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How to clean a water heater? Many believe that for this work it is better to call the master. We will tell you how to clean the equipment yourself at home.
Poor quality water with impurities destroys parts. Cleaning them and the heater tank is carried out to extend the service life. Read our publication and make sure: you can support the equipment with your own hands.
When and why to clean the boiler
The water heater must be cleaned regularly. Poor quality water that flows through the water supply system, over time, disrupts the operation of equipment. Therefore, experts recommend additionally installing water filters.
A thick layer of scale on the heating element leads to poor heat transfer. It heats the water worse and longer. As a result, a large amount of electricity is consumed, but there is no proper effect. Over time, the part overheats and burns out.
Hard water negatively affects not only equipment, but also human health: the skin condition worsens. It also uses twice as much detergent.
How do you know when it’s time to clean your boiler? Intensive use is already an indication for cleaning. Also look out for these signs:
- Prolonged heating of water.
- Increased power consumption.
- Noise is heard during operation (this is scale that has settled on the bottom, creates friction on the walls of the tank).
- The water turned yellowish in color with an unpleasant odor.
- The walls of the case are very hot (surrounding equipment, walls, sockets may heat up).
- During heating, a hiss is heard.
- The boiler turns on and off.
How often do you need to descale the heating tank
Frequency is determined by several factors:
- If you have water of increased hardness (with a lot of impurities), clean the equipment every 6-9 months. If the water has a normal content of impurities, then it is enough to perform the procedure every 2-2,5 years.
White plaque will help determine the hardness of the water. If it often appears on your faucet and faucet, if detergents do not foam well, this indicates a high lime content. You can check the concentration more accurately with the help of special devices.
- With constant use of temperatures above 60 degrees, more frequent cleaning is required.
Periodically it is worth looking into the tank by lifting the top cover. If the magnesium anode is almost worn out, it’s time to carry out maintenance and replacement.
You can clean the equipment with your own hands:
- Mechanical (physical) impact.
- treatment with acid solutions.
Get to work.
Boiler cleaning at home
This is not an easy process, requiring some skills in disassembling equipment. We will describe the sequence of works.
Preparing tools and water heater
You will need:
- Phillips and slotted screwdrivers.
- Wrench.
- Sandpaper.
- Screwdriver.
- Special cleaner.
Now we need to prepare the equipment. How to do without disassembling the boiler and clean it without removing it from the wall? Look inside the case. If the dirt is small and has accumulated near the heater, flush the debris through the faucet. Let dirty water drain.
With growths on the walls of the tank and parts, it is imperative to remove the body, disassemble, pull out and clean the elements.
How to drain the water
First of all, disconnect the water heater from the mains. If it is located above the bath, then it is enough to screw the heating element in and empty the device. But if the heating element is mounted on a flange and pulled out, it is better to free the tank in advance.
Do this:
- Turn off the water in the apartment.
- Close the cold valve near the boiler, and let the hot one remain open. Wait until the liquid drains (after substituting the container).
- Another option: connect a hose to the fitting and lower it into a sink to drain.
If this situation does not suit you, you can drain the water through the safety valve. Remove it and let the water drain.
Dismantling the heater
Now you need to pull out the heating element:
- Open the bottom panel. It can be fastened with latches or bolts.
- Disconnect the wiring from the heater (take a picture of the connections beforehand).
- If the flange is fixed with bolts, unscrew them and pull out the heater.
In your model, the heating element is on top? Then it is better to remove the tank from the wall in advance. To do this, lift it up and pull it towards you to release the brackets.
How to dismantle the heating element in various brands:
- “Ariston”. The element is mounted on a flange, so you need to push it in, turn it and remove it. Flushing of the water heater can be carried out without removing the housing, since all elements are located below.
- “Termex”. Dismantling proceeds in the same way.
If you have equipment from another manufacturer – Timberg, Polaris, Titan, look at the instructions.
You can clean the heater from scale mechanically. If the plaque is loose, just peel it off with a knife. Does not exceed? Then lightly press the deposits with pliers, they themselves will fall off. Rinse with water afterwards.
Be careful not to damage the heater insulation.
Next to the heating element is a magnesium anode. In case of severe wear, it is better to replace it. The diameter of the thread will help you choose the right element.
Cleaning the tank
It is most convenient to remove the case and wash off the dirt under the shower. Mucus and small plaque can be wiped off with a sponge. Just do not use hard brushes and abrasives – damage the enamel of the case.
Strong plaque is removed with the help of special tools. Can be used:
- Citric acid. Dilute 50 g per 1 liter of water.
- Vinegar essence: 2 teaspoons per 1 liter.
- Acetic acid (8%): 5 tablespoons per 1 liter.
The product is poured into the tank and left overnight. Then the contents are drained, the walls are washed with warm water.
If the device is connected, you can do it differently. Leave only a third of the water inside and pour the solution. Set the heating temperature to 90-95 degrees. Leave for 5-7 hours. Then drain the solution and rinse the tank.
Elimination of unpleasant odors
If an unpleasant smell is felt when using water from the heater, it is necessary to clean it. Why does this happen:
- Water contains a lot of sulfates. They come into contact with a magnesium anode, hydrogen sulfide is released. To eliminate the reaction, you will have to remove the magnesium rod.
- Stagnant water serves as a breeding ground for bacteria. If you have not used the appliance for a long time, set the temperature to the highest and warm up the contents.
Nothing helps? Then you need to take the water to the SES for analysis. The results will show what is causing the problem.
Assembly of equipment
Before assembling the boiler in reverse order, carefully inspect all the details.
- If the rubber seal is worn out, it is better to install a new one. If it is still normal, lubricate the surface of the seal and all rubber elements with sealant.
- Examine the TEN. Install a new element if damaged or worn.
- Do not forget to replace the magnesium anode, it protects the body from rust.
- After installing the flange and fixing the bolts, connect to the pipeline.
- Hot water is supplied first, and then cold.
- Do not turn on the appliance until it is completely filled.
- Inspect the surface for leaks.
- Connect to the network, set the thermostat to the desired temperature.
Proper operation
To extend the life of your equipment, use our recommendations:
- Install reagent filters. Their cartridges contain substances that soften water. Timely replacement of cartridges will help improve water quality. Sodium resin filters are considered more efficient.
Produce non-reagent filters. They emit a strong magnetic field, salt particles change shape and do not settle on the surface. Such products are more expensive.
- When buying, pay attention to the material of the heating element. Galvanized and ferrous metal rusts the fastest.
- Magnetic thermostats work best.
Proper operation prevents problems with the heater. Therefore, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.