Will hard water ruin a tankless water heater?

Many experts believe that hard water is the number one enemy of an on-demand water heating system. Hard water can cause havoc on your home's appliances, including tankless water heaters.

How long do tankless water heaters last with hard water?

Lifespan of Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters use advanced technology that makes them last longer than tank water heaters. These heaters have an average lifespan of 20 years. However, some can last for up to 30 years when maintained properly.

Is a water softener necessary with a tankless water heater?

A: No. It is not required to install a water softener, but if you live in an area that has hard water it will eventually harm the performance of your tankless water heater.

What happens if you don't descale your tankless water heater?

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.

Do tankless water heaters get calcium buildup?

The heat energy in the tankless water heater separates the calcium from the water, creating calcium deposits that can accumulate on the heat exchanger. Over time, if no action were taken, that buildup would make heat transfer more difficult, straining the water heater and reducing its lifespan.

3 Things They Don’t Tell You About Tankless

How do you clean hard water from a tankless water heater?

Use the pump to circulate the vinegar through the heater. The vinegar will break down mineral deposits and buildup. Let the pump run for about 1.5 hours. Then replace the vinegar with cold water.

How do you stop scale build up in a tankless water heater?

One way to prevent limescale in a tankless water heater is with a water softener. A water softener removes that hard minerals – calcium and magnesium, from the water so that no limescale can form.

How long should I run vinegar through my tankless water heater?

Allow the vinegar to circulate through the heater for a minimum of one hour (longer if the pump runs at less than four gallons per minute). This breaks down the scale and flushes out the sediment.

What is the cost to descale a tankless water heater?

Since rates vary wildly, I can't put an exact number on it, but expect to pay between $100 and $200 to service your tankless. This should include the descaling, cleaning of the filter and possibly replacing it, and doing any diagnostics of the tankless water heater system to make sure it is running properly.

How often should tankless water heater be flushed?

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 maintenance is needed on a tankless water heater?

The good news is that tankless water heaters don't require much maintenance, either. A tankless system should be serviced as a part of the regular preventive maintenance that heating and cooling systems receive. Electric or gas components should be inspected.

What will dissolve calcium in hot water heater?

Treat with organic chemicals. — The most effective chemicals for combating calcium buildup are vinegar or lye. Once you flush your water heater, let the chemicals sit in the tank for a few hours, then flush it again before turning the heater back on for use. Keep it at the right temperature.

Can I use CLR to flush my tankless water heater?

You can use small amounts of CLR with distilled vinegar to clean a tankless water heater. It safely removes calcium, lime, and rust deposits from several household wares, including coffee pots, showerheads, toilet bowls, and washing machine basins.

Can you use distilled white vinegar to flush tankless water heater?

Most homeowners use distilled white vinegar to flush their tankless water heaters, but you can also use a descaling cleaner to reduce the required flushing time.

Do tankless water heaters collect sediment?

They aren't capable of accumulating the incoming sediment, and with only the inlet filter for protection, the unit is left nearly defenseless and stands vulnerable to the incoming water supply. If the inlet filter fills with debris and clogs, the tankless water heater will malfunction and require service.

Do water softeners harm hot water heaters?

The use of water softeners in hard water areas and even moderately soft water areas is becoming a common occurrence. This practice has a potentially detrimental effect on the performance of the anode in the water heater which can cause a reduction in the life of the water heater.

Can I put CLR in my hot water heater?

CLR cleaner is a great way to clean your water heater, because it eats away at the minerals at the bottom of the heater without scrubbing. Although CLR often comes in small spray bottles, it is also sold in gallon-sized containers, the perfect size for cleaning a hot water heater.

How do you get rid of hard water build up?

Vinegar is a safe, all-natural household cleaner with the amazing ability to combat hard water stains. Pour some in a spray bottle and squirt any surface where you find hard water stains. Let it sit for five to 15 minutes to give the vinegar time to break down the minerals in the chalky, white stain.

Will vinegar damage a hot water heater?

No, vinegar doesn't bring any damage or break anything on your hot water heater. And most water heaters use stainless steel as their construction material. So, you will be on the safe side if you use vinegar to remove sediment buildups.

What is the most common problems with tankless water heaters?

Do tankless water heaters get clogged?

Deposits inside the heat exchanger can cause the outlets from the tankless system to become clogged. If you notice low water pressure coming from your hot water faucets, these clogs might be the reason. The most common cause of these deposits is hard water.

How long should a tankless water heater last?

Some people hesitate to decide on a tankless water heater because they can be a slightly higher cost; however, you get significantly more life out of one. A standard water heater tank lasts about 8-12 years. A tankless water heater can last as long as 25 years!

Why is my tankless hot water heater not getting hot?

Check the gas valve and ensure that it is open, and that you have paid your gas bill. Check all sensors, wiring fuses, and electrical components to ensure they have not burned out. Ensure there is no condensation or debris on the burners that may cause them to not ignite.