Most homeowners love the endless hot water of a tankless system, but they often forget the one vital chore that keeps it running: the annual flush. Here is a video on how to tackle this maintenance task yourself.
Why Periodic Flushing Matters
A tankless water heater works by pushing water through narrow copper heating coils. Over time, minerals in the water like calcium and magnesium solidify inside these coils, creating scale buildup.
Think of it like “clogged arteries” for your home. If you don’t flush this scale out periodically, you’ll face three major issues:
Reduced Efficiency: The unit has to work harder and burn more energy to heat through the mineral crust.
Fluctuating Temperatures: Scale interferes with the sensors, leading to the dreaded “cold water sandwich” during your shower.
Premature Failure: Heavy buildup can cause the heat exchanger to overheat and crack, leading to premature failure. Warranty might not cover this if maintenance was neglected.
Neglecting an annual flush can crack your heat exchanger — a repair often not covered by the manufacturer warranty