Tankless water heaters are efficient and compact, but in hard-water areas like South Florida they need regular descaling to keep working well.
Why scale matters
Tankless units heat water as it flows through a narrow heat exchanger. Minerals in hard water deposit on those hot surfaces. Over time, scale reduces efficiency, restricts flow and can trigger error codes or shut the unit down.
Signs your tankless unit needs descaling
- Fluctuating or lukewarm hot water
- Reduced hot water flow
- Error codes related to scale, flow or overheating
- Longer wait for hot water
- Unusual noises from the unit
How descaling works
- Power and gas (if applicable) are turned off.
- Isolation valves close off the unit from the house plumbing.
- A small pump circulates a descaling solution through the heat exchanger for a set time.
- The unit is flushed with clean water, the inlet filter is cleaned, and the system is restored and tested.
If your unit doesn't have isolation valves, a plumber can install them to make future maintenance quick and simple.
How often?
It depends on your water hardness and usage, and manufacturers' recommendations vary. Many hard-water homes descale about once a year. Homes with a water softener may be able to go longer. Check your manufacturer's guidelines, since skipping maintenance can affect warranty coverage.
Need help?
Our water heater repair & installation team serves Davie and all of Broward County. Call (954) 870-5492.