Tankless water heaters require regular maintenance to preserve system function and longevity. One critical element of maintenance is to periodically flush your tankless water heater. In our most recent blog, the technicians at “Doc” Dancer Heating & Air discuss why this step is so important to your water heater’s health and what can happen if you skip it.

Why Is a Tankless Water Heater Flush Out Necessary?

Flushing your home’s tankless water heater helps to keep the unit clean and free of buildup. As water flows through the system, minerals are carried into the equipment, which can settle within. Mineral scale buildup reduces the performance of your tankless water heater, causing issues such as:

  • Reduced heating abilities.
  • System overheating.
  • Reduced energy efficiency.
  • Clogs.

How Often Should I Flush Out My Tankless Water Heater?

Water heaters require periodic maintenance to keep them in top shape. Flushing out a tankless hot water heater is a job that should be performed every one to two years. If you live in an area with hard water or do not use a water softener, it may be necessary to perform maintenance more frequently.

The Following Describes the Process Our Techs Use to Flush Out a Tankless Water Heater

  • Turn off power to the water heater.
  • Close the gas valve to cut off fuel supply in gas models.
  • Close the hot and cold water shut-off valves to keep water from entering the unit.
  • Open the hot water pressure relief valve on the hot water pipe to alleviate pressure within.
  • Connect hoses to the hot and cold water service ports.
  • Place a submersible pump into a five-gallon bucket, and connect the cold water hose to the pump; allow the open end of the hot water hose to sit down inside the bucket.
  • Fill the bucket with five gallons of the manufacturer’s approved flush cleaner.
  • Open the hot and cold water service ports, then turn on your pump.
  • Follow flush instructions for cleaning time.
  • Once completed, shut off the pump and properly dispose of the flush cleaner.
  • Close the cold water service port, and disconnect the hose.
  • Open the cold water shut-off valve to flush out the remaining cleaner into the bucket, allowing it to run about 10 minutes.
  • Close the cold water shut-off valve and allow the system to drain, then remove the hose.
  • Close the hot water service valve.
  • Remove filters from the cold water inlet and hot water line, and flush the filters at a tap to remove sediment.
  • Replace filters and open the hot and cold water shut-off valves.
  • Replace the unit access panel.
  • Reopen the gas valve and reconnect electrical power.

Caring for Your Tankless Water Heater

Flushing out your tankless water heater is an essential step in caring for your home’s water heating system. Ensure your equipment is well cared for when you enlist the services of a trusted technician. For all your tankless water heater maintenance needs, turn to “Doc” Dancer Heating & Air in Fort Wayne, IN.