As a proud owner of a Rinnai tankless water heater, I can attest to its cutting-edge technology and space-saving design.
It has been a fantastic addition to my home, especially with limited space. But like any high-quality equipment, it requires maintenance to ensure it operates at its best.
One crucial maintenance procedure that every Rinnai tankless water heater owner should be aware of is system flushing.
Over time, minerals and sediment can accumulate within the unit, affecting water flow and heating efficiency. Let me share with you the step-by-step procedure for flushing your Rinnai tankless water heater, which I’ve found invaluable in maintaining its optimal operation.
Flushing the system is a crucial maintenance procedure that aids in removing any accumulation of minerals and sediment that may develop over time and affect the water flow and heating.
Here you’ll find the precise, step-by-step procedure for flushing your Rinnai tankless water heater. Hold on to us!
Flushing Kit Essentials
Flushing a Rinnai tankless water heater is a critical maintenance task that ensures the unit’s longevity and peak performance.
While factory-made flushing kits are convenient, you might be interested in the DIY approach. I’ve found that creating your flushing kit at home can be just as effective, and it gives you a sense of control over the maintenance process.
- One plastic bucket with a minimum capacity of 5-gallon water
- 4 gallons of food-grade white vinegar (market cleaner can also work)
- Two water hoses
- A sump pump
6 Steps Procedure to Flush a Rinnai Tankless Water Heater
Flushing a Rinnai tankless water heater has been an essential part of my routine to ensure it continues to perform efficiently. Let me share my own experience and insights into this maintenance process that has significantly improved the longevity and reliability of my unit.
I remember the first time I decided to flush my Rinnai tankless water heater, and I was amazed at the results. It was like giving my heater a new life. I couldn’t help but appreciate the convenience of having a hot water supply that never runs out during long showers or household chores.
Now, you might be wondering how often you should flush your Rinnai tankless water heater. In my experience, performing this maintenance procedure annually has been the key to keeping my unit in top shape.
Firstly, to prevent any electrical mishaps, shut down the circuit breaker to turn off the power supply (no need to do this if your heater is working on gas)
Follow the given steps to remove the debris in less than two hours.
Step 1: Checking the Error Codes
Before starting a flushing procedure, check for error codes. They can indicate system issues that may affect its operation or indicate a malfunction that needs to be addressed.
By identifying and correcting these issues, you can ensure that your tankless water heater is working properly, providing hot water efficiently, and avoiding potential damage to the system.
To check error codes:
- Push the Hot Water power button
- Push the down-arrow button
Error codes are displayed on the control panel or the digital display of Rinnai tankless water heaters. These codes aid in the identification and resolution of any unit problems. For Rinnai tankless water heaters, some typical trouble codes include:
- 11 – identifies a combustion fan issue
- 12 – indicates an igniter issue
- 13 – identifies a gas control valve issue
- 14 – denotes a temperature sensor issue
- 15 – identifies a pressure switch issue
- 16 – shows a flow switch issue with the number
- 20 – denotes a communication system issue within the company
- 33 – indicates a gas pressure issue
- 55 – shows that the system freeze protection isn’t working properly
It is advised to turn off the device and call a qualified technician for repairs if an error code displays.
Step 2: Remove the water heater’s front cover
Removing the water heater’s front cover may be easy, but your negligence may cause the issue. Do it carefully by following the steps.
- Find the screws at the apparatus’s top or bottom that secure the side-panel strips.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws and put them aside.
- To release the side-panel strips from the device, gently pull them apart. As you remove the strips, take care not to harm the device.
Now, here’s a pro tip from my own experience: when you gently pull apart the side-panel strips to release them from the device, be extra cautious. It’s easy to get in a hurry, but remember, the device you’re handling is an investment. Taking your time here can prevent any accidental damage.
Now, you can access the unit’s interior parts once the strips have been taken off.
Step 3: Inspect the ignition probe
When it comes to maintaining my Rinnai tankless water heater, one of the key steps I never overlook is inspecting the ignition probe.
Before diving into the flushing process, always take a moment to check the condition of the flame rod.
- Find the flame rod; it is typically close to the burners
- Visually examine the flame rod for any deterioration or damage
- Before doing the flush, replace the flame rod if there is any obvious damage
- Start the flushing procedure if the flame rod is in good shape
Note: The red and clear blue flame radiating from behind the heat exchanger indicates that the ignition probe is operating properly.
Step 4: Remove the air filter screen and clean it
The air filter screen is a component that plays a vital role in the efficiency and safety of your Rinnai tankless water heater. It’s like the lungs of the unit, ensuring it breathes clean air for combustion.
- Find the air filter screen, which is often situated close to the combustion air duct’s entrance or exhaust.
- Unscrew or release the clips holding the air filter screen in place.
- If the air filter screen is damaged, thoroughly wash it with water before replacing it.
- Before fixing it, make sure the air filter screen is firmly in place.
- Restart the power source and make sure everything is working as it should.
For your Rinnai tankless water heater to operate effectively and safely, the air filter screen should be cleaned or replaced every 6 to 12 months.
Step 5: Flush the Rinnai tankless water heater
Flushing the Rinnai tankless water heater is not a single-step process; however, it includes the following steps.
1. Turn off the valves
Locate the tankless water heater’s three isolation valves and turn them off. These include the main valve that directs water into your home, the hot water valve, which is colored red, and the cold water valve, which is colored blue.
Turning them off may stop cold water from entering the water heater and hot water from escaping while you’re cleaning. Find the purge valves, which are located on the sidewalls of the hot and cold water valves, and carefully remove the covers bearing the letter “T.”
Doing so will release the pressure, stopping extra hot water from spouting out during cleaning. To ensure that the rubber sealing discs on these caps stay in place, handling them with extreme care is crucial.
2. Use vinegar to flush the heater
Before pouring vinegar into the heater, drain all of its water into the plastic bucket, which may take 5 minutes. After that, from your manual flushing kit, use 4 gallons of diluted vinegar into a pail that contains a sump pump.
Connect the cold water inlet valve to the sump pump, set it into the vinegar, and turn it on. Let the vinegar follow all pathways from one end to the other and drain back into the 5-gallon bucket. It may take 30-45 minutes to complete this cycle.
3. Place the valves
Once the cycle is completed, twist the T-shaped handles of the purge port valves and close them. Leaning forward, disconnect and remove the hosing lines from each valve and replace the purge port valve caps onto the purge valves. Tighten them carefully before breaking the rubber sealing discs.
4. Turn on the Rinnai tankless water heater
Firstly, make sure to turn on the water and gas supplies. After that, turn on the power switch and position the temperature switch to your desired setting. Wait for the green power light to turn on, indicating that the unit is heating.
In the next step, run hot water for a few minutes to clear any remaining debris from the system. Remember to check for leaks and listen for any unusual noises.
Step 6: Reattach the front panel
After completing the steps mentioned above, it’s time to rejoin the front panel and water heater system. Do this by placing the panel in its exact space and inserting the removed screws into their desired positions. Tighten them with a screwdriver and place the side strips on both sides.
Congrats! You have done the annual flushing of your Rinnai tankless water heater.
Importance of Flushing the Rinnai Tankless Water Heater
It’s been approximately more than one year since you bought a Rinnai tankless water heater, but you didn’t flush it yet for a single time. Because you’re still wondering why it is important or why you should do it?
Hear me! Flushing the Rinnai tankless water heater is the most important factor in its overall performance. However, doing annual cleaning can leave you with the following benefits.
Maintained Performance
By clearing away any accumulated mineral and sediment buildup that could block internal parts and lower the tankless water heater’s efficiency, flushing the Rinnai tankless water heater can help preserve its performance.
To remove debris and enhance the water flow, the method entails clean flushing water through the system. This increases the water heater’s lifespan and helps avoid corrosion and scaling. Regular flushing is advised to keep the Rinnai tankless water heater operating at peak efficiency.
Prolonged Lifespan
The Rinnai tankless water heater can last longer by flushing out mineral accumulation and reducing corrosion. Minerals from the water can build up over time in the heat exchanger and other water heater components, decreasing performance and sometimes resulting in damage.
Periodically flushing the unit aids in removing this accumulation, guaranteeing optimal heat transfer and extending the device’s lifespan. Additionally, eliminating the mineral buildup might enhance the hot water’s flavor and quality.
Avoid Breakdown
Regularly flushing the tankless water heater can aid in avoiding severe malfunctions and failures. Debris can cause the heat exchanger to lose efficiency and the water heater to be less effective at heating the water, resulting in breakdowns and other issues.
Unchecked mineral buildup and corrosion can harm the equipment, necessitating costly repairs or replacement. Regular flushing keeps the appliance in good operating order and helps to avoid expensive malfunctions.
FAQ
Q: Can I flush my tankless water heater myself?
A: Yes! You can flush your tankless water heater yourself by having the flushing kit essentials and following the exact procedure mentioned above.
Q: How do I know if my water heater needs to be flushed?
A: When it is time to flush your water heater, you may see the sediments in the water. Lime buildup in the water can leave your skin dry and hair damaged.
Q: How often to descale tankless water heaters?
A: Not cleaning a water heater can build up sediment in it, so it’s crucial to descale a tankless water heater once a year for its better performance.
