Tankless water heaters are a great option for Philadelphia homes, providing endless hot water while taking up minimal space. But like any appliance, they need regular maintenance to run efficiently. Annual maintenance helps prevent scale buildup, improve performance, and extend the unit’s lifespan. If you’re wondering what’s involved, here’s a step-by-step guide to keeping your system in top shape.

Why Annual Maintenance is Important

Philadelphia’s water supply contains minerals that can build up inside your tankless water heater, reducing efficiency and potentially causing damage. Regular maintenance:
✔ Prevents mineral buildup (especially from hard water)
✔ Maintains energy efficiency
✔ Extends the lifespan of your unit
✔ Reduces the risk of costly repairs

What You’ll Need

To flush and descale your tankless water heater, gather the following:
🔧 A submersible pump
🪣 A bucket (at least 5 gallons)
🌊 White vinegar or a manufacturer-approved descaling solution
🧑‍🔧 Hoses (similar to washing machine hoses)
🔌 A wrench (if needed to remove access panels)

Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide

1. Turn Off the Power & Gas

  • If your unit is electric-powered, switch off the breaker.
  • For gas models, turn off the gas supply.

2. Shut Off Water Supply & Release Pressure

  • Close the cold water inlet valve and the hot water outlet valve.
  • Open the pressure relief valve briefly to release any trapped pressure.

3. Connect Hoses & Start Flushing

  • Attach one hose to the cold water inlet and place the other end in the bucket.
  • Attach a second hose to the hot water outlet and place that end in the bucket as well.
  • Connect the submersible pump to the hose in the bucket.
  • Fill the bucket with white vinegar or a descaling solution and run the pump for 45 minutes to an hour to break down mineral buildup.

4. Flush with Clean Water

  • Drain the vinegar and replace it with fresh water.
  • Run clean water through the system for 5–10 minutes to remove any remaining solution.

5. Clean the Filter

  • Locate the inline filter (usually at the cold water inlet).
  • Remove it and rinse away any debris.

6. Reassemble & Restart

  • Close the service valves and remove the hoses.
  • Turn the water and gas supply back on.
  • Restore power and run hot water for a few minutes to ensure everything is working properly.

When to Call a Professional

While flushing a tankless water heater is a manageable DIY task, some situations require professional service, such as:
❌ Error codes on the unit that won’t reset
❌ Strange noises (popping or rumbling)
❌ Water pressure issues after maintenance
❌ Gas connection concerns (always best handled by a pro)

For expert maintenance and repairs, McCorry Comfort provides reliable HVAC and plumbing services in the Philadelphia area. If you’re unsure about the process or need assistance, their team can help keep your tankless water heater running efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Regular maintenance keeps your tankless water heater performing at its best—saving energy, preventing breakdowns, and ensuring you never run out of hot water. If you’re in Philly and haven’t flushed your system in a while, now’s the perfect time to schedule your annual maintenance and enjoy worry-free hot showers all year long! 🚿🔥