Please read why it's important to check your owner's manual here. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Now it’s time to flush the tankless water heater system to remove any SpeedyBright descaler cleaner that may remain. Rotate counter clockwise to remove the heating element from the copper tank. This breaks down the scale and flushes out the sediment. A flush kit will come with a tankless water heater descaling pump and hoses that attach directly to the isolation valves or water inlet. Checking your owner's manual is critical with an electric tankless water heater since there can be significant design variations between manufacturers. Open the cold water shut-off valve and let the tank fill. The three top brands for gas tankless models are Rinnai, Rheem, and Noritz. Anyone who’s owned a regular water will be familiar with the need to flush the tank occasionally as a means of eliminating sediment. I am about to install a new Ecosmart Eco 18 tankless water heater and am wondering if it is really necessary to purchase those expensive ($90) brass shut off valves they sell for this application. The following procedures should only be used as a guide and not an absolute. Locate and close the gas isolation valve. Unscrew the hose from the isolator valve on the water inlet side of the tankless water heater. Don't guess, find out when and how to flush your tankless heater. Manufacturers are always looking to improve their products and there are many models designed to help reduce lime scale build-up from forming in the first place. Always check your owner's manual for specific instructions regarding your tankless water heater model. Once connected you can run a solution of water and vinegar to clean the heat exchanger of any scale deposits. Flush the filters at a sink to remove any trapped sediment. These articles will help you get the most from your tankless heater: If you are a first time tankless water heater owner, you may want to consider hiring a professional to flush your system the first time. Connect hoses to both of these ports. Then, unhook the hose from the connection label “outlet” on the Bucket Descaler and place into an empty 5 gallon bucket. How to Install a Tankless Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve. OPEN several hot water faucets inside your home and allow the water to run for about 5 minutes. A sediment trap or softener can help with hard water to a point. They are a worthwhile investment that you won't regret. Remove the cover and double check that no electricity is reaching the unit by using a. That’s why it’s important to know first why and when it’s needed, then how to flush a tankless water heater, be it gas or electric. Close the cold water shut-off valve. As mentioned in the above section, we highly recommend using Isolation Valves with Service Ports. Simply locate the appropriate water heater sizes on eComfort using your information. Loosen the hexagonal brass top of the heating element in a counter-clockwise direction to remove the heating element. Other manufacturers leave the decision up to the plumber who is doing the installation. Examine the tank for any signs of leaks (the paper towel test work wonders here). Turn on several hot water faucets and let the water run for about five minutes to flush out the vinegar and clear any air pockets from the line. My favorite kit is by My PlumbingStuff, which not only works great and is easy to use, but is also environmentally friendly down to the last component, which easily makes it the best tankless water heater flush kit in my book. It's safe, environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and very effective. Place the free end of the hot water hose into the bucket. Flushing tankless water heaters – a simple step-by-step guide. Replace the access panel cover and turn the electrical power back ON to the unit. Lot cheaper than calling a plumber to flush. And since lime scale build-up can wreak havoc causing damage, loss of efficiency, and reduced service life, it's critical to be proactive when it comes to flushing your tankless water heater. Allow the vinegar to soak inside the chambers for 90 to 120 minutes. Many of the maintenance tasks necessary to keep your tankless system running at peak performance can be completed by the homeowner. Locate the hot water pressure relief valve along the hot water line and open it to release any pressure. Turn off the electrical circuit for the water heater at the breaker panel. (similar to those used on intake water lines of washing machines) This screen is the last line of defense to keep particles from entering the water flow sensor housing and inhibiting the use of the heater. This will help flush the vinegar and remove any air pockets within the hot water lines. Close the cold water service port and remove the attached hose Open the cold water shut-off valve to flush out any remaining vinegar through the second hose into your bucket for about ten minutes. Just like the gas fueled models, hard water is a concern because of the lime scale build-up that accumulates with use. If it is … Hot water—whenever and wherever you want it—is one of life’s many comforts. If this happens, professional repair will most likely be necessary. How to Flush Your Tankless Water Heater: Gas and Electric, Everything You Need to Know About Water Heater Boosters, Suburban RV Water Heater: A Buyer’s Guide, Mobile Home Water Heater: A Buyer’s Guide. Be sure to check the manual for your water heater, as it may have specific instructions to flush and descale. In all cases, tankless water heaters must be property vented. Store the heating elements in the cooper chambers of the heater so that they can also be cleaned. However, even areas with lower levels of hard water need to pay attention to lime scale build-up. Bosch offers an O-ring kit that can be purchased. How Often Should You Flush a Tankless Water Heater? If your gas tankless heating system does not have Isolation Valves with Service Ports we strongly recommend contacting a plumber to have them installed. Flush out any sediment and debris from the filter housing. Turn OFF the electrical power to the tankless unit at the breaker. Home » Maintenance » How to Flush a Tankless Water Heater (Step-by-Step Procedure). Tankless water heater require flushing every 6 months to a year. Flushing will require a big bucket to put the pump in, as there’s no simple drainage option as there is with the average tank model, hence the need for a submersible model pump. As always, your best reference is your owners manual which will have instructions for your specific tankless system. It can provide between 3.6 and 8.7 gallons-per-minute depending on the inlet water … Although tankless systems won't spring a leak when preventative care isn't occurring, they will have very serious issues that can be quite expensive and annoying. One important note, these are only for gas tankless water heaters. The amount of time recommended to circulate the vinegar varies between manufacturers, but as a general rule of thumb, longer is better. Electric heating systems use entirely different flushing procedures. Tankless water heaters run water through small apertures, so it is important that your water quality be at least fairly high. The heat exchanger is especially sensitive to scale. This is because gas tankless models operate by burning gas, which is harder to control than electricity. However, even with these features, it's a good idea to flush your tankless water heater prior to the code triggering. Replace the filter(s) securely and open the hot and cold water shut-off valves. This will break up any scale on the elements. Remove the access panel and use a non-contact voltage tester to make sure there’s no longer power leading to the terminal. In addition, you'll want to keep safety top-of-mind. Most manufacturers recommend annual flushing, but it should be noted that ultimately, the flushing frequency needs to be determined by the hardness of your water. Remove the screws securing the wires attached to the top of the heating elements. Place your submersible pump into a five-gallon bucket. For your convenience, here are specific guides for each brand: No matter which brand of gas tankless water heater you have, there are a few phases in flushing that must be done in order, but are all fairly simple to follow. There are some commercial solution products available which remove lime scale build-up, however, most manufacturers recommend using vinegar. If your local water’s hardness exceeds 8 grains per gallon, you may need to install a water filter prior to installing the water heater. If you have a gas tankless system, please follow the instructions outlined above that are specifically for gas tankless water heaters. EcoSmart, as its name suggest, aims to provide energy-efficient and smart technology tankless water heaters for people from all over the world. It comes with a 32-ounce bottle of FLOW-AIDE. Tankless systems use up to 30 to 50% less energy than tank units because they eliminate the need to hold water … Close the cold water service port and remove the attached hose. Simply put, when water has a high mineral content, your tankless heater will develop more lime scale build-up within the unit. Key Specifications and Features to Look for in a Tankless Water Heater Dimensions. Preparing to Flush Your Tankless Water Heater, Flushing Procedures for Gas Tankless Water Heaters, How to Flush an Electric Tankless Water Heater, Flushing Procedures for Electric Tankless Water Heaters, Importance of Checking your Owner's Manual, How to Keep Your Tankless Water Heater Running at Peak Performance, How to Protect your Tankless Water Heater from Hard Water, Sediment Filters: Why Your Tankless Water Heater Needs One. In general, electric tankless water heaters have a higher energy efficiency; in the case of EcoSmart the energy efficiency is 99.8%. Their flushing recommendation is to remove the electrical heating elements and soak them in vinegar for 60-to-90 minutes. Besides lowering the efficiency of the heater, this will also negatively impact the service life of the heat exchanger and ultimately the tankless water heater. Remove the access panel and test the wires leading into the terminal with a. Tankless water heaters have high-powered burners that can heat water very quickly as it runs through the heat exchanger. Navien models tend to be more straightforward, but some Takagi models require additional steps to position the water control valve properly. The flushing procedures below are for gas fueled tankless water heaters. Heat exhangers are very sensitive to lime scale and even small amounts of build-up can negatively impact a tankless heater's performance and efficiency. The first step is you need to turn off the gas line valve. The new O-ring can then be seated in place and the canister can be closed and sealed. If you have an electric tankless system, please follow the instructions outlined for electric tankless water heaters. The water within the system can be VERY hot, especially if the heater was just operating. Drain the water from the tankless unit by opening the faucets inside your home. Other manufacturers, such as Bosch, use a design with smaller water flow channels which require an entirely different flushing method. Below, we've highlighted what size water heater you would need in our example of 6.5 GPM at a 63° F temperature rise. Fill the 5-gallon bucket containing the submersible pump with 4-gallons of virgin, food grade, white vinegar. Learn how to protect your tankless from hard water. There will be both a cold water service port and hot water service port. Inspect the heating elements. Although, we highly recommend having a professional check your unit annually, the flushing task is not too difficult and can save you money if you do it yourself. Locate the hot and cold shut-off valves and close them to prevent any water getting into the unit while you work. This is the gunk that can ruin a water heater over time. If the tankless water heater is gas, then shut off the gas supply. Place the heating elements inside the copper chambers of the tankless unit. Learn how to protect your tankless from hard water. Open the Hot Water Shut-off Valve. Open the cold water shut-off valve to flush out any remaining vinegar through the second hose into your bucket for about ten minutes. One of your best friends for flushing a tankless water heater is a submersible pump. Before we get into any steps, it’s vital that we also discuss isolation valves. Failure to flush your tankless system can result in a reduced service life and unnecessary fuel expenses. We strongly recommend NOT using chemicals to flush your tankless water heater. Tankless water heater maintenance is a must and should be done at least once a year. Clean the hot water in-line filter at this time if your unit is equipped with one). 4-gallons of virgin, food grade white vinegar. Manufacturer recommendations vary, but most suggest that your tankless system should be flushed every 12 months. Pour four gallons of undiluted virgin food-grade white vinegar into the bucket. Ignition Failure. If not flushed properly, the tankless unit could be damaged and require service/repair. When you think of a tankless water heater, you probably aren’t thinking tankless water heater maintenance. Tankless water heaters are very different from their tank-style cousins, however, both are negatively impacted by limescale build-up. Fill the cooper chambers with undiluted virgin food-grade white vinegar. In the event your heater lacks this feature, we strongly urge you to get one installed and hire a professional to flush in the meantime, as it can be a major safety factor when you’re performing a flush or other maintenance. Installing the ports will require a larger investment upfront, but overall, the task will be simpler since you'll no longer need to remove the electric heat elements. Regular use helps maintain a healthy tankless water heater. Using a screwdriver, secure the wires to the top of the heating elements. With the proper care, a tankless water heating system can have a service life of up to 25 years and save you money every month in utility expenses. While the tank is filling, check for leaks. Inspect the heating elements for any signs of damage. Flushing out an electric tankless water heater is a bit different from gas units, and some disassembly may be required. Connect the cold water hose to your pump. This can significantly shorten the lifespan of this component, as well as cause a marked increase in your utility bills. It'll be money well spent and you'll have the peace of mind that you'll know exactly how to perform the tasks in the future. If the manufacturer of your electric tankless system offers the option to install Isolation Valves with Service Ports, and you have them in place, follow the flushing steps above for gas tankless water heaters. Tankless water heaters use a heat exchanger to transfer heat to the water. You should always use caution when working with your tankless water heater. Disconnect the electrical power going to the heater. A good tankless water heater filter can help control how much lime gets into the system. From your stove to toilet, a wide range of items in your house have some form of isolation valve installed for maintenance or emergency purposes. Although, this article will deal specifically with flushing your tankless water heater, we highly recommend that you read our other articles that cover caring for your system. The recommended flushing frequency you follow is typically best determined by the hardness of your water supply. You'll be able to observe, ask questions, and take notes. Use a wrench to loosen the hexagon brass top of the heating element. Replace the heating elements and re-secure the wires. Close (turn off) the three water valves attached to your tankless water heater. Often, this issue is … Close the access panel and restore power at the breaker. Once you have your total flow rate and the required temperature rise, you can find the right-size tankless water heater for your home. Hard water contains minerals which can lead to lime scale build-up. See Also: How to Descale a Tankless Water Heater. To make matters worse, lime buildup isn’t covered in most warranties. EcoSmart Tankless Water Heaters. Allow the water to finish draining and remove the second hose. Rheem RTG20124 Flush Kit – Tankless Water Heater Flush Kit. Just set the valve perpendicular to the gas … They also require far less maintenance or space to operate. Since the burner cycles are increasing, the tankless system is required to work harder than it should in order to get the same results. Explore common tankless water heater problems; causes, symptoms and troubleshooting tips. Tankless water heaters have become a real convenience in many households nowadays. Another great tool is a good flush kit. Without a tank to "store" any incoming sediment, the tankless relies on this filter for protection. Gas systems are more complex. Open the hot and cold service ports and turn the pump on. Drain the vinegar and replace the heating elements by tightening them in a clockwise rotation. You can flush out a tankless hot water heater in about one hour. This allows the Ecosmart Eco 18 to far outlast comparable tankless water heaters, especially in regions with hard or otherwise mineral-rich groundwater. Flush the cold water inlet filter with tap water. The Ecosmart is one of the most popular brands of water heaters due to its tankless technology which supplies you with endless running hot water. A cracked element should be immediately replaced. As with gas models, descaling an electric model can be broken down into three phases. The term is essentially synonymous with a shut-off valve. Sediment. If any are cracked, they should be replaced. Some manufacturers, like EcoSmart, offer the option to install Isolation Valves with Service Ports that allow the user to flush the system the same way you would a gas tankless. Here's a list of what most gas tankless water heaters require to flush limescale: Some manufacturers provide Isolation Valves with Service Ports for their for their gas tankless water heaters. Remove the screws which secure the wires to the heating elements. Tankless Water Heater Maintenance. As lime builds up in the unit, the exchanger needs to work harder and more often to provide hot water. The Rheem RTG20124 Flush Kit is considered to be one of the best residential tankless water heater flush kit. Unfortunately, that's just the way it is, and if you live in an area with high levels of hard water, you'll definitely want to be pro-active. Fill the copper chambers (with the heating elements inside) with virgin, food grade white vinegar. How Often Should a Tankless Water Heater Be Flushed? EcoSmart tankless water heaters are like any tankless or conventional tank water heaters. Remove the cold water inlet filter and flush it under a cold tap to remove any debris. Pressure-relief valves are an essential component of tankless water heaters. Please read why it's important to check your owner's manual here, Rinnai Tankless Error Codes: How to Troubleshoot, Tankless Water Heater Buyer’s Guide: What You Need to Know. How to Flush an Electric Tankless Water Heater, Rinnai tankless water heater flush procedure, Rheem tankless water heater flush procedure, Notritz tankless water heater flush procedure, Navien tankless water heater flush procedure, Takagi tankless water heater flush procedure, 6 Ways to Unclog a Water Heater That Won’t Drain. Flushing your tankless water heater is an important maintenance task to keep your system operating at peak performance, but before starting, you'll need to get your supplies together. Do Tankless Water Heaters Need Maintenance? The flush kit connects easily to the tankless service valves. Open your faucets to allow any water to drain from the heater. This prevents cold water from flowing into the water heater and hot water from coming out during the cleaning process. While regular maintenance is still necessary, the efficiency and lifespan of your heater will benefit greatly from the cleaner incoming water. Size and shape can influence your specific tankless water heater model choice. You can see the difference once you start using it. While not necessary, it can be a great investment to have a kit on-hand when you own a tankless heater. I highly recommend it. Allow the water to run for 10 minutes, then CLOSE the. Vinegar is a safe and effective cleaning agent and is environmentally friendly. Depending upon the manufacturer and whether you had a technician do the installation, your tankless heater may or may not have an isolation valve installed. Do NOT dilute the vinegar. Learn More. Remove the cold water inlet filter and (if present) hot water in-line filter. (All tankless water heaters use a cold water inlet filter. Allow the vinegar to sit in the chamber for 90 minutes to two hours. Tankless water heaters are not immune to problems. A tankless water heater's only line of defense from sediment is the inlet filter, which is a small mesh screen that filters the water before it enters the unit. Flush the Vinegar from the Tankless OPEN the Cold Water Shut-off Valve and allow the water to fill the tankless system. Be careful, as the hot water will be hot. If you want to maintain the top performance, efficient heating and long life of your tankless unit, simple cleaning and flushing out the limescale and sediment buildup is the way to go. Allow the vinegar to circulate through the heater for a minimum of one hour (longer if the pump runs at less than four gallons per minute). Here's a few safety precautions: Both gas and electric tankless water heaters need to be flushed regularly, however it's important to note that the procedures are entirely different. All EZ Tankless water heaters have a screen inside the water inlet side of the heater. These valves come in a variety of shapes, but they all boil down to two basic types: rotary movement (such as a ball or butterfly valve) and linear (ex: glove or diaphragm valves). Shut off the electrical power at the breaker. Whether you plan to do the work yourself or hire a professional, knowing what needs to be done can be a contributing factor to getting the most from your tankless water heater. Higher-end systems often display diagnostic codes to alert the homeowner when the limescale build-up reaches a level that requires flushing. These kits generally include everything you need, such as a pump, bucket, descaler, and hoses. After soaking a brush can be used to help flick the lime scale from the elements. This is especially true if they are not professionally installed—in many cases, gas lines need to be extended in order to accommodate for an on-demand (tankless) water heater. The key focus of EcoSmart is the area of the water heater. Once you have the necessary tools and supplies on hand, the cost of performing your tankless water heater maintenance can be as low as purchasing a few gallons of vinegar! Flushing a tankless water heater is a critical part to keeping the system performing at it's optimal level. The flushing procedures below are for electric tankless water heaters. Unlike a tank heater, you don’t have large volumes of water to sweep up and pull the sediment out, so having a quality pump such as the 91250 from Superior Pump will save hours, if not days, of manual flushing. Some manufacturers also use a hot water in-line filter. 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O-Ring kit that you can order on Amazon secure the wires to the isolation valves into three.!