Tankless water heaters are an excellent option for homeowners seeking simplicity, affordability and energy efficiency. Generally, tankless heaters reduce energy use by up to 35 percent compared with traditional water heaters, saving consumers on monthly costly utility bills. These units are also smaller, helping maximize floor space in basements, laundry rooms and other areas where a water heater may be housed.
Another reason people opt for this type of water heater? They typically last twice as long as traditional water heaters.
However, to preserve the longevity of a tankless unit and keep it performing at its best, you must take the necessary steps to maintain it properly. Over time, mineral buildup can occur inside your tankless water heater, causing it to become less efficient and, eventually, to fail.
In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about descaling your tankless water heater, including why it’s essential, the step-by-step process for descaling and flushing using the Hercules® Haymaker® Tankless Water Heater Descaler Kit, and how often to do it. We'll also share other tankless water heater maintenance tips to keep this essential household appliance in top shape.
What is scale? Why is it important to descale your tankless water heater?
Over time, mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium (also called “scale”) found in the water attach to the insides of the metal piping and heat exchangers that are part of a tankless heater. Scale buildup is also common in many everyday household appliances and fixtures, such as coffee makers, ice machines, faucets, etc.
As more scale accumulates, the efficiency of a tankless unit drops. Scale causes a tankless heater to work harder by increasing the energy needed to heat water to a desired temperature. This can lead to higher utility bills and a shorter lifespan for your appliance.
Severe scale buildup can clog water lines and significantly restrict water flow throughout the water heating system.
How to descale and flush a tankless water heater using the Hercules® Haymaker® Tankless Water Heater Descaler kit:
To descale and flush your tankless water heater, you’ll need to purchase the Haymaker Tankless Water Heater Descaler kit at your local hardware store or plumbing supply house. The kit includes everything you need to descale your tankless water heater: One quart of Haymaker solution, two hoses with fittings, an electric recirculation pump, and a pail/bucket.
The Haymaker kit is a powerful solution for maintaining the efficiency of your tankless water heater. Its advanced, citric-acid-based, solvent-free formula effectively removes mineral deposits and scale buildup from tankless water heater systems, restoring flow and heating efficiency. Compatible with most metals, rubber, steel, PVC, CPVC and ABS materials, the Haymaker formula is safe for potable water systems, biodegradable, and non-corrosive.
Here are the steps for descaling and flushing your tankless water heater using the Haymaker kit:
Note: It is recommended to consult the manufacturer's instructions or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any of these steps. Before selecting and using a chemical descaler, check manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines for best results.
Step 1: Locate the power switch for the tankless water heater. It is usually located near the unit or in the circuit breaker panel. Turn off the power to the tankless water heater by flipping the switch to the "Off" position.
Step 2: Locate the hot and cold water supply valves connected to the tankless water heater. Close hot and cold isolation and service valves and remove the service caps.
Step 3: Prepare the Haymaker solution by mixing one quart of the solution with a gallon of water in a bucket.
Step 4: Connect one end of a hose to the recirculation pump and the other to the cold service valve. Place the pump into the bucket. Ensure that the hose is securely attached and properly positioned.
Step 5: Connect a second hose to the hot-water service line and place the other end in the bucket.
Step 6: Plug the pump into a grounded receptacle. Only operate the pump with at least five pints of liquid.
Step 7: Allow the pump to circulate the Haymaker solution through the water heater for 30 to 45 minutes. This will help break down any mineral deposits or sediment that may have built up over time.
Step 8: After at least 30 minutes, unplug the pump, close the service valves, and dispose of the solution.
Step 9: Next, flush the water heater with fresh water for 3 to 5 minutes or until water flows clear. Do so by opening the cold isolation valve and allowing water to exit through the hot-water service valve into the drain or bucket. Empty as needed during the process. After a complete flush, the drain water should be near pH 6-8.
Step 10: Close the hot-water service valve. Remove the hose from the service valve and replace the service cap.
Step 11: Open the hot-water isolation valve.
Step 13: Connect the power to the water heater and return the appliance to service.
How often should you descale your tankless water heater?
Maintaining a routine descaling schedule is key to prolonging the life of your tankless unit, whether it is powered by electricity or gas. 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.
To check the hardness of your water, you can purchase an at-home test kit or look for some simple clues. Signs your home may have hard water include stiff-feeling laundry and white residue on shower doors, bathroom faucets, etc. If hard water is present, installing a water softener will aid in removing pesky mineral deposits and hard water staining.
If you notice a decrease in hot water flow or temperature or hear unusual noises coming from your tankless water heater, it’s probably time to descale.
Other tankless water heater maintenance tips:
In addition to descaling and flushing your tankless water heater, here are some other maintenance tips to keep it in top shape:
- Check your water heater’s manual for instructions on how to flush it periodically.
- Clean or replace the air and water filters regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Inspect the ventilation system for blockages or damage.
- Check the water pressure regularly and adjust if necessary.
- Have your water heater professionally inspected and serviced annually.
Descaling and flushing your tankless water heater regularly is an essential part of its maintenance to keep it running efficiently and prolong its lifespan.
Using the Hercules® Haymaker® Tankless Water Heater Descaler kit makes the task easy and efficient. Homeowners can do it themselves without the need for a professional.
Just remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for descaling frequency and incorporate other maintenance tips to keep your tankless water heater in top shape for years.