How often does a tankless hot water heater need servicing?

Bought my kits 3 years ago. Still haven't opened it

The literature typically says annually. The equipment is kind of picky, too,,,,so don’t neglect this if you want hot water!

This is my 8th year in this house and I’ve not serviced mine yet. The previous owners installed it 3 years before I moved in and I don’t think he serviced it either. I guess it’s time…

Shouldn’t just crap out. But that heating element area should get cleaned pretty regularly. I kept getting an error code and finally went to clean mine. Couldn’t believe the carbon build up around the inside. I still need to take it apart and clean it better.

I don’t remember what exactly it was. Flame sensor maybe. I said the wrong thing.

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ou will need to pull and clean the burner assembly at least every couple years (as well as flame rod, etc).

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First I've heard of this, only heard of people cleaning the intake bug screen. Mine is not mounted outside though.

You have to back fill it every 6 months or a year depending on model.

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How often does a tankless hot water heater need servicing?

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Here's what I did for mine, earlier this year. It was the first time I descaled it after hving it installed over 4 years ago.

How to descale a Nortiz Heater

5-gallon bucket
Distilled food grade white vinegar (3 to 4 gallons)
3/4” connection drain hoses (2)
Submersible pump

1. Unit should be on.
2. Follow the supply line to the gas valve and turn it off.
3. The red isolator valve indicates the hot water side, while the blue isolator valve indicates cold water.
4. The drain caps are located on top of the hot side and on the left of the cold side.
5. The vertical valve indicates that it is on and water is free flowing.
6. Turn both hot and cold main water valves off so that they are perpendicular to the pipe.
7. Remove the drain caps on both hot and cold sides.
8. Place the bucket under the hot water side. Carefully turn the red drain valve to the on position. Use the bucket to drain the excess water still trapped inside.
9. Do the same for the cold water side. Turn the blue inlet valve to the on position to drain the excess water.
10. Connect a hose to the submersible pump.
11. Place the pump with connected hose inside the 5-gallon bucket with the power cord out.
12. Connect the pump hose to the cold water inlet valve. Make sure it is screwed on tight. The inlet value should be in the on position.
13. Connect the other hose to the hot water drain valve. Place the end of the drain hose in the bucket.
14. Pour about 3 to 4 gallons of the vinegar into the bucket so that the pump is completely submerged.
15. Plug in the pump and turn on.
16. Run for at least 1 hour.
17. Change vinegar solution after 30 minutes and repeat.
18. The unit will try to fire up but it will not be successful. Eventually, an error code 11 will appear. Do not restart. This is normal.
19. After 1 hour, turn the cold water inlet valve to the off position.
20. Unscrew and remove the pump hose.
21. Replace the cold water drain cap and screw on tightly.
22. Remove the pump and the drain hose from the bucket and set aside.
23. Drain out the liquid from the bucket.
24. Place the drain hose back into the empty bucket.
25. Turn the main inlet valve back on, parallel to the pipe (cold water main inlet valve).
26. Let the unit flush out through the hot water side for 20 gallons worth.
27. Turn the main inlet valve off (cold water side), perpendicular to the pipe.
28. For additional maintenance, locate the water filter and unscrew to remove for cleaning. Some water may flow out.
29. Clean the filter under running water to remove any debris.
30. Place the dry filter back in the port and twist on tightly by hand.
31. Turn the drain valve (hot water) to the off position. Unscrew and remove the drain hose.
32. Replace the drain cap and screw on tightly.
33. Turn the main hot and cold valves back to the on position (parallel to the pipes).
34. Turn the gas line back on (parallel to the pipes).
35. Reset the error message by powering off the unit and powering it back on again.


* Make sure there are valves for flushing. You’ve got an inlet and an outlet.
* Turn the valve across puts a stop in it.

Edited ...

My notes, after watching everal YT videos.