If you’ve made the switch to a tankless water heater, chances are you value efficiency, convenience, and long-term energy savings. But like any appliance in your home, it needs regular care to keep doing its job properly. If you own a tankless water heater in Union, it’s important to understand how neglecting maintenance can lead to costly and frustrating issues down the road.
Here at Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning, we’ve seen what happens when a tankless water heater is left unchecked for too long. Spoiler alert: it’s not pretty—and not efficient.
Reduced Efficiency and Higher Energy Bills
A major selling point of tankless water heaters is energy savings. However, if your unit isn’t properly maintained—such as through regular descaling and filter cleaning—it loses its edge quickly. Hard water minerals can build up on the heating elements, forcing the system to work harder just to keep your water warm. You might not notice the change immediately, but your monthly energy bills will certainly reflect the difference.
Inconsistent or No Hot Water
One of the biggest complaints we hear from customers with neglected systems is spotty hot water—or none at all. That’s often the result of clogged sensors or blocked flow restrictors. What started as a small maintenance task becomes a bigger issue when you’re standing in a freezing shower or waiting forever for warm water to arrive. We often remind our customers that these little signs of trouble are your system’s way of asking for help before something more serious goes wrong.
Pro tip: If your water heater suddenly can’t keep up with your household’s hot water demands, a service call may be overdue.
Shorter System Lifespan
Tankless water heaters are built to last longer than traditional tank models, but that only holds when you keep up with basic upkeep. Mineral scaling, debris buildup, and overworked parts can wear the system down faster than expected. Instead of getting 15–20 years out of your investment, you may be looking at a replacement much sooner than you planned.
Don’t forget: Annual professional maintenance goes a long way in keeping your unit running at peak performance.
Voided Warranty
Many homeowners don’t realize that skipping maintenance can void their manufacturer’s warranty. If a problem arises and you haven’t followed the recommended service schedule, you could be stuck footing the repair or replacement bill on your own. We’ve seen it happen—and it’s always a frustrating (and expensive) surprise.
Unexpected Repairs and Water Damage
Lastly, neglecting maintenance can lead to unexpected breakdowns and even water damage. Corrosion, leaks, or system failure can cause water to leak inside your walls or flooring. What could’ve been a quick tune-up now turns into a bigger plumbing and home repair job.
Regular service is much more affordable than emergency repairs or water damage restoration.
We get it—life gets busy. But taking a little time each year to care for your tankless water heater is one of the smartest moves you can make as a homeowner.
Established in 1912, Max Sr & Paul Schoenwalder Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning is your trusted resource for reliable HVAC repair in Mountainside. Reach out to us today!