How to Flush a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters have become a popular choice for homeowners seeking efficient and continuous hot water supply. One key aspect of maintaining the longevity and performance of these units is regular flushing. Flushing a tankless water heater is a simple but essential maintenance task that helps prevent mineral buildup and sediment accumulation, ensuring the heater operates at its best. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of flushing a tankless water heater, with expert insights from Beacon Home Services, a trusted name in home maintenance and solutions.

Why Flush Your Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters work differently from traditional tank-based ones. They heat water on-demand, eliminating the need for a large storage tank. However, the absence of a storage tank makes them vulnerable to mineral deposits and sediment accumulation from the water supply. Over time, these deposits can reduce efficiency, increase energy consumption, and even cause the unit to malfunction.

Flushing your tankless water heater annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer, can significantly benefit you in the following ways:

Improved Efficiency: Flushing removes mineral buildup, allowing the heating element to work more effectively and efficiently.

Extended Lifespan: Regular maintenance, including flushing, can prolong the lifespan of your tankless water heater, saving you money on premature replacements.

Consistent Performance: A clean tankless water heater delivers consistent hot water, preventing sudden drops in temperature during usage.

Reduced Energy Costs: A flushed tankless water heater uses less energy to heat water, resulting in lower utility bills.

Flushing Your Tankless Water Heater – Step by Step

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

Before you start the flushing process, ensure that the power to the tankless water heater is completely turned off. If your unit operates on electricity, switch off the circuit breaker. For gas-powered units, locate the gas supply valve and turn it off.

Step 2: Shut Off Water Supply

Find the water supply valve that feeds water into the tankless heater and turn it off. This valve is typically located on the cold water pipe leading to the unit.

Step 3: Connect a Hose and Bucket

Next, locate the service ports on the tankless water heater. These ports are usually situated at the bottom of the unit. Connect one end of a garden hose to the cold water service port and the other end to a bucket or a drain nearby. This hose will be used to flush out the tankless heater.

Step 4: Use a Vinegar Solution

At Beacon Home Services, we recommend using a vinegar solution for flushing tankless water heaters. The vinegar helps dissolve mineral deposits effectively. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a container.

Step 5: Open the Valves

Open both the cold water service valve and the hot water service valve. Then, open the pressure relief valve on the unit to facilitate the flushing process.

Step 6: Begin Flushing

Allow the vinegar solution to flow through the tankless water heater for about 45 minutes. The solution will help break down and flush out mineral deposits and sediment that have accumulated inside the unit.

Step 7: Rinse and Drain

After the 45-minute flushing period, close the pressure relief valve and turn off the cold water service valve. Disconnect the hose from the service port and remove any remaining vinegar solution. Reconnect the hose to the cold water service port and flush the unit with clean water for an additional 5 minutes. This will rinse out any remaining vinegar and debris.

Conclusion: How to Flush a Tankless Water Heater

Regularly flushing your tankless water heater is a crucial maintenance task that should not be overlooked. The simple process outlined in this blog post can save you money, extend the life of your unit, and ensure you enjoy a consistent supply of hot water year-round. For complex maintenance or if you encounter any issues during the flushing process, don’t hesitate to seek the assistance of professionals like Beacon Home Services. By following these steps and scheduling annual maintenance, you can keep your tankless water heater in excellent condition and enjoy the benefits of energy-efficient, uninterrupted hot water for many years to come.