Keep Your Tankless Water Heater Efficient & Reliable Year-Round

We remove and inspect the inlet water screen or filter. If it shows sediment buildup (discolored, particles visible, or flow restricted), we replace it immediately. Even if the filter looks clean, we replace it if your area has sediment-heavy water or if over a year has passed since the last replacement. A fresh filter ensures maximum water flow and prevents low-flow error codes.

• Remove inlet water filter or screen
• Inspect for sediment accumulation and blockage
• Replace with manufacturer-approved filter if needed
• Flush inlet line to clear any residual sediment
• Reinstall new filter and verify no leaks at connection

We inspect the entire tankless assembly: gas connections, water supply lines, outlet piping, venting, and mounting brackets. We look for corrosion (white crusty deposits on copper, rust stains on fittings), loose connections (which develop micro-leaks), water marks indicating past leaks, and proper venting slope. We test all connections for tightness and integrity.

• Inspect gas line connections for corrosion, loose fittings, or leaks
• Check all water connections (inlet, outlet) for tightness and micro-leaks
• Inspect venting pipe for blockages, improper slope, or separation
• Examine unit mounting brackets for security and corrosion
• Check electrical connections (if applicable) for corrosion or loose terminals
• Test for any visible gas or water leaks using soapy water test

Improper venting creates serious safety risks. We inspect vent termination: is it clear of debris (bird nests, leaves, ice buildup)? Is the slope correct (minimum 1/4” rise per 1 foot for horizontal runs)? We also perform a draft test—a diagnostic check that confirms exhaust gases are venting safely outdoors and not backdrafting into the home. We verify all vent connections are sealed and not leaking.

• Verify vent termination is clear of debris and obstruction
• Check vent slope for proper drainage of condensate
• Perform draft test to confirm proper exhaust venting
• Inspect vent pipe for corrosion, cracks, or separation
• Check vent seals for integrity; reseal if needed
• Verify no combustion gases are backdrafting into living space

If your area has hard water, professional descaling is essential. We connect a descaling pump to the unit inlet and outlet ports, then circulate food-safe descaling solution (typically citric acid or similar—manufacturer-approved, safe for your home) through the heat exchanger. The solution dissolves mineral deposits accumulated inside, restoring water flow and heat transfer efficiency. This process typically takes 45–60 minutes depending on scale severity and manufacturer procedure. We then flush the system thoroughly with clean water.

• Connect descaling pump to unit inlet and outlet ports
• Run descaling solution through heat exchanger per manufacturer procedure
• Circulate for recommended duration (typically 45–60 minutes)
• Monitor pressure and flow during descaling process
• Flush system thoroughly with clean water multiple times
• Restart unit and verify normal outlet temperature and flow

The flame sensor, water flow sensor, and ignition system are tested and cleaned if needed. Soot or mineral deposits on the flame sensor reduce its sensitivity, which can cause ignition failures. We clean electrodes if needed and test electrical continuity. We verify all safety controls respond correctly: the thermal shutoff, pressure switches, and flow sensor all operate as designed.

• Inspect and clean flame sensor electrode if needed
• Test flame sensor element for proper resistance value
• Inspect spark electrode for corrosion or misalignment
• Test ignition control module output voltage
• Test gas valve solenoid coil resistance
• Verify water flow sensor responds to demand
• Test all safety shutoff circuits for continuity

We power up the unit and run it through multiple heating cycles. We verify ignition is strong and reliable, the modulating gas burner responds smoothly to demand, outlet water temperature matches the setpoint, and no error codes appear. We measure final gas pressure and water flow, comparing them to the “before” measurements from Step 1. We run hot water for several minutes to confirm temperature stability.

• Power unit and observe startup sequence
• Confirm spark and flame establishment at ignition
• Verify modulating burner responds smoothly to temperature demand
• Measure final outlet water temperature and compare to setpoint
• Verify no error codes appear during multiple heating cycles
• Test cold water bypass and verify quick hot water delivery
• Measure final gas pressure and water flow
• Compare final measurements to initial readings to confirm improvement

Before we leave, we provide a brief walk-through: how to recognize warning signs (weak hot water, error codes, unusual sounds), inlet filter replacement frequency (every 12 months in normal water; more often if sediment is heavy), descaling schedule (annually in hard water; every 2–3 years in soft water), and emergency contact procedures. We leave documentation of the service performed—parts replaced, measurements recorded, recommendations for next year.

• Explain the maintenance performed and any parts replaced
• Demonstrate inlet filter location and replacement procedure
• Discuss descaling frequency based on water hardness
• Explain how to recognize error codes and warning signs
• Provide written maintenance record with measurements and findings
• Leave manufacturer manuals and documentation
• Provide emergency contact number and dispatch availability
• Offer scheduling for next annual maintenance