Maintaining Your Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters offer many advantages over traditional storage water heaters. Hot water is heated on demand, reducing energy consumption and providing as much hot water as you need for your home. Regular maintenance is an important part of owning any water heater, including a tankless model. Keep reading to find out how you can maximize your water heater’s performance for added savings and longevity.

Flushing Your Water Heater

Tankless water heaters can—and should—be flushed periodically. Minerals in your water can build up on the inside of the unit, reducing its ability to heat your water effectively and damaging its heating element. To flush your water heater, first turn off the power and any gas intake to the unit. Turn off the cold water intake and hot water output valves. Your water heater should have two isolation valves that are used during the flushing process: a cold water isolation valve and a hot water isolation valve. Consult your user’s manual or your plumber if you aren’t sure how to find them. Attach the cold water isolation valve to a small circulation pump using a length of hose. Connect a second length of hose to the hot water isolation valve, placing the other end in a five-gallon bucket. Place the inlet hose of your pump into the bucket as well. Fill the bucket with five gallons of white vinegar, and open both isolation valves. Turn on the pump and allow the vinegar to circulate for 45 minutes. After this time, turn off the pump and drain any remaining liquid from the cold isolation valve before closing it and removing the hose. Remove the hose from the hot water isolation valve and make sure the valve is closed. Turn on your cold and hot water valves and run a hot water tap in your home briefly to make sure no air is trapped in the system. Finally, restore power and gas to the water heater.

Cleaning the Filter Screen

Tankless water heaters utilize a filter screen to block incoming debris from entering the unit. This filter screen is located inside the cold water intake valve. To clean the screen, turn off the cold water intake and remove the screen. Flush it gently with water, following any specific instructions for cleaning the screen in your user’s manual. Once the filter is clean, replace it and turn the water intake valve back to the on position.

With a little regular care, your tankless water heater will function efficiently for years to come. If you have any questions, you can contact a professional plumber in Santa Cruz for advice or service by clicking through the Mr. Rooter website. We invite you to read through our blog for more home plumbing maintenance tips and information.