The main part of the flow heater is a heat exchanger, which can leak over time. You have a choice: carry out the repair yourself or contact the workshop. We will tell you how to solder a geyser with your own hands.
Leakage reasons
A common cause of a leak is a brass or copper radiator. Since manufacturers make some elements not from pure copper, but with the addition of impurities, these places oxidize faster. As a result, the heat exchanger is susceptible to corrosion or burns out.
An additional reason for the breakdown is the method of disinfecting water in the region. Most often, chlorine dioxide is used for this purpose. When heated in the radiator tubes, chlorine reacts with copper, which contributes to the destruction and formation of fistulas. It has been proven that in places with disinfection by ozonation, there are no such problems with gas water heaters.
Preparation for soldering
Prepare the tools you will need for the job:
- Soldering iron (at least 100 W).
- Metal brush or fine sandpaper.
- Solder. It is recommended to take an alloy of tin and lead.
- Flux. You can take rosin or a small crumb of an aspirin tablet. The latter must be sprinkled on a heated place so that it spreads.
Now we need to prepare the column. To determine the location of the leak, do not rush to turn off the water. Do this:
- Remove the casing from the instrument (it may be necessary to unscrew the screws).
- Turn on the water supply and inspect the heat exchanger for leaks.
- If you need to weld the copper tube on a bend in an accessible place, you do not have to remove the column.
- If the fistula is in a hard-to-reach place, you need to dismantle the case and disassemble it.
- Shut off the gas supply.
- Drain the water. To do this, open the hot stream and remove the nut from the cold pipe.
- The latest models have a plug at the bottom. Substitute the container and open the cap. The water will drain on its own.
Important! Before starting repairs, the radiator must be completely dried with a compressor or vacuum cleaner. Otherwise, moisture will not allow the fistula to brew.
Now use sandpaper or a brush to clean the damaged area. Often in such places you can see a spot of green color. Do not apply too much force to avoid further damage to the tube. At the end, wipe the cleaned part with a degreaser.
Welding methods
We have already written how to solder the heat exchanger. But there can be several welding methods.
Soldering iron
The method provides for the presence of a powerful tool (at least 100-110 W). Also prepare solder and flux. Sprinkle the damaged area with flux, put solder on top with a soldering iron. Make sure that it spreads evenly and closes the hole. Continue building up until the layer reaches 2-3 mm.
After such a repair, the fistula will not manifest itself.
Gas-burner
This method is suitable for a thick-walled radiator, which has a high thermal conductivity. Connect the burner to the gas cylinder, set a low flame so as not to damage the walls of the heat exchanger.
The damaged area must be warmed up well to remove residual water. Soldering is carried out, after which the flux residues are carefully removed. It contains acid, which can contribute to the destruction of the tube.
The video shows in detail how to solder correctly:
Cold welding
For these purposes, you need to buy high-quality welding. Since the material will be in contact with water, it must have moisture resistant properties.
- Put on gloves.
- Knead the weld until it becomes soft and pliable.
- Apply material to the leak. Wait until it freezes.
Use a piece of copper pipe as the soldering material.
At the end of the work, check all parts of the structure. Wherever green spots are visible, fistulas will soon appear. Therefore, it is better to immediately clean and solder the micro-hole so as not to repeat the disassembly.
After connecting, do not immediately put on the casing. Check the quality of the work performed by pressure from the water supply.
As noted by users who have independently carried out such repairs, some columns are equipped with already soldered heat exchangers at the factory. Faulty parts are repaired, fistulas are soldered and re-installed in columns for sale. Therefore, be careful when buying equipment.
When you buy a replacement heatsink separately, inspect it for soldering. If such a place is found, refuse to purchase. In the event of a replacement under warranty, keep the quality of the parts under control. They must be new, not used.
To avoid frequent repairs, opt for high-quality equipment from the manufacturer “Oasis”, “Neva”, “Electrolux”. But in the Vector devices, radiators made of very thin material are installed.