Unveiled: the astonishing truth about tankless water heater flushing necessity

Tankless water heaters have gained popularity as an energy-efficient and space-saving alternative to traditional tanked water heaters. However, one question that often arises is whether tankless water heaters need to be flushed. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive answer to this question, exploring the benefits, frequency, and proper techniques for flushing a tankless water heater.

The Need for Flushing

Unlike tanked water heaters, which accumulate sediment and minerals in their tanks, tankless water heaters do not have a storage tank. However, they can still accumulate scale and mineral deposits over time, which can affect their efficiency and longevity. Flushing a tankless water heater helps remove these deposits and ensures optimal performance.

Benefits of Flushing

Regularly flushing a tankless water heater offers several benefits:

• Improved Efficiency: Flushing removes scale buildup, which can restrict water flow and reduce heating efficiency.
• Extended Lifespan: By preventing corrosion and mineral buildup, flushing can extend the lifespan of the water heater.
• Reduced Noise: Scale buildup can cause loud noises during operation, which flushing can mitigate.
• Improved Water Quality: Flushing removes sediment and minerals that can affect water taste and clarity.

Frequency of Flushing

The frequency of flushing depends on several factors, including water hardness and usage patterns. As a general guideline, it is recommended to flush a tankless water heater:

• Every 6 months: In areas with hard water (over 120 mg/L of calcium carbonate)
• Annually: In areas with moderate water hardness (60-120 mg/L of calcium carbonate)
• Every 2-3 years: In areas with soft water (less than 60 mg/L of calcium carbonate)

Proper Flushing Technique

Flushing a tankless water heater is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps:

1. Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valve on the cold water supply line and turn it off.
2. Open a hot water faucet: Open a hot water faucet on the highest level of the house to release any remaining water pressure.
3. Connect a hose to the flush valve: Attach a garden hose to the flush valve located on the water heater.
4. Open the flush valve: Slowly open the flush valve and allow water to flow through the hose for 15-20 minutes.
5. Close the flush valve: Once the water runs clear, close the flush valve.
6. Turn on the water supply: Turn on the shut-off valve on the cold water supply line.
7. Check for leaks: Inspect the connections for any leaks.

Flushing with Vinegar

In areas with particularly hard water, using vinegar as a flushing solution can be effective in removing stubborn scale buildup. To use vinegar:

1. Prepare the vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket.
2. Connect a pump to the flush valve: Attach a pump to the flush valve and submerge the pump’s intake hose in the vinegar solution.
3. Pump the solution through the water heater: Turn on the pump and allow the vinegar solution to circulate through the water heater for 30-60 minutes.
4. Flush with water: After the vinegar solution has circulated, flush the water heater with clean water as described in the proper flushing technique above.

Professional Flushing

If you are uncomfortable flushing your tankless water heater yourself or have a particularly complex system, it is advisable to hire a qualified plumber for professional flushing. Professional plumbers have the necessary tools and expertise to ensure a thorough and safe flushing process.

Summary

Flushing a tankless water heater is an essential maintenance task that helps maintain optimal performance, longevity, and water quality. By following the proper flushing techniques and adhering to the recommended frequency, you can ensure your tankless water heater operates efficiently and provides years of reliable service.

Questions You May Have

Q1: How often should I flush my tankless water heater?
A: The frequency depends on water hardness. Flush every 6 months in hard water areas, annually in moderate water hardness areas, and every 2-3 years in soft water areas.

Q2: What are the signs that my tankless water heater needs flushing?
A: Reduced water flow, increased noise, or inconsistent water temperature can indicate the need for flushing.

Q3: Can I use vinegar to flush my tankless water heater?
A: Yes, vinegar is effective in removing stubborn scale buildup in hard water areas. However, follow the proper dilution ratio and flushing technique to avoid damage.