Drain the water from the tankless unit by opening the faucets inside your home. 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! OPEN several hot water faucets inside your home and allow the water to run for about 5 minutes. Close the cold water service port and remove the attached hose. Always check your owner's manual for specific instructions regarding your tankless water heater model. 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. Bosch offers an O-ring kit that can be purchased. 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). Tankless water heaters are not immune to problems. 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. 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. I have two tankless water heaters and I flush every 6 months and I use white vinegar. Allow … The three top brands for gas tankless models are Rinnai, Rheem, and Noritz. If any are cracked, they should be replaced. This prevents cold water from flowing into the water heater and hot water from coming out during the cleaning process. Navien Tankless Water Heater Reviews (Updated 2020) 20 Best Tankless Water Heater Reviews – Ultimate Buying Guide 2020 10 Best Electric Tankless Water Heater 2020 Below, we've highlighted what size water heater you would need in our example of 6.5 GPM at a 63° F temperature rise. A good tankless water heater filter can help control how much lime gets into the system. Tankless water heaters are very different from their tank-style cousins, however, both are negatively impacted by limescale build-up. Turn OFF the electrical power to the tankless unit at the breaker. If the tankless water heater is gas, then shut off the gas supply. 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. 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. EcoSmart Tankless Water Heaters. Tankless Water Heater Maintenance. Size and shape can influence your specific tankless water heater model choice. As a general rule, your tankless water heater should be flushed once per year to maintain efficiency. I highly recommend it. Anyone who’s owned a regular water will be familiar with the need to flush the tank occasionally as a means of eliminating sediment. While the tank is filling, check for leaks. Once connected you can run a solution of water and vinegar to clean the heat exchanger of any scale deposits. Also commonly referred to as an on-demand water heater, the tankless water heater may need maintenance every six months if your water heater is set to a high temperature or if you have hard water. Then, unhook the hose from the connection label “outlet” on the Bucket Descaler and place into an empty 5 gallon bucket. Works great and easy to setup and use. Replace the heating elements and re-secure the wires. Pour four gallons of undiluted virgin food-grade white vinegar into the bucket. One of your best friends for flushing a tankless water heater is a submersible pump. In all cases, tankless water heaters must be property vented. This will break up any scale on the elements. 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. Use a wrench to loosen the hexagon brass top of the heating element. Allow the vinegar to soak inside the chambers for 90 to 120 minutes. Unscrew the hose from the isolator valve on the water inlet side of the tankless water heater. Open the cold water shut-off valve to flush out any remaining vinegar through the second hose into your bucket for about ten minutes. This is the gunk that can ruin a water heater over time. Tankless water heaters run water through small apertures, so it is important that your water quality be at least fairly high. Some manufacturers also use a hot water in-line filter. The following procedures should only be used as a guide and not an absolute. Be sure to check the manual for your water heater, as it may have specific instructions to flush and descale. Many of the maintenance tasks necessary to keep your tankless system running at peak performance can be completed by the homeowner. Water hardness refers to the mineral content within the water, and some areas are prone to harder water than others. Drain the vinegar and replace the heating elements by tightening them in a clockwise rotation. Before we get into any steps, it’s vital that we also discuss isolation valves. You'll be able to observe, ask questions, and take notes. When you think of a tankless water heater, you probably aren’t thinking tankless water heater maintenance. Unlike a traditional tank model, a tankless heater isn’t at risk of explosion from the buildup, but it can still lead to some costly problems. 4-gallons of virgin, food grade white vinegar. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Locate and close the gas isolation valve. Simply put, when water has a high mineral content, your tankless heater will develop more lime scale build-up within the unit. It requires less space and fewer maintenance. Explore common tankless water heater problems; causes, symptoms and troubleshooting tips. One important note, these are only for gas tankless water heaters. Flushing out an electric tankless water heater is a bit different from gas units, and some disassembly may be required. The flush kit connects easily to the tankless service valves. The flushing procedures below are for gas fueled tankless water heaters. Regular use helps maintain a healthy tankless water heater. 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. Replace the access panel cover and turn the electrical power back ON to the unit. Open the cold water shut-off valve and let the tank fill. After soaking a brush can be used to help flick the lime scale from the elements. Place the free end of the hot water hose into the bucket. 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. Key Specifications and Features to Look for in a Tankless Water Heater Dimensions. Failure to flush your tankless system can result in a reduced service life and unnecessary fuel expenses. Close (turn off) the three water valves attached to your tankless water heater. While regular maintenance is still necessary, the efficiency and lifespan of your heater will benefit greatly from the cleaner incoming water. To make matters worse, lime buildup isn’t covered in most warranties. If this happens, professional repair will most likely be necessary. Its electric models are equipped with a self-modulating technology that allows you to save energy, money, and space. Shut off the electrical power at the breaker. Remove the cold water inlet filter and flush it under a cold tap to remove any debris. Place the heating elements inside the copper chambers of the tankless unit. Remove the cold water inlet filter and (if present) hot water in-line filter. Electric heating systems use entirely different flushing procedures. As with gas models, descaling an electric model can be broken down into three phases. While not necessary, it can be a great investment to have a kit on-hand when you own a tankless heater. Tankless systems use up to 30 to 50% less energy than tank units because they eliminate the need to hold water … Rheem RTG20124 Flush Kit – Tankless Water Heater Flush Kit. It can provide between 3.6 and 8.7 gallons-per-minute depending on the inlet water … 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. A flush kit will come with a tankless water heater descaling pump and hoses that attach directly to the isolation valves or water inlet. Gas systems are more complex. Flushing a tankless water heater is a critical part to keeping the system performing at it's optimal level. Tankless water heaters have become a real convenience in many households nowadays. An isolation valve does exactly what it sounds like: it allows you to cut off the liquid or gas supply (isolate) a portion of your pipeline without having to shut off the entire supply. Close the cold water shut-off valve. 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. An excellent one that I recommend is J.C. Whitlam FLOW-KIT Flow-Aide System Descaler Kit that you can order on Amazon. Another great tool is a good flush kit. This will help flush the vinegar and remove any air pockets within the hot water lines. It's safe, environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and very effective. This breaks down the scale and flushes out the sediment. They are a worthwhile investment that you won't regret. Hot water—whenever and wherever you want it—is one of life’s many comforts. Learn how to protect your tankless from hard water. Locate the hot water pressure relief valve along the hot water line and open it to release any pressure. Checking your owner's manual is critical with an electric tankless water heater since there can be significant design variations between manufacturers. Learn More. Higher-end systems often display diagnostic codes to alert the homeowner when the limescale build-up reaches a level that requires flushing. Turn the Submersible Pump OFF and dispose of the vinegar. Do NOT dilute the 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. Shut off the power supply. 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. The key focus of EcoSmart is the area of the water heater. Fill the copper chambers (with the heating elements inside) with virgin, food grade white vinegar. 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. Remove the access panel and test the wires leading into the terminal with a. Tankless water heaters use a heat exchanger to transfer heat to the water. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Home » Maintenance » How to Flush a Tankless Water Heater (Step-by-Step Procedure). 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. This allows the Ecosmart Eco 18 to far outlast comparable tankless water heaters, especially in regions with hard or otherwise mineral-rich groundwater. Allow the vinegar to sit in the chamber for 90 minutes to two hours. Inspect the heating elements for any signs of damage. Loosen the hexagonal brass top of the heating element in a counter-clockwise direction to remove the heating element. 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. 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. Often, this issue is … Other manufacturers, such as Bosch, use a design with smaller water flow channels which require an entirely different flushing method. It comes with a 32-ounce bottle of FLOW-AIDE. This Kelaro pump is of high quality with good quality hoses with clear instructions. Using a screwdriver, secure the wires to the top of the heating elements. Place your submersible pump into a five-gallon bucket. Connect the cold water hose to your pump. Let’s take a look at how the naturally occurring sediment in your water affects the heater and ways to make flushing easier and safer. Now it’s time to flush the tankless water heater system to remove any SpeedyBright descaler cleaner that may remain. Fill the cooper chambers with undiluted virgin food-grade white vinegar. There are some commercial solution products available which remove lime scale build-up, however, most manufacturers recommend using vinegar. Simply locate the appropriate water heater sizes on eComfort using your information. Other manufacturers leave the decision up to the plumber who is doing the installation. 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. Manufacturer recommendations vary, but most suggest that your tankless system should be flushed every 12 months. Pressure-relief valves are an essential component of tankless water heaters. How to Install a Tankless Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve. The term is essentially synonymous with a shut-off valve. 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. All EZ Tankless water heaters have a screen inside the water inlet side of the heater. If you have an electric tankless system, please follow the instructions outlined for electric tankless water heaters. If these tankless heaters are flushed using the gas procedures, the narrow passages and small dip tubes will become clogged, as the lime scale is flushed from the system. A sediment trap or softener can help with hard water to a point. 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. Problems with Tankless Water Heater Temperature. Without a tank to "store" any incoming sediment, the tankless relies on this filter for protection. That’s why more people now appreciate its use over conventional water heaters. Shut off the main gas or turn off the circuit breaker for electrical devices. As always, your best reference is your owners manual which will have instructions for your specific tankless system. 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. Allow the water to finish draining and remove the second hose. However, the hardness  of your water plays a part in this, and you may find it better to flush two to three times per year if your home’s water is especially poor quality. It builds up a complete producing line in designing and producing high technology tankless water heater both for residential and commercial appliances. You should always use caution when working with your tankless water heater. These units deliver water to the faucets on demand without the use of a tank. You can flush out a tankless hot water heater in about one hour. 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). Compared to traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters are cheaper and more efficient to run. Remove the screws securing the wires attached to the top of the heating elements. Navien models tend to be more straightforward, but some Takagi models require additional steps to position the water control valve properly. 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. Sediment. Knowing how to clean a tankless water heater can help you get the maximum amount of efficiency and longevity out of your investment. EcoSmart’s patented, self-modulating, tankless water heating technology delivers hot water instantly—and for as long as you need it. ECOSMART ECO 36 is a 36-kilowatt tankless ECOSMART ECO 36 is a 36-kilowatt tankless electric water heater ideal for providing hot water for apartments, condominiums, townhomes and other whole home applications. 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. 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. Inspect the heating elements. Store the heating elements in the cooper chambers of the heater so that they can also be cleaned. Just set the valve perpendicular to the gas … 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. The amount of lime scale build-up inside your tanklesss system will increase over time, and as more and more build-up develops, the heat exchanger's burner cycles will also increase in order to compensate for the lost efficiency. Electric systems are easy to flush and, in most situations (besides the vinegar) you may only require a screw driver and wrench, which you most likely already have available. Flush the cold water inlet filter with tap water. The amount of time recommended to circulate the vinegar varies between manufacturers, but as a general rule of thumb, longer is better. The first step is you need to turn off the gas line valve. 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. Examine the tank for any signs of leaks (the paper towel test work wonders here). 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. Connect hoses to both of these ports. However, even with these features, it's a good idea to flush your tankless water heater prior to the code triggering. This tankless water-heater flushing kit should be purchased with every new or existing tankless water-heater system. One important thing to remember is that the majority of manufacturer warranties do not cover damage caused by lime scale build-up. Tankless water heaters have high-powered burners that can heat water very quickly as it runs through the heat exchanger. 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. If it is … 2. Do Tankless Water Heaters Need Maintenance? The recommended flushing frequency you follow is typically best determined by the hardness of your water supply. Fill the 5-gallon bucket containing the submersible pump with 4-gallons of virgin, food grade, white vinegar. How Often Should You Flush a Tankless Water Heater? Tankless Water Heater Descaler Kit - All parts needed to rapidly dissolve water scale, lime calcium and other water-based deposits from your tankless hot water heater. Be careful, as the hot water will be hot. 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. 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. However, if you do not have them installed, we recommend contacting a qualified professional to either install them for you or flush your tankless system. Remove the screws which secure the wires to the heating elements. Rotate counter clockwise to remove the heating element from the copper tank. As mentioned in the above section, we highly recommend using Isolation Valves with Service Ports. This is because gas tankless models operate by burning gas, which is harder to control than electricity. You need it F temperature rise while regular maintenance is a concern because of the elements. Into the bucket Descaler and place into an empty 5 gallon bucket unit by opening faucets. Browser for the next time I comment be cleaned a sediment trap softener... 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