There is an interesting question like have you ever stepped into the shower expecting a blast of hot water, only to be greeted by lukewarm or inconsistent temperatures? And your energy bills are increasing however you have the same routine. Here’s a surprising truth for you people that you did not notice that even these advanced tankless heaters need care for better performance.
With time in water heater minerals like calcium and magnesium build up with time and affect the working of the system. So it is important for every homeowner to learn this essential skill: how to flush a tankless water heater? In this blog we will explain why flushing is necessary, guide you about various steps involved and answer some common questions so that your system would run effectively.
Importance of Flushing a Tankless Water Heater
Flushing is important as water heaters do not have a proper storage tank. There is still the possibility of different minerals and dirt buildup. Due to this buildup with time it leads to:
- Effects energy efficiency
- Lowers water pressure
- Reduce lifespan of the unit
- Inconsistent water temperatures
Consistently water heater flushing helps prevent these problems, will save you money on repairs and replacements and provide hot water whenever you need it.
Essential Tools Needed Before Flushing
If you made a plan to clean, before starting the process of flushing a tankless water heater make sure you have all these tools for flushing.
- Submersible pump
- Five gallon bucket
- Two hoses( often in flushing kits)
- Commercial descaling solution
- Adjustable wrench and a screwdriver
If you have all these equipment it means the hot water heater flush will go smoothly and successfully.
You may read Is a Leaking Water Heater Dangerous?
Step by Step Guide: How to Flush a Tankless water heater
Flushing does not mean that it is a technical concept. If you have knowledge about it you can easily manage it. Just follow these water heater flushing steps.
Step1- Turn off Power and Water Supply
Before doing any step safety is very important. Turn off all the electrical supply or gas powered units completely. After that close the valves of cold and hot water both so that no disturbance occurs during flushing.
Step 2- Connect Hoses
Connect one hose from the submersible pump to the cold water service port. Connect another hose from the hot water service port directing other ends into the bucket. When connecting make sure that they must be water tight because leakage during the flushing will disturb the process.
Step 3- Add a Cleaning Agent
Once your system is all set up, take a bucket with one gallon of water and mix the cleaning agent into it. If you don’t have a commercial agent in your home you can use vinegar instead but at least 4 gallons for longer circulation.
Step 4- Start the Circulation
First open the valves to let water flow through them.After mixing the agent place the pump in the bucket and then let it circulate for 45 to 60 minutes. This circulation cleans all the minerals built up. If you have used vinegar you have to increase the circulation timings for 2 hours for better cleaning.
Step 5- Flush out the cleaning agent
After time has passed, turn off the pump and valves and disconnect the valve hose. Now drain the vinegar solution and refill the bucket again with clean water.Place the pump again in the bucket and let it circulate for 10 minutes to clean any residue from the heater.This step ensures a complete flush water heater process.
Step 6- Restore Power and everything
Finally your tankless water heater has been flushed. Now reconnect everything back like disconnect hoses, reopen the water and gas valves and all the supply for the proper functioning of the heater.
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How Often Should Your Tankless Water Heater Flushed
If you are confused about how often you have to do a flush water heater tank procedure this is very simple. It depends upon the area you are living and the quality of water in it. If water in your area is soft then it is good you have to only flush after one year. However in some areas water is hard and it contains chemicals so you have to flush the water heater tank every six months to prevent any chemical buildup.
DIY vs Professional Flushing
As we discussed before, flushing is not a very complex task. It depends upon your own choice and convenience. Many homeowners prefer to handle hot water heater flush tasks themselves.However if you don’t have any equipment or you have some safety concerns you can hire a professional or a licensed plumber. They can easily perform this task and make your system work properly.
Wrapping up
Now you clearly know how to flush tankless water heaters so you can easily keep your system working effectively. Regular flushing not only ensures consistent hot water when you need it but also cleans your system and protects it from potential damage. Whether you choose to hire a professional or tackle it yourself, making this part of your maintenance routine is a smart and fruitful investment. At Milehi HVAC, our experienced technicians specialize in professional tankless water heater maintenance and flushing services to keep your system running at peak performance. Don’t let mineral buildup compromise your hot water supply! Contact Milehi HVAC today to schedule your maintenance service and enjoy uninterrupted hot water comfort year-round.
FAQs related to flushing tankless water heaters
Q1: How long does it take to flush a tankless water heater?
The process normally takes 1 to 1.5 hours including all the steps like descaling and rinsing steps.
Q2: Can I use chemicals instead of vinegar?
Yes, you can use vinegar instead of these commercial agents as vinegar is safe, affordable and effective for the water heaters.
Q3: What happens if I never flush my heater?
If you skip water heater flushing it can lead to minerals buildup, reduced effectiveness, higher energy bills and costly repairs or replacements.
Q4: Should I flush my tankless water heater if I have a water softener?
If water is soft in your area then there is no need for flushing after six months but although soft water contains some minerals so it is recommended that you should flush it on a yearly basis.
