Annual Service/Maintenance

One of the most important ways to protect the investment of your tankless water heater is to perform annual inspection and maintenance. Skipping annual maintenance is the number one cause of premature failure, and you could also void the warranty. Proper inspection and maintenance will help you get the highest efficiency and longest life of your heater. 

Why is it important?

The main component in the tankless water heater is the heat exchanger, where the water is passed through small pipes and is heated at high temperatures of up to 199,000 BTU, sending instant hot water to our faucets.  Based upon household demand water flows continuously through the heat exchanger, as a result, scale starts to form in the heat exchanger due to the buildup of mineral deposits. Some commonly found minerals are iron, magnesium and calcium. Over time, these minerals can precipitate out of the water and adhere to the surfaces of the heat exchanger, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing damage.

How often does service need to be completed?

Various factors, such as water temperature, flow rate, and the concentration of minerals in the water, can influence the formation of scales. High water temperatures and low flow rates tend to accelerate the formation of scales. So essentially, the time in between necessary maintenance will depend on the water quality in your home. If you are unsure, descaling the heater should be performed at least once a year to keep the water heater in good condition.  

It’s also important to note that there are two types of periodic maintenance that should be performed. In addition to flushing your unit, additional inspection, cleaning and maintenance is needed. There is an in-line screen filter that keeps foreign debris from infiltrating the tankless system. The screen will need to be checked periodically to make sure it isn’t clogged and is operating correctly. The air filter screen should also be checked and cleaned. The flame rod should be visually inspected to ensure it is operating properly. The unit should be checked for any error codes. Valves and gaskets should also be thoroughly inspected to ensure no leaks of gas/propane or water.

The age of your Rinnai tankless water heater can influence the maintenance frequency as well. Older units may require more frequent maintenance to ensure they continue operating efficiently. Conversely, a newer unit might be fine with annual servicing, at least during the early years of its operation.

In summary, the frequency of maintenance for your Rinnai tankless water heater should primarily follow the manufacturer's recommendations, typically ranging from annual to bi-annual service. However, factors like water quality, usage patterns, the age of the unit, and the local climate can influence the maintenance schedule. It's essential to monitor these factors and be proactive about scheduling maintenance as needed to ensure your tankless water heater operates efficiently, saves energy, and has a long lifespan. Regular maintenance not only helps prevent issues but also ensures that your unit continues to provide you with a consistent supply of hot water when you need it. Consulting with a qualified technician or plumber experienced with Rinnai tankless water heaters can help you establish the best maintenance schedule for your specific circumstances.