Tankless water heaters are a wise investment for many reasons. For starters, hot water is on demand! What’s better than that? How about energy savings, an appliance that uses minimal space, and a system that’s easy to maintain? You get so many benefits when you invest in a tankless water heater. They even last longer than traditional tank water heaters.
Although these appliances require little effort to maintain, you still want to take the necessary steps to ensure your system lasts the projected 20-year lifespan. Let’s discuss some tips to maintain your system and keep your tankless heater clean.
5 Tips for Cleaning Your Tankless Water Heater
The best and easiest way to maintain your system is to keep it clean. Here are the essential steps you’ll need to take:
1. Sanitize the Interior of Your Tank
As a general rule, most HVAC companies recommend sanitizing your unit annually. Still, this can vary depending on the water quality in your area. For example, hard water contains a surplus of minerals, including calcium and magnesium. As it runs through your system, minerals can build up on interior walls and cause long-term damage. If you have hard water on your property, you’ll want to sanitize your system more often to ensure the minerals don’t damage your tank and cause premature aging. Otherwise, sanitizing once a year is sufficient.
2. Clean the Exterior
You need to do several things to ensure your system’s exterior stays clean. Use a spray cleaner and washcloth to wipe down your tankless water heater. This will prevent dust and rust from causing irreversible damage. Luckily, exterior maintenance only takes a few supplies and a little time.
Next, inspect your water pipes. Check for any cracks or damage, and call your HVAC company immediately if you notice a problem. This will save your system from progressive damage AND prevent the possibility of flooding in the future due to burst pipes. This is particularly important if you live in colder climates.
Finally, check your pressure valve. It is located on the top of most tankless water heater units. If the pressure in your tank is too high, it will lower your tank’s internal pressure by releasing water. This internal process can lead to a big nightmare if left untreated. Call for help immediately if your pressure gauge is giving a bad reading.
3. Flush Your Tankless Water Heater
Another critical step in the cleaning and maintenance process is to flush your water heater. Although many people like to leave this to the professionals, it can be quickly done with the proper instructions. Even regularly sanitized tanks can experience mineral build-up over time. Flushing your tankless water heater regularly can prevent mineral deposit buildup from causing long-term damage and impacting the overall efficiency of your unit. Even regularly sanitized tanks can experience mineral build-up over time.
4. Use the Right Products
Sure, keeping your system clean only takes a few steps. But it’s crucial to use the right products to ensure no additional damage to your tank. Here’s what you’ll need to clean your tankless water heater:
- Clean hose
- Large bucket
- Pump
- HVAC company approved descaler
The right products can help remove minerals, dirt, and grime from your system and prevent future buildup from recurring.
5. Descale Your Tankless System
Finally, it’s essential to descale your tankless water heater by following a few basic steps. It’s imperative that before you do anything, you disconnect any electricity flowing to your unit. Shut off the water valves and release the pressure, if applicable. Next, you’ll want to connect hoses to your cold and hot water ports and place your pump in the bucket. Attach the cold hose to your pump and let the hot hose hang into your bucket. Pour your approved descaler into the bucket and open your water ports. Finally, you’ll just need to turn on the pump and let your descaler work its magic for about an hour.
Contact Our HVAC Experts Today for Maintenance Services and Other Tips
Our team of licensed professionals at Central Gas Services is here to help you save time and money on your water heater repairs and replacements. We offer tankless water heater installation, repair, and maintenance services to homes and businesses throughout the lower mainland. Check out our installation and repair services online, or call (604) 401-4848 to speak to one of our friendly experts.