Tankless water heaters are a popular choice in many Mississauga homes thanks to their energy-saving design and constant hot water supply. But just like any appliance that you rely on every day, they need regular care to keep working properly. As we move into late October, it’s a smart time to give yours a little attention, especially before the chill of winter really sets in.
Maintenance keeps your tankless system clean, efficient, and lasting longer. Whether your goal is to avoid sudden surprises like cold water during a morning shower or keep your heating bills in check, staying on top of upkeep is a good move. The good news? A few basic tasks can go a long way in keeping things running smoothly.
Preparing For Maintenance
Before you get started with cleaning or inspecting anything, it’s important to prepare. Tankless water heaters run using gas or electricity and often handle hard water from Mississauga’s municipal supply, so safety and preparation always come first.
Here’s how to get ready:
1. Turn the unit off. Whether it’s powered by electricity or gas, make sure it’s completely shut down. If your system has a digital control, power it off there too.
2. Shut off the water supply. This stops fresh water from passing through while you’re working and helps avoid a big mess.
3. Let the unit cool. If it’s been on recently, give it 30 to 45 minutes to cool down.
4. Gather your tools and materials. Most basic maintenance tasks need a few simple things:
– A bucket (two, if possible)
– White vinegar for descaling
– A submersible pump if you’re flushing
– A non-metallic brush or toothbrush
– A soft cloth
– Screwdrivers or pliers depending on your access panel setup
5. Read the owner’s manual. Each brand and model may have slightly different fittings, shutoff valves, or filter locations. A quick read-through keeps you from guessing.
Don’t rush this part. A little patience here keeps things safe once you start poking around in valves and connections. Just like with any other heating or plumbing system in your home, you’re dealing with hot water and hot surfaces, so keeping everything under control is key.
Flushing The Tankless Water Heater
Even if your water seems clean, Mississauga tends to have water with moderate mineral content. That means your tankless unit builds up scale inside it over time. If you’ve ever noticed a change in your hot water temperature or heard odd clicking sounds, there could be buildup in the heat exchanger.
Flushing the system helps remove that scale and keeps your heater running properly. This task sounds more complicated than it is, but with the right approach, it just takes a bit of setup and time. Here’s how to handle it step-by-step:
1. Disconnect the power and turn off the water supply.
2. Close the hot and cold shut-off valves connected to the heater.
3. Attach hosing lines to the service ports (check your manual for their location).
4. Connect one end of a hose to a submersible pump sitting in a bucket filled with vinegar. The other hose should return the fluid back to the bucket.
5. Open the service valves and run the circulation for 45 to 60 minutes. The vinegar will clear out scale and other deposits.
6. Close the service valves, disconnect the hoses, and flush the system with clean water to remove leftover vinegar.
7. Reopen the hot and cold water valves and restart the unit.
While you’re doing this, be careful where you set your buckets and avoid spilling vinegar on floors or walls. Vinegar isn’t dangerous, but it can leave a strong smell and may stain surfaces if not wiped up. Opening a window or running a fan will help keep the air fresh while you’re working.
Give yourself time to work slowly and check for leaks or unexpected drips. If you notice anything cracked, worn, or rusty during the flush, it might be time to have the system professionally inspected.
Cleaning The Inlet Filter
The inlet filter plays an important role in keeping debris and sediment out of your tankless water heater. Over time, this filter can get clogged with small bits of dirt or scale. If left unchecked, that debris can cause a drop in water pressure or slower heating times.
On most units, the filter is right where the cold water enters the system. If you’re not sure where to look, your manual will point it out.
Here’s how to clean it:
– Shut off the water to stop the flow.
– Carefully unscrew or slide out the filter.
– Rinse it under running water while scrubbing gently with a soft toothbrush.
– Dry it thoroughly with a cloth and place it back in its position.
– Turn the water back on and check around the filter for leaks.
It’s a good idea to clean the filter every six months. If you know your home has hard water or you’ve had recent plumbing work, you may want to do it more often. A clogged filter can make the whole system less efficient, so a quick clean goes a long way.
Inspecting and Maintaining Other Components
Flushing and filter cleaning tackle the bigger blockages, but there are other smaller parts to check while you’re already working on your water heater.
Start with the air intake filter. This part helps bring in air for combustion and heating. Dust and lint can build up over time and make it harder for your unit to heat evenly. You’ll usually find the filter near the side or top of the unit. Use a vacuum to clear it off and wipe it gently with a dry cloth.
Next, check your venting system. Your unit may exhaust through a wall or roof, and it’s fairly common for leaves or birds’ nests to block the path. Use a flashlight to look inside the vents and confirm they aren’t clogged. Also check the connections to be sure the pipes are secure and free of corrosion or moisture damage.
Last, take a look at the burner and flame rod. These can get a thin coating of carbon buildup that may affect how well your heater turns on or stays running. If you’re comfortable disassembling these parts and your warranty allows it, give them a careful dry scrub with a soft brush. Don’t use water. Be sure to reassemble everything just the way it was before.
Small steps like this help prepare your tankless system for colder temperatures and improve performance, especially during busy winter use.
When to Call a Professional
Sometimes regular maintenance isn’t enough to fix certain problems, and that’s when it’s smart to call a technician. There are signs your tankless water heater might need a professional look.
Watch for the following:
– Frequent shut-offs or failure to power up
– Water temperature that jumps from hot to cold with no clear reason
– Strange smells, loud rumbling, or odd high-pitched noises
– Pooled water, corrosion, or rust around the unit or pipes
– No recent inspection within the past year
Getting professional service once a year lets a trained technician check gas pressure levels, test sensors, and confirm safe combustion. This is especially helpful heading into the colder seasons when your unit has to work harder. A fall inspection can also help you beat the winter rush for repairs.
Calling in help when needed doesn’t just solve bigger issues. It can save you money down the road, prevent breakdowns, and keep your family comfortable when it matters most.
Keep Things Running with Simple Upkeep
There’s never a good time to lose hot water, especially during a chilly Mississauga morning. With just a little bit of regular tankless water heater maintenance, you can stay ahead of the problems and help your system run better for longer.
Checking filters, flushing the system, and inspecting smaller parts like venting and burners can all make a difference in how reliable your unit is when the cold weather hits. These tasks don’t take long and can be part of your seasonal routine.
If something feels off, or if your water heater hasn’t had a full inspection in a while, booking professional service is a smart idea. Experienced technicians can spot the issues that you can’t, and make sure everything is working safely through every season. A few small steps now will help keep your home warm and your hot water steady through the winter and beyond.
Keep your tankless water heater in top shape with regular checkups, and if the upkeep ever feels like a bit much, it’s a good time to consider tankless water heater maintenance in Mississauga. Furnace King Home Services is here to help make sure your system stays efficient and worry-free through the colder months.