Over time, a tankless water heater may accumulate mineral build up which can erode the walls inside your tank's heating chamber. To properly maintain and clean your tankless water heater, it's important to flush those mineral deposits at least once a year.
What happens if I don't flush out my tankless water heater? Mineral deposits may build up. This could cause a clog within the unit and may prevent normal heating activity. Your hot water could also fluctuate and overheat the system, impacting its efficiency.
Just like a tank unit, tankless water heaters need to be flushed once per year. Homeowners with hard water should consider flushing and cleaning the unit even more frequently, perhaps every six to nine months because of the excess amounts of magnesium and calcium found in hard water supplies.
The average cost to flush a tankless water heater can vary. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $100 and $300 for a professional flush, including any additional maintenance services required. DIY flushing costs can range from $30 to $100, depending on the flushing kit purchased.
With the right tools and knowledge, you can certainly flush a tankless water heater by yourself. In fact, there are water heater flushing kits you can buy online for the job, which come with everything you need. They include things like a circulation pump, hoses, a bucket and a cleaning agent.
How Much Electricity Does a Tankless Water Heater Use? Many people wonder if tankless water heaters increase electric bills. The answer is no — tankless water heaters can save money on your monthly electric bill because they're 8%-34% more efficient than storage water heaters.
To maximize your tankless water heater's performance and service life, it's important to regularly clean or replace the water filter, clean the air filter (for gas units), and descale and flush the system.
(Don't worry! It doesn't come out of your faucets.) If neither you nor a professional have flushed your water within the last five years, Water Heaters Now recommends not flushing it yourself.
One of the most common questions asked by consumers about tankless water heaters is how long they will last. A tankless water heater can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance and operation. In comparison, a standard tank water heater normally has a working life of 10 years or less.
Tankless water heaters are efficient and effective, but they require maintenance to ensure they do not build up scale. Flushing your tankless heater is a simple task, but it does take 1-2 hours to complete.
Your average water heater flush cost falls around $160, with most prices ranging from $110 to $200 depending on several factors.
Use 4 gallons (15.1 liters) of undiluted white vinegar to clean your tankless water heater. Never use chemical solutions of any kind. Since your home's drinking and bathing water mostly likely flows through your tankless water heater, using chemical cleaning solutions could be extremely harmful to your health.
The most common expenses associated with tankless water heater maintenance are labor costs, replacement parts, and annual or semi-annual maintenance checks. Labor costs can range from $50 to $150 per hour, while replacement parts can cost between $20 to $500, depending on the part's complexity and brand.
You can't run out of hot water with tankless water heaters – unless, of course, the power supply is off or goes out. However, a tankless water heater can have trouble keeping up with demand if too many things require hot water all at once.
Most manufacturers recommend descaling your system once per year. For homes with hard water, equipment may require more maintenance. However, you should always check the manufacturer's instructions specific to your equipment to ensure the safest and most effective maintenance schedule.
Many people ask us if they still need to flush their water heater after switching to tankless, and the short answer is yes. Even though there is no tank for water to sit in, sediment can still build up inside the unit and most manufacturers require an annual flush in order to keep the warranty valid.
Keep an eye out for debris suddenly showing up in your water. If you notice sediment or any brown sludge coming out of your faucet, that's probably an indication that it's time for a water heater flush. If you see any of these signs, it's a good indication that your water heater needs maintenance.
But, you can help yours get to the top of that lifespan range by: — Flushing and draining your water heater at least annually, if not 2-3 times per-year.
If you neglect maintenance on your tankless heater, it will reduce the lifespan of your investment. You could go years without performing maintenance and the heater will still function. It won't heat the water efficiently, but it will still produce hot water at a reduced flow rate.
To keep your tankless water heater in prime condition, it is advised to clean out the filter once every six months. This routine maintenance is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Simply watch our how-to video above or continue reading to learn how to clean your tankless water heater filter.
Before you commit to buying a tankless water heater, the primary drawbacks to know include: Higher upfront costs. Tankless water heaters are, on average, quite a bit more expensive to buy and install than tank water heaters. Access to fuel.
Installing a tankless water heater can require gas line upgrades, electrical modifications, and specialized venting—all of which can increase costs. Professional labor also runs from $500–$1,500 due to complex installation requirements.
Electric tankless water heaters still save homeowners around $44 per year according to the US Department of Energy. Longer useful lives than storage tank water heaters. Tankless water heaters typically last 20 to 30 years, double the forecasted useful life of a storage tank water heater.