In HelloNation, Plumbing and HVAC Expert Scott Wickersheim Examines Whether Tankless Water Heaters Really Need No Maintenance

A HelloNation Article Addresses a Common Myth About Tankless Water Heaters and Explains Why Annual Maintenance Still Matters.

HACKENSACK, N.J., Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Do tankless water heaters really need no maintenance? A HelloNation article addresses this common myth and explains why regular care still matters for the unit.

The article explains that many homeowners believe a tankless water heater simply runs on its own indefinitely once installed. According to the article, this assumption does not match reality, and skipping maintenance can lead to costly problems over time.

The article notes that hard or well water can cause mineral buildup inside the unit's heat exchanger. As calcium and magnesium accumulate, water flow is restricted, and the system has to work harder to heat the same amount of water.

Without regular maintenance, the article warns, buildup can eventually trigger high temperature lockouts, sudden drops in water pressure, or complete system failure. These issues rarely appear without warning, since minor symptoms tend to show up first.

Annual flushing is described in the article as the most effective defense against sediment buildup inside a tankless water heater. During this process, a professional plumber circulates a descaling solution through the system to clear out accumulated minerals.

Homes with softer water still benefit from an annual check, the article notes, even if flushing is needed less often. Warning signs highlighted in the article include inconsistent hot water temperatures, longer wait times, and error codes displayed on the unit's control panel.

If these symptoms go unaddressed, the article explains, buildup can permanently damage the heat exchanger, one of the most expensive parts to replace in the entire unit. Routine maintenance, by contrast, helps the system heat water faster and use less energy to reach the desired temperature.

The insights featured in the article come from Plumbing and HVAC Expert Scott Wickersheim of Wickersheim & Sons in Hackensack, New Jersey, who serves as the source for this guidance. Plumbing and HVAC Experts often recommend that homeowners in areas with hard water consider installing a whole home water softener to protect a tankless water heater and other fixtures.

The article also advises homeowners to check the unit's air intake and exhaust vents periodically, since blockages from debris or insects can interfere with safe operation.

The article points out that timing matters when scheduling this kind of service, noting that many homeowners find it easiest to remember an appointment when it falls during the same month each year. Spring and fall are described as popular choices, since demand for plumbing services tends to be lower during these seasons, which can also mean shorter wait times.

New homeowners who inherit a tankless system are encouraged by the article to request maintenance records or schedule a flush soon after moving in. The article concludes that a small amount of yearly care can prevent major expenses and extend the life of the unit for many years.

Do Tankless Water Heaters Really Need No Maintenance? features insights from Scott Wickersheim, Plumbing and HVAC Expert of Hackensack, New Jersey, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America's Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation