Are you tired of running out of hot water in the middle of taking a shower? Or perhaps you’re looking to save on your energy bills without sacrificing your comfort? If your answer is YES to either of these questions, a tankless water heater is what you need. With its continuous hot water supply, a tankless water heater is a true game-changer for your home. But like any appliance, it also needs regular maintenance to ensure it keeps running at its best. That’s why we’ve put together tips on how to keep your tankless water heater in top condition so you can enjoy hot water whenever you need it. This blog will discuss how to keep your tankless water heater running smoothly. Let’s learn!
How Does a Tankless Water Heater Work?
Before we talk about how to take care of your tankless water heater, whether it’s electric or gas-powered, it’s important to know how it works. Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless ones don’t store hot water in a tank. When you turn on the hot water tap, the tankless water heart unit heats the cold water that flows through it. It does this by using either electricity or gas to warm up the water quickly. This way, you get hot water right away without waiting for a tank to fill up and heat the water.
Why is Regular Maintenance the GAME CHANGER?
Proper care is essential to guaranteeing that your tankless water heater lasts and functions efficiently for years to come. Ignoring or delaying maintenance results in higher energy consumption, reduced performance, and even expensive repairs. However, with some simple steps, you can keep your tankless water heater running smoothly for an extended period without any issues.
Flush the System Regularly
Over time, sediment and mineral deposits can clog the heat exchanger of the tankless water heater. This accumulation decreases water flow and reduces the unit’s efficiency, leading to higher bills. However, flushing the system annually can easily remove these deposits and ensure your water heater operates at its best. Invest in this simple maintenance task and enjoy the benefits of a cost-effective and reliable water heating system for years.
How to Flush Your Tankless Water Heater?
Do you have a water heater that needs flushing? Let’s discuss some easy steps you can follow to get the job done quickly. First, turn off the power supply to your water heater. If you have an electric unit, make sure to disconnect the power, and if it’s a gas unit, turn off the gas supply. Next, isolate the unit by closing the valves on both the cold and hot water lines leading into it.
Now, it’s time to connect a hose. Make sure to attach it to the isolation valves and make sure it’s securely connected. Open the valves and let a mixture of water and vinegar flush through the system for about 45 minutes. This will help to clear out any sediment and mineral buildup. Once the time is up, rinse the system by running clean water through the water heater. After that, reconnecting the water lines and restoring power is just a matter.
Check the Air Intake & Exhaust
If you have a gas tankless water heater at home or work, it is important to make sure that the exhaust vents and air intake are not blocked by debris, dust, or other objects. If the vents are blocked, the heater will not work well and may even be unsafe. Keep an eye on your vents and make sure that they are always clear.
Steps to Check the Air Intake & Exhaust
One of the most important things you can do to keep your home water heating system functioning properly is to inspect the exhaust vents and air intake on a regular basis. As time passes, these vents become clogged with debris, which impedes the flow of air and causes your water heater system to work less efficiently. To prevent this problem, you must clear away any obstructions and make sure that the vents are free from debris and dust. To do this, you should use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust or debris that is accumulated in vents.
Be sure to work carefully so as not to damage the vents or any surrounding components. You should always wear a protective mask or other safety gear to avoid inhaling dust or debris that is released during the cleaning process. Another important step in maintaining your water heating system is to check for proper combustion during operation. To do this, observe the flame in the combustion chamber. A blue flame means that combustion is occurring as it should be, while a yellow or orange flame indicates a problem with the heating system.
If you notice issues with the flame, you must have your system inspected and repaired by a qualified plumbing professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Monitor Water Pressure in Tankless Water Heaters
If you have a tankless water heater at home or work, it’s important to ensure that the water pressure is not too high. High water pressure can damage your water heater and make it wear out faster. To prevent this, you should install a pressure relief valve that helps keep the water pressure at a safe level and also protects your water heater from damage.
Steps to Monitor Water Pressure
If you are experiencing high water pressure in your home, it would be best to take measures to prevent potential damage to your plumbing system and appliances like your water heater, washing machine, etc. One of the best ways to address high water pressure is to install a pressure relief valve, which is a device that is made to release excess pressure from your plumbing system and also protects your pipes and appliances from damage.
It is recommended that you consult with a professional plumbing company to ensure that the pressure relief valve is installed correctly. They can help you determine the ideal location for the valve and ensure that it is properly sized for your plumbing system.
Another important step is regularly checking the pressure levels using a water pressure gauge. These tools are easily available at most hardware stores and are easy to use. The ideal pressure range is 40 to 60 pounds per square inch (PSI). If your water pressure is outside of this range, you should take action to address the issue. If your water pressure is too high, it is suggested that you install a pressure regulator that helps limit the amount of water pressure in your plumbing system.
Alternatively, you can consult with a plumber to make adjustments to your plumbing and water heater system to bring the pressure down to a safe level. By managing your water pressure, you protect your plumbing system and appliances from damage and guarantee that your home’s water supply is safe.
Protection Against Freezing
If you live in a colder climate, you know how brutal the winter can be. But did you know that freezing temperatures can damage your tankless water heater? That’s right! But there is no need to worry because some tips help you protect your unit against freezing.
First, make sure your tankless water heater is installed in a heated space. If that’s not the case, you can always take preventive measures to keep it safe. One thing you can do is insulate the exposed pipes leading to or from the water heater unit.
Another option is to install a freeze protection kit. Some tankless water heaters come with these kits, and all you have to do is follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, and you’re good to go. By taking these easy steps, you ensure that your tankless water heater stays safe even in the coldest of temperatures. Go ahead – enjoy the winter wonderland outside, and stay cozy inside!
Check for Leaks & Inspect the Water Supply
It’s important to regularly check your tankless heater to make sure it’s not leaking and that the water supply is working. Leaks cause water damage and make your heater less effective. Look at all the connections between the valves, pipes, and fittings to ensure there aren’t any leaks. If you see a leak, tighten or replace the parts as needed. Also, check the water supply going to the heater to ensure it’s steady. If the water pressure is too low or there are interruptions in the water supply, it can affect how well the heater works.
Final Words
If you want to ensure that your home’s gas tankless water heaters and tankless units are functioning properly, you must prioritize their maintenance. This includes regular servicing, cleaning, and inspection to avoid any unexpected breakdowns. Additionally, you must also keep your sump pump in good working condition to prevent any water damage, especially during heavy rainfall.
On top of this, you must not overlook the importance of maintaining your air conditioning and air filters to ensure good air quality and avoid any respiratory issues. Proper maintenance of all these appliances can help avoid costly repairs and replacements while ensuring your safety and comfort.
Let Tommie’s Tennessee Team Tame Your Tankless Woes!
Are you tired of dealing with a faulty water heater? Don’t worry; Tommie’s Plumbing is here to help you. We are your local and go-to plumbing technicians in Tennessee, offering services from Sewer Line Replacement to Faucet Repair and Water Heater Installation. Our team of certified, insured, and licensed plumbers is committed to providing top-notch services to Greeneville, Jonesborough, Morristown, Elizabethton, Kingsport, Erwin, Gray, Johnson City, Unicoi, and Bristol residents.
As a family-owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on our courteous, friendly, and professional staff. With over 30 years of experience, you can trust Tommie’s team to keep your tankless water heater running smoothly. Get in touch with us today.
