Keeping your tankless water heater clean is important for it to work well.
Flushing it regularly helps remove any build-up and keeps the water flowing smoothly.
Here, explore some simple tips to help you keep your heater in great shape.
Key Takeaways
- Flushing your heater often removes mineral build-up and keeps it working properly.
- Most makers suggest flushing your tankless water heater annually.
- Always wear gloves and safety glasses to stay safe.
- Turn on the cold water valve to let the solution flow through the heater.
- Hard water creates more build-up in the heater.
- A funnel helps you pour the descaling solution into the tank more easily.
- Getting a professional for maintenance is very helpful.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance – Descaling And Flushing Guide
Regular descaling (cleaning) and flushing help remove mineral build-up and improve performance.
Follow these simple steps to ensure your heater stays in top condition:
1. Turn Off The Power And Water Supply
Before you start, turn off the power to your tankless water heater.
If it’s electric, switch off the breaker in your electrical panel.
For gas heaters, turn the gas valve to “off.”
Next, turn off the water supply to the heater to prevent any leaks or spills.
2. Safety Precautions
Make sure to wear gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself.
The water inside can be hot, so take care when working with it.
3. Prepare The Tankless Water Heater
For this purpose:
A. Locate The Service Valves
Find the two service valves on your water heater.
They are usually near the unit and are used to control water flow.
B. Attach Hoses (Pipes) And Bucket
Attach a hose to the cold water service valve and place the other end in a bucket.
Place one end of a second hose onto the hot water valve and put the other into a different bucket.
4. Flush The System
Prepare a descaling solution according to the product instructions.
This solution helps break down any mineral build-up inside the heater.
Open the cold water service valve to let the solution flow through the heater.
Let it run for about 30 minutes or as recommended by the solution’s instructions.
5. Rinse The System
After the solution has run through, close the cold water valve and remove the hoses.
Attach the hoses back to the water supply.
Turn on the water supply to flush out any remaining descaling solution.
Let the water run until it’s clear and free of bubbles.
6. Restart And Test
Once the system is rinsed, turn the power or gas supply back on.
For electric heaters, switch the breaker back on; for gas heaters, turn the gas valve on.
Look around the heater for leaks and ensure the unit works correctly.
Run hot water through a faucet to check if everything is operating smoothly.
Tools And Materials Needed For Cleaning
To clean your tankless water heater, you’ll need a few basic tools and materials to make the job easier:
1. Essential Tools
- Garden Hose: You’ll need a garden hose to help move water and the cleaning solution in and out of the heater.
- Bucket: A bucket will catch the water and cleaning solution that flows out of the heater.
- Descaling Solution: To clean out any build-up inside the heater and dissolve minerals.
2. Optional Tools For Convenience
- Funnel: A funnel can help you pour the descaling solution into the tank more easily.
- Pump: If you have a pump, it can make it easier to circulate the cleaning solution through the system.
How Often Should You Flush Your Tankless Water Heater?
Knowing how often to flush your tankless water heater helps to prevent problems.
Most manufacturers suggest flushing your tankless water heater once a year.
Different models have different needs.
So, always check your heater’s manual (guide) for specific recommendations.
Factors Affecting Cleaning Frequency
Here’s why cleaning frequency can vary – factors to consider:
1. Water Hardness
If your water has a lot of minerals (hard water), you should clean your heater more often.
Hard water can cause more build-up inside the heater.
2. Usage Patterns
If you use your water heater a lot or have a large family, you should clean it more frequently.
Heavy use can lead to a faster build-up of minerals.
3 Signs That Your Tankless Water Heater Needs Flushing
Look for these signs to know when it’s time to flush your heater:
- Reduced Water Flow: If the water flow seems slower than usual, it could be due to mineral build-up.
- Strange Noises: If you hear strange bubbling sounds, it might mean there’s dirt inside.
- Water Temperature Issues: If the water isn’t getting as hot as it should, it might be time to clean the heater.
When To Call A Professional
Calling a professional for maintenance has big benefits.
Sometimes, you might have a problem that’s too tricky to fix.
If your heater isn’t working right and has an issue you can’t figure out, it’s time to call a professional.
They are like super-smart helpers who know all about fixing tricky problems.
Contact us today at OP Plumbing Hub for pro services.
Conclusion
Flushing your tankless water heater often helps it work better and last longer.
Follow these easy tips to keep it running smoothly and avoid big problems.