Tankless water heaters will last a lot longer if proper maintenance is performed. In this video, Plumber-Tom demonstrates how to descale a tankless water heater on the Navien 210A model. Household distilled white vinegar is used as an acid solution to descale the pipes inside the water heater. Plumber-Tom also demonstrates some other routine maintenance including cleaning the air intake filter and inlet water filter, cleaning the flame sensor rods, and cleaning the condensate trap.

While the filters and condensate trap are unique to the Navien models, all tankless water heaters need to be descaled periodically, and the process for that is the same. When servicing other brands, it is important to look for the air filter, water inlet filter, and to clean them, as well as the flame sensor rods.

For specific information about routine maintenance on the unit you are servicing, make sure to read the manufacturers owner;s manual.