The tankless water heater will have minerals build up over time while using it. It can eventually erode the walls in the tank’s heating chamber. That’s why you need to properly maintain it to avoid it from having issues. Although you can go for tankless water heater repairs, maintaining it is better.

If you’re a tankless water heater owner, you have to clean it regularly. It will help you maintain the system so that you will not have to replace it, which can end up costly. You need to flush away the mineral deposits from the tank once a year at the minimum. That will ensure that your tankless water heater will maintain its efficiency.

How to Maintain Tankless Water Heaters

1. Turn Off Power Source

Before cleaning up your tankless water heater, you must turn it off from its power source. This can vary, so if you have it powered by gas, shut it off from the gas line. If it’s run by electricity, turn off the circuit breaker of the device. That way, it will be safe for you to work on cleaning your tankless water heater.

2. Close the Water Valves

Three water valves are attached to your device. You need to turn them off as well to avoid cold water from running to your tankless water heater. It’s an important step to take since it will prevent hot water from leaking as you clean your device. The cold water valve usually is blue, while the hot water is colored red, so you will not miss it.

3. Remove Caps of the Purge Port Valves

It looks like the letter T, and you need to remove the caps slowly. This will relieve the pressure inside the Purge Port Valves and avoid hot water drip. Make sure that the hot water valve is shut off to prevent any accidents. Since there will be pressure from them, the hot water can spray and burn your skin. So make sure to be careful when doing this step.

4. Put the Hosing Lines into the Valves

You will need to attach it to the three valves one by one. Make sure that the Hosing line is long enough to reach your bucket. Check your tankless water heater manual to ensure that you’re doing it correctly. This step will flush the excess water from the heater. It’s an essential step so that you can clean it thoroughly.

5. Twist Purge Port Valves

Open the purge port valves by twisting them in the same position as the cold and hot valves. It will make it easier for you to clean the minerals that have been accumulated in the tankless water heater over time. You have to make sure that there is no more water from the device. That way, you can easily clean it without any obstructions.

6. Use Undiluted Vinegar Instead of Chemical

It’s a great idea to use 2.5 gallons of undiluted vinegar to clean your tankless water heater. Since you’re using the water for bathing and drinking, using a chemical solution is not the best choice. You can go for undiluted vinegar to avoid health issues. It’s safe to use so that you can already use the water after cleaning the heater.

7. Flush and Drain

You can consult your tankless water heater manual to do this procedure to be sure. It will take about 45 minutes to flush and drain the water from the heater. This will ensure that the pressure of the water will clean the heater after using the undiluted vinegar for it. Just keep on doing it until you see the mineral deposits have been flushed out.

8. Twist the T-Shape Handle

You can consult your tankless water heater manual to do this procedure to be sure. It will take about 45 minutes to flush and drain the water from the heater. This will ensure that the pressure of the water will clean the heater after using the undiluted vinegar for it. Just keep on doing it until you see the mineral deposits have been flushed out.

9. Take Off the Hosing Lines

You can disconnect the hosing lines from the valves since you’re done cleaning the tankless water heater. Remove the hose, and make sure to set it aside for your next maintenance. Some tankless water heater manufacturers may not have it included. It’s best to have it available so that you can use the hose for other purposes and save money from needing to buy another one.

10. Put Back the Purge Port Valves Caps

Now it’s time to replace the caps of the Purge Port valves. Make sure to tighten it firmly but be careful not to break the rubber sealing. It’s important to be intact to seal off the cap completely. This will hold the pressure so that you can ensure to have hot water on demand.

11. Restart Tankless Water Heater

You can now restart your tankless water heater since you’re done cleaning it. To make sure, refer to your user manual to safely turn it on. Since it may vary depending on the brand, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s manual to avoid breaking your tankless water heater. Typically, you need to rotate the water valves to lead them to your home.

12. Allow the Hot Water Tap to Run

This will be the last step that you need to take after cleaning your tankless water heater. It can only take up to 3 minutes. You just need to make sure that the air will pass through the pipes. Continuously running the hot water will make it steady to avoid air escaping. This will ensure that you can use it as normal.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to maintain and clean the tankless water heater, you can do it at least once a year. It will ensure that you can prolong its life without having to replace it prematurely. Although if it’s unavoidable, you can find tankless water heater repairs in Ridgeland MS. It’s best to hire a local repair specialist to avoid the high cost of tankless water heater repair.