Many people select tankless water heaters because of their longer lifespan and better energy efficiency. To achieve these benefits, however, you need to perform annual maintenance, including taking steps for how to flush a tankless water heater. It’s smart to ask for help with maintenance from the same team that performed your tankless water heater installation services in Cromwell, CT.
Learn about the steps required to keep this appliance operating in top condition.
Why Flushing Tankless Water Heaters Is an Important Maintenance Task
Water heaters with tanks are known for collecting minerals and other deposits in the base as they operate. Tankless models don’t store water in a tank, but they can still accumulate particles as the water moves through them.
If you don’t have a water softener installed, hard water can shorten the lifespan of your appliances, including a tankless water heater. Because Cromwell, CT, has hard water in the local supply, mineral buildups inside the tankless water heater are always possible.
A few handy homeowners may want to purchase a flush kit or use a vinegar cleaning method to do this work themselves. However, if you worry about making a mistake that could damage the appliance or don’t have the right tools, hiring professionals is the far better choice. Local plumbers understand the hard water issues in the Cromwell, CT, area and can use a cleaning process that handles mineral buildup.
Preparation Steps for Flushing a Tankless Water Heater in Cromwell, CT
Even newer tankless water heaters need flushing annually. This process keeps them running in the best possible condition. Much of the residential growth in Cromwell, CT, occurred in the 1970s and 1980s, but you can install tankless designs in older homes. After installing a new tankless water heater, you should schedule regular maintenance or plan on doing it yourself.
The first step in flushing a tankless water heater is to turn off the isolation valves and the gas or electric supply.
Remove the caps on the inlet and outlet valves. Then connect the hoses, which should have been part of your flush kit. If you didn’t receive hoses, you might be able to use washing machine supply hoses instead. Either way, make sure the hoses are tight and secure.
Add the Cleaning and Descaling Solution
The next step for how to flush a tankless water heater involves pumping a cleaning and descaling solution through the system. Because many people in the Cromwell, CT, area rely on underground well water, dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium are frequently found here. These minerals will leave scale on the interior of the water heater, which is why you need to use a descaling solution with the cleaner.
The kit you purchased should have a pump with it. Otherwise, the professionals will have a pump and the other tools necessary to properly flush the unit.
Attach the inlet hose to the pump and the tankless water heater. Place the outlet hose on the hot water valve.
Fill the pump with the cleaning solution and start the pump. The instructions for the cleaning agent might require you to dilute it with water. Follow the instructions exactly, or you could damage the machine.
Turn on the valves and pump the cleaner through the system for about an hour. The instructions with the descaling and cleaning agent should tell you how long to run the machine.
Flush the Cleaning Solution and Reconnect Everything
After running the pump for the proper time, turn it off. Shut the valves and remove the inlet valve hose.
To flush the cleaner out of the system, turn on the cold water inlet valve. This should flush the system with cold water and push it through the hose connected to the hot water valve.
After about 15 minutes, reconnect everything, and the water heater will be ready.
The Experts at SM Mechanical Services Keep Your Tankless Water Heater in Top Condition in Cromwell, CT
Learning how to flush a tankless water heater is a daunting DIY job. The better option for most people is calling our experts at SM Mechanical Services for annual maintenance. We can perform mineral buildup removal while measuring the system’s performance. Our experts will make necessary adjustments for maximum energy efficiency.
To learn more about the advantages of a tankless water heater and maintaining it, contact us today or book an appointment online. We serve neighborhoods throughout Cromwell, CT, including those near River Highlands State Park and Quarry Ridge Golf Course.