The best electric tankless water heater provides a steady flow of hot water, ensuring comfortable, warm showers daily. They are a fantastic investment for homeowners looking for practicality and a proper value boost.
But like any other home fixture, your electric tankless water heater requires regular maintenance to extend its life. Over time, your unit may sustain damage and accumulate mineral deposits that could impact its performance.
To help you take care of your water heater, follow our guide below:
1. Flushing
You might be wondering, why should I flush my electric water heater if it does not have a tank?
The answer is simple. Even if your heater does not have a tank, the interior components – like the pipes – can have significant scaling building. This is especially common for places with hard water.
Hard water contains high mineral content, including calcium and magnesium, which can cause limescale. You must flush your electric tankless water once a year and every six to nine months for hard water supplies.
Here’s how to flush a tankless water heater:
- Shut off the power and water supply
- Remove access panel
- Locate and close the isolation valves
- Connect hoses for flushing
- Prepare and pump cleaning solution into the heater
- Run fresh water to flush
- Check residue
- Restore power and water supply, and close panel
2. Inspect for Leaks
The key to preventing damage to your electric tankless water heater is to locate and address them immediately. One of the most common issues faced by water heaters is leaking.
It is vital to regularly inspect your water heater for any signs of leaking and water damage so you can repair them as soon as possible. Neglecting to fix leaks can damage the unit, especially its electronic components.
3. Test Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve is a fundamental safety feature of every water heater. This simple component releases water and pressure if excessive buildup is inside the water heater.
Your unit’s pressure relief valve should always be in good condition to avoid hazardous consequences. To test your pressure relief valves, follow these steps:
- Turn off the power and water supply
- Locate the pressure relief valve
- Gently lift the valve lever to release some steam
- Listen to air and water escaping. If you hear these sounds, it means the valve is working
- Check the seal to see if it closes properly
It would help if you also considered consulting a professional for help assessing the health of your water heater and how to maintain it.