How To Descale A Tankless Water Heater

Descaling Tankless Water Heaters: the How’s and Why’s

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.

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.

Several water heaters are equipped with alarms that sound when the scale is beginning to have an influence on their operation.

How to Descale Your Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater gathers scale far more slowly than a conventional tank water heater. The calcium buildup, on the other hand, continues to obstruct the operation of a tankless water heater. When this accumulation occurs, it jams the heating components, reducing their effectiveness. In order to heat your water to the proper temperature, this accumulation will require your heater to need more and more electricity as time passes. A buildup of sediment can occur in your tankless water heater if it is not serviced for an extended period of time, resulting in less hot water being delivered than usual.

You will not need to descale your tankless water heater as frequently in Concord as you would in other states because the water is rather soft.

When the scale starts to affect the function of your water heater, many of them feature alarms that will notify you of this. Alternatively, you may inquire with your plumber about how frequently homes in your neighborhood normally require tankless water heater maintenance.

• Scale accumulates more slowly in a tankless water heater than it does in a traditional tank. The calcium buildup, on the other hand, continues to obstruct the operation of the tankless water heater. The accumulation jams up the heating components, reducing their effectiveness. As a result of this build-up, your heater will have to spend more and more energy to heat your water as time goes on. 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. Your tankless water heater’s walls may begin to corrode with time, and it may become necessary to replace the unit. Because the water in Concord is relatively soft, you won’t have to descale your tankless water heater as frequently as you would in other states. You will, however, need to have your heater descaled on a regular basis. Many water heaters include alarms that sound when the scale begins to have an effect on their operation. Alternatively, you may inquire with your plumber about how frequently houses in your region normally require tankless water heater maintenance.

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. Tankless water heaters should always be descaled by a professional so that you can be confident that the job has been done correctly and efficiently.

How to Descale A Noritz Tankless Water Heater (Demo)

How to Descale a Noritz Tankless Water Heater | HomeBlogHow to Descale a Noritz Tankless Water Heater (Demo) All water heaters, whether they are storage tank or tankless, will unavoidably accumulate scale deposits over time, which can reduce their overall working efficiency and reduce their lifespan. The pace at which scale accumulates is dependent on the hardness of the water in a specific geographic location, but it is inevitable that every unit will need to be descaled at some point. You will learn how to descale a Noritz tankless water heater from the information in this blog.

Although it is feasible for intelligent homeowners to complete this task on their own, a plumbing professional should be called in if there is any hesitancy on their part.

You will need the following items to descale a tankless water heater:

• Two 34-inch connecting drain hoses
• And a submersible pump are all you need to get started. A five-gallon bucket, three to four gallons of distilled, food-grade white vinegar, and two 3-gallon buckets are all you need to get started.

Descaling a Noritz tankless water heater

Before you begin, keep in mind that the red isolator valve represents the hot water side of the unit, and the blue isolator valve indicates the cold water side of the unit. 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.” 1.

• 2.Deactivate both the hot and cold valves.
• Place the five-gallon bucket beneath the hot water side of the faucet.
• Step two should be repeated on the cold water side.
• Make sure the power wire does not become tangled in the bucket.
• Drain the hot water by connecting a drain hose to the hot water drain valve and inserting the drain hose’s other end into a bucket.
• Allow for at least an hour of operation by opening both drain valve lever handles on the isolation valves and starting the pump.
• The unit will attempt to start, but will fail owing to the lack of gas in the system.

DO NOT USE THE RESET BUTTON.

Remove the hose from the cold water drain valve and reattach the cap to the drain valve outlet to complete the process.

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.

At least five minutes, or until 20 gallons of water have flowed through the heater, should be spent flushing.

For condensing systems, place a bucket underneath the unit and screw open the drain cock, which is situated directly under the water heater, to drain away any descaling material that may have accumulated in the unit.

To turn off the primary inflow valve, turn the knob to “OFF.” Remove the water filter and clean it as needed for extra maintenance; some water may leak out during this process.

Remove any dirt from the filter by rinsing it under running water.

12.

Remove the drain pipe by unscrewing it and pulling it out.

13.

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. For more detailed step-by-step information on the procedure, refer to this scaling guide.

How to Flush a Tankless Water Heater (Step-by-Step Procedure)

Please keep in mind that this content may contain affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, we may gain a small profit on purchases made via our links. Knowing how to clean a tankless water heatercan assist you in getting the most out of your investment in terms of efficiency and longevity. Consider the following steps in detail, as well as some helpful tools and crucial considerations.

The Importance of Flushing Tankless Models

Tankless water heaters are less expensive and more energy efficient to operate when compared to standard water heaters. They also demand significantly less maintenance and operating area. That is why it is essential to understand first why and when it is necessary, followed by how to flush a tankless water heater, whether it is gas or electric. Examine how the naturally existing sediment in your water impacts the heater, as well as how to make flushing more convenient and safer.

Tankless Water Heaters and Scale Buildup

Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient and cost less to operate than standard water heaters. They are also less expensive to operate and occupy less room than traditional vehicles. Therefore, it is critical to understand first why and when a tankless water heater is required, followed by how to flush a tankless water heater, whether it is natural gas or electricity. Learn how naturally occurring sediment in your water affects the heater and how to make flushing easier and safer by following the steps outlined below.

How Often Should You Flush a Tankless Water Heater?

It is recommended that your tankless water heater be cleansed once a year to keep it operating at peak performance. However, the hardness of your water plays a role in this, and you may find that flushing twice or three times a year is preferable if your home’s water is of very low quality in this regard. To a certain extent, a sediment trap or a water softener can help with hard water.

Isolation Valves

It is recommended that your tankless water heater be cleansed once a year to keep it operating at peak performance levels. When it comes to water hardness, though, you may find that flushing twice or three times a year is preferable if the water in your house is of particularly low quality. Water hardness can be alleviated to a certain extent by using a sediment trap or a softener.

Using Pumps and Flush Kits

A submersible pump is one of your greatest friends when it comes to flushing a tankless water heater. Instead of enormous volumes of water to sweep up and remove the sediment from a tank heater, a high-quality pump such as the91250 from Superior Pump can save you hours if not days of manual flushing and will save you money in the long run. Flushing will necessitate the use of a large bucket to contain the pump, since there is no easy drainage option available, as there is with a typical tank model, necessitating the use of a submersible model pump.

These kits often include everything you’ll need, including a pump, bucket, descaler, and hoses, among other things.

My favorite kit is made by My PlumbingStuff, and it not only works well and is simple to use, but it is also ecologically friendly down to the last component, making it the greatest tankless water heater flush kit in my opinion.

How to Flush a Gas Tankless Water Heater

Check the owner’s handbook for your water heater, since it may provide specific instructions on how to flush and descale the unit. Rinnai, Rheem, and Noritz are the three most popular manufacturers of gas tankless versions. For your convenience, we’ve included particular guidelines for each of the brands listed below:

• Check the owner’s handbook for your water heater for precise directions on how to flush and descale the unit. Rinnai, Rheem, and Noritz are the top three manufacturers of gas tankless versions. For your convenience, we’ve included particular guidelines for each of the brands listed below.

No matter what type of gas tankless water heater you have, there are a few steps in the flushing process that must be completed in the proper order, but they are all rather straightforward to complete.

Phase 1: Preparation

1. Disconnect the electrical power source that is feeding the heater. Remove the access panel and check the terminal with a non-contact voltage tester to ensure that there is no longer any power coming through it. Discover where the gas isolation valve is located and close it. To prevent any water from entering the unit while you are working, locate the hot and cold shut-off valves and close them accordingly: To release any pressure, locate the hot water pressure relief valve, which should be located somewhere along the hot water line. Take cautious, because the hot water will be quite hot
2. The service port for cold water and the service port for hot water will be separate. Hoses should be connected to both of these ports. Fill a five-gallon bucket halfway with water and submerge your submersible pump. The cold water pipe should be connected to your pump. Into the bucket, insert the free end of the hot water line
3. Pour four gallons of undiluted virgin food-grade white vinegar into a pail and set it aside. In addition, Noritz recommends diluting one gallon of CLR with three gallons of water for heavy-duty applications.

Phase 2: Flushing

1. Make sure that the hot and cold service ports are open and that the pump is running. Make sure the vinegar is allowed to flow through the heater for at least one hour (longer if the pump runs at less than four gallons per minute). As a result of this, the scale is broken down and the silt is flushed away. Turn off the pump and empty the vinegar into a trash can. Close the cold water service port and disconnect the hose that is connected to it. Open the cold water shutoff valve to let any residual vinegar to be flushed out through the second hose into your bucket for around ten minutes. Close the cold water shut-off valve on your faucet. Allow the water to drain completely before disconnecting the second hose. Close the hot water service port on the boiler. Remove the cold water intake filter as well as the hot water inline filter (if applicable). Remove any retained sediment by flushing the filters with water in a sink.

Phase 3: Cleanup

1. Reinstall the filter(s) in a secure manner, and then turn off the hot and cold water valves
2. Replace the access panel
3. Turn on the gas shutoff valve
4. And remove the access panel. The electrical supply should be reconnected.

How to Flush an Electric Tankless Water Heater

Flushing out an electric tankless water heater is a little different than cleaning out a gas tankless water heater, and some disassembly may be necessary. Generally speaking, Navien models are easier to understand, however some Takagi models require additional steps in order to properly place the water control valve.

• Technique for flushing a Navien tankless water heater
• Procedure for flushing a Takagi tankless water heater

Descaling an electric model is similar to descaling a gas model in that it may be divided into three stages.

Phase 1: Preparation

1. Switching off the electrical power at the circuit breaker
2. Close the cold water shut-off valve on your faucet. Open your taps to let any water that has accumulated in the heater to drain
3. Close the shut-off valve for the hot water supply. Remove the access panel and check the terminal with a non-contact voltage tester to ensure that there is no longer any power coming through it. Disconnect the wires from the heating elements by removing the screws that hold them in place. Extraction of the heating element is accomplished by loosening the hexagonal brass top of the heating element in a counterclockwise manner
4. Make a visual inspection of the heating components for evidence of damage. A broken element should be replaced as soon as possible. Storage of the heating elements in the cooper chambers of the heater to allow for cleaning of the heating elements

Phase 2: Flushing

1. Fill the cooper chambers with virgin food-grade white vinegar that has not been diluted
2. Pour vinegar into the chamber and allow it to rest for 90 minutes to two hours. Using this method, you may break up any scales on the components. Remove the vinegar from the mixture. Replace the heating elements and reattach the cables as necessary. Open the cold water shut-off valve and let the tank to fill up with cold water
3. Observe the tank for any evidence of leakage (the paper towel test is quite effective in this situation)
4. To turn off the hot water, turn the shutoff valve. Fill the sink with warm water from various hot water taps and let the water run for about five minutes to flush out the vinegar and remove any air pockets from the line

Phase 3: Cleanup

1. Turn off all hot water faucets in your home. Close the cold water shut-off valve on your faucet. Clean any dirt from the cold water input filter by flushing the filter under a cold water faucet. Replace the filter in a secure manner. Power should be restored at the breaker once you close the access panel

How to Descale Your Tankless Water Heater

Ensure that all hot water faucets are turned off. Close the cold water shut-off valve on the faucet. Clean any debris from the cold water input filter by flushing the filter under a cold tap. The filter should be replaced firmly. Close the access panel and re-energize the circuit breaker; and

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. Your heat exchanger will use more and more energy as a result of this build-up over time, causing it to become less efficient. Eventually, the accumulation of debris may also impede the flow of water.

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, you may need to cleanse your water heater more regularly than in other circumstances.

A reputable plumbing technician can also assist you in determining how frequently you should flush out your water heater, if necessary.

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 represents the hot water side of the unit, and the blue isolator valve indicates the cold water side of the unit. 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.”

1. Please keep in mind that the hot water side is represented by the red isolator valve, and the cold water side is represented by the blue isolator valve. Drain caps are situated on the top of the hot side and on the left of the cold side of the refrigerator. a) Drain Caps Valve “on” and free-flowing water are indicated by the valves being turned to the vertical position (vertical position). It is possible to turn the valves off by turning them to the perpendicular position.

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. An additional consideration is the installation of a sump pump to protect your basement appliances. 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.

Make contact with Lenox now to receive a quote!

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. Photograph courtesy of the United States Geological SurveyOther areas in blue are unlikely to require flushing, although you may want to be safe and flush them every couple of years or so.

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 with rubber hoses to attach to the valves
• 5 gallon water collecting bucket
• Vinegar or tankless water heater descaling solution
• Submersible pump with rubber hoses to attach to the valves

A excellent descaling kit, such as this one, will provide you with all of the ingredients you need. Kit de décalage

• Kit for flushing a tankless water heater with six pieces. 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 eliminates scale deposits from tankless water heaters, and it is environmentally friendly. 6 foot hoses connect easily to tankless 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

1. Set the temperature to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and let the water flow for one minute
2. Turn off the water heater’s electricity completely. Close the water isolation valves for the incoming and departing water
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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.

Reduce temperature to 150 degrees Fahrenheit and turn on water for one minute. Turn off the water heater’s electricity completely; and Shut down the water isolation valves for both incoming and exiting water. Assemble 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 isolation valves “A” and “B.” – Set up a bucket that will hold the solution that will be pushed through the heater. Toss descaling solution and water into a bucket.

Allow for 30-60 minutes of continuous circulation by turning on the circulation pump.

Fill the bucket with water and turn on valve “A” using a hose.

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.

1. A gallon of Flow Aide can be purchased for $19.99 on Amazon, which indicates that it is not a particularly inexpensive product.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Take a Look at This Next Some tankless flushing systems are available that make it quite simple to maintain your tankless functioning properly for an extended period of time.

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. The Chromex Descaler Kit is a fantastic product that I highly recommend. 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.

All that is left is to purchase the scaling solution, which will cost around $20.

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.

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.

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 this link.

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.

FAQ about Descaling Tankless Water Heaters

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. When it comes to tankless water heaters, there are several distinctions between gas and electric models. If you haven’t chosen which model to purchase yet, I recommend reading this article.

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. And, in my opinion, it is preferable to having to deal with a flooded basement caused by a leaking storage tank water heater system. 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 a kit that allows you to install them later if you so want.

Nick Lopresti is the creator of YourH2Home and a well-known specialist in the field of home renovation.

How do I flush clean my Rinnai tankless water heater? (R)

It is possible for a tankless water heater to collect mineral build-up over time, which can corrode the walls of the heating chamber within the tank. For regular maintenance and cleaning of your tankless water heater, it is necessary to rinse those mineral deposits out at least once a year using a hose. Follow this straightforward procedure to guarantee that your tankless water heater performs and operates at peak efficiency. Please take the time to go through all of the directions before starting, as you’ll want to ensure that you have all of the essential items on hand for the procedure.

2.

3.

4.

• During the cleaning procedure, this stops cold water from entering the water heater and hot water from exiting the water heater. The water valves are comprised of three parts: a cold water valve (which is colored blue), a hot water valve (which is colored red), and a main valve, which is responsible for bringing water into your home.

4. Remove the purge port valve caps from the purge valves situated on each of the cold and hot water valves one at a time, taking care not to damage them.

• The purge valves are distinguished by their little handles that mimic the letter “T.” In order to alleviate any pressure that has built up inside the valves and to avoid excessive hot water from pouring out during the cleaning process, this step must be carried out. Because there may be pressure when removing the purge port valve covers, it is critical to double-check that the hot water valve has been properly switched off for your safety. Make sure to handle each cap with care to ensure that the rubber sealing discs remain in place. These are required in order for your valves to operate correctly.

5. Connect a hosing line to each of the three valves in the system.

• Tankless water heater hosing lines are available at any home improvement store that carries water heaters if the manufacturer did not include them with your tankless water heater. There must be adequate length between the water heater and the bucket for the hosing lines to be effective. Please refer to the tankless water heater manufacturer’s instruction manual, or contact the manufacturer directly if you require specific instructions on how to do this step. In certain situations, you may be required to utilize a sump pump and connect hoses in order to discharge and flush water from the tankless water heater’s cold and hot water valves during this operation.

6. Twist the purge port valves so that they are perpendicular to the positions of the cold and hot valves, and then close them. 7. To clean your tankless water heater, fill a 4-gallon (15.1-liter) bucket halfway with undiluted white vinegar. Never apply any type of chemical solution on your skin.

• Given that the majority of your home’s drinking and bathing water is most likely routed through your tankless water heater, employing chemical cleaning solutions might be highly hazardous to your health.

8.

To complete the flushing and draining operation, according to the directions provided in your manufacturer’s handbook.

9: When the flushing operation is finished, shut the purge port valves by twisting the T-shaped handles. 10. Disconnect and remove the hosing wires from each of the valves in the sequence listed. 11. Attach the purge port valve caps to the purge valves using the hose clamps.

• Tighten the caps all the way down and securely. Take care not to overtighten or damage the rubber sealing discs that are contained within the caps, though.

12. Refer to your water heater’s owner’s handbook for specific advice on how to properly restart the unit.

• If this is the case, you may need to rotate and open the cold and hot water valves so that they are parallel to one other and the main valve’s position.

If this is the case, you may need to rotate and open the cold and hot water valves such that they are parallel to one other and the main valve’s position;

• Make sure to keep the water running until it flows consistently and there is no air escaping (you may recognize this by a slight sputtering sound). It might take up to 2 or 3 minutes for all of the air pockets to be expelled from the system.

Easy Maintenance Tips for Tankless Water Heaters w/Photos

A little ‘how-to’ information may go a long way toward ensuring that your tankless water heaters operate at peak efficiency. As a result, not only will you save money on plumbing expenses, but you will also extend the life of your tankless water heater. You may be asking yourself right now, ‘what are some tips for keeping my tankless water heater in good working order?’ Is it necessary to do periodic maintenance on tankless water heaters? Tankless water heaters, like any other type of water heater, require periodic maintenance.

• Because of hard water or the amount of hot water your household consumes, you should anticipate to do this once a year at the most.
• It is recommended that you perform this once every 3-5 years if your water is soft or if you have a water softening system installed.
• We can assist you!
• It is feasible to service and clean a tankless water heater without the assistance of a professional.
• Step-by-step instructions will be provided to make it simple to understand how to remove limescale and other mineral deposits from your plumbing system.

Do You Need to Flush Your Tankless Water Heater?

The majority of people are aware that they must flush a tank-style water heater. Most people, on the other hand, are unaware that they should also flush their tankless water heater. Yes, tankless water heaters do require flushing on a regular basis. It is necessary to flush the tankless water heater to eliminate limescale accumulation on the burners within. Typically, flushing is required every 2 to 3 years in the majority of situations. When flushing maintenance is necessary, tankless water heaters will automatically shut down and display an error code on the display.

• The number of minerals present in the water supply has an impact on the hardness of the water in the tap.
• As the water warms, the sediment separates from the water in the same way as it does in a tank-style water heater.
• These misunderstandings wind up accumulating on the burners within the tankless unit as well as on the faucet aerators.
• If you find yourself cleaning your aerators on a regular basis, it may be time to descale your tankless water heater.
• A family of two may probably get away with flushing their tankless water heater every 18 months or so, according to the experts.

Because of the installation of an in-home water softening system, you may be able to get away with cleaning your water heater once every 3-5 years. Now that you’re ready to learn more about how to manage your tankless water heater, let’s get this party going.

How to Flush and Descale a Tankless Water Heater

It is necessary to do periodic maintenance on a tankless water heater in order for it to operate properly. It is possible to flush your tankless water heater in order to clean and remove mineral deposits from the burner system by following these steps:

Supplies You Will Need:

• 5 gallon bucket, 3 gallons pure white vinegar or descaling solution, 2 clothes washer hoses, channel lock pliers, 2 clothes dryer hoses

It is possible to acquire the My PlumbingStuff – Tankless Water Heater Flushing Kit – 32-ounce at this location. User Instructions for the J.C. Whitlam FLOW32 Flow-Aide System Descaler – Zoeller 42-0007 Floor Sucker Pump – 5-Gallon Bucket – Safe to Use. This practical set comes with a 5-gallon bucket, two hoses, a descaling solution, and a sump pump, among other things.

Directions for Flushing Tankless Water Heaters:

The connections under the tankless water heater may be accessed by removing the cover on top of the unit. Some tankless types may not have a cover fitted at the time of purchase.

Step 2: Verify your tankless water heater has a flushing kit installed

If the flushing valves on your tankless water heater are not there, check to see if they have been installed. Stop what you’re doing and call a qualified plumber to install them.

Step 3: turn off the gas supply

Turn off the gas feed to the tankless water heater at the main shutoff valve. It will be necessary to switch the gasoline supply such that it is “perpendicular” to the fuel line. It is not necessary to cut off the electricity to the electric thermostat.

Step 4: Turn off the water supply

Close the cold water supply valve, which is responsible for supplying water to the tankless water heater, to prevent it from being used. Cold water is prevented from entering the unit as a result of this. Close the hot water supply valve, which is responsible for delivering hot water from the tankless water heater to the rest of the home. Shot water is prevented from entering the home as a result of this. Use this opportunity to inspect your temperature and pressure relief valve (T P valve) to confirm that it is in proper operating order.

Step 5: Open the flushing valves and connect the hoses

Remove the caps from the flushing valves and set them aside. This is important in order to relieve any pressure that has built up inside the valves. Connect the hoses to the flushing valves and tighten the connections with channel lock pliers to ensure that they are secure. Check to see that the rubber washers are properly seated in the tube to ensure a tight seal and avoid leaks. The flushing valves should be opened by rotating them 90 degrees at right angles (or perpendicular) to the existing positions of the cold and hot valves, respectively.

Step 6: Setup the bucket and sump pump

Caps on the flushing valves should be removed. Pressure that has built up inside the valves must be released in this manner. Assemble the flushing valves by connecting the hoses to them and checking the connections with channel lock pliers to ensure they are snug. In order to avoid leaks, be certain that the rubber washers are inserted into the tube. Flushing valves should be opened by rotating them 90 degrees at right angles (or perpendicular) to the existing locations of the cold and hot valves.

Step 7: Flushing the tankless water heater

Using a descaling solution, allow the sump pump to run for 30 minutes; if using vinegar, allow the sump pump to run for 1-2 hours. Using this method, the cleaning solution will be pumped through the water heater and into the pipes to be cleaned. Completely switch off the sump pump once the job is done. Remove the hoses and pour the cleaning solution container into a trash can.

Using clean water, rinse off any residual descaling solution that may have accumulated in the bucket. Until the water running through the system is clear, you’ll need to repeat this procedure several times. When you’re finished, switch off the sump pump and throw away any residual solution.

Step 8: Finishing up and closing the system

The hosing should be removed from the flushing valves. Replacing and tightening the purge port caps properly is essential. Take care not to damage the rubber seals that are contained within the caps. If you do, you must replace them as soon as possible.

Step 9: Check the sediment filter

Disconnect the hosing from the flushing valves and store it somewhere safe. Replacing and tightening the purge port caps properly is critical. Caution should be exercised to avoid damaging the rubber seals included within the caps. This will need the quick replacement of the items.

Step 10: Open the water supply to the tankless water heater

Rotate the cold water supply and hot water supply valves so that they are in line (or parallel) with the pipes before opening each of the valves.

Step 11: Turn the gas on to the tankless water heater

To finish, turn on the gas supply valve so that it is in line (or parallel) with the pipe system. Start by turning on the hot water faucet. This will drive any trapped air out of the pipe that has been stuck there. Run the water for as long as it takes for all of the air to be expelled, which is about 2-3 minutes in total. Items should be cleaned and stored for use the following year. That’s all there is to it! This is a step-by-step guide on cleaning and maintaining your tankless water heater.

When Should You Descale a Tankless Water Heater?

Descalement of your tankless water heater does not have a specific schedule for when it should be performed. This will be highly influenced by the hardness of the water in your location. Tankless water heaters should be descaled once a year if you live in a region with extremely hard water. You’re not sure if you have hard water or not. You may use theHealth Metric Drinking Water Test Kit for Home Tap and Well Water, which is an EPA-recognized at-home water analysis kit, to assess the quality of the water that is coming into your home from your water source.

It is recommended that you describe your tankless water heater every 3-5 years if your water is soft or if you have a water softener system installed in your home.

Clean the Air Filter

• The tankless water heater should be turned off and unplugged. Remove the front cover of the book. It is customary for the air filter to be situated at the top of the water heater. Identifying and removing the air filter will allow you to determine whether or not it is unclean. Use a soft-bristled brush and a mild dish soap and water solution to clean the air filter if necessary. Afterward, rinse it well with clean water and allow it to dry on a lint-free towel Replacing the filter and the lid, as well as plugging in the water heater and turning it on

Clean the In-line Water Filter

• To switch off the gas supply to the water heater, turn the valve so that it is perpendicular to the supply line. The cold water supply to the water heater should be turned off by twisting the valve perpendicular to the supply line. The in-line water filter should be installed at the cold-water input. Remove the filter from the cold water line by unscrewing the nut. The water filter should be cleaned under running water or with a cotton swab, as necessary. reinstall the water filter, reopen the cold-water supply valve, and reopen the gas line that supplies the water heater

How Much Does it Cost to Service a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters may be extremely expensive to fix or maintain on a professional level. Plumbers’ rates often range from $200 to $800 each service call, depending on the location. A service price for cleaning a tankless water heater will most likely range between $300 and $400 dollars. Performing the work on your own will save you a significant amount of money in the long run.

Can I Use CLR to Clean My Tankless Water Heater?

There are several differing viewpoints on the effectiveness of using CLR to clean a tankless water heater. Those that believe in a 60-minute flush with white vinegar as the descaling ingredient, such as Jason Fleming, marketing manager at NoritzAmerica, a maker of tankless water heaters, advocate doing so. CLR-type products have the potential to be damaging to the copper heat exchanger in a water heater. 1 Although I’ve spoken with a number of qualified plumbers, they’ve all stated that vinegar alone may not be powerful enough to dissolve build-up in water heaters that aren’t maintained on a regular basis.

A variety of home items, such as coffee pots, showerheads, toilet bowls, and washing machine basins, may be cleaned using this product in an environmentally friendly manner.

These mineral deposits that accumulate at the bottom of your heater will be securely ‘eaten away’ by CLR, avoiding the need for extensive cleaning. Adding one capful of CLR to each gallon of white vinegar can aid in the removal of stubborn deposits from within your water heater’s heating element.

Is Cleaning a Tankless Water Heater Worth the Time and Money?

It is true that the initial cost of a tankless water heater (which often costs approximately $1,750) is more than the cost of a regular tank-style water heater (which typically costs around $1,000). However, it will save you a significant amount of money in the long run. The long-term advantages offset the greater initial cost, making them a more advantageous investment. Gas-powered tankless versions, according to the United States Department of Energy, consume less energy and save around $108 per year in heating expenditures, making them anywhere from 24 percent to 34 percent more energy efficient overall.

1. Bottom line is that, in the end, they are well worth the time and effort.
2. Moreover, the parts are simply interchangeable and, when cleaned on a regular basis (once a year), they can survive for another 5 to 10 years.
3. Taking everything into consideration, the tankless version is the best choice for your needs.
4. It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of treatment.
5. Maintaining your tankless water heater may extend the life of your water heater by about two times compared to a water heater that has had no maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Maintenance and servicing a tankless water heater are relatively simple tasks that can be accomplished with the correct equipment and a little handyman expertise. Simple step-by-step instructions will allow you to safely and properly clean your unit, saving you hundreds of dollars in plumbing bills. If you want to save time and money, you may purchase a descaling kit or flushing system, which is widely accessible online and includes everything you need to thoroughly clean your unit. This kit may be reused, which allows you to save even more money in the long run.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on HomeInspectionInsider.com is not intended to be professional guidance.

It is owned and operated by Hubert Miles who is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by placing advertisements and links on their websites that direct traffic to Amazon.com (hereinafter referred to as “Amazon.com” or “Amazon.com Associates Program”).

As an affiliate, HomeInspectionInsider.com participates in a variety of affiliate programs with other websites. Hubert Miles receives a commission for recommending visitors and commerce to these businesses.