How to Clean the Tankless Water Heater Unit

How to Clean the Tankless Water Heater Unit

Whether you have a tank water heater or a tankless water heater, both need to be flushed annually to ensure maximum efficiency and longer service life. Just like tank water heaters, tankless water heaters also experience mineral and scale build-up inside them. Most manufacturers recommend hiring a plumbing company in Oakland to have your water heater flushed at least once a year. Anyone who’s has got a supply of hard water need to do it more often.

Many people may wonder how to clean the tankless water heater all by yourself. Don’t be afraid as this task is no big deal. It usually takes 1-2 hours to complete the process.

Here Is All You Require to Flush the Tankless Water Heater

  • Screwdriver
  • submersible model pump.
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Safety glasses
  • Big bucket ( it should be able to accommodate 5 gallons of water)
  • 4-5 gallons of Undiluted white vinegar
  • Rubber hose

Here Are the Steps on How to Flush a Tankless Electric Water Heater Unit Yourself :

Flushing a tankless water heater involves different steps as compared to tank water heaters. If you don’t want to take the hassle and the process feels intimidating, you always have the opportunity to call experts from reputable plumbing and drain cleaning Oakland CA company to have your tankless water heater flushed or cleaned.

  • If you have an electric tankless unit, you will have to shut off the circuit breaker located at the electric panel.
  • Shut off the cold water supply valve to your water heater.
  • Turn on your hot water tap to let any water remaining in the heater to drain out.
  • Now, shut off the main hot water shut-off valve that sends hot water to taps.
  • Use the screwdriver to take off the cover plate of the water heater in order to reach the wiring of the unit. Use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure against all the wires leading to the terminal to make sure no power is accessing the unit.
  • Attach the hose to the outlet of the sump pump or pond pump. Attach the other end of the hose to the cold-water isolation valve.
  • Take another hose and attach it to the hot-water isolation valve. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the hose couplers.
  • Keep the end of the second hose into a 5-gallon bucket. Now put the pump into the bucket.
  • Put at least 4 gallons of white vinegar into the bucket. Turn on hot and cold isolation valves on the water heating system. Turn on the pump kept in the bucket and let the white vinegar circulate and pump circulate for 45 minutes.
  • Now, shut off the pump and allow the vinegar to drain out of the hoses into the bucket.
  • Drain the vinegar out of the bucket. Then, put the hose back into the bucket.
  • Open the cold-water supply valve and allow the water to run and fill the bucket for up to five minutes.
  • Now, turn off the cold-water supply valve and disconnect the garden hoses from the inlet valves. Close the hot-water isolation valve. Close the hot-water isolation valve.
  • Turn on the cold water supply valve and hot water supply valve. Turn on some hot water taps to let any air trapped in the hot water pipes come out. Once all air comes out, close the taps.
  • Check the tank for any signs of leaks.

Cleaning your tankless water heater regularly ensures optimal operational efficiency of your water heater and helps you prevent water heater repair Oakland needs. So, make sure you do it regularly.

About Bryan

Hi, I am Bryan, a seasoned plumbing expert with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Renowned for my meticulous attention to detail and exceptional problem-solving skills, I have successfully and effectively handled numerous plumbing issues, ensuring top-quality service and customer satisfaction with every project I take on!