In standard tank models, failing to descale can pose a risk of explosion. Tankless water heaters won't explode, but if you don't flush out the sediment, you may force the unit's heat exchanger to work harder than necessary.
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.
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.
Flushing and descaling are important parts of that maintenance, no matter what kind of water you have. Descaling your tankless water costs between $150 and $450 on average.
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.
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.
-Reduced Efficiency: As scaling collects at the bottom of the tank, your water heater will become less effective at heating the water in the tank. -Corrosion: If your water heater goes long enough without a proper flush, you could also have corrosion attacking the tank itself, weakening its structural integrity.
Both vinegar and descaling solution work well for cleaning mineral deposits, calcium, and limescale from your tankless water heater.
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.
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.
Can I Do My Own Tankless Water Heater Maintenance? Navien tankless water heater maintenance is relatively simple. You certainly don't need to be a professional plumber, but it doesn't hurt if you are comfortable tackling the occasional DIY project. Whether or not you're ready is entirely up to you.
Additional Installation Costs
Tankless water heaters are much more complex than traditional hot water tanks. As a result, they require professional installation. If you're switching from a hot water tank to a tankless unit, you will likely need your gas lines rerouted, as well as a larger gas supply line.
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.
Turn on the pump to circulate the descaling solution through the water heater. Allow it to run for 30-45 minutes. Ensure the bucket has a minimum of 5 pints of water in it the entire time. Disclaimer: Ensure the pump is plugged into a grounded outlet to avoid shock or pump damage.
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.
The vinegar will be a bit blue. This is from tiny amounts of corrosion of the copper of the tubes in heater. The copper imparts the blue color. Nothing to worry about.
Tankless Water Heater Cons
Installing a tank-style water heater typically costs about $900, while the average cost to install a tankless water heater can exceed $3,000. Limited Flow Rates: Reduced flow rates can lead to poor heating efficiency and low-temperature water.
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.
The initial investment for a tankless water heater is typically higher, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 or even more, depending on brand, size, and specific features.
It's important to follow through with an annual maintenance regimen, which should include “descaling”. Descaling is needed, because much like removing the lime and minerals from a coffee maker, the waterways of a tankless water heater will build up similar mineral deposits.
Descaling solutions offer highly effective and safe cleaning, albeit at a higher cost and potential environmental impact. Vinegar is an affordable, eco-friendly option but may require more caution to avoid damaging your machine and eliminating residual odours.
Over time, your tankless water heater's heating chamber will accumulate mineral deposits. This build-up can erode the walls of the heating chamber if left unattended. Every year, it's a good idea to clean your water heater by flushing out the mineral deposits.
Sediment that accumulates in your tank. (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.
Common signs that sediment buildup is significant include bubbling and gurgling sounds and diminished hot water when bathing, cooking, or cleaning. You may also notice water discoloration, a leaking pressure relief valve, or cracks in the tank or its connections.