Takagi Scale Buildup in Heat Exchanger

Takagi water heater makes loud banging or popping noises during operation.

Advertisements

Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

Advertisements

Possible Causes

Hard water with no softening or filtration, Lack of regular descaling maintenance, High outlet temperature setting accelerating scale formation

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn OFF power and gas. Allow the unit to cool. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling descaling solution.

Steps:

  • 1. Install isolation valves (if not present): For future maintenance, consider having a plumber install service valves on hot and cold lines.
  • 2. Descale the heat exchanger: Use a tankless water heater flush kit with a pump and hoses. Circulate white vinegar or approved descaling solution through the heater for 45–60 minutes, then flush with clean water.
  • 3. Adjust temperature: After descaling, consider lowering the set temperature to reduce future scale buildup.
  • 4. Water treatment: In very hard water areas, install a water softener or scale reduction system upstream of the Takagi unit.
Advertisements

Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Primary Heat Exchanger
Check Price on Amazon

We may earn a commission from links on this page.

Advertisements