🚨
EMERGENCY: Gas Smell Near Water Heater
Leave your home IMMEDIATELY. Do not operate any light switches, appliances, garage doors, or the water heater. Do not use your phone inside the home — go outside first. Call 911 from outside, then contact your gas company's 24-hour emergency line.
After authorities have cleared the home and the gas leak is resolved, call a licensed FL plumber to inspect and certify the installation before restoring service:
📞 (561) 316-7450 — Licensed FL Gas Plumber · 24 hr Emergency Service
📅 FL Hard Water Maintenance Schedule
Florida's water hardness varies dramatically by region — your descaling frequency depends on where you live
Every 6 Months
South Florida · Hardness >200 mg/L
- Descale / flush heat exchanger
- Inspect & clean inlet filter screen
- Review error code log on display
- Test pressure relief valve
- Check all water connections for leaks
Every 12 Months
Central & North FL · <200 mg/L
- Descale / flush heat exchanger
- Inspect & clean inlet filter screen
- Check combustion air intake (gas)
- Error code log review + clear
- Inspect venting for obstructions
💧 Check your FL water hardness: Miami-Dade and Broward county water is among the hardest in FL at 200–400+ mg/L. Your county water utility publishes an annual water quality report — search "[your city] water quality report" to find exact hardness data (reported as mg/L or grains per gallon).
🧪 Step-by-Step Descaling Walkthrough
Citric acid method — recommended by most FL plumbers over white vinegar for tankless heat exchangers
1
Turn Off Gas/Power & Cold Water Inlet
Shut off the gas supply valve (or flip the circuit breaker for electric units). Close the cold water inlet shut-off valve on the water heater. Open a nearby hot tap to release line pressure, then close it. Let the unit cool for 15–20 minutes.
2
Connect Flush Kit Hoses to Service Ports
Attach the submersible pump discharge hose to the cold water service port (inlet). Run the return hose from the hot water service port back into a 5-gallon flush bucket. Most FL tankless units use ¾" service ports — use the flush kit that came with your unit or a universal tankless flush kit from a plumbing supply house.
3
Circulate Citric Acid Solution for 45 Minutes
Fill the bucket with 4 gallons of clean water + 1 lb of food-grade citric acid powder (available at Home Depot, Ace Hardware, or online). Run the pump and circulate continuously for 45 minutes. Why citric acid over vinegar? Citric acid is gentler on seals, more effective on calcium carbonate scale (the dominant scale type in South FL), and leaves no lingering odor in the unit.
4
Flush with Clean Water
Drain the citric acid solution completely. Refill the bucket with clean tap water and circulate for 10–15 minutes to flush all acid residue through the heat exchanger. Drain again and remove the flush hoses. Reinstall service port caps and hand-tighten.
5
Restore Water and Power — Check for Error Codes
Slowly open the cold water inlet valve. Restore gas supply or flip the circuit breaker. Allow the unit to run through one full hot water draw (open a tap, let it run 30 seconds). Check the display panel for any error codes before putting the unit back into normal service.
6
Log the Date — Set Next Service Reminder
Affix a maintenance sticker with today's date inside the unit's access panel. Set a phone calendar reminder for your next service: 6 months ahead for South FL locations, 12 months for Central and North FL. Note any error codes encountered during this service cycle for your records.
💧 Hard Water Impact on FL Tankless Lifespan
Proper descaling dramatically extends unit life — especially critical in South Florida
| FL Region / Hardness | Unserviced Lifespan | With Proper Descaling | Difference |
|---|
| South FL (>300 mg/L) |
5–7 years |
15–20 years |
2–3× longer |
| Central FL (~150 mg/L) |
10–12 years |
20+ years |
~2× longer |
| North FL / Panhandle (~80 mg/L) |
12–15 years |
20+ years |
30–60% longer |
⚠️ Error Code Quick Reference
Common codes across major brands (Rinnai, Navien, Noritz, Rheem tankless) — consult your model's manual for exact codes
| Error Type | Common Code | First Response Steps |
|---|
| No Ignition / Ignition Failure |
11 / LC |
Check gas supply valve is open. Verify gas meter is not in error. Try reset button once. Check igniter wiring for corrosion (common in humid FL garages).🔴 Call if 3 resets fail — do not continue cycling |
| Temperature Sensor Error |
29 / 12 / E3 |
Power-cycle unit completely (breaker off 60 sec). Check sensor wiring connections for corrosion or moisture intrusion.🔴 Requires technician — sensor replacement |
| Flow Sensor / Low Flow Error |
14 / 16 / E1 |
Remove and clean inlet filter screen — most common cause in FL hard water areas. Verify home water pressure is above 30 PSI minimum. Check for partially closed valves.🔴 Call if cleaning doesn't resolve in 1 attempt |
| Overheat / High Temperature Limit |
LC / LO / E5 |
Let unit cool completely (30 min, power off). Overheat during normal use often signals scale buildup causing hotspots — may indicate descaling is overdue. Check thermostat setting (<140°F).🔴 Call immediately if recurring — fire hazard potential |
| Exhaust / Combustion Air Error |
32 / 35 / E9 |
Inspect venting for blockage — birds nesting in FL exhaust terminations is common. Check combustion air supply is unobstructed. Verify vent cap is not damaged or weather-sealed shut.🔴 Call immediately — combustion safety risk |
✅ Annual Maintenance Checklist
Tap each item to mark complete — your progress is saved while you work through the list
0 of 10 tasks complete
Descale / flush heat exchanger using citric acid method (see walkthrough above)
Remove and clean inlet filter screen — flush under running water, remove sediment and debris
Inspect all hot and cold water connections and fittings for signs of corrosion or weeping leaks
Test the pressure relief (T&P) valve — lift lever briefly to verify it seats and closes properly
Inspect combustion air intake and exhaust venting for obstructions, nests, or damage (gas units)
Review stored error codes on display panel — record any codes and clear after documenting
Verify thermostat / set point — FL recommendation is 120°F (kills legionella, prevents scalding)
Perform soapy water leak test on all gas fittings and connections (gas units) — look for bubbling
Check electrical wiring terminals and ground connections for corrosion — especially in coastal FL areas
Log today's service date in unit access panel — set calendar reminder for next service interval