Tankless water heaters are one way homeowners that can save energy. Most Tankless Water Heater Repair and Replacements in South Florida advise people to opt for this one because of its productivity and versatility. That’s why, instead of depending on the gallons of hot water your home uses daily, a tankless water heater can be 20%-30% more efficient than a traditional water heater.
Like any other new equipment in your household, you must know how to take care of it to expand its life. By neglecting regular upkeep won’t allow your tankless water heater to operate at its full potential. It won’t enable you to achieve the energy savings you most likely were looking forward to when you chose it.
Today, we will discover the best way to maintain your tankless water heater and make it more efficient for a long time. Let’s start
Basic Tankless Water Heater Maintenance Steps
A tankless water heater is an investment. While it may cost more upfront than a traditional unit, its long-term savings and efficiency make it worth the price. However, neglecting maintenance can lead to malfunctions, reduced efficiency, and costly tankless water heater repairs. Let’s dive into the step-by-step maintenance process.
Turn Off the Power
Before beginning maintenance, ensure your safety by turning off the water heater’s power source. Most tankless water heaters run on electricity, gas, propane, or kerosene. To turn off the power:
- Flip the circuit breaker for electric models.
- Turn off the main gas valve for gas-powered units.
Doing this eliminates the risk of accidental shocks or leaks during the inspection. If you are concerned about this step, you can always get help from a professional Tankless water heater repairman.
Close the Water Valves
Locate the water valves near your tankless water heater. These valves control the flow of water into and out of the unit. Typically, you’ll find three valves:
- Blue Valve: Cold water inlet.
- Red Valve: Hot water outlet.
- Main Supply Valve: Main water supply to the heater.
Close all three valves to prevent water from flowing into or out of the unit during maintenance. If you hire professional Tankless water heater repair services, they will start the fixing process with this step.
Relieve Pressure
To prevent burns or water damage, relieve the pressure inside the heater by:
- Locating the purge valves with T-shaped handles.
- Pulling up on the T-shaped handles to release pressure.
This step ensures that hot water doesn’t burst out unexpectedly. Doing it precisely will reduce the chances of calling an emergency tankless water heater repair and save much money on repair and maintenance.
Attach a Hosing Line
Refer to your water heater’s manual to locate the ports for attaching hosing lines. Many models come with these hoses, but you can get them from a hardware store or family owned plumber company. To attach the hoses:
- Connect them to the water heater’s cold and hot water valves.
- Lead the hoses to a bucket or sump pump to collect water.
Turn the port valves perpendicular to the water valves to allow water to flow out of the unit.
Descale the Unit
Over time, minerals/sediments like magnesium and calcium build up inside your water heater, especially if you have hard water. This mineral buildup can clog the system and reduce efficiency. To descale:
- Use a commercial descaling solution or prepare a solution with 2.5 gallons of white vinegar.
- Pour the solution into the water heater following the instructions in the manual.
Let the solution run through the system to dissolve mineral deposits. An expert commercial or residential tankless water heater repair service will use modern tools and techniques to descale the unit, showing better results.
Flush the Water Heater
After descaling, flush the system to remove any remaining sediment or solution:
- Allow the water heater to drain for about 45 minutes.
- Once drained, close the valves and disconnect the hoses.
- Reseal the purge valves with their caps.
Restart the Heater
To finish the process, restart your water heater:
- Reopen all the water valves.
- Turn the power source back on.
Run your faucets to release trapped air in the system. Initially, you may see air spurts, but water will flow freely after a few minutes.
Benefits of Maintaining Your Tankless Water Heater
While comparing Tankless Water Heater Vs. Tank water heaters, tankless, always have an edge due to their space-efficient design and better productivity. In addition, if you maintain your tankless water heater, you will see many perks in the long run. Some of the prominent benefits are.
Longer Lifespan
Regular upkeep can increase the life of your tankless water heater to up to 20 years, compared to 10-12 years for a traditional water heater. This extended life actively reduces the need for frequent tankless water heater replacement and saves money in the long run.
Optimal Performance
A well-maintained tankless water heater delivers consistent hot water at the desired temperature. Regular flushing removes mineral buildup, ensuring high flow rates and energy efficiency.
Reduced Repair Costs
You can avoid expensive repairs or emergency service calls by identifying and addressing minor issues early. Routine maintenance also lowers the risk of premature failure, which could necessitate a costly replacement.
Cleaner Water
Flushing the system removes sediment and mineral deposits, producing cleaner, fresher water for your household or business.
Maintenance Frequency of Tankless Water Heater Repair and Replacement in South Florida
If you choose a tankless water heater, how often should you maintain it? It depends on the water quality in your area:
- Soft Water or Average Water: Flush the system once a year.
- Hard Water: Flush more frequently, such as every six months or during daylight savings time changes.
Regular maintenance is crucial for residential and commercial tankless water heater repairs, as high usage can accelerate wear and tear.
Conclusion
Maintaining your tankless water heater is important for enhancing its efficiency, longevity, and reliability. Following the above effective steps, you can enjoy uninterrupted hot water while minimizing the need for the services of Tankless Water Heater Repair and Replacement in South Florida. Remember, routine maintenance isn’t just about keeping your unit running and it’s about protecting your investment and saving money over time.
Whether you need to repair or replace your tankless water heater, count on Priscilla’s Plumbing Company. Our skilled technicians are fully trained and well-equipped to handle any kind of water heater with precision and expertise. With our cost-effective strategies, you can restore your water heater supply in no time. Call us at (954) 325 4831 or visit our website to book our service to make your home trouble-free!