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If you use a storage boiler, you should know the features of its maintenance. You may need information on how to drain water from a water heater when repairing or cleaning a tank. The draining process depends on the type of connection. We will tell you how to do the work yourself, without calling the master.
Do I need to drain
It is simply necessary in such cases:
- The boiler is located in the country house or in another unheated room. It will not work the whole season, so it is recommended to drain the water for the winter. At sub-zero temperatures, ice will form, which will lead to breakage.
- Cleaning the tank. There are several reasons, the main one is scale. Due to the hardness of water during heating, heavy impurities settle on the surface in the form of plaque. Over time, it hardens and prevents the normal heat transfer of the heating element. Electricity consumption increases by 25-50%, and sufficient heating does not occur. The development of bacteria also indicates the need to drain the water from the water heater.
- Replacing the magnesium anode. Any work is carried out only when the housing is empty. It is recommended to change the anode every six months or a year. Magnesium attracts impurities, preventing them from settling on the walls and leading to corrosion. They corrode its base, and not the material of the device.
Do you drain the water from the tank? You will be prompted by such signs:
- Noise during operation. The RCD can also often work – this indicates an abundance of scale inside. The pieces fall to the bottom and make noise when heated. How to clean a water heater read in a separate article.
- Flow. The reason is in the connections, worn out elements, corrosion of the body. Then you need to urgently carry out repairs.
- Weak pressure. Probably the passages were clogged with scale. Cleaning is in progress.
- Appliance does not heat water Or you have to wait a very long time for heating.
- Safety valve passes a lot of water or remains dry.
When draining is not allowed:
- You will not use the equipment for a season and want to turn it off. It is worth starting from temperature indicators. If the mark does not fall below +5 degrees, then some water can be left. Experts have proven that in the complete absence of liquid, the body corrodes faster under the influence of oxygen.
- When the device is turned off for a short time.
- With warranty. Otherwise, they will become invalid.
- For the sake of experiment.
How to drain water properly
Features of the drain depend not so much on the brand of equipment (Gorenje, Electrolux, Atlantic), but on the type of connection. Consider how to carry out work on popular boilers.
Important! Unplug the boiler before starting.
Water heater “Termex”
You will need a gas wrench, a drain hose.
Progress:
- Shut off the cold flow with the key (2).
- To avoid a vacuum, open the hot tap (7) on the mixer.
- Let the water drain to the mark. This will happen within 2 minutes.
- Once the liquid is gone, do not close the mixer (5). Open the faucet and drain the water (4) or loosen the nuts on the cold flow inlet.
- Connect a rubber hose to the heater thread. Dip the other end into a sink or deep container.
- To drain the residue, disconnect the hot water outlet from the housing.
- After dismantling the nut, the contents will finally merge from the system.
The method is suitable for small appliances, the maximum capacity of which is 20 liters. Watch a video on how to do the work yourself:
“Ariston” technique
Prepare tools for work: 32 and 24 mm open-end wrench, slotted screwdriver, 4 mm hex.
- Shut off the water.
- Open the hot stroke on the mixer, so the pressure will decrease.
- To allow air to enter the housing, open the valve at the point of hot flow.
- Connect the hose and open the drain cock.
- It is necessary to pour out all the liquid from the boiler.
This method is suitable for boilers of 50 and 80 liters.
Through safety valve
Why do you need a safety valve we have discussed in a separate article. The part is used to relieve excess pressure and to drain fluid. A similar type of boiler connection is made after the purchase of the shop master. The service is inexpensive, but when you need to drain, the user will run into problems.
What to do:
- Shut off the water.
- Open the mixer and allow any remaining liquid to drain.
- Turn the lever on the drain valve, wait until the contents drain completely.
You will have to wait a very long time, especially if you have a 100 liter boiler. If you have a valve without a lever installed, then you will have to mechanically remove the water.
It is impossible to dismantle the part, so you can press the spring yourself, as shown in the picture:
More details are shown in the video:
To merge the contents completely, and at the same time check the status of the heating element, do this:
- Loosen the bottom cover screws.
- Disconnect the wiring.
- Unscrew the flange bolts, sometimes it is enough to turn it counterclockwise.
- Unscrew the flange together with the heating element.
- At the same time, the remaining liquid will merge.
Inspect the element, descale if necessary.
Recommendations of specialists
So that independent work does not lead to breakage, follow the recommendations:
- Unplug the appliance before starting.
- Before you start draining, look at the instructions, study the design and connection features.
- Wait for the liquid to cool down to avoid burns.
- When an unpleasant odor appears, it is necessary to drive about 100 liters of water through the boiler every two months.
- Before connecting to the network, check that the tank is full.
Now you know how to do the work yourself. The metal case is subject to corrosion, salt deposits. But with proper care, the boiler will serve you for many years. Follow our advice and install filters to improve water quality.