How to clean the gas column from scale, dust and soot

A gas water heater is the cheapest way to heat water. Small dimensions allow you to conveniently place appliances in the kitchen. If you want to prolong its life, clean it periodically. How to clean the gas column with your own hands, read the article.

How to know when it’s time to clean your column

Since the technique heats water with gas, the parts are not only covered with soot and soot, scale is deposited on them. Due to the hardness of the water, when heated, salt accumulates on the elements: clogging the channels of the heat exchanger tubes, it disrupts circulation. The heating rate decreases or becomes completely impossible.

What cleaning should be done at home:

• Cleaning the burner from soot and soot.
• Dust cleaning of internal elements.
• Heat exchanger from scale, soot, pipe flushing.
• Washing the plumbing.
• Checking the tightness of seals.
• Checking the thrust sensor for serviceability.
• Lubricate parts as needed.

How to understand that the product is clogged and needs cleaning:

• The column does not start or turns on for a short time and turns off.
• Frequent operation of the RCD.
• The burner works as expected, but the water does not warm up well.
• Weak pressure from the faucet.

The main causes of scale formation:

1. Burner always on.
2. Heating exceeds 50 degrees.

Self-cleaning methods

Regardless of the brand – “Neva”, “Electrolux”, “Bosch”, “Oasis”, “Vector” – the removal of contaminants is approximately the same. Cleaning agent may vary. Let’s describe several ways.

With hydrochloric acid

If you want to clean the heat exchanger parts from scale, use hydrochloric acid.

Important! In this way, plaque can be removed from copper heat exchangers. For other alloys, citric acid can be used.

Sequence of work:

• First you need to remove the cover.
• Remove the screws that hold the cover.
• Shut off the water supply.
• Open the faucet so that the hot water drains completely.
• Disconnect the threads of the heat exchanger with a tap. Substitute a container, as water may overflow.
• Prepare a 3-5% hydrochloric acid solution. Be careful, the dosage should not exceed the norm, otherwise the walls will begin to dissolve instead of scale.
• Get a ½ inch threaded pipe or use a hose.
• Connect one end to the inlet of the radiator, the other to the outlet.
• Connect a funnel or a piece of plastic bottle to the pipe. Wear gloves while working. Gradually pour the solution into the funnel so that it cleans the parts. Foam may form – this is normal.

• As soon as there is a strong pressure on the other side, the task is completed, the heat exchanger is descaled.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove acid residue. It must not fall into the water.

Use a tank with a pump

To do this, prepare a 7-10% acid, a tank with a centrifugal pump. You can’t use your hands here.

To remove deposits, do this:

• Shut off the water and gas supply valve.
• Open the mixer, drain the residue.
• To disassemble the casing and get to the radiator, unscrew the bolts.
• Pour the prepared acid into the tank, connect the cleaning system to the heat exchanger.
• Start the pump. Let it drive the liquid for an hour until all deposits are removed.

There is a less effective way to clean the column yourself. It is useful when there is no special equipment.

The use of citric acid

You will need a deep container (metal bowl or basin) to fit the entire heat exchanger. Dissolve 700 g of acid in 80 ml of water. Fill the container with water to 30% and place on the stove. Place the radiator inside and pour the solution. Let the contents heat up for about 30 minutes. Then turn off the oven, let the liquid cool.

Remove the parts and rinse under running water until the remaining scale is removed. Experts recommend cleaning at least once a year. This will help the column to fully function.

Cleaning the water intake

This part is installed at the entrance. The mesh filter protects the system from debris, pieces of rust.

• Remove the water inlet from the seat.
• Use a screwdriver to remove the screws and remove the cover.
• Remove the filter and wash it under pressure. You can use a soft brush.
• Inspect the membrane: it should be flat, without curved sections. If you notice deformation, replace the rubber membrane with silicone, it has a long service life.
• Check that the membrane is evenly stretched.
• Reinstall the water inlet and cover.

Removing carbon deposits from the igniter and burner

Before starting any work, disconnect the column from gas and water supply. Then start cleaning:

• We warn you that it is better to entrust the disassembly of the gas part of the product to the master – this can be dangerous. We will only describe the sequence of actions.
• Remove the cover by unscrewing the screws.
• Disconnect wiring from control panel to system module and temperature sensor.
• Remove the burner, turn off the manifold. Then carefully go over their surface with a brush, cleaning off dust and dirt. Wipe with a damp cloth.
• To get to the inside of the part, you can use a small brush.
• Clean off carbon deposits from the sensor and electrodes, inspect the contact group. Clean up if necessary.
• Wash the burner well with soapy water, rinse with clean water.
• Holes (jets) of the burner can be cleaned with a thin wire.

To check the burner for gas leaks, apply soapy water to all pipe connections. If it bubbles, then there is a leak. Shut off the gas immediately and call a specialist.

Today, ultrasonic scale cleaners are sold. They work when wires are connected to pipes, they create magnetic impulses. They not only soften water, but also destroy scale.

Without the use of chemicals

Cleaning the water supply with a geyser can be carried out without chemicals. If you have a mixer with three positions (instead of two, as usual), then the work will be easier to do.

• Shut off the inlet water in both directions by setting the mixer to the middle position.
• Turn on the cold and hot water supply in the bathroom, then turn on the faucet in the kitchen.
• As a result, the flow will flow in the opposite direction, it will come out in the kitchen.
• To let it through the column, unscrew the inlet hose, substituting a container under it.
• You can immediately lower the hose into the sink.
• Follow the steps below:

If the mixer does not have a third position, unscrew the aerator. Put a rubber gasket in it, install it in its original position. So you get rid of blockage and scale in the pipeline without the use of additional funds.

What should alert and suggest cleaning:

• Abundance of dust in the room. The flame should normally be blue, but if you notice changes in color, then it’s time to remove the dust from the burner.
• The equipment is in the room after repair.
• Thermal sensors are triggered too often.

Now you know how to clean the gas column. You need to act very carefully, having previously studied the instructions and turning off the gas.