How to clean the water heater? Many people think that it’s better to call a wizard for this work. We will tell you how to clean the equipment yourself at home.
Poor water with impurities destroys parts. They and the heater tank are cleaned to extend their life. Read our publication and make sure: you can support the technique with your own hands.
When and why to clean the boiler
The heater must be cleaned regularly. Poor water that flows through the water supply system over time disrupts the operation of the equipment. Therefore, experts recommend additionally installing water filters.
A thick layer of scale on the heating element leads to poor heat transfer. It is worse and heats the water 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 technology, but also human health: the skin condition worsens. It also consumes twice as much detergent.
How to understand that it’s time to clean the boiler? Intensive operation is already an indication for cleaning. Also pay attention to such signs:
- Prolonged heating of water.
- Increased power consumption.
- During operation, noise is heard (this is a scum that has settled on the bottom, creating friction against the tank walls).
- The water turned yellowish with an unpleasant odor.
- The walls of the case overheat (the surrounding equipment, walls, sockets may heat up).
- Hissing is heard during heating.
- The boiler turns on and off.
How often do I need to clean the heating tank from scale
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 water with 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 water. If it often appears on your faucet and mixer, if detergents do not foam well - this indicates a high content of lime. More accurately check the concentration using special devices.
- With constant use of the temperature regime 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 practically worn out, it is time to carry out preventive maintenance and replacement.
Do it yourself with your own hands:
- By mechanical (physical) action.
- Treatment with acid solutions.
Get to work.
Cleaning the boiler at home
This is not an easy process, requiring some skills in disassembling equipment. We will describe the sequence of work.
Preparation of tools and water heater
You will need:
- Phillips and slotted screwdrivers.
- Wrench.
- Sandpaper.
- Screwdriver.
- Special cleaner.
Now you need to prepare the technique. How to do without disassembling the boiler and clean without removing it from the wall? Look inside the case. If the dirt is slight and accumulates near the heater, flush the debris through a tap. Let the dirty water drain.
With growths on the walls of the tank and details, it is necessary to remove the case, disassemble, pull out and clean the elements.
How to drain the water
First of all, unplug the water heater. If it is located above the bath, then it is enough to screw the heater in and empty the device. But if the heater is mounted on the flange and pulled out, it is better to empty 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 the hose to the fitting and lower it into the sink for draining.
If this situation does not suit you, you can drain the water through the safety valve. Remove it and let the water drain.
Heater disassembly
Now you need to pull out the heater:
- Open the bottom panel. It can be fastened with latches or bolts.
- Disconnect the wiring from the heater (pre-photograph the connections).
- If the flange is bolted, unscrew them and pull out the heater.
In your model is the heater located 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 heater in various brands:
- "Ariston." The element is mounted on the flange, so you need to push it in, turn it and remove it. Flushing the water heater can be carried out without removing the case, since all elements are located below.
- "Termex". Dismantling is similar. ”
If you have equipment from another manufacturer - Timberg, Polaris, Titan, look at the instructions.
The heater can be descaled mechanically. If plaque is loose, simply brush it off with a knife. Does not exceed? Then lightly press down the deposits with pliers, they themselves will fall off. Rinse with water afterwards.
Be careful: do not damage the heater insulation.
Near the heating element is a magnesium anode. With strong wear it is better to replace it. Correctly select the element will help the diameter of the thread.
Tank cleaning
It is most convenient to remove the case and wash away any dirt under the shower. Mucus and slight plaque can be wiped off with a sponge. Just do not use hard brushes and abrasive substances - damage the enamel of the case.
Strong plaque is removed using special means. Can be used:
- Citric acid Dilute 50 g per 1 liter of water.
- Acetic essence: 2 teaspoons per 1 liter.
- Acetic acid (8%): 5 tablespoons per 1 liter.
The product is poured into the tank and stays overnight. Then the contents merge, the walls are washed with warm water.
If the device is connected, you can do differently. Leave only a third of the water inside and fill in the solution. Set the heating temperature to 90-95 degrees. Leave for 5-7 hours. Then drain the solution and rinse the tank.
Eliminate odors
If an unpleasant odor is felt when using water from the heater, you must clean it. For what reason does this happen:
- Water contains a lot of sulfates. They are in contact with the 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 highest temperature and warm the contents.
Nothing helps? Then you need to take water to the SES for analysis. Results will show what is causing the problem.
Assembly of equipment
Before assembling the boiler in the reverse order, carefully inspect all the details.
- If the rubber seal is worn, 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.
- Inspect the heater. If damaged or worn, install a new element.
- Do not forget to replace the magnesium anode; it protects the case from rust.
- After installing the flange and securing the bolts, connect to the pipeline.
- First, hot water is supplied, and then cold.
- Do not turn on the appliance until it is full.
- Inspect the surface for leaks.
- Connect to the network, set the thermostat to the desired temperature.
Proper operation
To extend the life of the equipment, use our recommendations:
- Install reagent filters. Their cartridges contain water softeners. Replacing cartridges in a timely manner can help improve water quality. Filters with sodium resin are considered more effective.
Reagent-free filters are available. 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 heater. Galvanized and ferrous metal rusts the fastest.
- Magnetic thermostats work best.
Proper operation prevents heater problems. Therefore, follow the manufacturer's recommendations.