How often should I flush and descale my Noritz EZ98 tankless water heater for optimal performance?

Flushing and descaling your Noritz EZ98 tankless water heater is essential for maintaining optimal performance and efficiency. The frequency at which you should perform these maintenance tasks depends on several factors, including water hardness, usage patterns, and local water quality. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how often to flush and descale your tankless water heater:

1. Water Hardness:
Water hardness is a critical factor that influences how quickly mineral deposits, such as calcium and magnesium, accumulate inside the heat exchanger of your tankless water heater. Hard water contains higher levels of these minerals, which can lead to scale buildup. If you live in an area with hard water, you may need to flush and descale your unit more frequently.
2. Usage Patterns:
The frequency of flushing and descaling may also depend on how often and how heavily your tankless water heater is used. Homes with high hot water demand, such as large families or households that frequently use hot water for multiple appliances simultaneously, may need more frequent maintenance.
3. Manufacturer's Recommendations:
Consult your Noritz EZ98 tankless water heater's user manual for specific maintenance recommendations. Manufacturers often provide guidelines on when and how to perform maintenance tasks based on their product's design and capabilities.
4. Local Water Quality:
Water quality can vary significantly from one location to another. In some areas, water may be naturally soft, while in others, it may be very hard. Conduct a water hardness test to determine the mineral content in your water supply. If your water is particularly hard, you may need to flush and descale your tankless water heater more often.
General Guidelines for Flushing and Descaling:
* As a general rule of thumb, it's a good practice to flush your tankless water heater at least once a year to remove sediment and debris that can accumulate in the heat exchanger and affect performance.
* Descaling, on the other hand, may be necessary less frequently, especially if you have relatively soft water. In areas with hard water, descaling may be needed every 6 to 12 months or even more often.
* Regularly monitor the temperature of the hot water at your faucets and showers. If you notice a decrease in hot water temperature or inconsistent water flow, it may be an indication of scale buildup, and descaling should be considered.
Flushing Your Tankless Water Heater:
Flushing is a relatively simple process and can be done by following these steps:
* Turn off the power supply to the water heater using the dedicated power switch or circuit breaker.
* Close the cold water inlet and hot water outlet valves.
* Connect a hose to the service valves on the unit. Connect the other end of the hose to a bucket or drain.
* Open both the hot water and cold water isolation valves.
* Remove the aerator from a nearby faucet to allow air into the system.
* Open the hot water tap on the faucet.
* Open the pressure relief valve on the water heater to break the vacuum.
* Let the water drain from the unit for several minutes to remove sediment or debris.
* Close the hot water tap and the pressure relief valve.
* Close the hot and cold water isolation valves.
* Disconnect the hose and reinstall the aerator on the faucet.
Descaling Your Tankless Water Heater:
Descaling involves the use of a descaling solution specifically designed for tankless water heaters. Follow these steps to descale your unit:
* Isolate the water heater by closing the water inlet and outlet valves.
* Disconnect the inlet and outlet pipes from the unit.
* Connect hoses to the inlet and outlet ports and circulate the descaling solution through the heat exchanger for the recommended duration. Refer to the descaling solution's instructions for precise details.
* Rinse the system thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining descaling solution.
* Reconnect the pipes and open the isolation valves.
* Restore power and gas supply to the unit.

To determine the appropriate maintenance schedule for your Noritz EZ98 tankless water heater, consider a water hardness test, usage patterns, and local water quality. Consulting the user manual and monitoring the unit's performance can also help you determine when flushing and descaling are necessary. Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance and the long-term reliability of your tankless water heater.