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Tips For Caring For An On-Demand Water Heater

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If you've decided to convert from a hot water tank to a tankless or on-demand water heater, you'll need to understand how to keep that system running at its best. After all, tankless hot water heaters are vulnerable to some problems as well. Here's a look at some of the issues you should watch out for and some tips to help you deal with them.

Hard Water

If you have hard water, it means that your home's water supply has a higher concentration of minerals than necessary. High mineral levels can lead to various types of mineral deposits and buildup inside your tankless water heater. Over time, this can actually reduce the efficiency of the water heater or ultimately lead to a failed water heater system.

To avoid problems like this, have your water tested before you install an on-demand water heater. If the test results show hard water, install a water softener on the main incoming water line so that it filters out much of those minerals before they ever reach the heater. Then, flush your on-demand water heater periodically with vinegar to eliminate any mineral deposits that may have slipped by.

Rust and Corrosion

On-demand water heaters aren't at risk of as much rust and corrosion as a hot water heater tank would be, but that doesn't mean that it cannot happen. When a tankless water heater does rust or corrode, it can be damaging. If moisture leads to corrosion on the oil burner, it can even interfere with the fuel supply to the heater.

Make sure that your heat exchanger is properly installed so that you can reduce the risk of moisture in the burner. Check the burner for any signs of moisture accumulation. If any becomes visible, you'll need to have it replaced.

Excess Water Draw

Tankless water heaters have a specific capacity for water flow which varies by model. Make sure that you know how much your heater can draw and ensure that you aren't drawing more water than necessary. Choose a heater that can match the water demand that you have, otherwise you're likely to find yourself in the shower while the dishwasher is running only to end up with lukewarm water in both places.

If you need to ensure that you have enough hot water for your needs but you want to get rid of the tank, consider investing in a tankless water heater. With these tips and the help of a local plumber like Allen Plumbing, you can install the perfect water heater for your needs and keep it running at its best.