How to Clean Tankless Water Heaters
Tankless water heaters are energy efficient ways to heat water for a home. There is no tank that stores water, so no energy is used keeping it hot. An element inside the tank heats the water in just a few seconds when the faucet is turned on. The tankless system must be flushed periodically to keep heaters operating at peak efficiency.
You need
- Bucket
- Pipe wrench
- Two hoses
- Submersible pump
- Two gallons white vinegar
- Turn off the power to the water heater. After removing the cover, check the wiring connecting the heater to the electrical system. If any worn or bare wires are found, an electrician or plumber should be called to inspect. Don’t use the heater until the wires are repaired, due to risk of fire.
- Consult the water heater's manual to locate the filter screen. Shut the water supply off.
- Rinse the filter screen under running water to clear any debris. Replace the filter.
- Repeat this process at least annually. If the water is considered hard, a more frequent cleaning may be required. Test after three months to determine the necessary cleaning frequency.
- Keep the electrical power and water supply off. Turn off gas, if applicable. Close off the water valves on the incoming and outgoing water supply lines with the levers.
- Put a 5-gallon bucket under the unit. Remove the drain caps on the service valves and let the water run out. Keep the rubber gaskets inside the caps. Once drained, empty the bucket.
- Attach a hose to the service valve on the incoming water line. Attach the other end to the outlet of a submersible pump.
- Put another hose on the service valve of the outgoing water line. Place the other end in the bucket.
- Add two gallons of white vinegar to the bucket, as well as the submersible pump. Turn on the pump to circulate the vinegar through the water heater. The vinegar dissolves hard water deposits. Let it run for at least 20 minutes, but an hour is best.
- Turn off the pump and disconnect the hoses. Discard the vinegar.
- Put the service valve caps back on the water heater. Turn the levers back on.
- Turn the utilities back on.