Tankless water heaters have become a popular choice among Redwood City homeowners for their efficiency, compact design, and endless supply of hot water. But there’s one hidden issue that can drastically reduce their performance: hard water buildup.
In areas like Redwood City, where mineral-rich water is common, regular descaling isn’t just recommended, it’s essential. At Handy Bay Plumbing, we provide professional tankless water heater descaling services designed to protect your system, maximize energy efficiency, and keep your hot water flowing year-round.
The Problem with Hard Water in Redwood City
Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium minerals. When heated, these minerals form limescale deposits that cling to the internal components of your water heater, especially the heat exchanger.
Over time, this buildup can:
- Restrict water flow
- Reduce heating efficiency
- Causes uneven water temperatures
- Shorten the unit’s lifespan
- Lead to expensive repairs or replacements
Because Redwood City’s water tends to be on the harder side, tankless water heaters here require more frequent descaling and maintenance compared to regions with softer water.
How Often Should You Descale a Tankless Water Heater?
While most manufacturers recommend descaling once every 12 months, homes in hard water areas like Redwood City may need service more often.
Recommended Descale Schedule:
- Every 6 months: For homes with very hard water or heavy usage (large families or frequent hot water use).
- Every 9–12 months: For moderate water hardness and average use.
- Annually: For homes with a water softener installed and low mineral levels.
Our professionals at Handy Bay Plumbing assess your specific water conditions and usage to create a custom descaling schedule that keeps your system running at peak efficiency.
Why DIY Descaling Isn’t Recommended
While some homeowners attempt DIY descaling with vinegar or store-bought solutions, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Improper cleaning can damage internal components, void your warranty, or leave behind mineral traces that continue to corrode the system.
Our technicians use commercial-grade descaling solutions and specialized circulation pumps to remove limescale thoroughly and safely. Plus, we inspect other critical parts, like the filter, gas line, and valves, to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The Benefits of Professional Tankless Water Heater Descaling
1. Improved Energy Efficiency
A clean system heats water faster and uses less energy, which translates into lower utility bills.
2. Consistent Hot Water Supply
Regular descaling prevents temperature fluctuations and ensures steady water pressure throughout your home.
3. Extended Equipment Lifespan
Removing mineral deposits prevents internal corrosion and damage to heating elements, adding years to your unit’s service life.
4. Lower Risk of Breakdowns
Routine maintenance catches small issues early, preventing costly repairs and inconvenient hot water interruptions.
Signs Your Water Heater Needs Descaling
If you’re unsure when your tankless system was last serviced, watch for these warning signs:
- Fluctuating water temperatures
- Reduced water flow or pressure
- Strange noises from the unit
- Longer heating times
- Increased energy bills
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to schedule a professional descaling service in Redwood City before buildup causes serious damage.
Our Professional Descaling Process
At Handy Bay Plumbing, our certified team follows a detailed, eco-conscious process for descaling tankless water heaters in Redwood City homes:
- System inspection: We assess mineral buildup and check for any leaks or component wear.
- Power and water shutoff: Ensures safe maintenance conditions.
- Descaling solution circulation: A professional-grade, biodegradable solution runs through the system to dissolve all mineral deposits.
- Flush and rinse: Clean water is circulated to remove all residue and restore purity.
- Final performance test: We verify pressure, temperature, and flow for optimal operation.
How to Reduce Hard Water Damage Between Services
Even with regular descaling, there are ways to minimize limescale buildup and extend your system’s lifespan:
- Install a water softener or conditioner to reduce mineral content.
- Use pre-filters to trap sediments before they reach the heater.
- Schedule annual maintenance with certified professionals.
- Avoid harsh DIY cleaners that can damage your unit.
At Handy Bay Plumbing, we can also recommend and install water filtration systems tailored for Redwood City homes.
Call to Action – Protect Your Hot Water System Today
Don’t wait for hard water to take a toll on your investment. Keep your tankless water heater efficient, reliable, and long-lasting with professional descaling services from Handy Bay Plumbing, Redwood City’s trusted plumbing maintenance experts.
Call us today or schedule your service online to book your next descaling appointment. Experience better performance and lower energy bills with expert care you can trust!
