Your tankless water heater’s heat exchanger may become corrupted by mineral deposits, increasing energy costs and shortening the unit’s lifespan. You can perform this maintenance yourself if you feel comfortable doing so, but it is recommended that you consult the manufacturer’s manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions.
Inspect the Flue
The flue system must be inspected regularly if you have a gas tankless water heater. It can get clogged with outside debris or gas byproducts that cause soot and carbon monoxide to be blown into your home. It can also cause a malfunction of the unit.
If the unit is outside, it should be inspected to ensure that there are 30 inches of clear space around it and that no plants or storage are blocking airflow. Some units require a filter on the air intake, which may need to be removed, cleaned, rinsed, dried, and reinserted.
A professional plumber should be able to flush and clean the entire unit, ensuring it is free of debris and minerals that could clog the heat exchanger over time. It is crucial in areas with hard water.
Inspect the Venting System
Tankless water heaters rely on venting to expel gases and fumes out of the home. Inspecting the venting system for any cracks, blockages, or damage that could prevent exhaust gas from flowing freely is vital.
To perform this inspection, first, turn off the power to your water heater. Then, remove the cold and hot water shut-off valves from each end of the unit. If there is a filter on the cold water inlet or hot water outlet, remove and clean it.
It is also essential to look for any cracks in the pipes leading to and from the water heater. If you see any, contact a professional tankless water heater service San Ramon CA to schedule a repair as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage a problem will cause.
Inspect the Heat Exchanger
Keeping the heat exchanger clean is essential and usually easy to do. Locate the air filter, remove it, and clean it with a soft brush, soapy water, and dry thoroughly before reinstalling.
Consider asking for help from a professional if you are experiencing low hot water temperatures, odd noises, or a rise in your energy cost. A plumber can flush your tankless water heater, inspect the heat exchanger, and ensure everything works.
Mineral buildup can harm the heat exchanger, reduce efficiency, and increase energy costs. Flushing the water heater will help avoid this. Flustering your tankless water heater is generally recommended every 2 to 3 years.
Inspect the Pressure Release Valve
Being able to release excess pressure safely is an essential feature of your tankless water heater. A faulty or blocked pressure valve can lead to your unit overheating and potentially burning out. Regularly inspecting and testing this valve helps prevent these issues from occurring.
This external maintenance is relatively simple and only takes about 20 minutes. However, having a plumber do this at least once yearly is a good idea.
The plumber will also clean your burner chamber, air passages, and compartments during this process. These can become clogged with dust over time, which will reduce performance and potentially cause critical failures. It is an excellent substitute for flushing the system because it is simple and quick for a professional to complete.
Clean the Heater
Your tankless water heater’s heat exchanger is essential but susceptible to mineral buildup over time. It can cause your water heater to function less effectively and reduce energy efficiency.
It’s essential to flush and clean the heater to keep it working as well as possible. It will assist you in avoiding future expensive repairs.
You may flush out any mineral and sediment buildup inside your tankless water heater. It’s recommended that you do this at least once a year. However, you should do it more often if you have hard water or live near trees that drop many leaves. Talk with your plumber to see what frequency is best for you.