How much does tankless water heater maintenance cost?

Author: Margarete Gleichner  |  Last update: Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Average Cost of Tankless Water Heater Maintenance The average cost of maintaining a tankless water heater in the United States ranges between $100 to $500 per year. However, the total cost can vary depending on various factors, including the age of your unit, its condition, and the type of maintenance required.

How much does it cost to maintain a tankless water heater?

The cost of maintaining your tankless hot water heater can range from as little as $75 and up to $1,300 for more extensive repairs. On average, the cost to service tankless water heaters is $600. A water heater is an essential part of every home, but you may not appreciate it until it suddenly stops working.

How much does it cost to have someone 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.

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 water heater inspected?

The cost of water heater maintenance ranges from $75 to $300+, depending on the following factors: What the plumber checks during a maintenance visit. Whether you choose a single visit or an annual maintenance plan.

3 Things They Don’t Tell You About Tankless

How much does a plumber charge to flush a water heater?

The national average cost to flush a water heater is $160, but prices can vary in increments based on the tank size. A 30-gallon tank will cost between $90 and $120 on average, while a 70-gallon tank could cost anywhere between $180 and $250.

How much does it cost to get your heater checked?

A furnace inspection costs an average of $80 to $100. Your cost may increase if more furnace repairs are needed, or based on the specifics of your HVAC system. If detrimental issues are uncovered, you'll be quoted for the repair or potential replacement of your HVAC equipment.

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.

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.

What is the life expectancy of a tankless water heater?

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 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 should I run vinegar through my tankless water heater?

Flushing Your Tankless Water Heater
  1. To begin flushing, open the hot- and cold-water ports, turn the pump on, and allow the vinegar to circulate for about an hour. ...
  2. Dump the vinegar from the bucket and close the cold-water service port.
  3. Remove the hose and open the cold water shut-off valve to flush any remaining vinegar.

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 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.

What is the labor cost to replace a tankless water heater?

Labor is a significant cost factor when installing a tankless water heater. It can add $500 to $3,000 to the cost of the project. Point-of-use models require less work to install, so you'll pay on the lower end for labor.

How much money will I save with a tankless water heater?

By heating water only when you need it, ENERGY STAR certified tankless water heaters save a family of four $95 per year, or $1,800 over its lifetime, on gas bills compared to a standard gas storage model.

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

The cost to flush a tankless water heater is $150 to $350 for professional service or $100 to $300 for a DIY tankless flush kit. Costs vary based on your location, plumber rates, and the complexity of the tankless water heater unit. Regular flushing maximizes the unit's efficiency and lifespan.

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.

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.

How much is annual maintenance for tankless water heater?

The average cost of maintaining a tankless water heater in the United States ranges between $100 to $500 per year. However, the total cost can vary depending on various factors, including the age of your unit, its condition, and the type of maintenance required.

How long does it take to service 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 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 much do HVAC guys charge per hour?

The average cost of an HVAC service call is about $100 to $250, depending on the problem. The total hourly rate for an HVAC technician ranges from $65 to $150+ per hour, with additional parts costing anywhere from $40 to over $1000.

Who do you call to check your heater?

A licensed HVAC technician can tell you if it's a power supply or safety issue related to your heater, or if it's a larger electrical issue that an electrician will need to address.

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