Navien Descaler: Pro Tips for a Lasting System!

Navien Descaler: Pro Tips for a Lasting System!

This guide provides practical advice for using a navien descaler effectively to maintain the health and longevity of your Navien tankless water heater. Proper descaling is crucial for optimal performance and preventing costly repairs.

Why Descaling Your Navien is Essential

Scale buildup, primarily composed of calcium and magnesium, naturally occurs in water heaters. This buildup can significantly impact your Navien’s efficiency and lifespan.

• Reduced Efficiency: Scale acts as an insulator, requiring your Navien to work harder to heat water, consuming more energy.
• Decreased Hot Water Flow: Scale restricts water flow within the unit, leading to reduced hot water output.
• Component Damage: Excessive scale can damage sensitive components like the heat exchanger, leading to premature failure.
• Increased Energy Bills: The system will take more energy and run for a longer time to provide the same hot water.

Choosing the Right Navien Descaler

Selecting the appropriate descaling solution is paramount to ensure effective cleaning without damaging your Navien system. Navien specifically recommends using their own descaler product, Navien Descaler, for optimal results.

• Navien Descaler: Formulated to be safe for Navien components and highly effective at dissolving scale. Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Alternative Descalers: While some generic descalers may be used, carefully verify compatibility with Navien systems and consult your Navien manual. Avoid using harsh chemicals like muriatic acid, which can damage your system.

The Descaling Process: Step-by-Step Instructions

Descaling your Navien requires a specific procedure to ensure thorough cleaning and system safety.

1. Preparation:

   • Turn off the Navien unit’s power supply.
   • Close the cold water inlet valve and the hot water outlet valve on the Navien unit.

2. Setting up the Descaling System:

   • You’ll need:
     • Navien Descaler (or compatible alternative)
     • Two lengths of flexible hose (typically garden hose length or shorter)
     • A submersible pump (a small utility pump works well)
     • A bucket or container (5-gallon bucket is usually sufficient)

3. Connecting the Hoses:

   • Connect one hose to the cold water inlet valve drain on the Navien. Place the other end of this hose into the bucket.
   • Connect the second hose to the hot water outlet valve drain on the Navien. Connect this hose to the output of the submersible pump, which sits inside the bucket.

4. Mixing the Descaling Solution:

   • Mix the Navien Descaler with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this involves diluting the solution with water in the bucket.

5. Circulating the Descaling Solution:

   • Submerge the pump in the descaling solution in the bucket.
   • Plug in the submersible pump to start circulating the solution through the Navien unit. Let it circulate for the amount of time specified on the bottle of Navien Descaler, usually between 30 and 60 minutes.

6. Flushing the System:

   • After the circulation period, turn off the pump and disconnect the hoses.
   • Open both the cold water inlet and hot water outlet valves. Flush the Navien with fresh water for at least 5-10 minutes to remove all traces of the descaling solution.
   • Inspect the flushed water for any remaining scale particles. Continue flushing until the water runs clear.

7. Final Steps:

   • Close drain valves. Turn the power supply back on to the Navien unit.
   • Check for leaks and ensure the system is functioning correctly.

Frequency of Descaling

The ideal descaling frequency depends on your water hardness and usage.

• Hard Water Areas: Descale every 6-12 months.
• Softer Water Areas: Descale every 12-18 months.
• Regular Inspection: Monitor your Navien’s performance. Reduced hot water flow, unusual noises, or increased heating times can indicate scale buildup, necessitating descaling.

Troubleshooting Descaling Issues

Even with careful execution, issues can arise during descaling.

• No Flow: Check the pump, hoses for kinks, and ensure valves are open.
• Leaks: Tighten hose connections and inspect for damaged seals.
• Persistent Scale: Extend the circulation time or repeat the descaling process (follow Navien’s recommendations for repeat descaling).

Safety Precautions

Safety should always be prioritized when working with chemicals and electrical appliances.

• Wear Gloves and Eye Protection: Protect your skin and eyes from potential chemical splashes.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in the area where you are working.
• Follow Instructions: Adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for both the Navien Descaler and the Navien unit itself.
• Electrical Safety: Disconnect the power supply to the Navien before starting the descaling process.

Monitoring System Performance After Descaling

After descaling, monitor your Navien’s performance to ensure its proper functionality.

• Hot Water Temperature: Verify that the water reaches the desired temperature quickly and consistently.
• Water Flow Rate: Check that the hot water flow rate is restored to its optimal level.
• Noise Levels: Listen for any unusual noises that may indicate an issue.
• Energy Efficiency: Monitor your energy bills to see if descaling has improved your Navien’s efficiency.

So, there you have it! Keep these pro tips in mind when you’re dealing with your Navien system and its scale buildup. Using the right navien descaler and following a good maintenance routine will definitely pay off in the long run!