How Much Does Tankless Water Heater Flush Cost?

Flushing a tankless water heater is a maintenance procedure that will help keep the unit running smoothly and efficiently for years. However, a lot of homeowners are worried about the tankless water heater flushing cost.

So, how much does a tankless water heater flush cost? DIY tankless water heater flushing costs around $69 for supplies, while professional flushing costs $150-$250 on average. Typically, it takes a couple of hours to flush the water heater. Doing it yourself will save you and hiring a pro will save you time.

So, the pricing will depend on whether you want to do it yourself or hire a professional plumber for the job. Read on to learn how we achieved these figures.

How Much Does Tankless Water Heater Flush Cost?

Keeping your tankless water heater running efficiently is important for both cost and performance reasons. Over time, limescale and mineral buildup can greatly reduce your heater’s effectiveness. Regular flushing is recommended to remove this buildup and maximize the life of your unit. 

But just how much does tankless water heater flushing cost? How much will it be if you do it yourself vs hiring a pro?

DIY Tankless Water Heater Flush Cost

For homeowners looking to flush their tankless water heater themselves for the first time, they will need to purchase a few basic supplies. This includes plastic water hoses to connect to the inlet and outlet valves of the heater.

A submersible pump is needed to circulate the cleaning solution through the heat exchanger coils. You’ll also require a large bucket to mix your vinegar and water solution as well as catch and dispose of the dirty water after flushing.

White vinegar is the most economical and effective cleaner for cutting through mineral buildup. Plan to use around 3 gallons for an average-sized residential unit. With that in mind, here is the breakdown of the costs you will incur:

With these materials, expect to pay between $30-$150 for your initial flushing supplies. Keep in mind you can buy a tankless water heater flushing kit, which will contain all three supplies and some extra convenience accessories. In the future, you will only need to replenish the vinegar, preferably after 1-2 years, for around $5-10 as maintenance.

Since you are providing the labor yourself, there is no additional cost for a technician’s time and services. The process takes only a couple of hours to properly set up the flushing system, run the solution through for 45 minutes, and then rinse everything out. Doing it yourself yields significant savings compared to paying a professional plumber.

Professional Tankless Water Heater Flush Cost

If you prefer not to tackle the flushing process themselves, you will need to consider hiring a professional plumber. An experienced technician will save you hours of labor but does come at a higher monetary cost.

The average range homeowners can expect to pay for a plumber’s tankless flushing services falls between $150-$250. Larger, more powerful units on the higher end of output ratings may cost closer to $250. Plumbers will also charge extra for units that are harder to access safely, such as those installed in attics or cramped mechanical rooms.

It’s important to note that during the flushing service, a plumber may decide to do a water heater inspection and maintenance. They might check for any leaks, cracks, or other issues that could impact performance if not addressed. The complementing service is free but if an issue is discovered, it might cost you some extra dollars.

RELATED: How Much Does Water Heater Flush Cost?

Summary

Flushing a tankless water heater helps remove mineral buildup to improve efficiency and lifespan. Doing it yourself costs around $70 for supplies like hoses, a pump, and vinegar solution. Pros charge $150-250 for the job due to their experience and labor costs. A DIY flusher only needs vinegar refills every couple of years at a low cost, while pro flushing inspects for other issues, too. Regular flushing through either method helps maintain the optimum performance of tankless water heaters.