Tankless water heaters require more regular maintenance than conventional storage tank models. Over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium can accumulate in the heat exchanger and piping of the unit. This ultimately leads to limescale buildup, which causes flow restriction and reduces heating efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to flush your tankless water heater periodically.
Most manufacturers recommend flushing your tankless water heater annually. However, the optimal flushing frequency depends on the quality and hardness of your local water. Those living in areas with particularly hard water may need to flush their tanks every six months. You should watch out for warning signs such as:
- Reduced hot water flow
- Higher electricity bills
- Unstable temperature fluctuations
- Knocking, popping or strange noises
Tankless water heater flush is an important procedure to keep your equipment in good shape. If you notice any of these, it’s a sign that mineral scale is likely reducing performance. Flushing can restore flow and efficiency.
Step-by-step flushing process
Flushing a tankless water heater is a simple task that you can do yourself in less than an hour.
Tools you’ll need:
- Garden hoses & bucket(s)
- Adjustable wrench
- Transfer pump
- Cleaning solution: white vinegar or citric acid-based tankless descaler
- Optional: water pressure gauge to monitor progress
Here is the step-by-step process:
- Turn off the power and water supply to the unit. This is to prevent the system from accidentally turning on and causing water damage.
- Disconnect the water inlet and outlet lines. Attach the garden hoses to the drain valves. Position the drain hoses to drain the flushed water to the outside or into buckets.
- Open the hot and cold water drain valves. Catch the initial flow of water, which is likely to contain large sediment particles.
- Prepare a solution of vinegar or citric acid. A mild acidic cleaner helps dissolve mineral deposits. Pour the solution into the inlet supply line and start recirculating through the system using the transfer pump.
- Flush for 30-60 minutes at a high flow rate. Ensure that the cleaning solution has been cycled for optimal descaling. Rinse for longer periods to remove hardened deposits.
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water for 5+ minutes to rinse off any residual cleaning solution.
- Close all taps and reconnect the water lines. Restore power and slowly open the water supply to check for leaks.
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