How to Descale Your Tankless Water Heater
In fact, every equipment that utilizes water, including your tankless water heater, accumulates scale (calcium and lime build-up) over time.All types of water heaters require descaling at some point in their operation to ensure optimal operation.It is, on the other hand, a little more difficult to flush and descale a tankless water heater than it is a typical tank water heater.The pace at which scale accumulates in your home is also determined by how hard the water is in your home.In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of flushing a tankless water heater using our suggested approach.
Why Do Tankless Water Heaters Need to Be Descaled?
Scale accumulates more slowly in a tankless water heater than it does in a traditional tank water heater.The buildup, on the other hand, has an impact on the functioning of a tankless water heater.It jams and reduces the efficiency of the heating components as a result of the scale accumulation.When this accumulation occurs over time, it will cause your heat exchanger to require an increasing amount of energy when heating your water.Eventually, the accumulation of debris may also impede the flow of water.
- Depending on how long your tankless water heater has been operating without periodic maintenance, the buildup may erode the walls of the unit to the point where it has to be replaced.
How Often Should You Clean a Water Heater?
When it comes to tankless water heaters, we at Lenox Plumbing recommend that you have your first descaling treatment performed three years following the initial installation of your unit.Once a flush has been completed and sediment is discovered, it is advised that the descaling procedure be repeated every three years.However, if no sediment is discovered, it is advised that the procedure be repeated in five years.In the case of hard water, it is possible that you may need to cleanse your water heater on a more frequent basis.If you’re unsure about the water quality in your location, you can inquire with your local authorities for clarification.
- The advice of a reputable plumbing specialist may also assist you in determining how frequently you should flush out your water heater.
Taking Care of Exterior Maintenance
It is also necessary to take care of the exterior of your hot water heater.Fortunately, exterior upkeep does not need a significant investment of time or resources to be done properly.Begin by wiping down the cover of the book.Maintaining cleanliness of the unit by using a non-abrasive cleanser and a soft cloth will assist to keep it free of dust and avoid the formation of rust.After that, look into the pipes.
- Keeping a check on your pipes during cold weather is an excellent strategy to avoid being surprised by a bursting pipe.
- Finally, if your tankless water heater is equipped with a pressure release valve, you should make sure it is working properly.
- Exterior maintenance takes around 20 minutes on average.
- The process of flushing the water heater will take a bit more time.
How to Descale Your Tankless Water Heater
Seek the assistance of a professional plumber in order to gain access to the tankless water heater. In most cases, tankless water heaters are located in the walls of your home, making it difficult to disconnect and reconnect them for the descaling process. This is a task that is best left to someone who is knowledgeable with the system.
To descale a tankless water heater, you will need:
- A 5-gallon bucket
- 3 to 4 gallons of distilled, food-grade white vinegar
- two 3-inch connector drain hoses
- and a pair of rubber gloves.
- Pump that can be submerged in water
Before you begin, keep in mind that the red isolator valve on the unit denotes the hot water side, and the blue isolator valve represents the cold water side.Drain caps are situated on the top of the hot side and on the left of the cold side of the refrigerator, respectively.When the valves are turned to the vertical position, it signifies that they are ″on″ and that water is flowing freely.When the valves are turned to the perpendicular position, they are said to be ″off.″
- Keep the unit running, but turn off the gas valve
- turn off both the hot and cold valves at the same time. Drain caps should be removed from both valves. Place the five-gallon bucket beneath the hot water side of the faucet. Using the bucket, carefully turn the red drain valve to the ″on″ position, allowing any remaining excess water to flow out of the device.
- Step two should be repeated on the cold water side.
- Connect a hose to the submersible pump and set the pump and hose into a five-gallon bucket, filling the bucket halfway with water. Make certain that the power wire does not fall into the container.
- Connect the pump outlet hose to the cold water drain valve
- connect a drain hose to the hot water drain valve and insert the other end of the drain hose into the bucket
- pour enough vinegar into the bucket to completely submerge the pump
- drain the water from the bucket
- and rinse the pump with clean water. Allow for at least an hour of operation by opening both drain valve lever handles on the isolation valves and starting the pump. The vinegar solution should be changed every 30 minutes and repeated many times for best efficiency. The unit will attempt to start, but will fail owing to the lack of gas in the system. After a while, an error code 11 will show, which is quite typical throughout this process. DO NOT RESET
- instead, switch off the pump and close the cold water drain valve after a minimum of one hour of operation. Take off the drain line from the cold water drain valve and replace it with a cover on the drain valve outlet
- take out the pump and drain hose from the bucket and empty the liquid into a sink or bathtub. Place the hot water drain hose back into the empty bucket and turn on the cold water main valve to ensure that the water is flowing. The heater will be flushed out with new cold water after completing this operation. At least five minutes, or until 20 gallons of water have flowed through the heater, should be spent flushing.
- Condensing units should have a bucket beneath them and the drain cock should be opened, which is positioned right under the water heater, to drain away any descaling material that has accumulated in the unit. In addition, remove the water filter for cleaning and unscrew it to allow some water to flow out. To do extra maintenance, turn the main inflow valve to ″OFF.″ Remove any dirt from the filter by rinsing it under running water. Insert the dry filter back into the port, ensuring that it is twisted securely by hand.
- Drain the water by turning the drain valve to the ″OFF″ position. Remove the drain pipe by unscrewing it and pulling it out. Replace the drain cap and make certain that it is securely fitted on
- Restore the ″ON″ position to the main hot and cold valves, as well as the gas supply, by turning them back on. To get rid of the error code 11 that appeared as a result of descaling, restart the unit by turning it off and then back on.
Why Choose a Professional for Tankless Water Heater Descaling?
Your tankless water heater comes into contact with all of the potable water in your home.In the event that you descale your tankless water heater wrong, you don’t want to unintentionally do something that puts your water supply at risk.It is usually preferable to descale your tankless water heater with the assistance of a professional to guarantee that the operation is completed correctly.
Need to Schedule Tankless Water Heater Maintenance?
Maintaining your tankless water heater should be done at least once a year, and this should include a routine tankless water heater flush.You may find that you need to perform additional duties more often, such as cleaning off the exterior of the unit, if the region gathers a lot of dust.It may also be a good idea to install a sump pump to safeguard your basement appliances from flooding.While you can perform some simple maintenance on your own, why not enlist the assistance of our team?We’re always delighted to schedule routine descaling and yearly servicing for both tankless and traditional tank water heaters.
- Please contact us for more information.
- Make contact with Lenox now to receive a quote!
Need to Descale a Tankless Water Heater? Try this.
If you have hard water, you’ll need to descale a tankless water heater at least once a year, and maybe more frequently depending on the hardness of the water.While a tankless water heater is significantly less susceptible to limescale development than a tank-style water heater, it is still important to keep it in good working order.Fortunately, you will not require the services of a plumber to put this strategy into action.Doing it on your own won’t take more than 90 minutes and will save you money.Many contemporary heaters are equipped with sensors and an alarm system that alerts you when there is an excessive development of scale.
- So if you have one of these, you won’t have to worry about trying to remember when you last descaled it.
- That being said, here are the equipment and things you’ll need, as well as instructions on how to utilize them, in order to descale a tankless water heater.
Tools and items that you’ll need
- There are four liters of white vinegar and one tankless water heater descaling pump in this kit.
- Two 34-inch drain tubes (or hoses that are the same size as the connector on your heater)
- A five-gallon pail of water
A ″tankless water heater cleaning kit,″ which includes everything but the wine vinegar, is available for purchase separately.These kits should be widely accessible from a variety of internet retailers as well as niche retailers.Keep in mind, though, that you will almost certainly spend more money on the bundle than you would if you purchased the products individually.It is entirely up to you to determine whether you choose greater convenience or lower expense.
Step by step guide on how to descale a tankless water heater
Once you have obtained all of these components, proceed with the descaling procedure as follows:
Turn off the heater
The first and most important step is to completely turn off the heater.If you have a gas heater, all you have to do is turn the gas valves in the opposite direction of the clock.It is a little more difficult to replace an electric tankless water heater, but it is still possible to do so on your own.To switch off the heater, go to the breaker panel and locate the heater’s circuit breaker.It is also important to remember to switch the heating off.
- This necessitates a little amount of disassembly.
- Remove the cover plate and use a contactless electrical tester to check each and every wire that is attached to the terminal.
- The presence of a light on the tester indicates that the electricity has not been totally utilized, and you will need to wait a bit before continuing to work on your heater.
- Caution: Do not attempt to descale the heater if there are still symptoms of electricity present.
- The unit will suffer irreversible harm as a result of this action.
Turn off the water supply valves
The majority of water supply valves are found beneath the heater.Rotate the cold and hot water valves counterclockwise to turn off both the cold and hot water supply.Also, keep an eye out for the service or drainage valve, which you will need to use to clear out any remaining water that may be trapped inside.Get an empty bucket and set it next to the heater to catch any drips.Pour water out of the device by connecting hoses to the A and B valves of the isolation ports on the back.
- You will obtain around one liter of water from it.
- Once you are certain that the heater is completely depleted, flush the water from the bucket down the sink or toilet.
Connect the hoses and descaling pump
Take one drain hose and hook one end of it to the blue cold water valve on the water heater’s drain line.The other end should be connected to the submersible pump.Once this is completed, attach the second hose to the red hot water valve and insert the other end of the hose into the bucket.A wrench should be used to tighten the hoses to ensure that no leaks will occur.Precaution: Make certain that the pump is not connected to the power source at this time.
- Some pumps do not have a switch, and they begin operating automatically as soon as they are connected to an electrical outlet.
Add vinegar and start the process
Place the pump and the other end of the line that is attached to the hot water valve in the bucket and close the bucket tightly.Make a four-gallon batch of white vinegar and pour it over them to begin the descaling process.Now, switch on the hot water valves and the pump to get the water flowing.Allow the pump to operate for around one hour, ideally, or at the very least for 30 minutes.After then, switch off the pump and let the vinegar to drip back into the bucket again.
Clean the air intake filter
You’ll have plenty of time to clean the air intake filter while waiting for the heater to flush itself. Every model is unique, so consult your user manual to see where yours is situated and how to gain access to it.
Rinse the water heater
All of the vinegar should have been drained out during the time it took you to clean the air intake filter.Let’s get started on washing the heater by tossing away the vinegar.Continue to use the hot water hose, and only the hoses that are connected to the cold water valve and the pump should be removed.Replace the cap on the service valve and turn on the cold water supply to the house.The water will begin to run through your unit and drain back into the bucket when the unit is turned on.
- Once the bucket is completely full, switch off the water supply to it.
Turn your descaled tankless water heater back on
Disconnect the drain hose and rejoin all of the connections as firmly as you possibly can.Now that the electricity has been turned on, check to see if the hot water is circulating as it should be.If there are no leaks and your device continues to operate normally, you have done everything correctly.If, on the other hand, issues arise despite the fact that you have followed the steps to the letter, you may need to consult with an expert.
How does hard water affect the tankless water heater?
Hard water reduces the efficiency of water-using equipment, such as tankless water heaters, which are among the most common.Even a 1/50-inch scale accumulation has the ability to reduce heat transmission efficiency by 9.4 percent when compared to a clean surface.As you can see, even a small amount of limescale building has a significant influence on the heating output of the device.Apart from that, the accumulation has further negative consequences for the heater.The result is that it has to work harder and consumes more power or gas than is necessary.
- A direct result of this procedure is a significant reduction in the heater’s lifetime.
- If you don’t take care of the situation right away, you will have to pay for expensive repairs.
How to avoid the need to descale a tankless water heater
Installing a device that changes the mineral crystals in hard water is the most effective method of preventing limescale accumulation.A water descaler is ideal because, unlike water softeners, it removes scale from your water supply without adding sodium to the water supply.The operation of a descaler is straightforward and does not necessitate the use of any plumbing knowledge.Take the coils from the unit and wrap them around the main water pipe, as shown in the installation manual and video.Finished!
- Then, using the zip ties that came with the device, fix the coils in place and connect the unit into an electrical outlet.
- Once the light is turned on, the descaler emits electrical impulses through the coils, which causes a capacitive effect to be created in the environment.
- This approach, which is also known as cathodic protection, is based on physics principles and is used to protect metal from corrosion and hard mineral deposits.
- The calcium and magnesium crystals become smaller and less sticky, allowing you to get the benefits of drinking hard water while avoiding the negative impacts on your hair, skin, and household appliances that come with hard water.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my family?
- When opposed to its tank-style predecessors, tankless water heaters provide a number of distinct advantages. They provide an instantaneous and apparently limitless flow of water while also utilizing far less power than traditional faucets. Moving forward, you will also enjoy the additional benefits of minimal maintenance and a longer service life. Choosing a tankless heater over a traditional tank heater might save you money in the long run because of the longer warranties and tax breaks available in some jurisdictions. That’s not all, either. The fact that a tankless heater takes up less space is the most major advantage it has to offer. Nonetheless, depending on the number of people in your home, you must take into consideration a number of factors: What is the size of the house? What is the flow rate of the water? What is the pace at which the temperature rises?
The size of your house
A tiny tankless water heater may be all that is required for a typical-sized home.No matter if we’re talking about a gas or electric machine, 30 gallons is plenty for one or two persons who use it on a regular basis, depending on their needs.It is advised that 40 or 50 gallons be used for one or two persons who utilize it on a regular basis.We propose a 40-gallon tankless heater for normal residences with two or three occupants if the need for heating is minimal.In order to accommodate heavy demand for the same number of persons, either a 50-gallon electric unit or a 40- to 50-gallon gas heater should be considered.
- As we go on to multi-level homes with several bathrooms, if you have three or four people living in the home, you should consider a 50-gallon electric or a 40-gallon gas type for frequent usage.
- When it comes to high usage, the difference between an 80-gallon electric tankless heater and a 70-gallon gas tankless heater is substantial.
- Finally, for villas with five or more occupants, you should consider acquiring an electric tankless water heater with an efficiency rating of 80 percent or a gas tankless water heater with an efficiency rating of 70 percent.
- Despite the fact that there are no specific measures to take into consideration, we believe that our estimates will assist you in making the appropriate choice.
Consider the water flow rate
When shopping for a tankless water heater, be sure to look at the GPM output it produces.Especially important if you have more than one bathroom and intend to use two showers at the same time, or if you want to take a shower while your dishwasher or washing machine is running at the same time, is this element to consider.In order to put things into perspective, let us assume that one showerhead requires a flow rate of 1.8 GPM or a high level of efficiency.It is possible that the other showerhead will require a different flow rate or one that is similar.All you have to do is add together the flow rates of the two showerheads to figure out how many GPM the heater should produce.
- For example, the combined output of showerhead 1 (1.8 GPM) and showerhead 2 (2.0 GPM) equals the 3.8 GPM required from the heater.
Temperature rise
You’ll also need to figure out what temperature the water is flowing through your property is, as well as what temperature you want your heater to create.Consider the following scenario: you wish to take a shower at 150 degrees Fahrenheit, but the incoming temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit.In such situation, you’ll need a water heater with a capacity of 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.Keep in mind that the temperature of groundwater fluctuates depending on the zone you are in.
What is the downside of a tankless water heater?
We’ve already discussed some of the advantages of a tankless hot water heater. After that, let’s look at its shortcomings to determine whether it is the best choice for you or whether you should consider replacing it with a tank-style heater.
It takes longer to deliver hot water
Even a tankless water heater that has been entirely descaled may take up to a minute to heat the incoming water, whereas a tank-style water heater heats the water nearly instantaneously.
Inconsistent temperature when using multiple showers and appliances
It’s possible that you won’t be able to buy a tankless heater with adequate GPM or temperature increase outputs to meet the demands of everyone in your household. If other people in the home are using water at the same time as you are showering, you may notice a considerable drop in temperature while you are showering.
No power, no hot water
Even gas-powered tankless water heaters require electricity to turn on the control panel and allow the heater to do its work, which is why they are called ″tankless.″ When there is an outage, you will only be able to access cold water, no matter how long you are forced to wait. There’s no way you’ll be able to take a shower until the electricity has been restored.
The bottom line
In the event that you have or want to get a tankless water heater, you should think about investing in a water descaler.Because of this, you will save valuable time and money that you would have otherwise spent on flushing and maintenance.Even a tiny amount of scale accumulation substantially affects the efficiency and life expectancy of a machine, thus investing in a descaler is like ensuring that your investment was worthwhile.You may purchase our descaler using the link provided above, or you can purchase it directly from Amazon if that is more convenient for you.The device is covered by a ten-year guarantee as long as you want to register it on our website, regardless of where you got the equipment from.
How and When to Descale a Tankless Water Heater – Step by Step Guide
Recently, tankless water heaters have proven to be the most energy-efficient kind of water heating devices on the market.These units have a longer life expectancy and lower operating and maintenance expenses.It’s likely that many who have these units put in their houses have had this question cross their minds on a regular basis.What is the best way to descale a tankless water heater?Well, the procedure is rather straightforward, and you can do it at your leisure by following a few basic steps.
- However, if you want to avoid getting into any difficulties, we recommend hiring a skilled plumber to complete the job.
- The tankless water heating systems have shown to be quite useful in meeting the daily hot water requirements of the household.
- These space-saving modules may be placed in any little area.
- The lifespan of a tankless water heater is around 20 years if it is properly maintained.
- The process of descaling or flushing the tankless heating unit is straightforward and may be completed by the user in the comfort of his or her own home.
- It is critical to understand how to properly complete the descaling technique.
Why do Tankless Water Heaters Need Descaling?
Tankless water heaters use less energy to operate than its predecessors, saving you money on your utility bills.They also take up less floor space, which is a benefit for individuals who currently live in cramped quarters, as previously said.The gadgets do require maintenance, just like any other equipment, but just once a year.The unit’s life is extended by doing this yearly maintenance.It is for this reason that it is suggested to descale the unit on a regular basis.
- If you want to learn how to correctly descale a tankless water heater, all you have to do is follow the steps outlined above.
Process of Descaling a Tankless Water Heating Unit
Is your water heating device housed within a wall structure?It is inserted in the wall in order to provide the unit with access to water and other lines.It is possible that you may require the assistance of a professional plumber to descale such a device.The presence of an expert makes the process far less difficult.If you are motivated to complete the procedure on your own, here is everything you will need to get started and finish the job.
- It is necessary to turn off the electricity or gas supply to the heating unit before beginning the descaling operation.
- Also, make certain that the water supply to the heater is turned off.
- Remove the caps from the service valves as well, if applicable.
Equipment Needed to Start the Process
- 2 hosing lines
- White vinegar
- Bucket
- Accessing the unit
Some tankless water heaters are equipped with an outside cover to keep the connections safe. It is necessary to remove this covering in order to get access to the unit for the purpose of descaling. Some devices are not equipped with a protective covering. Check for flushing valves if there are any.
It is standard for tankless water heaters to have flushing valves fitted. These valves should be checked for in your device. If you are unable to locate them, you should contact your local plumber and request that he install them for you instead. Taking the gas supply off the grid
If your tankless water heating equipment is powered by natural gas, you must first turn off the gas supply to the unit. This is accomplished by rotating the valve such that it is perpendicular to the gasoline stream. This step is critical in order to avoid any potential dangers during the descaling procedure. The water supply has been disconnected.
Turning off the water supply valve will disconnect the water supply from the house. Disconnect the cold water valve, which is responsible for supplying cold water to the water heating unit in order to heat it. Remove the hot water valve as well, which is responsible for supplying water to the outside faucet for everyday usage. Putting the hoses together
Remove the caps that are now attached to the top of your flushing valve.This aids in the removal of any built-up pressure.Connect the hose to the flushing valve as securely as possible.Check to see that the connection is secure enough to prevent the detergent solution from leaking out.Rubber washers are utilized to prevent leaks in this situation.
- When you are finished, turn the flushing valve on by turning it to a position perpendicular to the hot and cold water valves.
- Close the output water valve and instead switch on the purge valve to flush out any remaining water.
- Select the proper hosing line for the job.
- Preparing a cleaning solution by filling a bucket
Fill a bucket halfway with vinegar or detergent solution, and then use the pump to circulate the cleaning solution through the water heating unit (if applicable).When using a cleaning solution, repeat the operation for 30 minutes; if using vinegar to descale the water unit, repeat the process for 3 hours.After you have completed the time allotted, obtain a bucket of fresh water to wash your hands.The water should be circulated through the pipes using the same pump.Continue to pump this clean water into the pipes until the returning water turns clear as well, then stop.
- The remaining cleaning solution should be disposed of after the water returning from the unit is clear again.
- Taking care of the sediment filter
A sediment filter is installed on the cold water input to prevent sediments from reaching the heating element and causing it to malfunction.Solids might accumulate within the sediment filter over time.Remove the filter and clean it well with a brush when it has been unscrewed.Water flow via the input valve is hampered by the presence of sediments within the filter’s interior.Reconnecting the water and fuel distribution systems
Removing the water heater’s hosing line and closing the purge valves will prevent the water heater from overheating. Reconnect all of the connections and reconnect your unit to the water supply line once again. The device is fully operational and ready to bring the water up to the desired temperature.
Why Opt for Professional Help?
- Inability to adequately descale the unit may result in the accumulation of dangerous substances in the water that will eventually end up being consumed by the public. Your drinking water will become unhealthy if it contains dangerous cleaning chemicals that are hazardous to your health and the environment. Additionally, you may accidentally turn off a valve, which would result in the machine not operating properly as a result. You will need to dismantle the machine once again and thoroughly remove any cleaning solution that has remained on the surface. You can seek the assistance of a professional plumber to prevent experiencing any of these inconveniences. They will give a high-quality service at a reasonable cost, as promised. Also see the following articles: Best Tankless Water Heater Flush Kits
- Best 120v Tankless Water Heaters
- Benefits of a Tankless Water Heater
- and Best 120v Tankless Water Heaters.
Air Filter Maintenance
Remove the lid from your water heating unit to have access to the air filter.The majority of the time, this filter is situated on top of the water heating unit.Once you’ve determined where the water heater is located, you should remove it to inspect it for any filth that has accumulated inside it.To clean it, use a gentle brush and a soapy solution, as well as a piece of clean cloth.Once all of the dirt has been removed, rinse the area with clean water to remove the cleaning solution.
- To dry the filter, pat it with a clean towel.
- Allow the air filter to dry in the open air before reinstalling it in the device.
Cost of Descaling a Tankless Water Heating Unit
A tankless water heating unit is a simple device to maintain and clean on your own.It is not a prohibitively expensive procedure at all.You will need to understand the fundamentals of your water heating unit before the process will become simple and straightforward for you.If you decide to seek professional assistance from a plumber, you should be aware that this process will be quite costly for you.You will save a significant amount of money if you perform the descaling work yourself.
- It is vital to be prepared to devote around 2 to 3 hours to the procedure after you have acquired all of the necessary equipment and supplies.
- Despite the fact that this is a straightforward procedure, it will take a significant amount of time to complete.
Reason for Scale Build-up in a Tankless Water Heating Unit
A tankless water heating unit is a simple device to maintain on one’s own.It is not a costly procedure in any way shape or form.Simply understanding the fundamentals of your water heating unit will make this operation a piece of cake in your eyes.The cost of hiring a plumber may be too high if you seek expert assistance from a plumber.You will save a lot of money if you do the descaling work yourself.
- It is vital to be prepared to devote around 2 to 3 hours to the procedure after you have assembled all of the necessary equipment.
- This is a straightforward procedure, but the time required to complete it will be significant.
When to Descale a Tankless Water Heating Unit?
It is necessary to descal the unit once a year in order for it to operate at peak performance.This will prevent sediments from accumulating within your unit and blocking the valves as they would otherwise.However, if your water supply is soft, you will not have to descale your unit as frequently as you would otherwise.If you are still unsure about how often you should descale your unit, you should consult a plumber for assistance.
Is the Annual Descaling of the Water Heating Unit Worth it?
- Tankless water heaters have shown to be a more cost-effective investment than typical storage-type water heaters in recent years. This is due to the fact that they have greater operating expenses. The initial installation cost of a tankless water heater will be significantly greater, but the long-term benefits of using a tankless water heater will far outweigh the original expense. According to research, these units are around 30% more energy efficient than their predecessors. The maintenance operation is completely worthwhile since, if done correctly, it may extend the life of the unit to around 20 years. High-level maintenance may extend the unit’s life span to as much as 30 years in some cases. Recent Posts by the Author
I’ve been working in the water heater and plumbing industries for several years. Providing relevant information regarding tankless water heaters is my goal, and I’m here to assist my readers in doing so. Adam’s most recent blog entries (see all)
How to Descale Tankless Water Heater [8 Important Steps To Follow]
When opposed to typical tank-style water heaters, calcium build-up is far less of a concern with tankless water heaters.They do, however, require routine maintenance, which is especially important in places with hard water.Perhaps you have come across a number of articles on how to descale a tankless water heater while surfing the web.Don’t be concerned; descaling your water heater is not a difficult task that you can complete on your own.Because all you need is ordinary white vinegar, tankless water heater maintenance expenditures are kept to a minimum.
- Read this guide to find out how to go about it.
- Approximately 60 to 90 minutes of your time will be required to complete the entire process.
- Simply said, if you’re wondering how often you should descale your water heater, once a year is usually a decent rule of thumb to follow.
- If you reside in a location with really hard water, on the other hand, you may need to do this more frequently.
- Some water heaters are equipped with a built-in indication that alerts you when maintenance work needs to be performed on the device.
- Another option is to get everything in one package, such as this ″tankless water heater cleansing kit,″ which includes the hoses, the pump, and the bucket.
8 Important Steps To Descaling Tankless Water Heaters
- 1. Deactivate the unit by pressing the power button. You must locate the electrical circuit for your electric water heater at your breaker panel and switch it off if you are using an electric unit. To be on the safe side, you can check to see whether the power has been turned off on the device itself. In order to do so, you’ll need to remove the cover plate in order to gain access to the wiring. Take a non-contact electrical tester and place it against each and every wire that enters the terminal to be tested. If it continues to light up, you have not entirely switched off the power. Make sure you switch off the power before attempting to descale your device. This has the potential to inflict significant harm to the device. It will just take a few minutes to switch off the gas valves on your heater if it is powered by gas. Simply rotate the gas valves counterclockwise. Remove the water supply valves from the mains. You’ll need to turn off both the cold water valve and the hot water valve in order to accomplish this. Your water heater’s piping is most likely placed beneath it. You may also find a servicing valve or a drainage valve on certain heaters, which you may use to drain any water that has accumulated within the heater. Make connections with the hosesTake one hose and attach one end to the cold water valve on the water heater (the blue one). Connect the other end of the hose to your submersible pump. Connections: Connect the second hose to the hot water valve and let the other end of this line to drain into your bucket. Before moving on, double-check that all of the connections are securely fastened in place. 4. It’s time to use the vinegarFill a bucket halfway with 4 gallons of white vinegar. Place the pump in the bucket, along with the other end of the line that comes from the hot water valve, and set the bucket aside. 5. Start the pump by pressing the button. Open the hot water valves on your unit and turn on the pump to begin using the hot water. A switch to turn on or off the pump is not always included on these pumps. All they require is to be connected into a power outlet. As a result, make sure you first insert the pump into the bucket before connecting it to the power source. Allow for 45 minutes of continuous operation to allow the vinegar to circulate. As soon as the time is up, switch off the pump and let the vinegar to drip out of the water heater and into a large bucket. 6. Ensure that the air intake filter is clean. Cleaning your water heater’s air intake filter is a good time to do it at the same time as flushing it. Despite the fact that it is placed within the apartment, it is typically not difficult to access. Consult your user manual for specific instructions on how to remove the intake screen, since the procedure may differ depending on the model. Reinstall the screen when it has been well rinsed. 7. Clean the inside of your water heater. By now, all of the vinegar should have been emptied into the bucket and disposed away. It should be thrown away. You should now disconnect the pump from the cold water valve as well as the line that was linked to it (the hot water hose stays on). Replace the service valve’s cap with a new one. To use cold water, turn on the faucet and allow it to run through your unit and into a bucket until the bucket is nearly full. (Be sure to turn off the cold water at the appropriate moment to avoid overfilling the bucket.) 8. Your water heater is now ready to be re-energized and used. Congratulations, you’ve successfully descaled your hot water heater! Reattach all of the connections and double-check that everything is securely fastened in place. Check to see whether the hot water is flowing again after turning on the electricity or gas. If everything has been completed correctly, your device should be operating normally. Applications of a different nature include: In the event that you are seeking for tankless water heaters that deliver radiant floor heat, click here.
- If you are seeking for tankless water heaters that may be utilized beneath the sink, this article may be of interest to you.
We really hope that you found our tour to be informative and entertaining. Keep in mind that you should at the very least descale your water heater once a year to ensure that your device performs at peak performance to offer the finest possible results while also increasing its durability.
Descaling Tankless Water Heaters: the How’s and Why’s
Return to the previous page Everything that consumes water, including your tankless water heater, accumulates scale, which is calcium and lime build-up in the water.It must be descaling on a regular basis in order to perform effectively.It is, however, a little more difficult to flush and descale a tankless water heater than it is to flush and descale a tank water heater.We’ll go through why you should descale your water heater and how to do so.
Why Do Tankless Water Heaters Need to be Descaled?
Scale accumulates more slowly in a tankless water heater than it does in a traditional tank water heater.The calcium buildup, on the other hand, continues to interfere with the operation of the tankless water heater.The build-up jams up the heating components, reducing their effectiveness as a result.As a result of this accumulation, your heater will have to spend more and more energy to bring your water up to temperature over time.If you let your tankless water heater to continue for an extended period of time without maintenance, the buildup can also block the flow of water, resulting in you receiving less hot water than you would otherwise receive.
- Eventually, the build-up will damage the walls of your tankless water heater to the point where it will need to be completely replaced.
- Because the water in Concord is relatively soft, you won’t have to descale your tankless water heater as frequently as you would if you were in a different state.
- You will, however, still need to have your heater descaled on a regular basis.
- Several water heaters are equipped with alarms that sound when the scale is beginning to have an influence on their operation.
- Alternatively, you may inquire with your plumber about how frequently homeowners in your region normally require maintenance on their tankless water heaters.
How to Descale Your Tankless Water Heater
- They were put in the walls of your home, where they have easy access to the pipes and water that you desire heated. You may want the assistance of a plumber in order to gain access to the tankless water heater, both to find it and to open up the wall. As a matter of fact, it is recommended to enlist the assistance of a plumber for this procedure, which entails both removing and reconnecting the tankless water heater. Your plumber will do the following steps in order to descale your tankless water heater: Turn off the heater and detach it from its power source
- Identify and close the valves that enable cold water to enter the water heater.
- Close the valve that links the tankless water heater to the main water supply.
- Remove pressure from the system by opening the purge valves, taking care to maintain the rubber washers in place.
- Hose lines that are compatible with the specific tankless water heater model should be attached.
- Reopen the purge valves if necessary.
- In order to remove scale from the tankless water heater, run vinegar through it.
- For 45 minutes, flush and empty the toilet according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Shut off all of the purge valves and remove the hose.
- Reconnect your water heater to the rest of the house’s plumbing system.
- Reconnect the electricity and turn on the tankless water heater again.
Why Choose a Professional for Tankless Water Heater Descaling?
Your tankless water heater comes into contact with all of the potable water in your home.If you descale your tankless water heater wrong, you may unintentionally do something that puts your water supply in danger.The use of strong chemicals to attempt to descale the heater (which you then consume) and keeping a valve closed when it should be open are both examples of common faults.It is usually preferable to let a professional to descale your tankless water heater so that you can be confident that the job has been done correctly.
How Often To Descale Tankless Water Heater
How often should I descale my tankless water heater?If you reside in an area where hard water is infrequently encountered, you will not have to worry about descaling your tankless water heater.However, people who live in hard water areas or in areas where the temperature is significantly higher than the national average should be particularly concerned.In most cases, you will need to maintain your tankless system once a year in normal circumstances.
How Often To Descale Tankless Water Heater
However, when it comes to the hard water zone, the inconvenience is a little more severe.We will cover all aspects of tankless water heating systems in this post, so please read on for more information.But first and foremost, we must understand how it operates and why it requires maintenance, and in the interim, we will discuss how frequently the entire system should be descaled.So let’s get this party started.
Working Procedure of Tankless Water Heater
A tankless water heater does not have a storage tank to keep the water hot for long periods of time.Instead, it warms water that is drawn straight from your home’s main water supply line.As a result, when you switch on the hot water tube, you are essentially turning on the tankless heater as well.A heat exchanger is a type of device that is often used in heating systems to transfer heat from one medium to another.This heat exchanger is powered by either natural gas or electricity.
- Having established the fundamentals of how a tankless water heater operates, let’s get straight into the meat of the matter: why does it require maintenance.
Main Reasons Why Tankless Water Heater Needs Regular Maintenance
Scale accumulates far more slowly in the tank system than it does in the tankless system.If you reside in a hard water zone, you should have been at least a little bit aware of the existence of this component, which is known as ″hard water.″ So, what exactly is it?Hard water, on the other hand, is a sort of water that includes minerals in it.Calcium and magnesium are the most abundant minerals.These minerals accumulate in the heat exchanger and eventually obstruct the flow of heat through the system.
- As a result, water can no longer enter through the channel.
- For the time being, this will shorten the lifespan of the heater and raise the cost of electricity.
- Mineral accumulation on the heat exchanger, in addition to this, has the potential to cause significant damage.
- It also necessitates the replacement of the system at the end of the day, which is not really worth it.
- Furthermore, the manufacturer will not assume any liability for this sort of damage.
- When a professional comes to do maintenance, he or she will descale the whole system, which is also known as sublime.
- This will ensure that there is no accumulation on the passageway of your system as a result of your actions.
- At the very least, you should have your complete system descaled by a professional once a year.
- However, there are a few instances in which you will need to descale it twice, or perhaps more than twice, a year.
Is It Necessary To Descale The Whole System More Than Once a Year?
- It is possible that you may need to descale the system twice a year if, for example, The area in which you live is classified as a hard water zone: Regardless of where you reside, the water that enters your water heater is constantly brimming with minerals. However, in some areas, the water contains significantly more minerals than the norm, resulting in the designation of a hard water zone by specialists.
- If you live in a hard water zone, your tankless system will require descaling twice a year
- otherwise, it will not require descaling.
- The temperature of your tankless heater is set to a high level: It would be extremely dangerous and inconvenient if the temperature of your water heater was set extremely high. It is possible that the system will be harmed in the meanwhile.
- When heat is present, many compounds dissolve significantly more quickly than when they are not. As a result, the hotter your water is, the faster scale accumulates around the route or pathway it passes through. This may be avoided by checking the thermostat of your tankless water heater to see what temperature it has been set at
- If the thermostat displays a temperature more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, it is imperative that you contact a professional to descale the whole system and clear the mineral buildup from the passage.
FAQ
When I set the temperature higher than 120°F, what happens is that the temperature rises.Ans: It is done to ensure the safety of the user.All tankless heaters have a maximum default temperature setting of 120°F, which is the maximum setting available.If you raise the temperature, it’s possible that your heating system has been suffering from a severe performance problem.Despite this, the filter within the heater may have lost some of its effectiveness.
- What is the best way to determine whether or not my area has hard water?
- Ans: You may just go to Google and search for ″name of the city in where you live+hard water index″ or something similar in that format.
- You will have no trouble locating the solution.
- Why Should I Flush My Heater?
- What Happens If I Don’t Flush My Heater?
- Ans: The answer is straightforward: ″Your heater’s potency will be reduced.″ It is essential that you flush the heater on a frequent basis in order to avoid this from happening.
- Also, be sure you adhere to the security checks (turning off the main electric line).
- Finally, if a situation becomes complicated, don’t hesitate to seek expert assistance.
Conclusion
We were discussing the topic of ″How often should a tankless water heater be descaled,″ which was previously discussed.If you checked on your heater on a regular basis, you wouldn’t have many difficulties.Aside from that, because hard water has an adverse effect on the heater, you may also try some simple home cures.However, consulting with a professional is always the best course of action.Because lime and scale accumulate in the heater’s route, it is necessary to flush the heater on a regular basis.
- So keep a look out for this as well.
- If the flush fails to function in some way, the heater will immediately cease to function and lose its efficiency.
- If you are performing maintenance on your home, be sure that the primary power supply of your home is disconnected.
- If this is not done, severe electric shocks can result.
- I hope this article on ″How often should you descale a tankless water heater″ has been of assistance to you.
Descaling Tankless Water Heater
Many individuals are concerned about whether or not they need do maintenance on their tankless water heater, and if so, how difficult it is to descale a tankless water heater.As we’ll discuss more below, it’s possible that you won’t need to service your tankless water heater at all.However, even if you do find yourself in the position of having to service a tankless water heater, you will find that it is not a difficult task.Here is a step-by-step instruction on how to descale a tankless water heater on your own, when you should call a professional, and how to keep your on-demand water heater running for decades longer.
How Do I Know If I Need to Descale a Tankless Water Heater?
It is recommended that you descale your tankless water heater on a frequent basis if you reside in a region where hard water is prevalent.This map from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) tells you where parts of the country have hard water and how much of a hazard it is to your tankless water heater.If the region in question is indicated in white or red, it is almost certain that you will need to do a routine flush in order to free your tankless of scale accumulation.Other places shown in blue are unlikely to require flushing, although you may want to be on the safe side and do it every couple of years or so just to be careful.In the event that you are still unsure, don’t panic; most contemporary water heaters will either have an app that sends service notifications to your phone or error codes on the LED that notify you to some type of maintenance issue.
- Using a smart tankless, you can conduct your own diagnostics and find out exactly what is wrong with your tankless system.
- When you receive an alert stating that your tankless water heater is not firing correctly or that there is a pressure problem, it is imperative that you call a plumber to come out to your home.
How to Descale your Tankless Water Heater
- Although it appears to be a severe situation, maintaining a tankless water heater is not difficult. The following are the things you will require to begin descaling your water heater: Pump for submersible use
- Hoses made of rubber to connect to the valves
- A 5-gallon water-collection container
- Making use of vinegar or a tankless water heater descaling solution
- A excellent descaling kit, such as this one, will provide you with all of the ingredients you need. Kit de descaling (6-piece tank-less water heater flushing kit). Contributes to the preservation and expansion of
- It is compatible with the vast majority of tankless water heaters, including Rinnai, Bosch, and Noritz.
- Our cleaning solution effectively eliminates scale deposits from tankless water heaters
- 6 foot hoses attach easily to tankless water heater valves
- and the package includes everything you need to:
- ChromeX is a manufacturer of intelligent tools and accessories for both the professional and home user.
Here are the steps on how to descale a tankless water heater
- Set the temperature to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and let the water flow for one minute
- Turn off the water heater’s electricity completely.
- Close the water isolation valves for the incoming and departing water
- Prepare a bucket large enough to hold approximately one liter of draining water.
- Drain the unit and attach the drain hoses to the drain ports of the isolation valves ″A″ and ″B.″
- Set up a bucket that will contain the solution that will be pushed through the heater.
- Fill a bucket halfway with descaling solution and water
- set aside.
- Isolation valves ″A″ and ″B″ should be opened.
- Allow for 30-60 minutes of solution circulation after turning on the circulation pump.
- Close valve ″B″ to drain the descaling solution from the heater and flush the water through the heater
- Drain the water from valve ″A″ into an empty bucket by connecting a hose to it.
- Activate the intake water valve to allow fresh water to pass through, and then drain the solution into a bucket.
That’s all there is to it when it comes to learning how to descale a tankless water heater.This should take no more than 5 minutes and does not necessitate the use of a professional.When in doubt about your capacity to complete this task, simply watch this short video on how to descale a tankless water heater and you will realize that it is not necessary to be a professional to complete it.
Flow Aide vs Vinegar
Which method is the most effective isn’t really up for dispute.The Flow Aide is far more effective than vinegar.Especially if there has been a significant amount of buildup.If you haven’t cleansed your tankless water heater in a few years and you reside in a hard water region, the Flow Aide is the way to go in this situation.Despite the fact that vinegar does not perform as well as baking soda, it does function.
- Consequently, if you are performing a routine flushing once a year, you may most likely use vinegar and expect satisfactory results.
- What it comes down to is just determining how much it is worthwhile for you to verify that the lime is completely gone.
- It is possible to look up the price of a gallon of Flow Aide on Amazon, and you will notice that it is not really affordable at all.
- However, you should be able to get 3 or 4 flushes out of that gallon.
- Vinegar, on the other hand, is far less expensive, so even if you have to descale your sink more frequently when you use it, you are saving money.
- As with other things, the choice boils down to whether you want to spend your money or your time.
- In order to save time later on, I would rather invest a few more bucks to completely remove any lime from the surface and not worry about how successful it was in the process.
- Another advantage is that the flow aid has no smell, while the vinegar may create quite a stench while you are flushing the toilet.
- Take a Look at This Next There are a few of tankless flushing kits available that make it exceedingly simple to keep your tankless operating properly for an extremely extended period of time.
Read on for more information.To read the reviews, go to the website above.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Costs
If you are considering hiring a professional to flush out your tankless water heater on a regular basis, be prepared to spend a lot of money.Because costs vary so widely, I can’t give you a precise figure, but you could anticipate to pay between $100 and $200 to have your tankless system serviced.Decalcification, cleaning and perhaps replacement of the filter, and any necessary diagnostics of the tankless water heater system should all be performed during this process to ensure that it is operating correctly.It is possible to accomplish the descaling yourself for a fraction of the cost and in less than an hour if that is all that you are concerned about.Purchase a pump flush kit descaler, and it will pay for itself within a few months.
How Much Does a Tankless Water Heater Flush Kit Cost?
A competent flush kit shouldn’t cost more than $150 in materials and labor.A descaler kit will include a tankless water heater descaling pump as well as hoses that connect directly to the isolation valves or water input of the tankless water heater.Chromex Descaler Kit is a fantastic product that I highly suggest.It includes the pump, hoses, a 5-gallon bucket, and descaling solution, among other things.Consider the following scenario: you purchase the descaler kit described above.
- You just paid for the services of a professional, and it will be useful for many years to come.
- After the first use, it had already paid for itself.
- All that remains is for you to obtain the descaling solution, which will cost you around $20.
- I would think that this is a reasonable price for what you get, considering that it just takes you a little more than an hour of your time.
How Often to Descale your Tankless Water Heater
When it comes to whether or not you will need to descale your tankless water heater, a few factors will come into play.As previously said, you may not even be required to perform any actions other than a few regular checks every now and again.The most common reason for needing to service tankless water heaters is because of scaling produced by hard water, which is the most common reason.This movie serves as a good introduction to hard water and the difficulties that it might bring.The inline water heater may require flushing once a year if you have hard water and your inline water heater is set at a very high temperature.Flushing it with a solution of vinegar can descale or delime your heat exchanger, allowing it to operate at peak efficiency for longer.
Even if you reside in a hard water location, you may not need to do this as frequently as you may think based on your circumstances.You may receive a warning if your tankless water heater requires descaling, depending on the model.If you truly want to know how hard water impacts a tankless water heater, you should absolutely read this in-depth post I published about it, which you can get by clicking on the link above.In the event that you reside in a hard water region and just want to ensure that your tankless water heater is operating properly and that there is no lime buildup, you should cleanse it once a year.Otherwise, if you don’t live in a hard water area, check your error codes on a regular basis and cleanse your system when it shows that it needs to be repaired or replaced.Flush it out every couple of years just to be cautious, but realize that it is probably not essential.
FAQ about Descaling Tankless Water Heaters
Do Electric Tankless Water Heaters Need to Be Flushed?
To be honest, they do need to be flushed. When it comes to an electric tankless water heater, lime scale can accumulate on the heat exchanger in the same way that it can on a gas tankless water heater. There are several distinctions between a gas tankless water heater and an electric tankless water heater, so if you aren’t sure which one to purchase just yet, I recommend reading this post.
How do I flush a Rheem tankless water heater?
The procedure of descaling a Rheem tankless water heater is the same as it is for other types of water heaters. The procedure is explained in detail in this short video.
What happens if you don’t flush your tankless water heater?
Tankless water heater maintenance, which includes descaling, is extremely necessary if you think that the heater has lime buildup.If you don’t get your tankless water heater serviced on a regular basis, the scale buildup will deteriorate it over time, causing major problems.Even a thin layer of scale might result in an increase in energy expenditures of up to 30%.This effectively offsets any savings realized by switching from a tank system to a tankless one.The heat exchanger has to work hard in order to create hot water, which reduces the lifespan of the water heater.
Final Thoughts on Tankless Water Heater Descaling
Not to worry if you are reading this before purchasing a tankless water heater and want to know what you are getting yourself into in terms of descaling and maintenance prior to making a purchase.It isn’t quite as horrible as it appears.Moreover, having to worry about a flooded basement caused by a ruptured storage tank water heater system is preferable, in my opinion.Alternatively, using cold water for an extended period of time.Most tankless water heaters come with isolation valves already installed, or at the very least with