8 Steps to Maintain your Tankless Water Heater

August 14, 2024

For modern homes, one of the best investments that can be made in today’s time is a tankless water heater very efficient, space-saving, and gives hot water only when needed. If properly maintained, they shall easily last 20 or more years and are much budget-friendlier than traditional tank-style heaters. A tankless water heater needs periodic servicing to ensure it does not lose its prime condition and high-performance levels. Below are eight detailed steps for proper maintenance of your tankless water heater.

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1. Turn Off the Energy Source

The first step in maintaining your water heater is to turn off its power source. This is because there may be several means by which a water heater can be powered, either electrically, by propane, or with natural gas.

Now let’s see how it can be done:

• Electric Models: Locate the circuit breaker for your electric water heater at the electrical panel in your house. Switch it off. It assures that the current is not running to the unit and lowers the chances of electrical shock.
• Gas Models: Turn off the gas supply. Find the main gas shutoff valve, usually situated close to the gas water heater. This will prevent any risk of gas leaks or explosions during maintenance.

Always make sure the power source is entirely off before any further maintenance work.

2. Close All Water Valves

All the water valves should also be shut off in order to prevent any water inflow and outflow from getting to the tankless water heater during its maintenance process. Tankless systems feature three valves: a cold one, a hot one, and the one that serves as a control for the water supply coming from the main into the house.

Closing the Water Valves:

• Cold Water Valve: This valve will generally be colored blue. Close the valve by turning it clockwise.
• Hot Water Valve: This valve will generally be colored red. Close the valve by turning it clockwise.
• Bypass Valve (if applicable): This valve allows the water to flow between the main supply and the heater. Close the bypass valve by turning it clockwise.

This prevents any water from going in or out of the heater, ensuring no leak or mess is created while cleaning these rooms.

3. Depressurize the Purge Valves

A tankless water heater is always fitted with purge valves to control or maintain the pressure during maintenance. They are easily identified as small handles resembling the letter “T”.

• Locate the Purge Valves: Most units have them on their sides.
• Loosen the Caps: Slowly unscrew the purge port valve caps to allow any pressure formed to come out. You must do this process yourself, as this will ensure no person gets burned or scalded from hot water squirting.

Removing the valve caps will also signify that, during flushing, there will never be an instance of water sprouting, which will give more safety and control.

4. Attach Hosting Line to Every Valve

The hosing lines are attached to the purge valves, which you will use to carry out the cleaning. The washing solution will follow this line, circulating through the whole system and into the bucket for drainage.

Steps to Attach Hosting Lines:

• Purchase Hoses: A hardware dealer will sell them, or one can use what is available. Make sure the diameter fits your water heater’s make and model.
• Connect the Hoses: If your model requires the latter, one end of the hoses is connected to the purge valves, whereas the other is connected to the flushing bucket or the sump pump.

This plumbing allows the cleaning solution to pass through the heater and work effectively to remove existing mineral deposits and tenacious buildup.

5. Opening the Port Valves

Opening the port valves to the hoses fitted will then facilitate the flow of the cleaning solution throughout the system.

• Locate the Port Valves: They are mainly located around the purge valves.
• Turn the Valves: Twist them to become perpendicular to the valves of the water. The position allows the cleaning solution to enter and exit the unit via the hoses.

Opening the port valves allows the cleaning solution to pass through the unit, guaranteeing access to all parts that need to be cleaned.

6. Run Descaling Solution or White Vinegar Through the Unit

A cleaning solution needs to be added to the water heater. At that point, you turn it on to enable the solution to dissolve all the remaining accumulated mineral deposits on the heating elements and scale. You can use a descaling solution bought at the store or any other solution. Descaling can also be done using white vinegar.

Steps to Add Descaler Solution/Vinegar:

• Make-up Solution: If making up a commercial descaler, mix it as per the manufacturer’s directions. For white vinegar, you are going to use about 2.5 gallons.
• Pour Solution: Place the solution or vinegar in the flushing bucket. If you use a sump pump, ensure it is in place to move the solution throughout the system.

Homeowners find vinegar very appealing for being natural and less corrosive, but always ensure it applies to your specific unit.

7. Flushing and Draining the Tankless Water Heater

Flushing is quite similar to descaling. It involves removing any mineral sediments or debris that have clogged the heater. This is essential for the equipment’s efficiency and service for a longer time.

How to Flush and Drain the Heater:

• Turn the Pump On: Turn on a sump pump to allow the cleaning solution to flow through the system. Let it run for about 45 minutes or according to the instructions given by the manufacturer.
• Flush with Water: Once the descaling solution has sat, turn off the Pump and drain the hoses. Open the water valves and let fresh water flush through the unit, rinsing any leftover solution and debris.
• Drain the Unit: Ensure that the unit is drained regarding the remaining solution and debris.

Flushing and proper draining ensure that no solution used for cleaning or the deposits left would interfere with or damage the system.

8. Restart the Tankless Water Heater

When the cleaning process is over, you can restart the tankless water heater, from where the regular operation will restart as usual.

Steps to Restart the Heater:

• Close the Port Valves: Place the purge valve caps back and close the port valves firmly so that leaks don’t occur.
• Turn On the Water Supply: Open all the water valves (cold, hot, and bypass), allowing the water supply to reach the unit.
• Turn On the Power or Gas: Turn the power back on to the unit by switching the circuit breaker or turning the gas supply back on.
• Flush the Lines: Run your taps to release air in the water lines. This may last about 2-3 minutes and will ensure regular hot water.

By performing the above, your tankless water heater is restored to optimal functioning conditions and is now set to serve continuous hot water.

Maintaining the tankless water heater in good working condition will guarantee its efficiency and extended service. As much as homeowners can do these maintenance tasks, one should consider services from professional plumbers if they are unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the process. Professionals will give the most proficient care and repair other issues that may not be taken care of through essential maintenance associated with the tankless water heater, ensuring your continued use of the tankless water heater without added stress from maintenance.

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