We know that most people’s favorite things about their tankless water heater are lower energy costs, unlimited hot water, and easier maintenance. Compared to a traditional tank water heater, tankless units don’t require as much maintenance.
That being said, you shouldn’t just set your tankless heater and forget about it. To maximize your tankless water heaters’ efficiency and service life, follow these tankless water heater maintenance tips from our plumbers at Integrity Home Solutions.
Task #1. Clean or Replace the Water Line Filter
Many tankless water heaters have a water line filter that protects the unit from hard water, scale, and sediment. Not only can these contaminants build up and affect the components of your water heater, but they can also get passed through your entire plumbing system, including your pipes, faucets, and appliances.
Your tankless water heater may have a filter that can be cleaned and reused, or it might need to be replaced periodically. Refer to your user manual to make sure you are properly maintaining your tankless water heater system.
Further, if your tankless water heater doesn’t have a built-in water filter, you can add one to help improve the water quality and protect your plumbing from hard water.
Task #2. Clean the Air Filter
Some natural gas tankless water heaters also have an air filter in between the air intake pipe and the fan. Over time, this filter will get clogged with debris that can disrupt airflow, just like your HVAC unit’s filter.
You can easily refer to your user manual, but in many cases, it is as simple as removing a few screws, taking out the air filter, rinsing it, letting it dry, and reinserting it into the unit. See? Simple!
Task #3. Descaling and Flushing the System
Typically, the most complicated and time-consuming task for tankless water heater maintenance is descaling and flushing the unit.
If you have hard water, it is important to descale and flush your unit at least once a year.
If you have a water softening system, we recommend performing a flush of the system every 3-5 years.
To remove scale (mineral build-up) you can use white vinegar or a specialized descaling solution. To do so, you’ll need to use a submersible pump to cycle vinegar through the tankless water heater for at least 45 minutes.
After descaling, it is time to flush the unit with clean water by connecting a garden hose to the hot side service valve. Allow water to run through the tank until the water runs clear.
Sound a little too complicated? Don’t worry! Call our team at Integrity Home Solutions for descaling and flushing of your tankless water heater; 813-473-6007!
Final Steps
Next, close the cold water service port and open the cold water shut-off valve to flush out any lingering vinegar or descaling solution. Once this is done, you will close the valve and allow the water to finish draining.
Next, close the hot water port. If your unit has a cold water inlet filter, remove it as well as the hot water in-line filter. Flush both in the sink to remove any leftover mineral sediment.
Tankless Water Heater Maintenance
Now you know how to properly clean a water heater! Remember, though this can be a great DIY project to tackle, you may feel more comfortable calling our plumbers at Integrity Home Solutions to do the job. That’s what we’re here for after all! We’re always happy to schedule routine flushing and descaling and annual service for both tankless and standard tank water heaters.
Need tankless water heater maintenance? Schedule service today with Integrity Home Solutions; 813-473-6007!
