It is recommended to flush a tankless water heater at least once per year. The process helps clear out any build-up of sediment in the unit, keeping it running as efficiently as possible. Also, some manufacturers may suggest that water heaters should be flushed more frequently, depending on the hardness of the local water supply.
Flushing the tankless water heater can be done by a professional, or you can do it yourself. However, if you choose to do it yourself, it’s important to consult the user manual and the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure the process is performed safely and correctly.
To begin, the unit should be shut off and disconnected from the power source. Then, turn the cold water supply valve off and attach a garden hose to the drain outlet. Allow any water remaining in the unit to drain through the hose and dispose of it in a safe place.
Depending on the model, you may need to use a flush kit for the tankless water heater to properly clean it. Once the maintenance is complete, be sure to turn the cold water supply back on and reconnect the water heater to the power source.
What happens if you don’t flush tankless water heater?
If you don’t flush a tankless water heater periodically, it can lead to a variety of problems. Over time, sediment, hard water deposits, and mineral build-up can form in the heat exchanger of the tankless water heater, reducing its efficiency and placing unnecessary strain on the system’s components.
Additionally, without regular maintenance, the unit’s heat exchanger could potentially corrode and begin to leak, resulting in water damage or even causing system failure. Finally, inadequate flushing can lead to bacterial growth and the spread of Legionella bacteria, creating a serious health hazard.
Regular maintenance, which often includes flushing the unit to remove any sediment or debris, is an essential part of ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of a tankless water heater.
How often should I flush my tankless water heater if I have a water softener?
Ideally, you should flush your tankless water heater once every six months. If you have a water softener, you should add an extra flushing every three months. This is because the build-up of sediment or calcium deposits can accumulate in the tankless water heater, even with the presence of a water softener.
Over time, this sediment and deposits can reduce the overall efficiency and longevity of the water heater. The additional flushes help to keep the tankless water heater running optimally. When you flush the tankless water heater, make sure you use only clean, cold water, and shut off the electricity or gas.
You should allow the tank to empty completely, then fill it up with fresh water and let it run for about five minutes before shutting it off again. If you want to flush it more often, you should check with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can I flush my tankless water heater myself?
Yes, you may be able to flush your tankless water heater yourself, depending on the type of water heater you have. Generally, tankless water heaters do not require regular maintenance like traditional tank water heaters do, but flushing your tankless water heater often can help prevent buildup of sediment and limescale which can impede efficiency and performance of your water heater.
If you decide to flush your tankless water heater yourself, you must first turn off the water and power supply to the unit, and then disconnect the hose from the bottom of the water heater. Next, you will be able to remove the drain valve from the bottom of the housing and attach a garden hose to open the valve and guide the water away from your home.
While the drain valve is still open, turn on the cold water supply to the unit to flush out any built-up sediment. Once complete, close the drain valve and reconnect the hose.
If you’re unsure of the process or feel uncomfortable trying to complete the task yourself, it is recommended to contact a professional who can help ensure the job is done correctly or provide guidance.
What is the most common problems with tankless water heaters?
The most common problem experienced with tankless water heaters is a lack of hot water. This issue is typically due to a buildup of mineral deposits and sediment in the heating unit. Over time, these materials can reduce the efficiency of the unit, meaning that it will not be able to heat water to the desired temperature.
Another common issue comes from hard water; since tankless water heaters heat water on demand, if too much hard water is used, it can also reduce the efficiency of the unit. Finally, incorrect sizing and installation of tankless water heaters can also lead to problems.
Installing a unit that is too small for the home can result in an inadequate amount of hot water, while a unit that is too large could become damaged due to the heat cycling on and off too frequently.
To help avoid these issues, it is important to ensure that the unit is the correct size and installed properly.
Do water softeners damage tankless water heaters?
It is possible that water softeners can damage tankless water heaters, however this is not an absolute certainty. The salt and minerals that are typically found in softened water can build up and create scaling on the heating elements and other components of the unit over time, which can cause the heater to overheat and eventually fail.
In addition, the softened water may contain sodium, which may increase the likelihood of electricity being conducted through the water, and thereby create a safety hazard. While this is a theoretical possibility, there is currently no scientific evidence to support that softened water will definitely damage tankless water heaters.
The only way to be sure is to install a bypass on the unit that will allow the water to bypass the softener, and to examine the unit regularly to check for any mineral buildup.
Do water softeners need to be flushed?
Yes. It is important to flush water softeners regularly to prevent them from becoming clogged or overwhelmed with minerals that are being removed from the water. Without flushing, softened water can become harder due to a buildup of salts, minerals, and scale that can adhere to the water softener’s tanks and piping.
When flushing water softeners, it is important to follow manufacturer instructions, typically every three months. This will eliminate the buildup of salts, minerals, and scale, thus providing softened water and regenerating the water softener’s tanks and resin.
The flush process will involve resetting the water softener and running a volume of water through it. This can typically take about 45 minutes, depending on the size of the unit and the flow rate of the water.
If a water softener needs to be flushed more often, then it may be a sign of an existing problem that needs to be addressed. It is important to regularly maintain and inspect water softeners to ensure they are functioning correctly.
What maintenance is required for tankless water heaters?
Maintaining a tankless water heater requires regular check-ups and cleaning to keep it operating efficiently and safely. To keep the system running smoothly and to extend its lifespan, it is important to inspect the system on a yearly basis.
First, any parts that are exposed to water (like the filters and heat exchanger) should be inspected for build-up and residue. Next, it is important to check for any corrosion or deterioration of any metal pipes, valves, and other parts.
In addition, inspect for any leaks that may be present.
Once the visual inspection is complete, it is time to clean the tankless water heater. This process should involve flushing out system with a descaling solution, which will prevent scale and mineral build up from occurring.
This can be done using an acid-based solution. The heat exchanger should also be professionally cleaned.
After the cleaning, parts should be examined and replaced if necessary. The wiring and thermostat should also be checked for any issues and should be replaced if necessary. The manufacturer’s instructions should also be followed when replacing any parts.
It is also important to check the water pressure of the system and make sure that it is within the manufacturer’s recommended range. If it is not, the pressure regulator should be adjusted accordingly.
By following proper maintenance procedures and regularly checking the system, the tankless water heater can be kept running safely and efficiently for many years.
Will a water softener remove the sediment in water heater?
No, a water softener will not remove the sediment in a water heater. Water softeners are designed to reduce mineral deposits in hard water by exchanging those minerals with sodium ions, reducing the amount of soap scum, scale, and similar build up caused by hard water.
This helps to extend the life of household items like appliances, sinks, and pipes. While sediment may be present in the water entering the softener, it will not be removed by the softener as this is not its intended purpose.
Instead, to remove sediment from a water heater, a sediment filter may be necessary. Additionally, it may be necessary to periodically flush the water heater to remove any sediment from inside the tank.
