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The column or flow heater is an increasingly popular item. A small appliance is able to fit compactly in the kitchen and provide hot water to several points of intake. In addition, gas heating is cheaper than electricity. But what if the gas column is leaking? Call the master or deal with the problem yourself? Possible options are indicated in the article.
Where is the water in the column
To understand the causes of the problem, you need to understand the device. The basis of the design is a metal case, to which two pipes are connected. A stream of water passes through one for heating, gas is supplied through the other.
Water pressure acts on the membrane, the igniter and burner fire. It heats the heat exchanger through which cold water moves. You open the mixer and get a hot stream.
Most columns work automatically as soon as the faucet is opened. Also found manual and piezoelectric ignition.
Why did the column leak
There can be several reasons for a leak.
- Worn gaskets between joints. Rubber gaskets are installed between the pipes and nozzles for tightness. Over time, they tear, deform, get damaged and need to be replaced. If a leak is noticed in the area of the connecting elements, you need to remove the old ones and install new gaskets.
- The heat exchanger (radiator) is leaking. Most often, water drips from the connections between the pipes and the radiator. Due to the temperature difference and moisture, the supply pipes wear out and corrode, so water flows from below. It is necessary to carry out sealing or replacement of defective parts.
- It hasn’t been done for a long time. Gas equipment requires periodic inspection and maintenance to prevent breakdowns.
Ways to eliminate leakage
First of all, inspect the equipment to find the place of the leak. Then start repairing.
Problem in the heat exchanger
Before starting any work, turn off the water supply, turn off the gas. Inspect the column radiator: if the case is damaged, green spots may form on the surface. All because the moisture does not have time to dry out. Most often, fistulas form on the outside, so you do not have to dismantle the part.
If no damage is found outside, then the radiator will have to be removed. This is a laborious process, since you have to disassemble the entire column. In such cases, it is better to call the master.
You need:
- soldering iron;
- solder;
- fine sandpaper;
- degreaser.
What to do:
- Dry the radiator. To do this, open the hot water valve, unscrew the cold water nuts. A vacuum cleaner can be used to permanently remove moisture from the coil. Otherwise, you will not be able to reach the temperature required for soldering.
- Remove the cover and inspect the products. All found damage and cracks must be cleaned with sandpaper. After complete removal of plaque, wipe the cleaned areas with a degreasing solution, then wipe dry.
- Heat the damaged area with a soldering iron. Sprinkle rosin or an aspirin on top. Warm up the area to 160 degrees, solder the tin. If it collects in drops, then you have not heated the surface well. For successful further operation, the surf must be at least 2 mm.
- Treat all areas with green bloom in this way.
Please note that this repair is temporary. Soldered areas are vulnerable and may soon begin to flow. Therefore, it is recommended to carry out a complete replacement of the element.
Malfunction of the water unit (reducer)
If a leak is found in the Electrolux, Oasis, Orion, Neva gas column in the area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthe water unit, then the stem seal is faulty. You will have to replace the entire element. Do this:
- Shut off the gas and water valve.
- Remove the top cover, you may have to unscrew the screws.
- Disconnect the water assembly from the radiator. Unscrew the fasteners that secure it to the back wall.
- Unscrew the knot, remove the membrane.
- Unscrew the stem with a key, install a serviceable part.
Wear of threads, connections
Damage and deformation of the connecting nodes are not uncommon. To determine the specific cause, you need to inspect all connections. The left pipe leading to the body supplies hot water, the right one transports fuel. Most often, droplets of moisture form on the water pipe – condensate.
This is normal, in this case repair is not needed. But if you notice a profuse leak, then:
- Block the incoming flow from the water supply.
- Disassemble suspicious connections, inspect.
Most often, rubber gaskets leak. Therefore, prepare spare elements in advance.
- Remove the deformed gasket, clean the threads from scale and dirt, wipe dry.
- Install a new element (preferably made of silicone, they are more durable).
- Assemble the parts in reverse order.
- If the nut turns during installation, install a new part of the same size.
Pipeline damage
In water heaters “Vector”, “Ariston” and other brands, not only connections and gaskets can wear out. The leak may be in the pipeline itself. For immediate repair, you can use the method with a heat exchanger – solder.
You will need the same tools: a soldering iron with solder, fine-grained sandpaper, a degreaser. Now you need to drain all the liquid from the pipe, dry it. Clean the fracture site with sandpaper and degrease. Solder the damage with a soldering iron.
We remind you that such repairs will not last long. It is used as a temporary measure. After that, it is better to replace the faulty parts.
Users noted that it is not easy to find replacement pipeline parts. Manufacturers do not produce spare parts, so some use standard corrugated hoses.
Do not forget: the gas water heater is a high-risk device. It is better for amateurs not to take risks and contact a service center. In other cases, follow safety precautions.