Tankless water heater maintenance

Today more and more homes are switching to tankless water heaters due to their energy efficiency and the endless supply of hot water they provide. Unlike traditional models that store water in a tank and continuously heat it, tankless systems heat water on demand. The tankless option eliminates the need for a large storage tank. This saves on space and it reduces energy consumption by not heating and reheating water continuously. As more homes transition to a tankless system, understanding how to maintain them is important to ensure their consistent performance and reliability. 

Following is a general listing of tankless water heater maintenance items you can perform. However, not all water heaters are the same. You may want to consult the owner’s manual for your particular make and model to ensure you are performing all the necessary tasks properly. Turn off the gas, if it uses gas, and unplug your water heater or trip the circuit breaker before performing any inspection or maintenance.

Monthly

You should perform a casual inspection and cleaning of your system on a monthly basis.

1. Use a soft cloth or brush to clean the exterior. Keeping the exterior of your tankless water heater clean maintains its appearance and helps prevent dirt and debris from getting to the internal components.

2. Look for any water leaks around the outside of the water heater, the pressure relief valve, or from other plumbing connections. Call us if you notice any issues.

3. Clean the fan and motor to keep it clear of debris. This is very easy to do! Just grab a can of compressed air and spray down the area.

4. Inspect the air intake and exhaust terminations on the exterior of your home. Ensure they show no signs of discoloration or physical damage and are unobstructed by snow, ice, shrubs, or any other items. Adequate air flow is critical to proper operation of your tankless water heater.

Every six months

1. Clean and/or replace the air filter. A clogged air filter puts unnecessary strain on the system. This can lead to higher energy consumption and increased equipment wear. You may want to clean it more frequently if you have pets or live in a dusty area. Some manufacturers, like Intellihot, recommend cleaning it every three months.

2. Clean the water inlet filter. Doing so can prevent clogs and keep your hot water flowing smoothly. If you have hard water you may need to clean it even more frequently. When removing the water inlet filter, look for any leaks, connection seal issues, or damaged parts. If you notice any of these issues, call us to resolve the problem.

Annually

1. Your tankless water heater needs to be kept clean around the burners, circulating air passages, and control compartments. Dust and debris build up over time and can cause critical failures. You should have a professional clean the burner chamber, passages, and compartments every year or so.

2. The most important thing you can do to keep your tankless water heater in great shape is descaling it. This should be done about every 12 months. This will depend on how much your water heater is used and how hard your water is. If you have soft water or just average water, plan on flushing your unit once a year. If you have hard water, flush it more often. Descaling helps flush out all the buildup of sediment in your water heater. Limescale from your water supply will naturally build up within your tankless water heater. If you don’t flush it out regularly, the limescale can get very thick and prevent your unit from heating properly. It also drastically reduces the lifespan of your water heater. You can call Elbert Heating & Air to descale your tankless water heater or you can do it on your own. Either way, please make sure it gets done.

The Descaling Process

A. Turn off the gas, if it uses gas, and unplug your water heater or trip the circuit breaker.

 B. Close All Main Water Valves

To prevent water from entering the water heater, you must close the main water valves. Typically, there is a blue valve that lets cold water (in) and a red valve that lets hot water (out).

 C. Remove Service Port Valve Caps

Service port valve caps cover and protect the hose connections used for maintenance.

 D. Attach Hoses to Each Service Port

Connect one hose to each hot and cold service port. Place the other end of the hoses into a five-gallon bucket (or larger).

E. Drain the Water Heater

Open the service port valves by turning them perpendicular to the direction of the water lines. Water will drain out of the water heater through the hoses into the bucket. After the water has completed draining from the water heater, empty the bucket.

F.  Prepare Recirculation Pump and Solution

Put 2-3 gallons of a commercial descaling solution or white vinegar into the bucket. Attach the hose leading into the cold water service port to a small recirculation pump. Submerge the pump into the bucket. Simply place the hose coming from the hot service port back in the bucket.

 G. Descale

Turn on the pump. The pump will push the cleaning fluid through the hose and into the heat exchanger of the water heater. The fluid will then exit the heater and return to the bucket. Run the recirculation pump for about 60 minutes. This will flush the cleaning fluid through the system, where it will break down limescale and mineral buildup.

(Note: some manufacturers require the electrical power to be on during this procedure to allow all internal actuated valves to open properly)

 H. Flush the water heater, hoses and pump.

After an hour, replace the cleaning fluid in the bucket with clean water and run the pump for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will remove the vinegar or descaling solution from the inside of the water heater. It is important to flush the cleaner from your water heater, recirculation pump and hoses to prevent future damage to these items.

I. Restart Your Heater

After you have finished flushing the water heater, shut off the pump, close the service port valves, drain and disconnect the hoses. Then put the service port caps back on. You will be ready to restart the water heater. Follow the steps outlined in your owner's manual to start up the unit again. The restarting process should include turning the main water valves on and turning the power sources back on. When you turn your valves back on, some air may go through your pipes. Turn on your faucets, and they will spurt air for a couple of minutes. This is normal. Shortly, water should flow freely again.

With proper maintenance your tankless water heater will give you many years of trouble-free use.  Please keep up with the maintenance. If you need assistance give us a call, we’ll be happy to help.