An electric water heater, like everything on earth, is not eternal. Poor quality of the device itself, improper operation, installation errors and unfortunate accidents can ruin the device. In the event of minor breakdowns, repairing the boiler with your own hands is not difficult, but a number of malfunctions can only be fixed at the service center.
We will talk about what violations in the operation of water heating equipment can be eliminated with one's own hand. In the article we presented, the nuances of diagnosis are given, methods for restoring the operation of the unit are described in detail. Useful recommendations for maintenance are given.
How does a boiler work?
There are accumulative and flow type water heaters. The first consists of a large tank in which a heating element is installed. Inside the device, water enters, which is stored there at a certain temperature.
Using a temperature sensor connected to a thermostat, the temperature is maintained at a set level. To prevent the loss of thermal energy, the housing of the storage tank is closed with a layer of insulation.
Before starting the operation of the boiler, its device, technical specifications and manufacturer's recommendations for operation should be studied to prevent breakdowns
Flow models work differently. They also have a housing and a heating element, but no water is stored inside. The device turns on at the moment when a stream of water begins to pass through its body.
The fluid quickly heats up to the desired temperature. These devices are more powerful than storage models, they consume more electricity. But their dimensions are compact, and installation is a bit simpler.
And yet, in everyday life, an accumulative version of a water heater is more often used. Failures in different types of devices are similar, and they are eliminated by approximately the same means.
To automate the operation of a water heater, use a thermostat. This element receives data on the current state using a temperature sensor. It turns on and off the heating element based on the incoming information.
This helps not only to maintain the optimum temperature inside the drive, but also makes it possible to save energy. The device also prevents dangerous overheating of water, which can cause a serious accident.
If the boiler leaks in the connection area of the water pipes, improper installation of the device is most likely to blame, and it is necessary to re-seal the connections
Hot water is gradually taken from the tank and replaced by cold streams from the water supply. At this moment, the heating element is usually turned on. If hot water has not been used in the boiler for a long time, then it can cool. Too low temperature also gives a signal to turn on the heater.
The article on design differences and technical characteristics of equipment models popular among consumers will familiarize you with the features of choosing electric heaters for water.
Types of heaters according to the used heating elements
Distinguish between boilers with “dry” and “wet” heating elements. In the first embodiment, the heating element is placed in a special flask, and in the second it is in direct contact with water. Both models have certain advantages.
In terms of boiler repair, it is believed that the “dry” heater is much easier to replace than the “wet” one, since for this you just need to remove it from the bulb and put a new element there.
In the case of a “wet” heating element, it is first necessary to completely drain the water from the tank, and only then make a replacement. Usually, “dry” heating elements are less efficient than the “wet” option, therefore, more often than not one but two such heating elements are installed in a boiler.
A “dry” heating element is not as productive as a “wet” one, but replacing it is somewhat easier, since you do not need to drain the water from the tank
Due to the nature of the operation, “dry” heating elements often burn out and need to be replaced, therefore models with “wet” heating elements are more popular. It is worth noting that you can find modern boilers with very reliable “dry” heating elements of the latest generation, but the cost of such devices may be too high.
But the type of heating element does not affect the amount of scale formed during operation. But if the “wet” element deposits scale directly on the surface, then with a “dry” heating element, deposits accumulate on the protective flask.
Vulnerable elements of a water heater
Even before installing the device, you should carefully study its technical passport and operating instructions. These documents usually accurately reflect the device’s device, describe the position of the main elements, give recommendations for proper use, etc.
The storage tank of the boiler is usually made of stainless steel with a thickness of about two millimeters. Outside, a layer of heat insulator is applied to the container, which is closed with a housing made of metal or polymeric materials
Many failures of water heaters are somehow connected with the tank, and they appear in the form of a leak. In order to properly respond and choose the right strategy for troubleshooting, you should determine the location of the leak and identify its cause.
Not always the cause of the leak is the damage to the tank, more often its presence indicates that:
- the protective gasket has lost weight;
- there were problems in the operation of the heater;
- the temperature regulator and / or temperature sensor has deteriorated.
To protect the storage water heater, a safety valve is included or integrated into the casing circuit, the presence of which significantly reduces the number of breakdowns and the occurrence of emergency situations.
Sometimes a leak occurs at the entrance to the boiler body of hot and cold water pipes. Most often this is a consequence of improper installation, which manifests itself immediately after commissioning the device or shortly after. Care must be taken in advance to properly seal all joints.
In high-quality boilers, usually not one, but two or three thermostats are installed. The first regulates the water temperature in the device, the second is needed to monitor the state of the first, and the third device allows you to check the working condition of the heating element.
The design of these elements may vary. Rod and capillary devices are popular, the electronic version of the thermostat is considered very convenient in operation. But the principle of operation of such devices is almost the same, in case of breakdown, the device simply needs to be replaced with a similar model.
However, such a malfunction will not be critical for the operation of the boiler. If the heater is in order, the device will still heat the water. But the lack of control over the heating temperature can lead to incorrect operation of the device. The result may be a breakdown of the heating element or other problems.
Cleaning and maintenance
Following manufacturer's recommendations can save a lot of problems for the boiler owner. For example, the manual usually recommends regular maintenance of the boiler, which boils down to an external inspection and cleaning procedure.
Typically, the recommended maintenance periods vary depending on the type of heating element and the nature of its operation. For “wet” heating elements it is recommended to clean annually, and for “dry” - at least once every two years.
If the device is used at high loads, for example, at the factory or in a public place, then maintenance should be carried out every six months, regardless of the type of heater.
During operation, scale and debris accumulate inside the boiler; to remove these contaminants, the appliance should be cleaned regularly
The maintenance procedure may affect warranty service. Sometimes the manufacturer indicates in the documents that the procedure should not be carried out by the owner of the device, but by repairmen certified by the manufacturer. In this case, it is better to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Independently carry out maintenance is not too difficult. To do this, disconnect the boiler from the power supply and water supply, and then drain the water inside. After that, the case is opened by unscrewing the mounting bolts, and the heater is removed. The heater and the inner surface of the tank are cleaned of scale and dirt.
Replace the protective pad and the magnesium anode. Then carry out the reassembly of the device and its connection to the electric and water supply network. One of the common causes of damage to the boiler tank is the so-called electrical corrosion. It gradually destroys the surface of the drive, which leads to leakage.
To prevent this problem, many manufacturers install a magnesium anode near the heating element. This element is not eternal, the task of the owner of the device is to timely replace it with a new element. Unfortunately, some people forget about this, as a result of which their boiler may be completely damaged.
The magnesium anode gradually wears out, it is recommended to replace it with a new element every year or two, depending on the model of the heating element
Do not forget about such an important protective element as grounding. Its absence not only poses a risk of injury during operation of the device, but also can enhance or provoke electrocorrosion.
Troubleshooting common breakdowns
The surface of the tank consists of several layers: the tank itself, insulation, the outer casing, etc. This allows you to save heat and save electricity, but makes it difficult to repair the device.
The fact is that if the integrity of the inner tank or the outer shell is damaged, then this also destructively affects the state of the insulating material.
To remove the protective cover from the boiler, it is necessary to find and unscrew the fixing bolts. If they are hidden under decorative stickers, you need to carefully peel off the protection and keep it
The cause of a tank breakdown may be careless handling of the device during installation and / or operation. If you drop a heavy object on the case or accidentally hit it, a chip, crack, or other similar damage may form on the surface.
It is almost impossible to fix such a breakdown on your own, you will either have to contact a service center, or simply buy and install a new boiler. Of course, you can solder a hole inside or outside, but this method will only solve the problem for a while.
It is unlikely to provide sufficient protection for the insulating material at home. Gradually, it will collapse, as a result, the boiler will retain heat much worse, and corrosion processes will develop. If the boiler starts to leak, this does not necessarily mean that the tank has deteriorated.
When replacing the protective gasket, you must carefully remove the worn element and install the exact same new one. Tighten fasteners gradually to avoid misalignment
First you need to establish the exact location of the leak. If water leaks in the place where the gasket is installed, you may just need to replace this element. The procedure for maintenance of the device during which such an operation is performed has already been described.
One of the most obvious and common breakdowns of the boiler is the failure of the heater. If the water inside stopped to heat up, most likely this problem arose.
If you need to replace the heater, you should choose the element that is exactly the same in size and characteristics so that the boiler works correctly
Of course, before proceeding with the dismantling and disassembly of the device to replace the heater, you should make sure that there is power supply in the house and that the electricity flows freely to the boiler. For such a check, you should use the tester, attaching it to the contact points.
The following operations are recommended for verification:
- The tester measurement scale should be set between 220 and 250 V.
- Fix the voltage value at the terminals of the device connected to the mains.
- If there is no voltage, a heater malfunction can be confidently detected.
- If voltage is present, the test must be continued.
- Disconnect the water heater from the mains.
- After that, disconnect the thermostat from the heater and remove the insulation from the contacts of the heating element.
- Now you need to use a tester to measure the voltage at uninsulated contacts.
- The lack of reaction allows us to conclude that the heater is malfunctioning, its presence indicates that the device is operational.
Does the heater work properly, but the water does not heat up? The thermostat is probably defective. To check this version, set the tester to maximum, and then check the voltage sizes at the input and output of the device.
Lack of response will indicate that a replacement is necessary. The presence of voltage does not give a clear signal that the thermostat is in good condition, the test should continue.
A broken temperature controller with a temperature sensor just needs to be replaced with a new similar device. During diagnosis, the temperature sensor bulb must be handled carefully.
Now you need to set the tester to the minimum value, and take measurements on the thermostat contacts for some time. If the sensors cannot be fixed, you need to ask someone for help.
It is necessary to heat the edge of the temperature sensor (for example, using a lighter), and monitor the operation of the thermal relay. If the heating caused it to open, the device can be considered serviceable. A lack of response indicates that a replacement is necessary.
The correct state of the thermostat is diagnosed using an electric tester, measuring the voltage at the contacts of the device, and also checking the operation of the sensor and relay
If both the heater and the thermostat are working properly, it is possible that there is no heating due to incorrect device settings. Easy adjustment will help fix the problem. Another possible scenario in this situation is a breakdown of the control board. In this case, you will have to seek help from a specialized center.
Damage to the electronic control board is difficult to fix with your own hands, you will need the help of qualified specialists who will help you choose the right replacement and configure the device correctly
The replacement of the heater, gaskets or any other element of the boiler must be carried out with a new part, which in all respects corresponds to a faulty one. Therefore, it is better to dismantle the old element and take it with you to the store.
It does not hurt to study the product labeling or its characteristics set forth in the technical passport of the boiler so that the serviceable element matches the broken one not only externally.
Dismantling the boiler for repairs is carried out in the following order:
- Turn off the power and water supply.
- Drain the water inside.
- Unscrew the fasteners from the protective cover.
- Remove the cover.
- Dismantle the heater.
- Take out the thermostat and temperature sensor.
It is usually more convenient to work with mounted models if you first remove them from the wall. The cover can be located at the bottom, side and even on the front panel - it all depends on the model. Particular care must be taken with the temperature sensor.
If the flasks of the device accidentally break, they cannot be repaired. Most likely, you will have to completely replace the entire thermostat.
Scale deposits on the surface of the heating element can be very significant, so care must be taken when removing it from the housing
Caution will not hurt when removing the heating element. If too much scale accumulates on the surface of the heater or the bulb that protects it, it can be difficult to remove it from the tank. Sudden movements and excessive force can cause permanent damage.
Faced with a problem that you cannot solve on your own, be sure to contact a service center. Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis, correctly perform repairs or install a new part.
The experience of professionals and amateurs is the best adviser in the implementation of DIY repair. Helpful videos may help you identify the problem and fix it.
An option to eliminate boiler leakage by cold welding is presented in this video:
The procedure for cleaning the boiler is graphically presented here:
This video demonstrates the procedure for checking the electrical elements of a boiler using a tester:
Self-repair of the boiler is reduced mainly to the replacement of damaged elements. Timely maintenance, proper installation and compliance with operating rules will prevent a lot of breakdowns and extend the life of the device.
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