In Algonquin, Illinois, where local weather and hard water levels can impact home plumbing systems, routine maintenance of your tankless water heater is essential. One of the most important tasks is flushing the system. Without regular flushing, your tankless water heater can develop a range of issues that affect both performance and longevity. Here, we’ll go over some common problems caused by neglecting this crucial maintenance step and why flushing your tankless water heater should be a top priority.
1. Mineral Buildup Reduces Efficiency
Algonquin’s water supply has moderate to high mineral content, which means that hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium are present. Without regular flushing, these minerals accumulate in your tankless water heater, creating a buildup around the heating elements.
- Impact: As mineral deposits form, they reduce heat transfer efficiency, making your water heater work harder to heat water, which increases your energy costs.
2. Decreased Water Flow
Mineral buildup doesn’t just affect heating efficiency; it can also obstruct water flow within your unit. Over time, the buildup of scale narrows the pathways that water flows through.
- Impact: Reduced water flow means lower water pressure at your taps, which can be frustrating during showers or other water-intensive tasks.
3. Inconsistent Water Temperature
One of the benefits of a tankless water heater is that it delivers a consistent hot water supply. However, without regular flushing, mineral buildup on heating elements can result in fluctuating water temperatures.
- Impact: You may notice your hot water going cold unexpectedly or fluctuating between hot and lukewarm, which can be inconvenient and unpleasant.
4. Corrosion and Damage to Internal Components
Hard water minerals not only accumulate but can also lead to corrosion inside your tankless water heater over time. This corrosion damages internal components, reducing the lifespan of your water heater.
- Impact: Corrosion-related damage is expensive to repair and may even lead to premature replacement of the unit, a costly consequence of skipping regular maintenance.
5. Increased Risk of Costly Repairs
Each of the issues mentioned above increases the likelihood of needing repairs. Whether it’s reduced efficiency, low water pressure, or temperature inconsistencies, you may find yourself calling for a plumber more often than expected if your tankless water heater isn’t flushed regularly.
- Impact: The cumulative effects of mineral buildup lead to more frequent repairs, making it a costly inconvenience for Algonquin homeowners.
Conclusion
Routine maintenance, especially flushing your tankless water heater, is critical in Algonquin’s water environment. Flushing your unit helps prevent mineral buildup, ensures consistent water temperature, and extends the lifespan of your water heater, saving you from costly repairs and replacements.
If you’re due for a tankless water heater flush or notice any of the above issues, J Blanton Plumbing is here to help. Our experienced team of plumbers in Algonquin is equipped to handle all aspects of water heater maintenance, keeping your system running smoothly. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance service!
