How to Descale Tankless Water Heater

June 25, 2023 0

Maintaining your tankless water heater is important for keeping it running properly and efficiently. Descaling your tankless water heater periodically can help protect it from hard mineral deposits that build up inside over time while also providing you with perfectly heated hot water on demand.

If you’re looking to descale your tankless hot water system, look no further! Today we’ll discuss everything you need to know about how to descale tankless water heater smoothly, from the different types of descalers available on the market today, how often you should schedule a maintenance checkup, and what tools are necessary for successful descaling. So let’s get started!

Is It Possible to Descale Tankless Water Heater?

Yes, it is possible to descale a tankless water heater. This can be done either manually by yourself or with the help of a professional service. It is not a difficult process but it is important to do it correctly and regularly. Keep in mind that descaling is not the same as draining and flushing the water heater, which should be done on a more regular basis.

What Tools Are Needed To Descale A Tankless Water Heater?

To properly descale a tankless water heater, you will need the following tools:

A descaling solution
Vinegar or citric acid
A pH testing kit
White vinegar
A small brush
Paper towels or rags
Pliers
A wrench

What Descaler Should You Use?

When descaling your tankless water heater, it’s best to use a mild non-corrosive cleaner such as citric acid or vinegar. Make sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner carefully and always use protective gear when working with hazardous materials such as these. You can use a descaling solution specifically designed for tankless water heaters or even white vinegar. Just remember to dilute the solution with water before using it. Choose the one that is best for your model.

Required Tools

Descaling solutions such as vinegar or citric acid
pH testing kit
Bucket
Garden hose
Sponge/cloth to clean off mineral deposits

10 Steps on How to Descale Tankless Water Heater

Step 1: Turn Off the Power

Turn off the power to your tankless water heater. This will prevent any electrical shocks while you are descaling. It will also help ensure that your heater is not damaged by the descaling process.

Step 2: Drain and Flush Tankless Water Heater

Before you can descale your tankless water heater, you must first flush it out to remove any built-up sediment or minerals. To do this, attach a garden hose to the drain valve located at the bottom of your tank and flush out the water until it runs clear.

Step 3: Prepare Descaler Solution

Prepare a descaler solution using either vinegar or citric acid according to the instructions on the package. Make sure to dilute it with water before use, as this will help protect your tankless water heater from damage.

Step 4: Fill the Tank With Descaler Solution

Fill your tankless water heater with the descaler solution and allow it to sit for at least 2 hours. If you have a large tank, you may need to fill it several times before moving on to the next step.

Step 5: Drain Descaler Solution

Once the descaler solution has had a chance to work its way through your tankless water heater, drain it from the bottom of the unit, and make sure to flush out any remaining descaler solution with fresh water before moving on.

Step 6: Clean Off Mineral Deposits

Using a sponge or cloth, clean off any mineral deposits that have built up on the interior of your tankless water heater. This will help ensure that all of the descaler solutions have been completely removed from the unit.

Step 7: Test pH Level

Using a pH testing kit, test the pH level inside of your tankless water heater. It should be between 6 and 9, with 7 being ideal. If the pH is too high or low, add more descaler solution to bring it back into the proper range.

Step 8: Flush Tank With Fresh Water

Once you have achieved a neutral pH level inside of your tankless water heater, flush it out with fresh water until all of the descaler solutions has been removed. Make sure to check the pH level again before moving on to the next step.

Step 9: Refill the Tank With Fresh Water

Fill your tankless water heater with fresh water and turn it back on. Allow it to run for a few minutes, then turn it off and drain the water from the unit.

Step 10: Repeat Descaler Process

It’s important to descale your tankless water heater on a regular basis to ensure that it is running at peak efficiency. If you notice any changes in the taste or smell of your water, repeat this process until everything is back to normal.

Following these steps will help you keep your tankless water heater running at its best. Descalers such as vinegar or citric acid are both effective solutions, so choose the one that is best for your model. Make sure to always use protective gear when working with hazardous materials such as these, and follow the instructions on the package carefully. Finally, make sure to repeat this process regularly to keep your tankless water heater running smoothly.

8 Safety Measures to Follow

Turn off the main water supply to the tankless water heater. It will be located near the heater, usually on the wall.
Put on safety eyewear and gloves to protect your eyes and hands when performing any descaling process.
Drain all of the water from the tankless water heater by connecting a garden hose to the drain valve, which is typically located at the bottom of the unit, and running the other end of the hose out to a drain or outside.
Create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water in a bucket. If your tankless water heater has heavy scale buildup, it’s best to add more vinegar than water for stronger descaling power.
Pour this cleaner solution into the tankless water heater and let it sit for at least eight hours. It will help remove any scale or sediment build-up in the tank.
6. Open the drain valve and flush out all of the cleaner solutions from the tankless water heater by running it for up to 10 minutes.
Flush hot water through your faucets until there is no more vinegar smell and taste in the water.
Refill the tankless water heater with clean water and turn on the power to the unit to make sure it is working correctly. If a descaler was used earlier, refer to the instructions of the manufacturer for more specific instructions.

Follow these steps regularly to keep your tankless water heater clear of any buildup and running efficiently. Doing so will improve the quality of your water and extend the life of your heater. Make sure to also have it serviced professionally once a year for further maintenance.

5 Maintenance Tips

Regularly inspect your tankless water heater for any signs of damage, corrosion, or leaks. If you spot any issues, contact a qualified technician to service the unit.
Descaling your tankless water heater helps to maintain its efficiency and performance. Descale it annually by following the manufacturer’s instructions; this will involve draining out some of the water and using a descaling solution.
Check the ventilation system of your tankless water heater to make sure it is clear of any debris or blockages. This will ensure your unit is getting enough oxygen for proper functioning.
Regularly check and clean the filters on the inlet side of your tankless water heater. Replace any worn or damaged parts if needed.
Check the connections of your tankless water heater and make sure they are secured tightly to prevent leaks and other issues. If there is corrosion present, contact a qualified technician to help repair it. Additionally, check the water pressure to ensure it’s within manufacturer specs. This will help to prevent damage to the heating element.

Following these maintenance tips can help keep your tankless water heater running smoothly and efficiently for years to come. However, if you are ever unsure of how to service or maintain any part of your unit, it’s best to contact a professional technician.

How Often Should You Descale My Tankless Water Heater?

The frequency of descaling your tankless water heater depends on how hard or soft your water is and how often you use the system. Generally speaking, if you live in an area with hard water, you should aim to descale your heater every six months. If you have soft water, then it can be descaled once a year.

Frequency of Descaling Tankless Water Heater

Conclusion

Descaling your tankless water heater frequently will save you money and time in the long run. At the same time, it might seem like a tedious task to accomplish, but learning how to descale your tankless water heater makes all the difference between continued great performance or needing repairs due to buildup down the road.

The steps on how to descale tankless water heater are fairly simple and straightforward, making it an ideal task for any homeowner to be able to handle on their own. If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed with the process, don’t hesitate to call a local qualified professional for assistance. No matter which approach you take, make sure that your water heater is descaled regularly for the most optimal results in efficiency and performance!

Angela Ervin

Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.