Protecting your instant water heater (also known as a tankless water heater) is essential to prolong its lifespan and ensure consistent performance. Instant water heaters are an investment, and since they often deal with hard water, high temperatures, and fluctuating water pressures, a good protection system is key. Let me guide you through the best options to protect your system, based on what I’ve installed and maintained over the years.
1. Water Softener for Hard Water Protection
If you have hard water (which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium), it can lead to mineral buildup inside your water heater, reducing efficiency and eventually causing damage. A water softener is the best solution to this problem. This system removes the minerals from the water before they ever reach your water heater.
Key Features:
- Prevents limescale buildup in the heat exchanger
- Improves energy efficiency over time
- Prolongs the life of your heater
- Reduces maintenance and descaling needs
Recommended Option:
- Aquasana Whole House Salt-Free Water Conditioner:
- This conditioner prevents scale without adding salt to the water, making it a great eco-friendly option. It’s also maintenance-free once installed.
2. Sediment Filter for Water Quality
If your water supply has sediment, dirt, or debris, it can clog up the pipes in your water heater and reduce flow. Installing a sediment filter helps filter out these particles before they enter the system, which not only protects your water heater but also improves water quality throughout your home.
Key Features:
- Protects your water heater from debris that can cause clogs
- Maintains consistent water pressure
- Simple installation at the point of entry
Recommended Option:
- iSpring WGB32B 3-Stage Whole House Water Filtration System:
- This filter uses a 3-stage process to remove sediment, chlorine, and other impurities from the water, offering long-term protection for your water heater and other appliances.
3. Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV) for Water Pressure Control
High water pressure can put unnecessary stress on your tankless water heater. Most systems are designed to operate within a specific pressure range, typically between 30 and 80 psi. A pressure regulating valve (PRV) keeps the water pressure consistent, ensuring that it doesn’t exceed the maximum allowable limit for your water heater.
Key Features:
- Reduces strain on the water heater due to fluctuating water pressure
- Prevents leaks and potential damage to internal components
- Helps maintain consistent water flow rates
Recommended Option:
- Zurn Wilkins 70XL Pressure Reducing Valve:
- This valve can be easily installed on the main water line to regulate water pressure and protect your water heater and other fixtures from damage due to excessive pressure.
4. Descaler System for Scale Prevention
Even with soft water, you can still get a buildup of scale over time. A descaler system helps prevent limescale from sticking to the components of your water heater, especially in areas with very hard water. These systems typically use an electric or magnetic field to alter the properties of the minerals, preventing them from forming scale on the heat exchanger.
Key Features:
- Requires no chemicals or salts
- Works with all types of water
- Easy installation and minimal maintenance
Recommended Option:
- Eddy Electronic Water Descaler:
- This descaler is an affordable option that electronically prevents limescale buildup. It’s a great addition if you don’t want the hassle of maintaining a traditional water softener.
5. Expansion Tank for Thermal Protection
Tankless water heaters, though they don’t store water like traditional tanks, still need to deal with expansion in the plumbing system. An expansion tank absorbs excess pressure from thermal expansion when hot water is generated. This is especially important in closed-loop plumbing systems with a backflow preventer.
Key Features:
- Absorbs pressure spikes from thermal expansion
- Reduces wear and tear on the plumbing system
- Protects the heater from potential damage due to pressure fluctuations
Recommended Option:
- Amtrol ST-5 Expansion Tank:
- This small but effective tank absorbs extra pressure from your plumbing system, which helps prevent stress on your water heater and piping.
6. Surge Protector for Electrical Protection
A surge protector can save your tankless water heater from electrical damage. This is especially important in areas prone to lightning strikes or power surges, as tankless water heaters rely on electronic components to function. A single power surge can knock out the control board, rendering the heater useless.
Key Features:
- Prevents electrical damage from power surges or lightning strikes
- Easy to install on the electrical circuit
- Extends the life of the water heater’s electronic components
Recommended Option:
- Leviton 51120-1 Whole House Surge Protector:
- This unit provides comprehensive protection for all appliances in your home, including your water heater, by absorbing power surges before they reach your electronics.
Best Protection System Combo for Your Tankless Water Heater
To provide maximum protection, a combination of the systems listed above is ideal. Here’s how they all come together:
| Protection System | Purpose | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|
| Water Softener | Prevents limescale buildup in hard water | Aquasana Salt-Free Conditioner |
| Sediment Filter | Filters debris and improves water quality | iSpring 3-Stage Filtration System |
| Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV) | Controls water pressure to protect the unit | Zurn Wilkins Pressure Valve |
| Descaler System | Prevents mineral buildup in the heat exchanger | Eddy Electronic Descaler |
| Expansion Tank | Absorbs thermal expansion pressure | Amtrol ST-5 Expansion Tank |
| Surge Protector | Protects from electrical surges | Leviton Whole House Surge Protector |
By combining these protection measures, you’re not only preventing common issues like limescale, pressure damage, and electrical surges, but you’re also significantly extending the life of your instant water heater and reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
Maintenance Tip:
Regularly check each component, particularly the water softener and sediment filter, to ensure they’re functioning properly. A little preventive maintenance goes a long way!
With the right protection systems in place, your instant water heater will continue providing reliable, energy-efficient hot water without the risk of unexpected breakdowns.