Tankless water heaters are a popular choice for St. Louis homeowners thanks to their energy efficiency, compact design, and endless hot water. But like any hardworking appliance, they need regular care to perform their best. If you want your system to last for years and run smoothly, tankless water heater maintenance should be a top priority—not an afterthought.
Why Maintenance Matters
Tankless systems heat water on demand, which puts constant pressure on their internal components. Over time, minerals in the water—especially in areas like St. Louis with moderate to hard water—can build up inside the unit. Without routine maintenance, this scale can lead to reduced efficiency, higher energy bills, and even system failure.
Routine maintenance isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for:
- Maximizing energy efficiency
- Extending the life of your unit
- Preventing expensive repairs
- Ensuring consistent hot water performance
What Happens Without It?
Neglecting tankless water heater maintenance often leads to one of the most common problems: scale buildup. Minerals like calcium and magnesium settle on the heat exchanger, which makes the system work harder and shortens its lifespan. In fact, if maintenance is skipped entirely, you may notice lukewarm water, longer wait times for hot water, or even error codes flashing on your unit.
Eventually, scale buildup can trigger overheating sensors and shut the system down altogether. At that point, you’re not just dealing with poor performance—you’re looking at potential repair or replacement costs.
How Often Should You Schedule Maintenance?
Most manufacturers recommend a professional service once a year, especially in regions with hard water. In the St. Louis area, where many homes rely on municipal water with moderate mineral content, annual descaling and flushing is a smart preventative measure.
During a typical maintenance visit, a plumber will:
- Flush the system to remove mineral buildup
- Inspect the heat exchanger and internal components
- Clean the inlet filter
- Test for proper water flow and pressure
- Check for any error codes or wear-and-tear
Regular service also helps maintain your warranty. Some manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance to honor their coverage, so keeping up with it protects your investment.
Don’t DIY This One
While it’s tempting to flush the system yourself using vinegar or a descaling kit, professional maintenance ensures everything is done safely and thoroughly. An experienced plumber can spot potential issues early, before they lead to breakdowns or costly fixes.
A Local Reminder for St. Louis Homeowners
Homes in St. Louis County, especially those in areas like Ballwin, Manchester, or Florissant, may have slightly harder water than others. That means more mineral buildup over time, making tankless water heater maintenance even more important.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homes with properly maintained tankless water heaters can save up to 34% on energy costs compared to traditional storage tank models (source).
Keep Your Hot Water Flowing
If it’s been over a year since your last service—or if you’ve never had one—now is the perfect time to schedule tankless water heater maintenance. At Beis Plumbing, we specialize in keeping your system running like new with honest, expert care.
Give us a call today to book your maintenance visit and keep the hot water flowing all year long.
