I've had this tankless system for yrs, NO ONE, told me this might be why I'm having hot water issues. Gonna give this a try, and thank you, whoever said to use a swamp cooler pump.
@luiscarvallo75082 жыл бұрын
I watch this video every six months. Thanks for the easy to follow instructions.
@cmccos2 жыл бұрын
So I should be doing this every 6 months? Got my Saturday morning planned, I guess.
@thetanklesstool2 жыл бұрын
Check out our cold water inlet filter removal tool. Which prevents you from breaking the filter cap when servicing the unit! www.thetanklesstool.com/shop
@willfreese6 жыл бұрын
I watch this video once a year and I appreciate it every time.
@BrianAlvarez-l5e7 ай бұрын
Me Too!
@jeffpacetti58002 ай бұрын
I ended up writing the instructions down of how to do this on my garage wall with a sharpie pen. I then write the date next to it each time I complete the cleaning to keep track. Plus, when we sell the house in 30 years… the new owner will know what to do. I’m assuming it will be a different tankless water heater at that point! 😅
@jgonzales917542 жыл бұрын
This has been my go to "how to" video. Have done it for at least 5 times so far.
@cmccos2 жыл бұрын
How often should I be doing this?? Annually, every 6 months. I assumed a tankless was maintenance free until some friends corrected me.
@dillanwaters61258 жыл бұрын
One thing you should look into to doing. I am a plumber and do this alot by the way. I use a inline filter on the outlet line to catch all the sediment to keep from putting back into the unit. A sock and a couple rubber bands or hose clamps at the end of the hose works well too. It also shows you how much debris you really pull out of it.
@BigOsTaco8 жыл бұрын
Great idea.
@ChristianPostier8 жыл бұрын
Agree, good tip to add, thanks
@hotbam377 жыл бұрын
Get this man a beer! Plumb on brotha
@mp-mh3wf6 жыл бұрын
Or you can use two buckets so you are not putting dirty solution back in to the system plus they sell spacial solution to clean these water heaters and if I wasn't a licenced teck witch I am I would never touch this water heater it's hi teck and if you do brake it you will void worenty I would call some one how knows how to work on it ....
@homegmail27275 жыл бұрын
@dillan waters You mean you put a sock over the hose coming out of the hot water side which is going back to the bucket? Thanks
@IraJones-rd9qr Жыл бұрын
This was an exact replacement for the old one that lasted about 10 years. kzbin.infoUgkx7yWIKcrbA9KMHkGSfcgxW2lsjHT6B8Sh The top of my mitigation tube by my roofline was just a 90 elbow which allowed too much debris to fall down into the fan, eventually ruining it. Without this issue, I bet it would have kept running another 10 years. When I replaced this fan, I added an extra elbow joint so the top tube now it does a 180, which should solve that problem. The radon guys around here wanted to charge me a $300 diagnostic fee, then parts/labor (probably close to $600 total). I installed this all by myself in about an hour for the cost of the fan; it would probably be even easier/faster with two people. FYI the manufacturer's warranty greatly differs depending on whether you install it yourself (1 yr warranty) or have a licensed installer do it (10 yrs).
@TheCmjesquire3 жыл бұрын
Your videos are literally the best! The one on heat tape just saved me from the Texas Winterpocalypse.
@rodneydelong9045Ай бұрын
I did this with your help before and glossed over the part to check the filter, I pulled it out and it was solid black! I cleaned and replaced it, I have had plumbers out to diagnose my hot water flow issues that shut down and produced error codes, no one even looked at the filter and wanted to sell me a new one because this one was 10 yrs old. Its running great now, thanks.
@gogailg55 жыл бұрын
this work prefectly...thanks for saving me almost $300 ... after you stated that your hose was rusty. I decided to fill the bucket with clear water and sit the pump back in the bucket and run through the hose...just to clear out that vinegar....but again, this is a great video...well done!
@doxx24274 жыл бұрын
Good advice
@lanejobe15783 жыл бұрын
Nice video
@249danman2 жыл бұрын
I come back to this video every spring. It’s easy to understand. Thank you.
@kenlhinson4 ай бұрын
As many have said, your video is extremely helpful, clear, and easy to understand. My son referred it to me and loaned his pump and hoses for me to use. This will be an annual task for both of us from now on. Really appreciate the video. When my TWH started beeping, I turned it off as another commenter did. Glad that was the right move! I plan to circulate clean water through the pump and TWH after my 90-minute cleaning.
@Toxic_Clixi110 жыл бұрын
great vid, I called local plummer/hvac company as we have been in our home for exactly 1 year and this is standard to do annually, he wanted 275.00 to perform this cleaning. I was going to have someone do a PM on the A/C and Tankless water heater but it just seems crazy this is what people want for a simple exercise. I appreciate the good quality video and detailed steps.
@buildshow10 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jeff! Even with the pump kit you saved a bundle! Glad it went well for you. Best, Matt
@scottsiegel7424 Жыл бұрын
Matt, thank you so much for providing this cost-saving, detailed, easy to follow video. I've followed your step by step process now for several years and it's given me the confidence to try other projects around the house, as well as save money on water heater maintenance every year. This is fantastic!
@Wilki8082 жыл бұрын
Thanks Matt! This is one of the best DIY video I've come across. Why? Because, you kept it simple and focused, you spoke clearly and unrushed, you demonstrated the steps and what each step accomplishes, and finally you explained why doing this regularly is important. I'm going to subscribe to see what else I can learn. Mahalo!
@WisdomTruth23111 ай бұрын
I've watched a ton of these for my tankless video. This is by far the best for someone who is a layman. Your videos are straightforward and easy to understand. Because of your video, I completed my tankless flush with zero mistakes. I purchased a Tankless Water Flush kit from Home Depot which includes the 5GAL bucket, hoses, and the pump.
@MsVenture17 жыл бұрын
Thank you Matt Risinger! I watched your video 3 times and paused many to go step by step with you...I am so proud to be able to do this myself...you took any fear away that I had about doing this myself...
@buildshow7 жыл бұрын
+Tracy Spencer that's so awesome! Very welcome!
@highcotton63664 Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for the vid. I'm in Texas and also have a Rinnai. Vid saved me $ not needing someone to come out to do it.
@chadsimmons6347 Жыл бұрын
I bought a near new high-dollar tankless for cheap. Homeowner hated the wait time for warm water in her 2nd floor bath, so i put back a 50-gallon/circulation system. Yes she was told tankless was very efficient & the best? She had to wake up turn on lav faucet, go to the kitchen, make coffee & back upstairs,,,maybe by then (warm-wash-water)? Thankx Matt!
@glennjackson32535 жыл бұрын
I had the same tankless water heater installed 10 years ago and I never knew i had to clean it.Im getting the items together now and will clean it this weekend.Thank you for showing me what an easy job this is to do.
@landonlandon55333 жыл бұрын
How bad was it ? Did you see the comment above about using an old sock for a filter on the hot line going back in the bucket? Kind of ingenious lol.
@yellowbird83287 жыл бұрын
Matt, thank you for the simple explanation. First year in new home that came with Takagi tankless so this was my first attempt at descaling. Went very smooth. After reading differing opinions on whether this should be done or not I called manufacturer and they confirmed all Takagi models need this descaling. Thanks again!
@huck3442 жыл бұрын
Every year or so, I come to this video right before I flush my tank less... Thank you so much!
@makgyver19 жыл бұрын
Thank you! This was a great step-by-step how-to - I picked up a pump, 5 gallon bucket, and hoses, and it took only a few minutes to get my Rinnai cleaning under way! I did have a good bit of trouble getting the small cylindrical filter out (maybe a sign that I was due for a cleaning!), otherwise so easy to follow. I did find I needed to power off the remote display, as it started beeping when I started the process. I let the pump run a couple of hours - next cleaning I'll adhere to the 60-90 minute cleaning cycle, as the vinegar was dark and hot by the time I was done. I paid the plumber who'd installed it a few years ago $125 or so when he came out a couple of years ago to do a flush service, and he teased that I really should be doing it myself and saving over $100 - while the set-up cost me that much this year, now that I know how, $8 in vinegar will make for great savings next year... Thanks again!!
@beauleland31762 ай бұрын
Thank you! I've never drained the tank prior to flushing and the pump flow would never get beyond a very light flow. The tip of draining it first makes for such better flow. Thank you!
@RodSchwartz11 жыл бұрын
Matt, Thanks for the terrifically helpful video. Vinegar is circulating through my Rennai TWH as I type this. You have a real gift for communicating clearly and confidently, a real blessing to jittery DIYers tackling this for the first time. I was a bit concerned when the unit started beeping a me - temperature warning - but just figured I should turn the On/Off switch to off, even though I left the power hooked up as you said. Thanks again, Matt. Best of success to you! Rod Schwartz Pullman, WA
@buildshow11 жыл бұрын
Ron, Thanks so much for you kind words! You did the right thing, if it's beeping it's not realizing that the gas is shut off and it's beeping to say there's a problem firing the boiler. Turning off the power is the right thing to do. Good work buddy, you just saved yourself a hefty bill from a plumber to do this simple procedure. Best, Matt
@TomBVoxman5 күн бұрын
Thanks for this. I have the Rinnai v65e and the manual recommends a pump that pumps 4.5GPM. A plumbing supply store near me said I could damage the Rinnai if the pump has higher than 4.5GPM. But most 1/6 hp pumps I’m finding are upwards of 23-25GPM.
@samer45510 жыл бұрын
Matt thank you for your easy to understand video, the Rinnai system you showed is just like my installation, I would add to your instructions to turn off the electric to the tank, it will beep for an hour and a half, one other point here in Raleigh, North Carolina the temps got down to six above last winter, I had to insulate my two water valves. Again thank you Matt you did a great video. John A Sullivan Raleigh, North Carolina.
@jeffpacetti58003 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this. I have a Rinnai too and when I ran the flow into the cold side, the heater was cutting off and on and beeping (I guess it was trying to heat the vinegar) so I thought I was doing it wrong and breaking it. So then I ran it into the hot side and everything was fine. Now taking your advice, I shut the system off and ran it into the cold side. Hopefully running it both directions won’t hurt anything. Also, I’m in Charlotte and don’t seem to have any scaling or sediment.
@benbrown82584 жыл бұрын
You are worth gold! In the co-op housing unit we lived in we had an extremely expensive several thousand dollar instantaneous hot water heater. After 7 years of not being descaled we had to buy a whole new instantaneous hot water heater. A couple of bottles of white vinegar and the right fittings would have been much cheaper than paying another 8 to $12,000 for another unit.
@bignick33034 жыл бұрын
2020: just did my house and my moms house. Thank you! This video is forever saved in my archive!
@matthewkutilek36322 ай бұрын
I come back every November for a refresher course. Thank you sir.
@marymargaretjohnston10827 жыл бұрын
This is the most helpful video after viewing multiple videos. I could see all the connections, parts, pieces, and way to proceed in a sequential order. Thank you, Matt. My neighbors who have tankless water heaters have asked me to descale theirs. A new career after retiring from teaching high school English.
@hammerdown38766 жыл бұрын
wow. glad I ran across this video. I built a new house in '16 for my family of 9 that has 2 tankless heaters in it, no one ever told me I need to do this. Ill get to it. Thanks for the video!
@MikeTechaholica10 жыл бұрын
Man I've paid the last 2 years for someone to do this for me. I heard the process was easy, but I didn't know it was this easy. I'll try to knock this out this weekend. I have that same tankless unit and I'm in Austin so it's like this video was made for me!
@buildshow10 жыл бұрын
Mike, How did it go?
@MikeTechaholica10 жыл бұрын
Matt Risinger Forgot I had guest coming in last weekend. I got my pump though now so I'll tackle this eventually haha.
@moose123 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this very helpful video. I was able to do this with the parts you recommended and a few gallons of white vinegar. Only took about 1.5 hours including setup and cleanup and saved me several hundred dollars. Some other folks in our community are following your instructions as well. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.
@buildshow11 жыл бұрын
Very glad to help! Appreciate your kind words. Best, Matt
@Maxwell19894 жыл бұрын
Should I still do it if I have clean water no hard water I live off water catchment in Hawaii
@michellesain7079 Жыл бұрын
Thank you Matt for your FABULOUS videos. I am so impressed with your extensive knowledge and how great you are to share these helpful videos.
@CJWarlock6 жыл бұрын
"60 minutes to an hour" - priceless! :D Good you've corrected yourself immediately. :) I like the video. It explains a lot. I was just wondering how that kind of flush is done. I wouldn't like to miss some step while doing it. And here I found your video. It's a nicely done one and educative. I like to learn new things like that. Congrats on your teaching skills. :) Have a nice day.
@scottnra11 жыл бұрын
As a Rinnai trainer, and a former Noritz trainer, I would like to note that if you don't have hard water, (not everybody does) or run the unit at high temperatures (above 120*F), you may actually do more harm than good. If there is no scale in the unit and you flush with vinegar for up to an hour and half it won't have any scale to "eat" and can deteriorate the copper heat exchanger. (not called a boiler, the terms get mixed up all the time) Also the Rinnai unit has the ablity to let you know when it requires flushing with the "LC" error code, minimizing the importance of anual flushing for the average home. Of course if you know you have hard water, you should service the unit reguarly as noted here. Also, the pump should be capable of flowing about 3GPM or more through the unit to do a good cleaning. As a test, mine are 7 years old, on very hard well water. Never flushed, never had trouble. Probably will flush soon just to see what comes out. Good job on the video! Google my Tankless 101 series for even more info on these great products!
@buildshow11 жыл бұрын
Scott, Thanks for your insight and experience. I have very hard water from the city and my unit scaled up without the "LC" error code. It was a mess to clean up as I had to remove all the screens on faucets and my thermostatic master shower valve which was a huge pain to clean. This is why I'm recommending 12-18 mo between flushes if you know your water is very hard and your machine is getting a lot of use. I have a busy house with 4 children so my unit gets a workout daily. With 1-2 people in a household and hard water I could see waiting till 24+ mo between flushes but I hesitate to wait for that error code considering my Rinnai never coded. Thanks, Matt
@scottnra11 жыл бұрын
And Thank You also for spreading the word on these GREAT units! I do want to reiterate that YOU ARE RIGHT! If you know you have hard water, you should have ANY brand of tankless water heater serviced annually. Actually any water heater period! (and you might want to consider a water softener) Restaurants or other commercial installations running at high temps (140*F or higher) should consider every 6 months if in a hard water area. I will have an upcoming video on maintenance and service that will include answers to some of the other questions I get besides the flush procedure.
@jamesmorrison429110 жыл бұрын
You guys are NOT making any sense. 3GPM or MORE? there is not a maximum, so a 90gpm pump is fine? Error codes will flash LC, then why do it until it flashes??? Why say if you know you have hard water, do it...then say don't do it until it flashes????
@TomokoAbe_6 жыл бұрын
I seen research that using a soft water conditioner will erode copper. I know someone who has a water softener for years and now her plumbing is clogging from the years of accumulated salt. So I'm sticking with a conventional tank water heater because flushing it is so simple. Even easier with a gas unit. All I have to do is turn the heat to "pilot" and flush it yearly which does not require anything other than a garden hose.
@kenkrause74156 жыл бұрын
FuScott Gregg
@NikeRunner2102 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. Just got a Rinnai installed yesterday. In San Antonio, so we have hard water as well. Again, thanks!
@vikasgill9 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your video Matt. I did call Rinnai and i was suggested to keep the gas line on. Turn on hot water and when getting a stream of hot water, unplug the unit. This will keep the valves open. Use vinegar for 45 minutes, as it's effectiveness is pretty much gone after 45 min. Maybe use 3 gallons for 45 min and another 2 for 45 more minutes. This is for my model # of RUC98i. Different units may have slightly different directions. Another suggestion is to put a cloth such as panty hose or similar over the sump pump which will keep the scale from going back into the heater Thanks for your video, doing this was a breeze.
@garysmith502810 жыл бұрын
Completing your steps as I write this. All looks to be going perfect. I am doing a house with a water softener and this is a 1st time flush after the Rinnai has been installed for 2 years. The filter was pristine on removal. Tks for a great training tool!
@larrywitteborg464910 жыл бұрын
Worked great but I had to double up the washers to stop it from leaking on the intake. I had an estimate from a local plumber to do this for $400 (can I say rip off?). I spent less than $80 bucks, and can do it yearly, or so now. Thanks Matt for this video it was pretty easy!!
@jbhobbyist93728 жыл бұрын
I have the Rinnai RL75 two years old. Just finished its first flush with your method worked great except I put an old sock held on with a coupe of rubber bands over the return hose to keep from pumping junk back thru the tank. Plus I unplugged the unit after turning the gas off so I wouldn't get error code 11.
@emildekoven48728 жыл бұрын
......or part of a woman's stocking..... Great extra tip! Too bad this "flushing system" could not be made integral to the instantaneous water heater....esp. if it must be performed biennially.....?!?
@MStewart25629 жыл бұрын
Thanks Matt, great video you solved the question as where and what circulating pump is needed to preform this task! I have to say Rinnai completely drops the ball when it comes to flushing these units! I might as well have been speaking a foreign language when I asked their customer service where I could get a circulating pump to flush my unit!
@JoshGeorgeReel2 жыл бұрын
I re watch this video every year and it’s my favorite thing in the world thank you
@stevesaltyfire97439 жыл бұрын
The Rinnai manual also recommends that you rinse the cleaning solution from the water heater as follows: a. remove the free end of the drain hose from the pail b. close cold water service valve and open cold water shutoff valve. Do not open hot water shutoff valve. c. allow water to flow through the water heater for 5 minutes It appears that you must run the drain hose outside to rinse the tank; otherwise, you will have a lot of water flowing where ever you have your drain hose.
@stevesaltyfire97439 жыл бұрын
Steve Saltyfire Is it necessary to rinse the water heater after flushing with vinegar?
@joeschaaf92776 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video Matt. I appreciate the refresher course. I like that you didn't edit out the "things that happen" like the hose failure as such...Folks-"Stuff happens" and that is the reality of any fix it project. Our well water will leave white scale residue on a clear glass, so this is a great remedy for our tankless. Thanks again!
@WholeMindBodySpiritWellness5 жыл бұрын
If you have a newer Noritz, make sure to connect the "Flush Wire". If you don't connect the "Flush Wire" it won't reset your code and you'll have wasted time. We learned this the hard way. Had a code 21, didn't know about the flush wire, flushed the system, but the code stayed and the system wouldn't work. You have to connect the "Flush Wire" for a Noritz. We connected it and flushed it again and it worked.
@loganboyd8 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this video Matt. Always fun when I randomly come across a video and they mention our home town! My plumber wanted $250 to flush mine. I said no thanks and I've been meaning to find a video to show me how to do this.
@paskovv7 жыл бұрын
Logan Boyd you still need to clean the fan and burner once in a while too.I am a plumber and always recommend to my customers if they can do it to do it by themselves. Of course plumber will charge you for his time to come to your house and 1 hour flush no one works for free.
@loganboyd7 жыл бұрын
Thanks, I'll check in to how to clean those items. We are selling the house later this year and moving into a new house. It will have 2 thankless units. I'll have plenty of practice!
@buildshow11 жыл бұрын
These can be mounted outside in cold climates, but I probably wouldn't. They have an internal heater that works to keep the boiler from freezing down to about Zero degrees. However, if the power goes out you are in trouble. Mount it inside your garage or basement if you live in the North. In Texas or the South you can easily mount this outside. Best, Matt Risinger
@ED-es2qv Жыл бұрын
Can't you just drain it through the flush valves and let it freeze? Turn it off, of course. You can drain it before you leave town in winter.
@phidip2328 Жыл бұрын
These were good instructions, but one thing that is missing is that you should flush out the tank with water through the hot side after you're done with the vinegar. He mentioned this in his newer video on this topic but for some reason did not include it here. After I flushed the vinegar today for 90 minutes, the vinegar turned a bluish hue, but when I then followed up with clean water from the street that I discarded through the hot side, it was gray and murky. Glad I did that.
@jeffgreenert7459 жыл бұрын
Great comment to check the filter; none of the other videos pointed out this item to check. Note, if you check the filter, there is an O-ring that may have to be replaced.
@cpt11012 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@jadagirl413811 жыл бұрын
I did stop and emptied the vinegar and then flushed with water to clear the tank and pump of vinegar. Looks great now. We have a lot of iron here in north Florida so I think that's the reason for discoloration. I ended up flushing a total of 50 minutes. Thanks this will save us a lot of money over the coming years.
@buildshow11 жыл бұрын
Thanks Ryan! Appreciate your kind words. Best, Matt
@lorraineburke365711 жыл бұрын
Thank you SOOOOO much! This was all so confusing to me because none of the other videos looked like the set up I have and I couldn't even figure out how to turn off the water. Yours looks exactly like mine, and the instructions were clear, so I have successfully done this and am so grateful. Thank you!
@buildshow11 жыл бұрын
So Awesome! Nice Job Lorraine! Put a note in your iPhone to remind you again in 12-18 months. Best, Matt
@girlsnglasses2 жыл бұрын
Project completed. Thank you. It is important to check the prefilter before you turn the water back on.
@girlsnglasses24 күн бұрын
With six people in our house, I flush our tank every 6 months. I wish there were a way I could drop you a little $omething for all the money you've saved me on plumbers.
@thatoneukrainian6497 жыл бұрын
When you doing maintenence for any tankless water heater, combi, hybrid etc. While you runing your vinegar you need to inspect burner assembly, heat exchenger, condition of ignitor and flame rod, fan blower wheel, and clean them if need, also im recomend first to run vinegar then inspect inline strainer( for rinnai specificlly) if your water hard enough you wil brake that plastic. Also needle nose pliers is only tool to open inline water strainer. Regards Greg.
@larryneer6240 Жыл бұрын
Hi. 1 The cap to access my inline water filter partly shattered during my flush today. It's 8 years old and gets indirect sunlight (and UV) from the garage window. The plastic was very brittle. Still usable but I ordered another one that the Rinnai website chat people suggested, $11 including shipping. 2 Wonder why you don't turn the power off. I unplug the heater because I need that outlet for the pump. It seems to take a minute to reboot when I plug it back in at the end. 3 I use a cheap fish tank pump and it works fine. Had to use adapters to get it to connect to the washer hose set.
@jessramirez48373 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video and education. My tankless hot water heater is in my attic. Our city also has hard water. I want to install a water softener. Does the water softener need to be installed next to the water heater? I think I just answered my question, what are your thoughts?
@futuresdojo9 жыл бұрын
would have been nice to have a visual on what your setup looked like with your sump pump and your buckets. you're very articulate, but that would have completed the clarity you seemed to present.
@landonlandon55333 жыл бұрын
Dump vinegar in a 5 gallon bucket. There is literally one hose to hook up on the pump. Drop the pump in. Come back in 1 hour, or 60 minutes. You're choice.
@wilcat37510 жыл бұрын
Super comprehensive description of what needs to be done I really enjoyed doing this process it was interesting because the dinner eager afternoon I have had a slightly aqua blue look to it
@wilcat37510 жыл бұрын
that work killer
@doddgarger6806 Жыл бұрын
Got a nice color change using 3gal and a cheap pond pump from harbor freight $27 piece of cake and seems to work great, it's the chemical that cleans not the pressure so it just needs circulation
@buildshow11 жыл бұрын
Timothy Huang, There is no pilot light on these units. They have electronic ignition so they only light the gas when there is a call for hot water. Nothing to re-light. Best, Matt
@mrorbit2u9 жыл бұрын
+Matt Risinger Hey Matt, thanks for the info. After starting my pump the heater sounded like it turned on then off and then started beeping a code 11. Water is still flowing properly but now the heater is beeping. Is this normal or do I have a problem? Thanks
@jacksan8 жыл бұрын
Also have a Code 11, have never flushed it in 3 years, will flushing help clear the Code 11?
@ffnali4668 жыл бұрын
I have a 6 ltr instant geyser the water is not coming from the outlet and I think it is not going through inlet something is there I saw some while solid thing what do I do
@ffnali4668 жыл бұрын
+hubaib khan white not while some metal can it be?
@ritarevell71955 жыл бұрын
I would have liked what the bucket, pump and hoses look when you are all hooked up and ready to start the pump.
@Curt_Randall6 жыл бұрын
I can vouch from a bad experience the need to do this process regularly. I let mine go over 4 years between flushes and my unit stopped working. It ended up costing me a thousand bucks to have a new sensor installed because the original one got fouled up from lack of flushing. Not to mention the embarrassment of being lectured by the plumber who thought I was really stupid for letting it go that long (I was). . .
@Sabby145 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the video. Would you recommend performing a fresh water flush, after the vinegar, to clear out the vinegar? Or just open a hot water tap somewhere in the house to clear out the vinegar?
@omnizen4 жыл бұрын
I met a professional plumber with experience flushing many tankless water heaters who told me to make sure and not flush any vinegar down a porcelain tub or sink because the vinegar will stain the porcelain green. Matt only shows flushing an exterior tankless heater. Some tankless heaters are installed inside in a closet or basement. In that case, when you flush out the vinegar with plain water, you want to run a garden length hose out a window or door, and not down any porcelain fixtures. Also, straight vinegar can be used as an herbicide to kill plants. If you are gardener, you probably do not want to dump any water-vinegar solutions on your lawn or planters without considering possible pH consequences.
@1462JWOOD4 жыл бұрын
Just did mine !!!!!!! Wow !!!!!!!!! Brass never looked so clean !!!!!! Thanks for the video !!!
@barlowmi10 жыл бұрын
Great instructional video. I went to Home Depot and made my own DIY kit with a 5 gal bucket, pump, and hoses. definitely easier than I thought to do and saves a couple hundred bucks plumbers want to charge to do a flush.
@buildshow10 жыл бұрын
Nice Job Michael! Glad the video helped!
@hotbam377 жыл бұрын
Michael I'm interested in doing this. Any chance you could help by giving a little more detail on what you used. Especially in the place of the pump? Thanks
@ImprovisedSurvival9 жыл бұрын
I stretched mine to almost 3 years. Very glad I watched your video, I totally forgot about the pre-filter, which was clogged. Thanks from Chicago!
@Godis3inOne4 жыл бұрын
That's all? 3 years?
@txlobos4 жыл бұрын
I did it! I ordered the parts; got them delivered, and BAM! Thank you!
@mcroadracer15 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I have old tank water heater that is 20 years old and it’s still working. It’s is the garage so if it breaks it shouldn’t be that big of a deal. But I don’t think it’s doing that good of a job heating the water. I know it’s cold outside but been thinking about replacing it. Should I invest in tankless? Thanks
@mondavou94082 жыл бұрын
This video didn't exist before I installed my Navien ten years ago. I wished it would have, because I would have had the clean out valves installed. Unfortunately I didn't think about maintenance being required - that is a perfect solution.
@pcatful2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video! (You call both the bucket and the pump the "tank" and the hose connector a "valve")
@readmore36345 жыл бұрын
I told the homeowner "I don't service tankless heaters, I install them". Also, told him to just leave it "as is" cuz it's still working fine. Once I touch it I'm married to it. He talked me into flushing it with vinegar anyway.....said if something went bad he wouldn't hold me to it.. No pump so I took a brand new Hudson Sprayer, put a couple pints of vinegar in, hooked it up to the cold water inlet, filled the unit and shut the valves to let it set for an hour. Came back and it was leaking INSIDE THE HOUSING. Something about pure vinegar did a number on a couple small O-ring joints, where the water enters and exits the heat exchanger. Ended up hanging a brand new one ( $1,400.00 and change). Good thing we had the talk before. I can hear another customer saying "Well...it wasn't leaking before you touched it". Never again for me. I'd rather have my customers mad at somebody else than me.
@billholt112 жыл бұрын
You might want to change your pump rec. The link you have now costs $122. A similar 1/6 hp water heater kit from superior pump costs the same on Amazon, but the Superior pump by itself is about $75. The 1/4 hp Superior pump that is otherwise identical is $55. My apologies if this is repetitive, but there's way too many posts to read through.
@Biggyniner Жыл бұрын
I saw you turned the gas off but mentioned to leave the water heater plugged in... Does it try to ignite continuously if it still has power?
@willfreese8 жыл бұрын
Love the way those valves turn with finger pressure. I had to use a wrench and a hammer. They closed way easier than they opened. May have cleared a little crust. Much thanks for the very clear instructions.
@TheLookingOne4 жыл бұрын
Thanks. I bought a used heater that needs to be flushed. Can the heater be flushed before it is installed ? If the heater is clogged, will this method open the flow?
@phantomproductions17515 жыл бұрын
Dont forget to flush that vinegar out of the tank as well. After cleaning we open cold side but not the hot side for 10 minutes to get the chemicals out before opening hot water valve.
@landonlandon55333 жыл бұрын
Couldn't you do another quick cycle with water?
@gtpro7003 жыл бұрын
@@landonlandon5533 yup I do another cycle or two with water. It cleans the tankless out and the sump pump and hoses out.
@drumrboynoidАй бұрын
I’d be tempted to run some water through it before the vinegar just to clear out and scale, and help prevent it from circulating through the system during the clean cycle.
@DP-id7rz2 жыл бұрын
Never knew to do this until my brother mentioned it. Great explanation! Thanks Matt!
@IoannisNousias3 жыл бұрын
Why do you need to leave the power on? Also, is the pump fully submerged ? Thanks for the video👍
@bark293111 ай бұрын
Strange, this worked like a charm 1st time (RL75). Matt describes perfectly. Now (2 years later) nothing's flowing through. Filter was clean. I saw some weird "Fixes" on another site (reverse flow or having water heater on for 30 secs at the beginning - I'm too scared to try). Once I switch back to the isolation valves, everything is fine again It's almost like the drain valve is blocked inside. I tested my 1/5 hp submersion pump - seems to run strong.
@scottmcneely4115 Жыл бұрын
What do you think about the Electric Tankless heaters? I'm looking at Rheem brand. So. Cal. (Los Angeles) will no longer allow new builds to have gas.
@joeretired45522 жыл бұрын
My Rinnai manual for a RL94EN, outdoor, natural gas, water heater says to disconnect power and then when finished and restored (hoses removed, caps restored) restore power to the unit. Why did you maintain power during the flush?
@j44h2 жыл бұрын
What is the brand of this water heater? In the transcript it comes out as nine. Thanks liked the video!
@infomercialguy2 жыл бұрын
If you live in Chicago with lake Michigan water how often should you de scale? Thanks
@JS-qw8hy9 жыл бұрын
Great article as I didn't realize that my system needed to be cleaned and frequency. Although I have soft water I will still do this, after 5 years of 2 person use and then maybe ever year or so unless residue is no longer a problem.
@MA-vm6jl2 жыл бұрын
I’m actually doing this right now and my Nortiz got a code 11. I reset it and started up again. I don’t know if that is ok? I shut off gas like u said and did everything u did. But got that code 11, 3 times during the cleaning process
@mikelangieri34127 жыл бұрын
I'm flushing my system right at this minute. I did it about 2 years ago. Not seeing much in the way of sediment coming out... the white vinegar seems as clear coming out as it was at the start. Using the same pump you're using, pumping into the cold side and flushing the vinegar out through the hot side. I checked the inline cold water pre-filter before starting... it was pretty clean. Flushed it in clean water, reinstalled. Running the purge for 2 hours, then when I'm done I'll flush with clean fresh water. Everybody should rinse the pump and hoses with clear water after completing the flush process. Just wondering if our water just doesn't have a lot of lime or whatever? In Western Mass, we get our water from Springfield, MA. Water here is so good they were looking at bottling it.
@valerag3539 ай бұрын
Matt, after flushing, how do I flush out any residual vinegar? How long does that take?
@fender424219 ай бұрын
so pop off the filter one more time is the last step after turning everything back on?
@buildshow11 жыл бұрын
No big deal, shouldn't be a problem at all. Matt
@e.a.72655 жыл бұрын
Followed this video and noticed hot water has better pressure; I don’t know if it has something to with the Descaling. Thanks for the video.
@angelatompkins63095 ай бұрын
I have done this once before and it worked great. This time nothing is coming out of the hot water hose. What am I doing wrong?
@butchbenitiz3 жыл бұрын
Can you use a regular utility pump, or is the pressure too high? Thanks.
@paulaugustine59012 жыл бұрын
Hey Matt Just got ready to do mine with the kit, never flushed since install in its 10 years. The Shut off valve upon turning wont turn the ball inside only the handle turns i guess i am in for a valve change. Do you know what valve am i looking at.
@dobbiePHX9 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video. I will make a donation. (1) Find and use a hose kit with plastic connectors. The vinegar reacted with the brass connectors in my hose kit. The in-line filter caught the flakes of reacted metal from the connectors, so it was really not an issue. (2) The Rinnai manual indicates to rinse the vinegar from the water heater by not opening the hot water shut-off valve, retaining the drain hose from the hot water line, and running water through the system for five minutes.
@buildshow9 жыл бұрын
+Paul Dobson Thanks Paul!
@3xTube6 жыл бұрын
For me 5 min are not enough. I ran vinegar over the system tap to tap, and it stayed smelly for some time, like a day.
@svchoices Жыл бұрын
Everytime I hook up my pump, the vinegr runs through fine then begins to tapper off and eventually stop. If I conect my home water supply through the garden hose it circulates fine It acts like it has a pressure cutof valve... Do you think my pump is putting out too much pressure?
@bassmaster20092 жыл бұрын
do you see alot of scale in the tank once you are done , i wish if i could see vinegar in the container before and after.
@listenupp1Ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I appreciate leaving the errors - it was natural as we are all human.