Descale Navien Tankless Water Heater: DIY Guide

Maintaining the efficiency of your Navien tankless water heater involves regular maintenance, and a crucial aspect of this is descaling. Scale buildup, primarily calcium and magnesium deposits, reduces the heating efficiency, therefore, understanding how to descale Navien tankless water heater is a great way to keep your system in tip-top shape. The descaling process often requires a submersible pump, so be sure to include this in your toolbox. For those seeking expert advice, Navien’s official website offers detailed guides and troubleshooting tips, and if you are unsure, a qualified plumber, licensed by organizations such as the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), can also help keep your water heater flowing.

Keeping Your Navien Tankless Water Heater Running Smoothly

Tankless water heaters, like the popular Navien models, offer on-demand hot water and impressive energy efficiency. But to keep them running at their best, regular maintenance is key. One of the most important tasks is descaling.

What is Descaling and Why Does it Matter?

Descaling is the process of removing mineral buildup, also known as scale, from the inside of your water heater.

Think of it like this: over time, minerals like calcium and magnesium in your water accumulate on the internal components of your tankless unit.

This mineral buildup, or scale, acts like insulation, reducing the efficiency of your heat exchanger.

The heat exchanger is the heart of your tankless water heater, and it's where the water is rapidly heated.

When scale builds up on the heat exchanger, it takes longer to heat the water, which wastes energy and increases your utility bills.

Furthermore, scale can restrict water flow, leading to inconsistent water temperatures and potentially damaging the unit.

Simply put, a scaled-up water heater is an unhappy, inefficient water heater.

Benefits of Regular Water Heater Maintenance: Focus on Descaling

Regular descaling offers numerous benefits, making it a worthwhile investment of your time and effort.

• Improved Efficiency and Energy Savings: Removing scale allows your Navien tankless water heater to heat water more efficiently.

  This translates directly into lower energy consumption and significant savings on your monthly utility bills.

• Extended Lifespan of Your Unit: Scale buildup can cause corrosion and premature wear and tear on your water heater's components.

  Descaling helps to prevent these issues, extending the lifespan of your unit and saving you money on costly repairs or replacements down the road.

• Consistent Water Temperature: Removing scale buildup ensures consistent water temperature.

  Inconsistent water flow is a common problem that is solved with regular descaling.

Is DIY Descaling Right for You?

Descaling your Navien tankless water heater yourself can save you money compared to hiring a professional. However, it's important to assess your comfort level with basic plumbing tasks before diving in.

• Assess Your Plumbing Skills: Are you comfortable turning off water valves, connecting hoses, and working with basic plumbing tools?

  If you're not confident in your abilities, it's best to leave the descaling to a professional.

• DIY vs. Professional Cost Comparison: Research the cost of professional descaling services in your area. Then compare that to the cost of the descaling solution, pump, and other materials you'll need for a DIY job.

  For many homeowners, the cost savings of DIY descaling are significant enough to make it worthwhile. However, if you're unsure, don't hesitate to seek professional help.

Understanding Your Water and Descaling Frequency

Now that you understand the importance of descaling, let's delve into how your water quality impacts the frequency with which you'll need to perform this maintenance task. Not all water is created equal, and the minerals lurking in your supply can significantly influence scale buildup in your Navien tankless water heater.

How Water Quality Affects Scale Buildup

The key culprit behind scale buildup is hard water. Hard water contains high concentrations of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. As water heats up, these minerals precipitate out of the solution and deposit themselves on surfaces, like the heat exchanger in your tankless unit.

Hard Water: The Primary Culprit

The harder your water, the faster scale will accumulate. If you live in an area with notoriously hard water, you'll likely need to descale your Navien more frequently.

Consider getting your water tested to determine its hardness level. You can often find testing kits at your local hardware store or through your municipal water supplier.

Signs Descaling is Needed

Even without a water test, your Navien tankless water heater will likely give you clues when it's time for descaling. Be on the lookout for these telltale signs:

• Reduced Flow Rate: Noticeably weaker water pressure from your faucets or showerheads is a common indicator. Scale restricts the flow of water through the heat exchanger, diminishing water pressure.

• Inconsistent Water Temperature: If you're experiencing fluctuations in water temperature—hot one moment, lukewarm the next—scale buildup may be to blame. It prevents the heat exchanger from efficiently heating the water.

• Unusual Noises: Gurgling, popping, or hissing sounds coming from your Navien unit can indicate scale buildup within the system. These noises are often caused by water struggling to flow through mineral deposits.

• Error Codes: Some Navien models may display error codes related to flow or temperature issues, directly indicating the need for descaling. Consult your Navien user manual for specific error code meanings.

• Longer Time to Heat Up: If it's taking longer than usual for hot water to reach your faucets, scale is insulating the heat exchanger and slowing down the heating process.

Determining Your Descaling Frequency

So, how often should you descale your Navien tankless water heater? Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal frequency depends on several factors specific to your household.

Factors Influencing Descaling Frequency

• Water Hardness: As previously mentioned, the harder your water, the more frequently you'll need to descale.
• Water Usage: Larger households with higher hot water consumption will likely experience faster scale buildup.
• Unit Usage: How heavily your unit is used on a day to day basis also affects the water scaling frequency.
• Water Source: Well water sources can be more prone to hardness (check with your local council).

General Recommendations for Navien Systems

As a general guideline, consider descaling your Navien tankless water heater at least once a year. However, if you have hard water or high water usage, you might need to descale every six months.

Consult your Navien user manual for specific descaling recommendations for your model. Navien may provide more specific guidance based on your unit's specifications.

Ultimately, the best approach is to monitor your water heater for the signs described earlier and adjust your descaling schedule accordingly. Regular inspections and proactive maintenance will keep your Navien unit running efficiently for years to come.

Gathering Your Descaling Arsenal

Before you embark on your descaling adventure, it’s crucial to assemble your arsenal. Having all the right tools and materials at your fingertips will make the process smoother, safer, and much more efficient. Think of it as preparing your workstation – a tidy and well-equipped setup is half the battle!

Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Materials: The Checklist

Think of this as your pre-flight checklist. Make sure you have everything before you start! Let's dive into the essentials you'll need to successfully descale your Navien tankless water heater:

Descaling Solution: Choosing Your Weapon

The heart of your descaling operation is the solution itself. You have a couple of options here:

• White Vinegar: Good old white vinegar is a surprisingly effective and eco-friendly descaling agent. Its mild acidity breaks down mineral deposits without being overly harsh on your system. You'll likely need several gallons, so stock up!
• Commercial Descaling Solutions: Specifically designed for tankless water heaters, these solutions often contain stronger acids and may include corrosion inhibitors to protect your unit. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when using these, as they can be more potent than vinegar.

Submersible Pump: The Circulator

A submersible pump is essential for circulating the descaling solution through your Navien unit. Look for a small, durable pump with enough power to push the solution through the system. Most hardware stores carry suitable options.

Pro Tip: A pump with a built-in filter can help prevent any debris from clogging your system during the descaling process.

Hoses: Connecting the Dots

You'll need hoses to connect the pump to your Navien unit's service valves. Washing machine hoses often work well because they are durable and have the right connectors. Ensure the hoses are long enough to reach comfortably from your bucket or container to the unit.

Bucket (or Container): The Solution Reservoir

A bucket or container is necessary to hold your descaling solution. Choose one that's large enough to hold several gallons of liquid and stable enough to prevent spills. A five-gallon bucket is usually a good size.

Wrenches: Tightening and Loosening

An adjustable wrench or pipe wrench will be needed to connect and disconnect the hoses from your Navien unit's service valves. Make sure you have the right size wrench for your unit's fittings.

Gloves: Hand Protection

Protect your hands from the descaling solution with rubber gloves. Even mild solutions like vinegar can irritate the skin with prolonged exposure.

Safety Glasses: Eye Protection

Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from splashes or accidental sprays of descaling solution. This is a non-negotiable safety precaution.

Towels: Spill Control

Keep plenty of towels on hand to wipe up any spills or drips. Descaling can get messy, so be prepared!

Timer: Keeping Track

You'll need a timer or watch to monitor the circulation time of the descaling solution. This ensures the solution has enough time to break down the mineral deposits effectively.

Where to Find Your Descaling Supplies

Now that you know what you need, where can you find these supplies?

• Hardware Store: Your local hardware store is a great place to find most of the items on this list, including submersible pumps, hoses, wrenches, gloves, safety glasses, and buckets.
• Plumbing Supply Store: For more specialized items like commercial descaling solutions or specific fittings for your Navien unit, a plumbing supply store might be a better option. They often have knowledgeable staff who can offer advice and recommendations.

With your descaling arsenal assembled, you're now well-prepared to tackle the task ahead! Remember, proper preparation is key to a successful and stress-free descaling experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Descaling Your Navien Tankless Water Heater

Alright, the moment of truth has arrived! Now that you've got your descaling arsenal assembled, it’s time to dive into the process itself. Don’t worry, we'll walk through each step carefully. Follow these instructions closely, and you'll have your Navien tankless water heater running like new in no time.

Remember, safety and thoroughness are key! Let's get started!

Preparation is Paramount: Safety First!

Before you even think about touching anything, safety is your top priority. We're dealing with water and electricity here, so let's be smart about it.

Power Down: Disconnecting Electrical Supply

First, locate the circuit breaker that controls your Navien tankless water heater. It's usually labeled in your electrical panel. Flip the breaker to the "off" position. This will cut off the power supply to the unit.

To be extra safe, you can also test the circuit with a non-contact voltage tester to ensure the power is indeed off. Better safe than sorry!

Shut Off the Water: Isolating the Unit

Next, you need to shut off the water supply to the unit. Locate the shut-off valves on both the cold water inlet and hot water outlet pipes connected to your Navien. Turn both valves to the "off" position. This will isolate the unit from the rest of your plumbing system.

Accessing the Service Valves: Your Gateway to Descaling

Your Navien tankless water heater has dedicated service valves designed specifically for descaling. These are usually located at the bottom of the unit. Refer to your Navien owner's manual for the exact location of the service valves on your specific model.

These valves are your connection point for the descaling system. They allow you to circulate the descaling solution without affecting your home's regular plumbing.

Setting Up Your Descaling System: Connecting the Pieces

With the power and water safely disconnected, it's time to set up your descaling system. This involves connecting the submersible pump, hoses, and bucket to create a closed-loop circulation system.

Hose Connections: Pump to Unit

Connect one end of a hose to the outlet of your submersible pump. Then, connect the other end of that hose to the cold water service valve (the inlet) on your Navien unit. Secure the connection tightly using your adjustable wrench to prevent leaks.

Next, connect another hose to the hot water service valve (the outlet) on your Navien unit. Place the other end of this hose into your bucket or container.

Positioning the Pump and Solution: The Heart of the System

Place your submersible pump inside the bucket or container. Make sure the pump is fully submerged in the descaling solution (white vinegar or commercial descaler).

Ensure the bucket is placed on a level surface to prevent spills and is close enough to the Navien unit to avoid straining the hoses.

Flushing Process: Circulating the Cleaning Power

Now for the main event! It's time to circulate the descaling solution through your Navien unit and let it do its magic.

Starting the Circulation: Turning on the Pump

With everything connected and the pump submerged, plug in the submersible pump. This will start the circulation of the descaling solution through the unit.

The solution will be drawn from the bucket, pumped into the Navien through the cold water service valve, circulate through the heat exchanger, and then flow back into the bucket through the hot water service valve.

Monitoring Flow and Pressure: Keeping an Eye on Things

As the solution circulates, keep an eye on the flow rate. You should see a steady flow of liquid returning to the bucket.

If the flow seems weak or stops altogether, check for any kinks in the hoses or obstructions in the pump's intake. Also, ensure the pump remains fully submerged in the solution.

Setting the Timer: The Waiting Game

The recommended circulation time for descaling varies depending on the severity of the scale buildup and the type of descaling solution used. A good starting point is typically 1-2 hours for white vinegar and slightly less for stronger commercial descalers (always refer to manufacturer's instructions!).

Set your timer accordingly and let the solution circulate. You can periodically check on the system to ensure everything is running smoothly.

Rinsing and Flushing: Clearing Out the Debris

Once the circulation time is up, it's time to rinse the Navien unit with clean water to remove any remaining descaling solution and loosened mineral deposits.

Disconnecting the Descaling System: Back to Normal

First, unplug the submersible pump to stop the circulation. Then, carefully disconnect the hoses from the Navien unit's service valves. Have a towel ready to catch any drips.

Flushing with Clean Water: The Final Rinse

Connect a hose to the cold water service valve (the inlet) on your Navien unit. Place the other end of the hose in a drain or a large bucket.

Slowly open the cold water shut-off valve to allow clean water to flow through the unit. Let the water run for at least 15-20 minutes, or until the water runs clear and free of any descaling solution residue. This step is crucial to ensure no corrosive solution remains inside.

Neutralization and Disposal: Environmentally Responsible

You're almost done! But before you wrap things up, it's important to properly neutralize and dispose of the used descaling solution. This is for your safety and the protection of the environment.

Neutralizing the Solution: Reducing Acidity

If you used white vinegar as your descaling solution, it can be safely diluted with plenty of water and poured down the drain. However, commercial descaling solutions often contain stronger acids and require neutralization before disposal.

You can typically neutralize acidic solutions by adding a base, such as baking soda, until the pH reaches a neutral level (around 7). Use pH strips to test the solution.

Proper Disposal: Following Local Regulations

Once the descaling solution is neutralized, dispose of it according to your local regulations. In most cases, it can be safely poured down the drain. However, always check with your local waste management authorities for specific guidelines.

With these steps completed, your Navien tankless water heater should be free of scale and ready to provide you with hot water for years to come!

Post-Descaling: Restoring and Maintaining Your System

Congratulations! You've successfully descaled your Navien tankless water heater. But the job isn't quite done yet. It's crucial to restore your system properly and implement some preventative measures to keep that scale at bay. Let's walk through the final steps to ensure your water heater continues running efficiently for years to come.

Reconnecting Water and Power: Bringing Your System Back Online

Now that the flushing and rinsing are complete, it’s time to bring your Navien back to life. This involves reconnecting the water and power supplies that you previously shut off. Take your time and double-check everything to avoid any potential issues.

Re-establishing Water Flow

Slowly open the cold and hot water shut-off valves that you closed earlier. Opening them slowly is key to prevent water hammer, which can damage your pipes. Listen carefully for any unusual noises or vibrations as the water begins to flow back into the system.

Restoring Power

Head back to your electrical panel and flip the circuit breaker for your Navien water heater back to the "on" position. The unit should power up and return to its normal operating state. If it doesn't, consult your owner's manual or contact a qualified technician.

The Critical Leak Check: Ensuring a Watertight Seal

This is perhaps the most important step. With both water and power restored, carefully inspect all the connections you worked on during the descaling process. Pay close attention to the service valves, hose connections, and any other fittings you may have touched.

Look for even the smallest drips or signs of moisture. Even a minor leak can cause significant damage over time, so it’s crucial to address it immediately. Tighten any loose connections with your wrench, but avoid over-tightening, which could damage the fittings.

If you can't seem to stop a leak, even after tightening the connections, turn off the water supply again and inspect the fittings for damage. You may need to replace a worn-out washer or fitting to create a proper seal. When in doubt, don't hesitate to call a professional plumber.

Long-Term Navien Care: Prevention is Key

Descaling is a necessary maintenance task, but it's even better to prevent scale buildup in the first place. Here are a few proactive steps you can take to extend the life of your Navien and minimize the need for frequent descaling.

Regular Inspections: Catching Problems Early

Make it a habit to periodically inspect your Navien tankless water heater for signs of scale buildup or other issues. Look for reduced water flow, unusual noises, or error codes on the unit's display.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it's a good idea to descale your unit sooner rather than later. Regular inspections allow you to address problems early before they escalate into more serious issues.

The Water Softener Solution: Softening the Blow of Hard Water

If you live in an area with particularly hard water, consider installing a water softener. Water softeners remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from your water supply, significantly reducing scale buildup in your plumbing system and appliances.

While a water softener represents a larger upfront investment, it can save you money in the long run by reducing the frequency of descaling, extending the lifespan of your water heater, and improving the efficiency of other water-using appliances.

When to Call in the Pros: Recognizing Your Limits

While DIY descaling is a manageable task for many homeowners, there are situations where it's best to call a professional plumber. Knowing when to seek professional help can prevent costly mistakes and ensure your Navien unit is properly maintained.

Recognizing When DIY Isn't Appropriate

If you're uncomfortable with basic plumbing tasks, experience persistent leaks after descaling, or encounter error codes you can't resolve, it's time to call a professional. Attempting repairs beyond your skill level can damage your unit and void your warranty.

Reasons to contact professional plumbing services

If you notice any of the following, calling a professional plumbing service may be the best course of action:

• Complex Plumbing Issues: Significant plumbing modifications or repairs beyond basic connections are best left to professionals.
• Gas Leaks: If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the area immediately and contact your gas company and a qualified plumber.
• Warranty Concerns: Improper maintenance or repairs can void your Navien warranty. If you're unsure, consult a professional to ensure compliance.

By following these post-descaling steps and implementing preventative maintenance measures, you can ensure your Navien tankless water heater continues to provide you with reliable and efficient hot water for years to come. Remember, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way!

So, that's the gist of it! Descaling your Navien tankless water heater might seem a little intimidating at first, but with a bit of patience and the right tools, you can absolutely tackle it yourself. Save some money, learn something new, and keep that hot water flowing! Good luck!