How to Maintain Your Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters are one way homeowners can save energy. Depending on how many gallons of hot water your home uses per day, a tankless water heater can be 24% to 34% more efficient than a normal hot water heater.

Like any other new piece of equipment in your household, it's important that you understand how to best take care of it. Neglecting basic tankless water heater maintenance won't allow your tankless water heater to operate at its full potential. Learn how to maintain a tankless water heater to achieve the energy savings you likely were looking forward to when you chose it.

How Do You Maintain a Tankless Water Heater?

Maintaining a tankless water heater mainly involves flushing it once a year to remove mineral buildup, especially in areas with hard water. You should also:

• Check and clean the inlet filter
• Inspect the venting for blockages
• Ensure the gas or electric connections are secure
  
  

How To Flush A Tankless Water Heater

Your tankless water heater should be flushed at least annually. This is to remove mineral deposits, such as calcium. If you've had hard water problems in your home, you might consider tankless water heater cleaning more than once per year to counter mineral deposits. Here are the steps to follow for a tankless water heater flush so you can enjoy all the benefits of a tankless hot water heater:

Step 1: Check Your Owner’s Manual

To flush your heater, first, you must check your owner's manual to see if your unit needs to have the power shut off.

• If your heater is electric, turn off the power from the breaker panel.
• If it's gas, rotate the gas cutoff until fuel is no longer going to the heater.
  
  

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply

Next, you will want to turn off the water supply bringing cold water to the heater, as well as the valve sending hot water out.

Step 3: Connect the Hoses

Fasten a six-foot garden hose to a sump pump, and the other end to the cold-water valve. A second garden hose will have to be connected to the hot-water valve, with the opposite end submerged in a five-gallon bucket of distilled white vinegar. Place the pump line in the bucket as well.

Step 4: Run the Pump

Use the pump to circulate the vinegar through the heater. The vinegar will break down mineral deposits and buildup. Let the pump run for about 1.5 hours. Then replace the vinegar with cold water. Use this to rinse out your heater.

Step 5: Clean the Filter

Once the heater is clean, you'll have to clean the inlet filter screen. To do this, simply rinse it and take away any sediment stuck to it.

Step 6: Put It All Back Together

Once the screen is clean and the heater is all flushed out and rinsed, you can replace everything back to working order. Test the faucets throughout your home to make sure there isn't any air trapped in them. Let the water run for a few minutes to remove any air pockets.

Again, refer to your owner’s manual, as some procedures may vary.

Let Us Maintain Your Tankless Water Heater For You

Maintaining a tankless water heater will just take a few minutes of your time. And in return, you’ll enjoy endless hot water with improved efficiency for years to come.

If you’re still not sure how to clean a tankless water heater or you have problems with your tankless water heater, you may want to call in the experts. Call your local Roto-Rooter at 800-768-6911 to make sure everything is in working order.

FAQs on Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

What kind of maintenance does a tankless water heater need?

Tankless water heaters need periodic descaling to remove mineral buildup, checking filters, and inspecting valves.

How often should I have my tankless water heater flushed?

Most manufacturers recommend flushing a tankless water heater once a year. Homes with hard water may need to flush it more often to prevent scaling.

Can I flush a tankless water heater myself?

Yes, it’s possible to flush a tankless water heater yourself with the right tools and a little care, but some homeowners prefer hiring a plumber to ensure it’s done safely and thoroughly.

What happens if a tankless water heater isn’t flushed?

If you skip flushing, mineral buildup can reduce efficiency, cause uneven heating, and damage internal components. You may need to replace your hot water heater sooner than normal.