As nice and convenient as tankless water heaters are, they are still subject to some of the same issues as other types. This leads to the need for periodic maintenance in order to keep them operating at their peak. The good news in this is that periodic maintenance really just boils down to one set of actions, once each year.
A tankless water heater that is being used in an area where there is hard water and is set to a high temperature should be maintained about twice a year. Fortunately, regardless of your water heater’s maintenance needs, the actions that are needed are the same. What follows are a few ideas for Tankless Water Heater Maintenance and Inspection.
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Flushing
Every water heater should be flushed periodically. This is one of the most basic maintenance actions that a homeowner should perform on their water heater. Over time, even a tankless water heater will accumulate minerals and other types of hard substances in the water chamber. This is especially true in areas where there is hard water. The material buildups in a water heater’s chamber can be very significant over time. Not performing this maintenance will cause performance issues and eventually affect the lifespan of your water heater. One of the most significant problems that can happen inside the water chamber is the build up of lime deposits, which is often not covered by the product’s warranty.
Lime buildups can be removed by using white vinegar, a sump pump, and two pieces of hose. With the hoses attached to the valves and the pump running the vinegar through the chamber, lime buildup should be a thing of the past. There are usually instructions on how to perform this maintenance with the materials that come with your water heater, but if there are none and you don’t feel confident in doing this yourself, call a plumber.
Clean the Water Filter
Some tankless water heaters come with a filter that will trap a lot of the debris that tries to get into the tank. These filters are excellent for helping to prevent these problems, although you still need to maintain your appliance as described above. By making sure there is a water filter, you will see a significantly cleaner water tank and it will be far less work for you the next time.
Once you remove the water filter of all the sentiment and debris, it will help to keep your water tank clean and it will improve your unit’s performance. Before you do this, make sure the unit is turned off. The filter should be cleaned by passing it through running water and wiping it off with a clean rag. If you don’t know where the filter is or can’t find it, look in the user’s manual or call a plumber for help.
Clean the Air Filter
Every tankless water heater comes with an air filter to ensure a good flow of air through the unit. This air filter should be cleaned periodically for the same reason that a water filter is cleaned, to ensure that debris is removed and air can flow freely. Cleaning the air filter is best done with a soft bristled brush and a soap and water solution. After any debris is removed, it should be allowed to dry before it is replaced in the unit.
By following the guidelines above you will be contributing significantly to the lifespan of your water heater. If you don’t feel confident about performing this maintenance, call a plumber, who can do it for you. Besides a cleaning and performing maintenance on your water heater, a plumber should be called and allowed to perform periodic inspections on your water heater. By doing this, a plumber can check valves, heating elements and pipes to make sure they are in proper working order. Any parts that are found to be broken or worn out should be replaced immediately. This is best done by a professional plumber, who can add significant life to your water heater by doing so.
For reliable, professional service, call Paul the Plumber, who has been in business for more than 22 years, Paul the Plumber has been providing expert plumbing services, including repairs and installations to residents and commercial entities in and around New Hampshire. They are insured, licensed, and bonded to provide total, quality plumbing work. They also offer 24-hour emergency service for members. Whether you have a simple leak to a complete plumbing renovation, they can provide fast, reliable, honest and professional work.
