures optimal performance, helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns, and extends the life of your unit.

How Often to Inspect

Most manufacturers suggest scheduling a professional inspection once a year. This involves a detailed check-up, cleaning, and any necessary adjustments performed by a qualified technician. If you live in an area with hard water – which can cause mineral buildup – or if your household uses a lot of hot water, inspections every six months might be a better option. Always check your owner’s manual for specific maintenance recommendations tailored to your model.

Having a consistent schedule also makes it easier to keep detailed maintenance records.

Keep Records of Your Maintenance

Maintaining a log of your water heater’s upkeep is incredibly useful. Record the date of every inspection, the tasks completed, any problems found, and parts replaced. This information not only helps you identify patterns and schedule future maintenance but can also be crucial for warranty claims.

For example, plan to clean the filter every six months and flush the system once a year. If you’re dealing with hard water, add extra descaling sessions to your schedule. To save time, you can combine related tasks – like cleaning the strainer and air filter during the same visit.

Using digital tools like calendar alerts or reminders can help you stay on top of these tasks without the hassle of remembering everything manually.

Conclusion

Regular inspections play a key role in maintaining your tankless water heater’s performance, safety, and longevity.

Key Practices for Effective Inspections

Having the right tools makes all the difference. For basic checks, you’ll need items like a flashlight, an adjustable wrench, and a multimeter. For more detailed inspections, specialized tools may come in handy. Focus on essential tasks such as checking for leaks, testing safety valves, and inspecting gas or electrical connections. These regular checks can help you catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs.

Addressing problems early doesn’t just save money – it also improves efficiency. In fact, proper inspections can boost your water heater’s heating efficiency by up to 20%, which translates to noticeable savings on energy bills.

Commit to Routine Maintenance

The insights gained from regular inspections are invaluable for shaping a proactive maintenance plan. A structured approach might include monthly checks for leaks, cleaning inlet filters every six months, and scheduling a professional inspection once a year. Following this routine can extend your water heater’s lifespan by as much as 50%.

“Regular inspections are essential for ensuring optimal performance and longevity when it comes to maintaining your water heater.” – Service Plus Plumbing

Keep a record of your maintenance activities to ensure warranty compliance and to track the health of your unit. By combining consistent care with detailed record-keeping, you not only protect your investment but also ensure reliable hot water for your home.

From quick monthly checks to thorough annual services, regular maintenance keeps your water heater running efficiently while minimizing the need for repairs.

FAQs

What can happen if I don’t regularly inspect my tankless water heater?

Skipping regular check-ups for your tankless water heater isn’t just a minor oversight – it can pose serious safety hazards. Issues like gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, or faulty pressure relief valves could lead to dangerous gas buildup or, in extreme cases, explosions.

On top of safety concerns, ignoring routine maintenance can hit you financially. Your heater may lose energy efficiency, rack up higher repair bills, and wear out faster than it should. Regular inspections are key to keeping your system running safely, efficiently, and lasting as long as possible.

How do I know if my tankless water heater needs descaling more often because of hard water?

If you’re in a region where hard water is common, keep an eye out for reduced water flow, inconsistent water temperatures, or mineral deposits forming around your tankless water heater. These signs often point to scaling, which can impact how efficiently your system operates.

For areas with hard water, it’s recommended to descale your tankless water heater every 6 to 9 months. However, if you start noticing these problems sooner, you might need to perform maintenance more often to keep your unit running smoothly and extend its lifespan.

What steps should I take if I find a gas leak during my tankless water heater inspection?

If you notice a gas leak while checking your tankless water heater, the first step is to turn off the gas supply right away and make sure everyone leaves the area immediately. Stay clear of using anything that could ignite a spark, like electrical switches or matches.

Once you’re in a safe location, call 911 or your local emergency services for assistance. Wait for professionals to inspect and declare the area safe before going back inside. When it comes to gas leaks, it’s always safer to act with extra caution.