Yes — tankless water heaters need different maintenance than traditional tank-style heaters. Tankless units require annual descaling to remove mineral buildup inside the heat exchanger, plus inlet filter cleaning and burner inspection. Tank-style heaters need annual flushing for sediment, anode rod inspection, and T&P valve testing.

Maintenance differences

  • Tankless — Annual descaling, inlet filter cleaning, vent inspection
  • Tank-style — Annual flush, anode rod check, T&P valve test
  • Hard water areas — Both benefit from a water softener
  • Both — Annual professional inspection

We service both types through our water heater maintenance service. See tankless for descale, plus the Mainstream Maintenance Plan.