Tankless water heaters are great for saving space and energy, but they need regular cleaning to run at full capacity. Over time, minerals from water can build up inside the heater, making it less efficient and more prone to breaking down.
We'll walk you through the steps to clean your tankless water heater, including the basic tools, supplies, and best practices.
Tankless water heaters require proper care, so let’s explore the key parts, how water quality affects them, why regular upkeep matters, and the importance of following manufacturer guidelines.
Water quality plays a significant role in tankless heater performance as hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These can build up inside the heat exchanger over time, and this scale reduces efficiency and can damage parts.
Homes with higher levels of hard water may require more frequent cleaning and a water softener can help reduce mineral buildup. Acidic water can corrode metal components, while high sediment levels may clog filters.
We recommend testing your home’s water hardness and quality as this helps determine how often to clean your unit.
Cleaning prevents clogs that reduce water flow and helps avoid costly repairs. A key step is annual flushing which removes mineral deposits, maintaining efficiency and extending the unit's life. Check and clean inlet filters every few months to stop debris from entering the unit, inspect venting yearly for blockages or damage, and keep the area around the heater clean and clear.
Always follow the maker's care instructions as the manual will likely list specific cleaning steps and products. It gives maintenance schedules based on your model and local water quality. The manual also explains how to access service ports and drain the system, and may recommend certain descaling solutions.
Some brands require professional servicing to keep the warranty valid, although many allow DIY maintenance. Following these guidelines ensures safe and proper care of your unit.
Cleaning your tankless water heater involves taking safety steps, getting the right tools, and turning off power and water.
Always wear safety goggles when cleaning a tankless water heater to protect your eyes from splashes, rubber gloves are also a must to keep your hands safe from cleaning chemicals. Ensure the area around the heater is clear, providing room to work safely, and also open windows or turn on fans for good airflow.
We need several items to clean our tankless water heater properly.
Turn off the heater's power and water supply before performing any maintenance for safety and to stop water flow during cleaning. For electric heaters, switch off the circuit breaker, and for gas heaters, turn off the gas supply valve.
Next, shut off the water inlet valve to stop water from entering the heater and close the hot water outlet valve. Then, open the pressure relief valve to release any built-up pressure and drain any remaining water from the heater into the bucket.
Here’s a quick run-through of flushing the system, removing scale buildup, rinsing the unit, and putting everything back together.
With the water supply off, connect the hoses to the flush valves. Mix a descaling solution according to the manufacturer's instructions, pour it into a bucket, and use a small pump to circulate it through the heater. Let the solution run for about an hour to break down mineral deposits inside the unit.
After flushing, open the access panel to reach the internal parts and carefully remove components like the heating element and flow sensor. Using a soft brush, gently scrub off any remaining scale. For stubborn buildup, soak parts in vinegar and inspect all components for damage.
Once scale removal is complete, thoroughly rinse the system by running clean water through the heater for several minutes. This removes any leftover cleaning solution and loose debris. Then, drain all the water from the unit using the drain valve. It's crucial to get all the water out to prevent clogs. This process can also identify leaks that need to be fixed.
Carefully put all components back in place, ensuring everything is properly sealed and tightened. Next, close the access panel, reconnect any hoses that were removed, slowly turn the water supply back on, and check for leaks again. If everything looks good, restore power to the unit and run hot water through a faucet to ensure the heater is working.
After cleaning your tankless water heater, perform some final checks and create a maintenance plan.
Turning the water supply valve back on and open a hot water tap to let air out of the pipes, watching for steady water flow without sputtering. Look closely at all connections for leaks and tighten connections or replace seals as needed.
Adjust the water temperature on the heater's control panel to between 120-140°F which is sufficient for most homes. Check the flow rate (how fast water comes out of taps), if it's too low, the heater might shut off, and if it's too high, the water may not get hot enough.
Creating a cleaning schedule each year, considering factors like water hardness, as areas with hard water need cleaning more often. For most homes, once a year is enough but if you notice reduced hot water or strange noises, you might need to clean sooner.
Set reminders on your phones or write a home maintenance list, and if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, hire a professional. They can set up a regular service plan and perform all tasks to keep your heater in perfect condition.
Get in touch to arrange a professional cleaning of your tankless water heater.
