A tankless water heater is a great way to save energy and money. But, it still requires maintenance in order to function properly. Understanding what maintenance a tankless water heater needs can help homeowners get the most out of their investment.
This article will provide an overview of the types of maintenance that a tankless water heater needs and why it’s important to stay on top of it. Read on to learn more about keeping your tankless water heater running smoothly!
Cleaning The Heat Exchanger
Cleaning the heat exchanger of a tankless water heater is an important part of its maintenance. It should be done once a year to keep your water heater in good condition.
To clean it, you’ll need to turn off the power and fuel supply and drain the unit completely. Then, use a soft brush to remove any deposits from the inside of the heat exchanger. Be sure to rinse out all debris so that it doesn’t clog up your pipes or restrict water flow.
Once you’re done, you can turn on the power and fuel supply again and refill the unit before testing it. Taking these steps will help ensure your tankless water heater runs smoothly for years to come.
Replacing The Water Filter
Now that the heat exchanger has been cleaned, it’s important to change the water filter in your tankless water heater.
The water filter should be replaced at least once every six months or more often if the flow of hot water is lower than usual. It’s important to note that a good quality filter should be used to ensure that it can effectively remove large particles and sediment from the water.
Replacing the filter is relatively easy—simply unscrew the old filter and replace it with a new one! If you’re not sure which type of filter to use, consult your owner’s manual or contact a professional plumber.
Once you’ve installed the new filter, turn on the cold water supply valve and let some water run through it for a few minutes. This will flush out any remaining sediment or dirt in the system and ensure that your tankless water heater is working properly.
Flushing The System
Regularly flushing a tankless water heater is an important part of its upkeep. Doing so will ensure the system remains free from sediment and lime buildup, which can reduce its overall efficiency and cause damage to other components.
To flush your tankless water heater, turn off the power supply or gas source for safety, then attach a hose to the drain valve. Slowly open the drain valve until water begins flowing through the hose. An outdoor faucet is ideal for this task as it allows you to safely discharge any sediment in the system. Once all sediment has been flushed out, close the drain valve and turn on the power or gas supply again.
To get the most out of your tankless water heater, it’s recommended that you flush it every few months with a specialized cleaner specifically designed for tankless systems. This will extend its lifespan and help keep it running at peak efficiency.
With regular maintenance like this, your tankless water heater should be able to provide you with hot water efficiently and reliably for many years to come.
Checking The Air Intake
Regular maintenance of your tankless water heater is key to ensuring its reliability and longevity.
Checking the air intake is one of the most important steps in this process. This involves ensuring that the air filter and inlet are free from dirt or debris that might obstruct airflow, as well as making sure that the intake vent isn’t blocked by any objects.
It’s also important to check for any signs of corrosion or rust on the air filter or inlet, which could indicate a need for replacement.
To keep your tankless water heater functioning properly, it’s also important to inspect its exterior for any signs of damage or leaks. If any areas appear damaged, you should have them repaired immediately to prevent further complications.
Additionally, if there are any signs of corrosion on the outside casing, you will want to contact a professional for further assistance.
Regularly inspecting and maintaining your tankless water heater will help ensure it continues to operate efficiently and safely for years to come.
Testing The Gas Pressure
After checking the air intake, it’s important to also test the gas pressure of a tankless water heater.
This is especially important if you live in an area with hard water, as calcium deposits can build up and reduce the flow and efficiency of your heater.
To test the gas pressure, you will need to have a qualified professional come out and inspect your system. They will use a specialized gauge to measure the exact amount of pressure that is being delivered to your unit.
If they find that the pressure is too low, they may be able to make adjustments or suggest changes that can help increase it.
In order to keep your tankless water heater functioning properly, regular maintenance should be done every year or two.
This includes testing the gas pressure, cleaning out any sediment build-up, checking for any leaks or blockages in the pipes, and ensuring that all connections are secure.
It’s also important to check for signs of corrosion or wear on any components of the system.
Doing so will help ensure your tankless water heater continues to perform efficiently for years to come.
Conclusion
Maintaining a tankless water heater is an important part of keeping it running in peak condition. It isn’t difficult to do, but it does require regular attention.
I recommend:
- Cleaning the heat exchanger
- Replacing the water filter
- Flushing the system
- Checking the air intake
- Testing the gas pressure at least once a year.
Doing so will ensure your tankless water heater stays in good working order and provides hot water when you need it. Taking care of your tankless water heater now will save you from having to replace it later! If you need further help from water heater professionals feel free to contact us for further assistance.
