DIY guideWater heater

Clean the tankless heater's inlet screen and check its vent

Rinse the small screen where cold water enters a tankless heater, and make sure its vent outside is clear.

8 steps

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Turn the heater off at its switch or plug, and close both water valves under it.
Leave its gas valve alone.
Open a hot tap nearby until it stops running, then close it.
Set a bowl under the cold inlet and unscrew its filter cap. A little water runs out.
Pull out the small mesh screen and rinse it under a tap, brushing off grit with an old toothbrush.
Push the screen back in, screw the cap on hand-tight, open the water valves, then turn the heater on.
Outside, find its vent on the wall: one or two pipes, or a flat cap. Clear snow, leaves, nests and anything piled near it.
Run hot water, and look under the heater and at the cap for drips.
An error on its screen, a vent that's damaged or blocked inside, or a drip that won't stop: ask Handyman for a plumber.

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