Maintenance Tips
Maintenance Tips | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Ocoee
Thinking about a tankless water heater install for your Ocoee home? HEP’s licensed plumbers make the switch simple, delivering endless hot water while trimming utility bills and reclaiming precious closet space. Because a tankless system fires only when you open a tap, it can cut energy use by up to 40 %, all while outlasting a traditional tank by years. Our local team sizes the unit correctly for your family, handles code-compliant gas or electric connections, and leaves your space spotless—so you get efficiency without the headaches.
To keep that new system running flawlessly, follow HEP’s quick maintenance tips: flush the heat exchanger annually to remove mineral scale, inspect the in-line screen filter every few months, and make sure exterior venting stays clear of debris. A little DIY attention, paired with our affordable service plans, prevents surprise shutdowns and protects your warranty. Ready to enjoy endless hot water and lower bills? Call HEP today and schedule your tankless water heater install with the most trusted plumbers in Ocoee.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of installing a tankless water heater in Ocoee’s warm climate?
Going tankless eliminates standby heat loss because there is no storage tank, which is an even bigger advantage in Ocoee where incoming water temperatures are relatively high most of the year. The heater only fires when you open a hot-water tap, so energy use drops 20–40 percent compared with a conventional tank. You also gain unlimited hot water for back-to-back showers, free up closet/garage space, and enjoy a unit that typically lasts 18–20 years—almost twice as long as a standard tank water heater.
How often should I flush or descale my tankless unit in Central Florida?
Because Ocoee’s municipal water is considered moderately hard (7–10 grains per gallon), calcium can accumulate on the heat exchanger. Manufacturers and local plumbers recommend a full flush and vinegar or citric-acid descaling once every 12 months for most households. If you notice reduced flow, fluctuating temperatures, or live in a neighborhood with harder well water, schedule a flush every 6 months. A flush involves isolating the heater with service valves, circulating a pump with the cleaning solution for 45 minutes, and then rinsing thoroughly before restoring service.
Can I install a tankless water heater myself, or should I hire a licensed Ocoee plumber?
Tankless installation is rarely a DIY job because it involves upsizing the gas line (199,000 BTU units often need 3⁄4-inch piping), running a 120-volt electrical circuit for the control board, and configuring Category III or IV venting. Florida Building Code also requires a permit and final inspection. A local, licensed plumber will size the unit, secure the permit, handle combustion-air and condensate drains, and register the warranty. Improper DIY installs can void the manufacturer’s warranty and result in carbon-monoxide or scalding hazards.
What routine maintenance should I schedule each year to maximize efficiency and lifespan?
1. Descale/flush the heat exchanger (see above). 2. Clean the cold-water inlet screen filter to remove sand or debris common in Central Florida water lines. 3. Inspect and test the temperature-pressure relief (TPR) valve and condensate drain. 4. Check vent piping for corrosion and verify there is no gas or CO leakage. 5. Update the unit’s firmware (Wi-Fi models) for efficiency and diagnostic improvements. 6. Verify combustion settings with a digital analyzer to keep NOx emissions within code.
Will a tankless water heater lower my utility bills, and when will I notice the savings?
For a typical Ocoee household using 50–60 gallons of hot water per day, a high-efficiency (0.93–0.98 UEF) gas tankless heater can shave $80–$120 a year off natural-gas costs and an additional $20–$30 on electric costs (recirculation pump). Savings start on your very first utility bill, and the payback period is 5–7 years when replacing a failing tank. Pairing the unit with a demand-controlled recirculation loop and low-flow fixtures speeds up ROI by reducing wasted water and energy.
How do I choose the right size (GPM rating) tankless unit for my Ocoee home?
Sizing is based on peak simultaneous demand and the temperature rise required. First, add the flow rates of fixtures you may use at once—for example, two showers (2.0 GPM each) and a kitchen sink (1.5 GPM) = 5.5 GPM. Second, calculate temperature rise: Ocoee’s incoming water averages 72 °F. If you want 120 °F hot water, you need a 48 °F rise. Consult the heater’s spec sheet: a 199k BTU unit delivers about 7.5 GPM at a 50 °F rise, which comfortably covers the 5.5 GPM requirement. A licensed plumber can fine-tune sizing for dishwasher or laundry loads, future bathroom additions, and gas line capacity.