Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Efficiency

Tankless water heaters are a reliable resource for hot water due to their energy efficiency, compact design, and endless hot water supply. However, like any appliance, they require regular maintenance to perform at their best.

Here, we discuss DIY maintenance tips to help you extend the lifespan of your tankless water heater, avoid costly repairs, and enjoy consistent hot water year-round.

DIY Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

While professional service is important, there are also tasks you should perform regularly throughout the year to maintain your system.

Clean the Exterior

Keeping the exterior of your tankless water heater clean helps prevent dust and debris from disrupting its performance.

Regularly wipe down the unit, vents, and all connections with a soft, damp cloth to keep it free from dirt and other contaminants.

Replace the Air Filter

When dust, dirt, and debris build up on your tankless water heater’s air filter and restrict airflow, it leads to system inefficiency and risks with the gas line and combustion chamber.

In some cases, it can lead to the water heater shutting down unexpectedly. You should replace your tankless water heater’s air filter annually.

Clean the Water Inlet Filter

The water inlet filter protects your tankless water heater from debris and sediment that can clog internal components. Clean the water inlet filter by following these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply and power to your tankless water heater.
2. Locate the filter, which is usually near the cold-water inlet.
3. Remove the filter carefully.
4. Rinse the filter under clean water to remove any sediment buildup.

You should clean the filter every six to 12 months to help maintain strong water flow and prolong the service life of your system.

Adjust the Temperature

For your safety and comfort, your tankless water heater should be set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is hot enough for showering, cleaning dishes, and other daily tasks, but low enough to prevent scalding and reduce energy consumption.

You can easily adjust your system’s temperature using the control panel. However, avoid frequent temperature changes to prevent system strain.

Flush the Unit

Regularly flushing is key to keeping your system in good shape, so you should flush your system at least once a year. Here’s how to do it:

Preparation

1. Shut off the gas line if you have a gas unit or trip the breaker if you have an electric unit.
2. Remove the access panel or cover with a screwdriver.
3. Turn off the hot and cold water supply at the shut-off valves.
4. Turn the hot water pressure release valve to release residual water.
5. Attach hoses to the hot and cold water service ports.
6. Connect the other end of the cold-water service port hose to a small water pump.
7. Place the other end of the hot water service port into the bucket.
8. Place the pump into a five-gallon (or larger) bucket filled with about three gallons of distilled white vinegar.

Flushing

1. Turn on the water pump and let it circulate the vinegar through the system for one hour to dissolve limescale and mineral buildup.
2. Drain the vinegar and refill the bucket with clean water.
3. Run the pump for another 10 minutes to thoroughly rinse the system.
4. Turn off the pump and flush the hoses with clean water before reassembling the water heater.

Cleanup

1. Detach the hoses.
2. Put the inlet filter back on.
3. Reattach the access panel.
4. Turn on the gas line if you have a gas unit or reset the breaker if you have an electric unit.

Professional Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

DIY care is helpful, but professional maintenance is crucial for ensuring your tankless water heater is in peak condition year after year.

A qualified plumber can provide thorough cleanings and spot potential issues early by performing these common maintenance tasks:

• Descaling the heat exchanger to remove heavy mineral buildup
• Inspecting and cleaning all parts and components
• Checking gas or electric connections for proper performance and safety
• Testing the water pressure and flow rates
• Flushing the system
• Diagnosing the system for potential issues

Benefits of Routine Tankless Water Heater Maintenance

When you schedule routine tankless water heater maintenance with a team of professionals, you can expect these benefits:

• Improved performance
• Extended tankless water heater lifespan
• Costly repair prevention
• Heightened resale value
• Better overall comfort
• And more

Why Choose Northern Comfort Systems for Reliable Tankless Water Heater Services?

Northern Comfort Systems proudly offers comprehensive tankless water heater services backed by upfront pricing, respect for your home, and no overtime fees. Our highly trained plumbers guarantee your satisfaction, so you can count on us to deliver exceptional service every time.

We also offer our Comfort Care Maintenance Plan to make plumbing maintenance even easier.

Schedule expert tankless water heater maintenance today by contacting us in Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Anderson, or Muncie, IN.