Yes, you can use vinegar to clean a tankless water heater. Vinegar is an effective and natural way to dissolve mineral deposits and scale buildup in tankless water heaters. Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium that can leave behind limescale over time. Vinegar’s acidic properties allow it to break down this mineral buildup and restore your tankless water heater to optimal performance. Using vinegar to regularly clean your tankless water heater can extend its lifespan.
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How Does Vinegar Clean a Tankless Water Heater?
Vinegar contains acetic acid, which reacts with the calcium and magnesium deposits that have built up in the internal components of your tankless water heater. This reaction breaks down the minerals into soluble particles that can be easily rinsed away. Vinegar is able to penetrate and dissolve scale in places that are difficult to scrub. It’s an ideal cleaner for the internal coils and heat exchanger of a tankless water heater.
Benefits of Cleaning with Vinegar
– Natural and non-toxic – Vinegar is all-natural and does not contain harsh chemicals found in many commercial cleaners. It will not release dangerous fumes or residues into your water supply.
– Removes scale buildup – The acetic acid in vinegar descales the interior of the water heater safely and effectively.
– Improves efficiency – Dissolving mineral deposits helps optimize water flow and heating capabilities. This can lower energy bills and extend the heater’s lifespan.
– Easy to find – White distilled vinegar is inexpensive and widely available at any grocery store. You don’t need to buy specialized cleaners.
– Environmentally friendly – Choosing vinegar prevents the need for toxic descaling chemicals. It’s a green way to clean.
How to Clean a Tankless Water Heater with Vinegar
Cleaning a tankless water heater with vinegar simply involves running diluted vinegar through the system and allowing it time to dissolve scale, then rinsing it away. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Supplies Needed
– White distilled vinegar
– Bucket or basin
– Old towels
– Water hose
Step 1 – Shut Off Water Supply
Locate the shutoff valve for the cold water line going into the tankless water heater and turn it to the off position. This prevents water from entering the system during cleaning.
Step 2 – Disconnect Hot Water Output
At the hot water outlet on top of the heater, disconnect the pipe connecting to your home’s plumbing system. Have a bucket ready to catch any water remaining in the heater.
Step 3 – Connect Vinegar-Filled Bucket
In place of the hot water output pipe, connect a hose that runs into a bucket or basin filled with undiluted white vinegar. The bucket should be large enough to hold at least 5 gallons. Place towels under the connections to catch drips.
Step 4 – Turn Water Supply Back On
With the hose running into the vinegar-filled bucket, turn the cold water shutoff valve back on. This will pump vinegar through the tankless water heater system.
Step 5 – Circulate Vinegar
Allow the vinegar to circulate through the heater for at least 30 minutes up to several hours for extreme mineral buildup. Pump as much vinegar through as possible to dissolve all scale. Check on the connections periodically to make sure there are no leaks.
Step 6 – Flush with Clean Water
Once finished cleaning with vinegar, turn off the cold water supply again. Remove the vinegar-filled bucket and reconnect the hot water output pipe. Place the hose in a bucket of clean water and turn the water supply back on. Flush the system for 5-10 minutes to rinse away vinegar and dissolved mineral deposits.
Step 7 – Inspect and Reconnect
Disconnect all hoses and inspect the hot water output connection to make sure no vinegar residue remains. Reconnect the hot water line to your home’s plumbing system and turn the water supply back on. Check carefully for leaks.
The vinegar cleaning process is now complete and your tankless water heater system should be free of harmful scale buildup. Perform this descaling maintenance every 3-6 months to keep your heater operating at peak efficiency. Contact a professional if you have any concerns.
How Often Should You Clean a Tankless Water Heater with Vinegar?
Most manufacturers recommend descaling your tankless water heater every 3-6 months. However, the frequency depends on your local water hardness levels. Here are some general guidelines for how often to use the vinegar cleaning method:
| Water Hardness Level (gpg – grains per gallon) | Descaling Frequency |
| Soft water less than 3 gpg | Once a year |
| Moderately hard water 3-8 gpg | Every 6 months |
| Hard water 8-12 gpg | Every 3-4 months |
| Extremely hard water over 12 gpg | Every 1-2 months |
To find out your local water hardness, contact your municipal water supplier or use a home testing kit.
In addition to hard water mineral buildup, high water usage can also increase the need for more frequent tankless water heater cleaning. Homes with large families or heavy appliance use may need to descale more often even with moderately hard water.
Pay attention to changes in your hot water stream. If you notice a reduction in water flow or inconsistencies in heating, it’s a sign scale is building up and it’s time to clean with vinegar. Staying on top of descaling maintenance will maximize your tankless water heater’s performance and lifespan.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using Vinegar
While vinegar is an effective and safe way to descale your tankless water heater, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Use Plain White Distilled Vinegar
You want to use plain, clear distilled white vinegar without added scents or soap. Other types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar are not recommended and could damage your water heater. Always check the label.
Vinegar Smell is Temporary
The vinegar smell may linger in your hot water for a few days after cleaning your heater. This is only temporary and the smell will eventually dissipate. Run the hot water to help clear out the vinegar odor faster.
Rinse Thoroughly
It’s crucial to flush the tankless water heater with clean water after descaling with vinegar to prevent any residues from remaining. Rinse thoroughly before using your hot water again.
Never Mix Vinegar with Other Cleaners
Do not combine vinegar with bleach, ammonia or any other cleansers. Mixing it with other chemicals could create dangerous reactions. Always use vinegar by itself.
Following the vinegar cleaning process properly will keep your tankless water heater in good working order. Be sure to take the necessary safety precautions.
Conclusion
Cleaning a tankless water heater with vinegar is an easy and effective home maintenance task that can be done without costly specialists or equipment. Using natural vinegar prevents buildup of limescale that reduces efficiency and lifespan. With proper dilution and rinsing, vinegar descales the interior components safely.
To keep your tankless water heater operating at peak performance, clean with vinegar every 3-6 months depending on your local water hardness. Pay attention for reductions in hot water flow or temperature spikes, which indicate scale buildup. Take the time to periodically descale and your tankless water heater will provide reliable hot water for many years to come.