Regular tankless water heater maintenance is crucial to ensure it runs efficiently and lasts longer. Over time, mineral deposits can build up inside the system, especially in areas with hard water like Arlington Heights, Illinois. Flushing your tankless water heater is a simple but important task that removes these deposits and keeps your water heater functioning optimally. Here’s a step-by-step guide to flushing your tankless water heater safely.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools and materials on hand:
- A bucket
- Two hoses (usually provided with your water heater)
- A pump (for circulation)
- White vinegar or a water heater cleaning solution
- A wrench or screwdriver (depending on your model)
Arlington Heights Consideration:
Arlington Heights is known for having moderately hard water, which means more frequent maintenance may be needed to prevent mineral buildup. Regular flushing can help homeowners avoid the problems associated with sediment accumulation.
Step 2: Turn Off the Power and Water Supply
To ensure your safety, start by turning off the power to the water heater. If it’s electric, switch off the breaker, or turn off the gas supply if it’s gas-powered. Then, shut off the cold water supply valve to prevent new water from entering the system during the flush.
How This Helps:
Turning off the water and power supply prevents accidents and ensures the heater won’t be damaged during maintenance.
Step 3: Connect the Hoses
Your tankless water heater has two service ports for flushing—one for cold water intake and one for hot water output. Connect one end of a hose to the cold water service port and the other end to a pump. Place the pump inside a bucket filled with white vinegar or a specialized water heater cleaning solution. Connect the second hose to the hot water service port, and place the other end into the bucket to create a closed-loop system.
Step 4: Run the Pump
Turn on the pump and let it circulate the cleaning solution through the water heater for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This process will break down any mineral deposits and flush them out of the system.
How This Helps:
Running the cleaning solution through the heater ensures that all the internal parts are descaled and any blockages from hard water minerals are removed.
Step 5: Rinse the System
After the pump has run for the designated time, disconnect the hoses and dispose of the used cleaning solution. Next, reconnect the cold water intake hose and flush the system with clean water for 5-10 minutes to rinse out any remaining vinegar or cleaning solution.
Step 6: Reconnect the Water Heater
Once you’ve finished rinsing the system, close the service valves, remove the hoses, and reconnect the water lines to their normal configuration. Turn the water and power supply back on, and your tankless water heater should be back to running efficiently.
How This Helps:
Rinsing the system ensures no cleaning solution remains inside, preventing any damage or lingering odors. Reconnecting the water heater properly is crucial to restore normal operation.
Conclusion
Flushing your tankless water heater regularly is a vital part of proper water heater maintenance. For Arlington Heights homeowners, performing this task every 12 months (or more frequently in areas with hard water) can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your system. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself or if you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber in Arlington Heights for professional water heater maintenance.
At J. Blanton Plumbing, we offer expert water heater maintenance services to ensure your system runs efficiently year-round. Contact us today to schedule your water heater maintenance or learn more about keeping your tankless water heater in top shape.
