How to independently replace the membrane in the gas column

In most water heaters, from the oldest to the new generation of appliances with integrated intelligent equipment, there is a special membrane for the gas column. It is necessary to separate the internal space of the fluid regulator. This part belongs to the class of consumables and eventually wears out. In connection with this, owners of gas heaters often have a question, how to carry out membrane replacement, and should a master be called for this?

What you need to know

Over time, even the most reliable membrane becomes unusable - this is one of the most popular problems for gas water heaters. Replacing a worn item with your own hands is quite possible.If you exactly follow the instructions in the instructions, even an ordinary person can easily cope with it.

However, it should be remembered that the repair of gas equipment is associated with a certain risk. Mistakes that are made may not only damage the equipment, but also cause injuries, a gas leak or a fire.

The wear of a part usually occurs with time as a result of intensive work, but this can happen suddenly. Anyway, a microcrack appears in the barrier, through which water from the neighboring cavity of the water regulator begins to leak. Water overflow causes pressure drop, and the column can not function normally. Over time, the gap widens, reducing pressure all the more. As a result, the system shuts down completely.

Membrane for gas column Beretta Aqua

How to determine the failure of the membrane

The reason that the gas column does not work correctly, often becomes a torn membrane. First check pressure level of water and gas. The normal operation of a household appliance is impossible if it is unstable or does not reach the norm. Calculate the amount of hot water consumed through the faucet. Its volume should be within two to three liters per minute. The level of gas pressure can be estimated by eye, focusing on the shape of the fire in the burners of a gas stove. For different types of columns have their own ways.

Wick ignition

When dealing with devices of this type, pay attention to the location of the light of the pilot burner, and its size. Ideally, the tongue should reach three to five centimeters in height and be directly below the edge of the main burner.

If the signs do not match, it can mean problems, for example, clogged jet. Try cleaning it and re-inspect it. If the procedure did not help, and the column ceased to light up, then the problem is definitely in the membrane.

Battery ignition

If the column lights up with a button, you should periodically monitor attempts at ignition. When turned on, the owner must hear a certain sound, like a click. This means that the rubber membrane is working properly, and the source of the malfunction must be sought in the gas part or the ignition electrode. If a clicks could not be heard - high probability of rupture of the membrane.However, there are several reasons for this phenomenon; it is possible to find out what's the matter only by disassembling a node.

Other cases

There are models of water heaters in which the performance of the membrane is detected by stock movementregulating the operation of the electronic unit with a microswitch. The easiest way to notice this is if you remove the protective cover. Static detail with an open tap supplying hot water becomes clear evidence of a failed membrane. In this case, rod replacement is not required.

How to choose a replacement membrane

Having identified the cause of the problem, you can proceed to the selection of a replacement part. At this stage, the owner may face difficulties, because for some models, especially foreign production, there are simply no spare parts. Acquisition of the membrane becomes a real problem: you can only get it from an authorized dealer of the manufacturer, which greatly overestimates the cost. There are two ways out of this situation: purchase a new column or try to pick up a part from another model.

With more popular geysers such problems will not arise.Spare parts for them can be purchased in specialized stores or ordered online. Even a master called to the house can install them for you for an extra charge. The cost of the membrane will increase depending on its type and the material used in the manufacture. The brand of home appliance can also have an impact on the price, because the maintenance of advertised columns is more expensive.

Types of membranes

There are membranes of a special form, the principle of operation of which is different from the standard scheme. A prime example of such a detail could be a consumables for the water heater Ariston Fast GIWH. She is called "eight».

It is cast in a special form, using dense black rubber for manufacturing. The average market price can vary from three hundred to five hundred rubles, depending on the place of purchase.

The partition of a household appliance from the company Electrolux or Vaillant is much simpler. Created on the same principle as the G8, it has a cost of only two hundred - two hundred and fifty rubles.

There is an even simpler view, for example, a membrane for a gas column from the company Neva or Astra. Despite its external simplicity, the part copes with its functions perfectly. An additional advantage of this form is easy replacement.

There is a type of membrane suitable for all models of gas water heaters - a kind of universal spare part. However, it must be remembered that it can be used as a temporary replacement, because it is very difficult to achieve precise equipment settings without factory parts.

Replacing a failed part

The procedure for replacing your spent membrane does not cause difficulties.

First of all, you should turn off the household appliance, block access to cold water and gas. Beyond that, don't forget reduce pressure in the pipeline. To do this, open one of the hot water taps and wait a while. The procedure for the release of pressure has its own nuances. It is best to open the tap located at the bottom of the column, usually located in the bathroom faucet. This will allow the water that has accumulated in the heat exchanger and the pipes to merge freely due to the siphon effect. Of course, you can open and kitchen faucet, but it can be fixed at a level higher than the fluid regulator. In this case, you need to be prepared for the fact that when parsing the column, part of the water, namely three - five liters, will pour out onto the floor. Prepare a suitable container in advance and be vigilant.

Fastening screws for dismounting the protective cover

Having finished with the pressure, you can proceed to dismantling the protective cover water heater. Fixing bolts, depending on the model, may be located in different places, but it’s not difficult to find them. In some cases, they can be hidden by decorative elements or panels, as well as under the device control toggle switches. The units of the new generation can even do without mounting bolts - their casing is held by special hooks and removed with a slight pressure. By removing the barrier, you will get access to the internal space of the device and without interference you will be able to replace the partition.

Old speakers

Geyser of the previous generation has a special structure. Its membrane is placed in a fluid regulator, which is set as single item. It is quite easy to distinguish it from other parts - this is the first element that is connected to the pipe, through which cold water is supplied to the column.

Column fluid regulator

To remove the water regulator is necessary:

• unscrew a few nuts fastening water pipes;
• then unscrew the three screws that perform the function of fixing the regulator in the gas section;
• Carefully remove the adjuster from the groove by pulling it down.

New generation home appliances

Progress does not stand still, and devices of a new type are becoming more and more difficult every year. Manufacturers build in them systems of automatic ignition and control over water heating, batteries and touch screens. However, to dismantle the water filter you will have to do the procedure described above.

To work with the device will need remove its cover. This can be done by unscrewing a few nuts and screws with an internal sprocket. Having picked up a suitable screw-driver, you will quickly cope with it. Eliminate the interference, disassemble the fluid regulator and change the worn-out partition to a new one. Carefully follow the installation of the part, do not put it in the wrong position. After that, assemble the column in the reverse order. Thus, the membrane is replaced in a conventional gas column.