Cleaning the boiler from scaling do it yourself

Water heaters of any brand and different types need periodic maintenance. It is widely believed that one cannot clean the boiler with high quality, but it is necessary to call the master. However, you can also quickly restore the parts of the water heater with your own hands without losing the functionality of the device. To do this, you need to know how to properly clean the water heater from scale. Competently carried out procedure will help the user to extend the operation time of the unit.

When are the water heater cleaned?

Before cleaning the boiler from scale, consider the prerequisites for preventive maintenance:

• with intensive work of the apparatus;
• water is heated over a longer period of time;
• power consumption increased;
• the device began to make extraneous sounds;
• the color of the liquid turned yellow;
• The fluid tank has become overheated.

Important! The device must be cleaned preventively 1 time in 3-4 years. If water has a hardness above the norm (more than 350 mg / l), cleaning measures are recommended once a year.

Causes of deposits

Scale - solid bloom, consisting of chemical elements on the details of water heating equipment. Thus images of salt are concentrated on the internal walls of heat exchange equipment. Limescale deposits are caused by water hardness.

Scientifically proven the harmfulness of such a liquid to human health:

• expenses for washing substances increase;
• worsening condition of the skin.

The formation of limestone plaque affects the heat transfer of heating elements, increasing the cost of thermal energy. Plaque over time leads to serious damage to equipment, while reducing the service life of the device.

The main methods of dealing with limestone deposits:

• mechanical cleaning of water heater surfaces;
• treatment of the walls of the tank and other parts with acid solutions.

Note! The thickness of the deposits in 1 mm increases the power consumption by 10%, and with a layer of scale in 10 mm, the consumption of resources increases to 70%.

Is it possible to cope with cleaning at home

The process of removing scale from the surface of the boiler is not elementary. In this case, the necessary skills, tools and a great desire. If in doubt, contact the master. In our article we will consider how to clean the water heater by yourself. Despite the fact that models from different brands of water heaters have their own design features, for all devices, cleaning the boiler with their own hands follows the same algorithm.

To work, prepare:

• screwdriver with a wrench;
• screwdriver;
• sandpaper;
• gloves;
• cleaning agent.

Choosing a cleaner to remove deposits

Water heater cleaning It will be more efficient and time-consuming if a special tool is used to restore the surface of the heater from scale. To do this, visit the shop of household chemicals and purchase any cleaner for the boiler.

Good cleaning effect concentrated citric acid solution. To prepare it, take 0.5 kg of the substance and dilute in 2 liters of water.

A warning! In the technical manual, review the contraindications to the use of certain components of the cleaner. Most reagents are not suitable for flushing rubber sealing parts.

Preparing a water heater for cleaning

To clear the water heater from scale, follow several steps.

1. Disconnect the device from the water supply. To do this, shut off the flow of cold water.
2. Unscrew the pipe from the hot fluid outlet fitting, attaching a hose to it, the end of which is placed in a sink or bathtub.
3. Unscrew the cold water pipe. The liquid goes into the hole.
   
4. Disconnect the panel, then the power terminals.
5. Unscrew the ground and electrical wire. For subsequent installation, it is better to photograph the wiring diagram.
   

6. Remove the bolts. Next, you need to remove the flange with the heater.
7. If the boiler is mounted on a wall in the bathroom, remove it and carefully place it on a thick cloth in the bath taps up. After loosen the clamp and remove the ten.

Next, we consider how to clean the heater water heater.

Cleaning the heater

In order for the heating element to become fully functional again, it is not necessary to call the master. Consider how to clean lime deposits at home.

1. Using a kitchen knife, remove large layers of plaque from the metal.
2. Scrape off small fragments with sandpaper.
3. In case of strong formations, or if the deposits are not completely removed mechanically, soak the heating element in citric acid solution. For capacity, use a plastic bottle. Pre-cut from her neck.
4. After the cleaning is done, rinse the heating element under running water.
5. If the anode is preserved, it must be removed.

Pay attention to the diameter of the thread and the length of the anode. You need to buy it after the water heater is disassembled, since for different models the parameters are different. Replacing the magnesium anode is recommended after complete dissolution.

Clear the water tank

Before rinsing the tank, assess visually the degree of contamination of the tank. If the location of the water heater in the bathroom and deposits a little, just rinse it from the inside. To do this, use a shower watering can.The mucus that has accumulated on the walls is cleaned with a soft sponge, previously soaked in soapy water.

If the tank is heavily contaminated, it is possible to flush the tank capacity with the help of specialized means. Can also be used acetic acid in the calculation of the package for one liter of water. The water heater is filled with a solution and left overnight. After that the liquid can be drained and rinsed with clean water.

Important! The inner surface of the tank is covered with enamel, which is susceptible to chemicals. Do not use tools with abrasive components and hard brushes - this will destroy the tightness of the container.

Boiler assembly

Installation of heating equipment is performed in the reverse order:

• inspect the rubber seal - it should be free from plaque and mechanical damage;
• lubricate the rubber parts with a sealant to prevent the boiler from leaking;
• secure the heater, hang the heater in its place;
• connect the device to the pipeline;
• open the hot water tap and then the cold one;
• after filling the tank, check the tightness;
• insert the thermostat, connect the wires, install the safety cover;
• Connect the device to the network.

Care for boilers from different manufacturers

Boilers from different manufacturers have their own design features. Consider the cleansing devices of various brands.

1. Ariston. In the technique of this company the flange is attached in a different way. To remove it, you need to push the flask up, turn it over in the tank and then pull it out. After all stages of cleaning the flange is set back. It is easy to clean the Ariston water heater, as the heating elements are located below and the boiler can be not removed.
2. To remove the front panel, you need to pry the bottom edge with a screwdriver - it is fastened with two latches. The features of the boiler include a lot of weight. To clean, remove the device and turn it over.
3. Water heater Termex cleaned in the same way as Ariston appliances. Magnesium anode in the devices of this brand change 1 time per year. To make the heating element perform its functions longer, install a filter.

Recommendations for operation of the boiler

To increase the life of the boiler, follow these guidelines:

• use scale filter for boilers and boilers;
• do not buy devices with heating elements made of galvanized and ferrous metals - such components rust faster and the device fails;
• set water filter;
• choose magnetic temperature controllers;
• for disinfection warm the water to the maximum temperature;
• if the boiler is not used for a long time, so that there is no unpleasant smell every 2 months, pass through a container about 100 liters of liquid.

We have considered how to quickly clean the boiler with our own hands. Cleaning the heating boiler from scale is a regular procedure that is carried out at least once a year. Timely manipulation will increase the life of the water heater, therefore, having mastered the maintenance process, you can save not only time but also money.