Does a tankless water heater work well with hard water?

The answer is yes, a tankless water heater can work in a home with hard water, but the combination can be problematic if left unchecked because there's the possibility of pipe scaling, which is when calcium and magnesium salts, or other minerals, build up in pipes.
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How long do tankless water heaters last with hard water?

How long do tankless water heaters last with hard water? Even with hard water, tankless water heaters can last up to 20 years. However, this assumes that you perform regular maintenance.
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Is a water softener necessary with a tankless water heater?

A: No. It is not required to install a water softener, but if you live in an area that has hard water it will eventually harm the performance of your tankless water heater.
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How do I protect my water heater from hard water?

Preventing calcium deposits

Other methods for protecting your water heater from calcium include descaling the tank with vinegar or lime cleaner while flushing out the tank. You can also have a water softener system installed to remove hard minerals from the water before it enters the water heater tank.
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What is the most common problems with tankless water heaters?

Most Common Problems With Tankless Water Heaters
  • Overload. Every tankless water heater has a flow rate capacity that should give you a good idea of how much hot water can be used simultaneously. ...
  • Cold Water Sandwich Effect. ...
  • Mineral or Sediment Buildup. ...
  • Flame or Ignition Failure.
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3 Things They Don’t Tell You About Tankless



What is the downside of a tankless water heater?

The main disadvantage of tankless water heaters is their upfront cost (unit and installation) is significantly higher than tank-style heaters. Including installation, tankless water heaters cost 3 times more than tank-style water heaters on average.
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What maintenance is needed on a tankless water heater?

The good news is that tankless water heaters don't require much maintenance, either. A tankless system should be serviced as a part of the regular preventive maintenance that heating and cooling systems receive. Electric or gas components should be inspected.
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Will hard water ruin a water heater?

It contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that build up over time, leading to scaly deposits in pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Hard water is specifically damaging for the water heater. It impacts all types of water heaters and makes it difficult for them to work efficiently.
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Can hard water ruin your hot water heater?

Hard water lowers the efficiency of a water heater and raises your operating costs. In a typical gas-powered water heater, a set of burners from the bottom heats the water in the tank. Hard water's minerals can solidify in the form of limescale buildup on the bottom of your water heater's tank.
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Do water softeners ruin water heaters?

Soft water can actually corrode the water heater anode faster. When the anode wears down, the corrosive elements will move on to the tank. So if left alone, a water softener system can actually shorten the lifespan of a water heater.
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How do you soften water in a tankless water heater?

One way to prevent limescale in a tankless water heater is with a water softener. A water softener removes that hard minerals – calcium and magnesium, from the water so that no limescale can form.
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How often should I flush my tankless water heater if I have a water softener?

With a water softening system installed, you may be able to get by flushing your water heater every 3-5 years.
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Is it worth buying a tankless water heater?

Tankless: Gas and electric tankless water heaters run more efficiently than the conventional water heaters of the same fuel type. We rated the annual energy consumption cost Excellent for a gas model but only Fair for an electric, but both rate Very Good for energy efficiency.
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What will dissolve calcium in hot water heater?

White vinegar or descaling solutions are the safest way to remove calcium deposits from a water heater. Using strong acids or attempting to scrape out deposits can damage the water heater.
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How much does it cost to add a tankless water heater?

A tankless water heater costs about $2,362 to install, or between $1,225 and $3,534, but labor rates vary. Tankless model prices vary by brand, type and flow rate. The best way to budget for a new tankless water heater is to compare quotes from local contractors.
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Can I add a water softener to my water heater?

A softener WILL reduce calcium and limescale buildup inside pipes and on fixtures and will reduce the sediment buildup inside a water heater which can potentially extend the life of the heater. It can also reduce the usage of detergents and provide other intangible quality of life benefits.
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Does hard water cause mold?

Over time, hard water mineral buildup can facilitate the growth of mold and bacteria inside the unit.
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What happens if you don't flush 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.
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How much vinegar do you need to flush a tankless water heater?

Use a 1/6-horsepower pump, as anything stronger can damage the heater's inner workings. At $50 to $150 for a pump and the need for annual maintenance for tankless water heaters, it's wise to buy rather than rent. It will take 3 gallons of food-grade white vinegar to get this job done.
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How often do you need to replace a tankless water heater?

Water Heater Lifespan

If your tank water heater is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider replacing it. With proper maintenance, a tank water heater tank should last six to 12 years. A tankless water heater can last for more than 20 years.
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How big of a tankless water heater do I need for a family of 5?

In short, a family of 5 would need a 10 GPM gas tankless heater or 27 kW electric tankless heater if you live in the northern part of the USA, where the input water has a lower temperature. The tankless heater has to work extra hard to bring the water temperature up to 110˚F or 120˚F.
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Which is better hot water tank or tankless?

According to Energy.gov, “For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, demand (or tankless) water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters.” Tankless water heaters (if gas-fired) will save homeowners over $100 annually the longer they remain in service.
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Can a tankless water heater flood a house?

But because tankless water heaters don't actually store water at all, the risk of flooding is tremendously reduced (although damaged pipes still pose a potential risk).
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Do tankless water heaters increase home value?

If you are looking to increase the value of your home, adding a tankless water heater to your features is a great place to start. According to a study conducted by Zillow, homes with tankless water heaters sold for 4% more than their expected value. On average, these homes also sold 43 days faster than expected.
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Do tankless water heater use more electricity?

Tankless heaters can be 24-34% more energy-efficient than regular water heaters for households that use 41 gallons or fewer of hot water daily. Tankless heaters can be 8-14% more energy-efficient for households that use around 86 gallons daily.
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