The disclosed technology includes a tankless liquid heater system for detecting buildup on a heating element, including: a chamber; at least one heating element to heat liquid in the chamber; at least one sensor to detect data associated with identifying buildup on the at least one heating element; and at least one device to: receive the data detected by the at least one sensor; determine, based on the data, an amount of the buildup on the at least one heating element; and adjust an operation of the at least one heating element based on the amount of the buildup on the at least one heating element.