On top of your regular maintenance, there are several tasks you should make sure are done on an annual basis. The most important yearly tankless water heater maintenance tasks are:
- Flushing the System
- Cleaning the Air Filter
- Cleaning the Water Filter
- Cleaning the Exterior of Your Unit
Heating units work year in and year out to provide our homes with hot water. Taking a couple of hours to make sure your yearly maintenance is complete will prevent expensive repairs, ensure healthier water and lower operating costs. This preventative maintenance can be done by yourself or by an experienced professional plumber.
Flushing the System
Even though tankless models do not have a traditional storage tank, it is still important to flush sediment out of the tankless unit. Minerals and buildup are constantly collected in your tankless heater throughout the year. This buildup can cause damage to your unit and lower efficiency without proper maintenance. At Tankless Experts, we suggest flushing your tankless heater annually at a minimum. Flushing may even be required more often in homes with a harder water supply.
How to Flush Your Tankless Water Heater
Flushing your tankless hot water tanks can be a challenging task and most homeowners do not have ready access to all the tools necessary. We still want to outline the steps for owners to understand the entire process.
When preparing to flush a tankless hot water tank, you should begin by gathering all the tools and materials you will need to complete the task. You will need:
- A Sump Pump
- 2 Lengths of Hoses
- Mixture of White Vinegar and Water for Cleaning Agent
- Tools Necessary to Disconnect Your Tankless Unit and Attach Sump Pump
After you have gathered the equipment needed, you can begin flushing your tankless unit. You should always refer to your tankless water heaters user manual for complete instructions as well as illustrations for where all the valves are located on your tankless model, however, Tankless Experts has compiled a basic 7-step guide for your reference.
- Turn Off Power and Gas to Your Tankless Heater
- Disconnect the Tankless Unit from the Home’s Water System
- Attach Hoses and Sump Pump to Your Unit
- Pump Cleaning Agent Through Your Tankless Unit
- Flush Out Cleaning Agent from Tankless Heater
- Reattach the Unit to Your Home’s Plumbing
- Turn on the Power and Gas
If you are unsure at any time or find this task daunting, reaching out to a professional plumber is always a trusted and guaranteed way to ensure your tankless unit is properly flushed. Tankless Experts is always available to help with any questions or needs for tankless water heater maintenance.
Cleaning the Air Filter
All hot waters need air circulation to cool off their heating elements. Tankless models need even more air circulation due to the temperatures needed to provide on-demand hot water. Most tankless models will use an air filter to prevent a build-up of debris and dust within your unit. As part of your yearly maintenance, you should remove this filter and clean it with soap water and a soft brush. Cleaning your air filter will prevent your unit from overheating during use and increase the longevity of your tankless heater.
Cleaning the Water Filter
Unlike heaters with storage tanks, tankless models often include a water filter to prevent excess sediment and debris from entering the heating element. It is important to clean this filter to prevent a restriction of water flowing into your tankless heater. Cleaning your water filter is often done alongside your system flush since the water and power will need to be cut off from the unit. Refer to your user manual to locate your filter. Once the filter is removed, wash the filter with soap and water and rinse before reinstalling.
Cleaning the Exterior of Your Unit
Neglecting to clean the exterior of your unit and the area around it can cause issues for your unit. Dust and debris are just as much a threat on the outside as inside your unit. All units require roughly a meter of space around the units for safe operation. Remember to clear the area and clean the unit whenever performing yearly tankless water heater maintenance.
When it comes to finding the right tankless water heater solution for your situation, trust the industry leaders. Tankless Experts is dedicated to offering informed advice, an affordable water heater option, and solutions based on your unique needs. We carry and service various types of tankless water heaters capable of covering any size room or home. Contact us today for more information and a free, no-obligation estimate!