How long does it take to service a tankless water heater?

Author: Layne Ortiz  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 3, 2026

During a professional water heater maintenance call, a technician will flush a solution through the burner system to remove mineral deposits. This process can take anywhere between 90 minutes and two hours.

How often should a tankless water heater be serviced?

However, these systems require proper maintenance to prevent premature component failure and ensure long service life. Generally, tankless water heaters should be serviced once a year; however, they may require more frequent maintenance if you have hard water or if you keep your water temperature high.

How much does it cost to have a tankless water heater serviced?

Common Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Expenses

Labor costs can range from $50 to $150 per hour, while replacement parts can cost between $20 to $500, depending on the part's complexity and brand.

How long does it take to clean a tankless water heater?

Flushing your tankless heater is a simple task, but it does take 1-2 hours to complete. For most water quality, completing this task once a year will suffice, but if you have especially hard water you may want to complete more often.

What happens if you don't service your tankless water heater?

If you neglect maintenance on your tankless heater, it will reduce the lifespan of your investment. You could go years without performing maintenance and the heater will still function. It won't heat the water efficiently, but it will still produce hot water at a reduced flow rate.

Tankless Water-Heater Maintenance

Can I service my own tankless water heater?

Can I Do My Own Tankless Water Heater Maintenance? Navien tankless water heater maintenance is relatively simple. You certainly don't need to be a professional plumber, but it doesn't hurt if you are comfortable tackling the occasional DIY project. Whether or not you're ready is entirely up to you.

How many years does a tankless water heater last?

One of the most common questions asked by consumers about tankless water heaters is how long they will last. A tankless water heater can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and operation. In comparison, a standard tank water heater normally has a working life of 10 years or less.

How much do plumbers charge to flush a tankless water heater?

The average cost to flush a tankless water heater can vary. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $100 and $300 for a professional flush, including any additional maintenance services required. DIY flushing costs can range from $30 to $100, depending on the flushing kit purchased.

Can I flush my own tankless water heater?

With the right tools and knowledge, you can certainly flush a tankless water heater by yourself. In fact, there are water heater flushing kits you can buy online for the job, which come with everything you need. They include things like a circulation pump, hoses, a bucket and a cleaning agent.

Can you take a long shower with a tankless water heater?

With a tankless water heater, you can take a shower, use the dishwasher, and do laundry all at the same time without losing hot water.

Can a tankless water heater service a whole house?

Yes, a whole-house tankless water heater is designed to meet the hot water needs of an entire household. These systems are capable of delivering a continuous supply of hot water, ensuring that multiple showers, appliances, and taps can run simultaneously without running out of hot water.

How much money will I save by switching to a tankless water heater?

It's true: tankless water heaters will cut up to 40% off your monthly energy bill. By heating water instantaneously and only when you need it, you and your family members can enjoy continuous, uninterrupted hot water at the same time, along with savings over a conventional tank.

What happens if you don't descale your tankless water heater?

What happens if I don't flush out my tankless water heater? Mineral deposits may build up. This could cause a clog within the unit and may prevent normal heating activity. Your hot water could also fluctuate and overheat the system, impacting its efficiency.

How many hours does it take to install a tankless water heater?

Installing a tankless water heater typically takes four to five hours, depending on the type of system and a household's needs. The installation process duration also depends on your location and which professionals are available when you need an installation.

Can I flush my water heater myself?

You can flush your water heater yourself if it's done on a regular basis. This guide will take you through the steps to drain and flush a gas or electric water heater. Learning how to clean a water heater is an essential part of maintaining your plumbing system.

What happens if tankless water heater is not flushed?

You need to flush a tankless water heater once a year to get rid of mineral deposits and sediment that block the water flow. If you don't, this problem can cause your tankless hot water heater to stop working. You also might void the warranty by not doing it.

What maintenance is required for tankless water heaters?

The most complicated and time-consuming tankless water heater maintenance is typically descaling and flushing out the unit. Even with the inline water filter, lime and calcium deposits can build up inside the tankless system. If you have hard water, it's a good idea to descale and flush the unit once a year.

Can you burn out a tankless water heater?

If a heating element begins to ground out, it will stay on all the time and overheat drastically. Not surprisingly, the result will be painfully hot water – and that's just for starters. With time, the heater element will burn itself out completely. Then you'll have no hot water at all until the element is replaced.

How much does your electric bill go up with a tankless water heater?

How Much Electricity Does a Tankless Water Heater Use? Many people wonder if tankless water heaters increase electric bills. The answer is no — tankless water heaters can save money on your monthly electric bill because they're 8%-34% more efficient than storage water heaters.

How long do tankless water heaters last?

Tankless water heaters usually last for around 15-20 years before they need to be replaced, but they may need replacing sooner if they start to break down or lose efficiency. Some common signs your tankless water heater needs to be replaced include: Low water pressure. Water doesn't get hot.

Is $250 a high price to flush a water heater?

A 30-gallon tank will cost between $90 and $120 on average, while a 70-gallon tank could cost anywhere between $180 and $250. Your water heater's capacity can increase or decrease the time it takes to wait for the water to cool, drain the tank, flush the tank with cool water, and refill it during the flushing process.

What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

Before you commit to buying a tankless water heater, the primary drawbacks to know include: Higher upfront costs. Tankless water heaters are, on average, quite a bit more expensive to buy and install than tank water heaters. Access to fuel.

How do you know when a tankless water heater needs to be replaced?

Signs you need a new tankless water heater include:
  1. Increased Energy Bills. Tankless water heaters are known to save you money on heating costs. ...
  2. Poor Hot Water Quality. You may notice the hot water isn't the same anymore. ...
  3. Strange Noises. ...
  4. Age. ...
  5. Multiple Charlotte Water Heater Repairs.

Why don't more people use tankless water heaters?

Some people hesitate to decide on a tankless water heater because they can be a slightly higher cost; however, you get significantly more life out of one. A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!

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