How do I maintain the Noritz NR66 OD tankless water heater to prevent mineral buildup and ensure efficiency?

Maintaining your Noritz NR66 OD tankless water heater is essential to prevent mineral buildup, ensure its efficiency, and prolong its lifespan. Tankless water heaters are susceptible to scale formation due to the minerals present in water, which can hinder performance over time. Here are steps you can take to maintain your tankless water heater and prevent mineral buildup:

Read the Owner's Manual:
Before you begin any maintenance, thoroughly read the owner's manual provided by Noritz. This will provide specific guidance for your NR66 OD model and ensure you're following the manufacturer's recommendations.
Regular Flushing:
Flushing the tankless water heater is a crucial maintenance task to remove mineral deposits and scale buildup. Here's how to do it:
a. Turn Off the Power: Before flushing, turn off the power supply to the unit. For gas models, you should also shut off the gas supply.
b. Close Water Supply Valves: Locate the cold water supply and hot water outlet valves on the unit. Close both valves to isolate the water heater from the water supply.
c. Connect a Descaling Pump: You'll need a descaling pump kit, which is available from hardware stores or online. Connect the pump to the service valves on the unit. One hose should be connected to the cold water service valve, and the other to the hot water outlet valve.
d. Use a Descaling Solution: Mix a descaling solution following the manufacturer's instructions. Common descaling solutions include white vinegar or a commercial descaler designed for tankless water heaters.
e. Circulate the Solution: Turn on the pump to circulate the descaling solution through the unit for about 45 minutes to an hour. This will dissolve mineral deposits within the heat exchanger.
f. Rinse Thoroughly: After circulating the solution, turn off the pump and disconnect it. Open the cold water supply valve and flush the unit with clean water for several minutes to remove any remaining descaling solution and loosened scale.
g. Reconnect and Restore: Close the cold water supply valve, disconnect the descaling pump, and reconnect any disconnected hoses. Turn the power and gas supply back on.
Inspect and Clean Air Intake and Exhaust:
Ensure that the air intake and exhaust vents are free of obstructions such as debris, dust, or insect nests. Periodically inspect and clean these vents to maintain proper combustion and ventilation.
Check for Leaks:
Regularly inspect the water connections, pressure relief valve, and any other fittings for leaks. Address any leaks promptly to prevent water damage and maintain efficiency.
Monitor Water Quality:
Consider installing a water softener or a water conditioner to reduce the hardness of your water supply. This can significantly decrease the rate of mineral buildup in your tankless water heater.
Set the Right Temperature:
Keep your tankless water heater at an appropriate temperature setting. Lowering the temperature slightly can help reduce the rate of scale formation and save energy.
Schedule Professional Maintenance:
While some maintenance tasks can be performed by homeowners, it's a good idea to schedule periodic professional maintenance. A qualified technician can inspect and service your tankless water heater, ensuring it operates efficiently and safely.
Keep Records:
Maintain a maintenance log that includes dates of service, flushing, and any issues or repairs. This can help you keep track of when maintenance is due and provide valuable information in case of warranty claims or future troubleshooting.

By following these maintenance guidelines, you can prevent mineral buildup in your Noritz NR66 OD tankless water heater, maintain its efficiency, and extend its lifespan. Regular flushing, monitoring water quality, and professional maintenance are key to ensuring that your tankless water heater provides hot water consistently and efficiently.