Causes of water heater malfunctions and ways to eliminate them

Water heaters are used as the main or additional source of hot water supply in apartments and country houses. A complex device can fail for various reasons; breakdowns cause a lot of everyday inconvenience and require urgent repair. Let's take a closer look at why cold water does not flow into the water heater, why the pressure may decrease, and why difficulties arise with heating.

Water heater

How to troubleshoot

If the cause of the leak is a faulty valve, then it is replaced with a working part adjusted to the same operating pressure. When replacing, or better yet, while installing a water heater, try not to use cheap Chinese products. Remember that the safety of your family directly depends on the valve. Good Italian safety valves with the same non-separable design, although they cost several times more, are purchased once. As practice shows, there are no problems with them in the future. Connect a flexible transparent hose to the drain outlet of the device. This will help you visually evaluate the performance of the part. Lead the end of the hose into the sewer or a suitable container.

Leaking when the boiler is off

Let's simulate the following situation: the water heater is disconnected from the network, the water supply from the water supply is turned on (the tap on the pressure line is open). Water is flowing from the boiler drain hole. The cause of this phenomenon may be either a malfunction of the safety valve or increased pressure in the line.

To find the cause of a leaking safety valve, you need to know the water pressure in the water supply

To determine the culprit of the leak, you need to measure the cold water pressure in the water supply. The fact is that if the main pressure exceeds the accepted SNiP, the valve will open and perform its functions of discharging excess water into the sewer. Most water heater safety valves that manufacturers equip their products with are set to a pressure of 6 to 8 atmospheres. The maximum pressure allowed by SNiP in main water pipelines should not exceed 6 atmospheres. In fact, it often happens that actual indicators exceed standard values ​​by 1 - 2 atmospheres. Naturally, the safety mechanism will work.

The second cause of leaks may be the valve itself. Wear of its plate or seat, weakening of the spring - these are the factors that can lead to leaks. Cheap Chinese products are often susceptible to such malfunctions.

The possibility of particles of scale or debris getting under the locking mechanism plate, which can happen during an emergency pressure release or after draining water from the boiler during maintenance or repair work, cannot be discounted.

Why is the water heater not working?

First of all, you need to figure out the cause of the problem. Most often, owners of water heating equipment encounter the following malfunctions:

• The water pressure at the outlet of water heating equipment decreases.
• The boiler takes in water and heats it, but there is no water coming out.
• Water does not flow into the tank of the water heating unit.

A boiler is a complex system consisting of many pipes of various diameters, filters, valves and faucets. Failure of any node can lead to malfunction of the entire system.

Boiler design

Here are the main causes of malfunctions:

• Deposition of insoluble carbonate salts (scale) on pipe walls, valve parts or valves.
• Ingress of rust particles.
• Blocking the flow of water with an air bubble.
• Failure of the valve or valve (jamming of parts).

First of all, you need to find the problem node. To do this, sequentially disconnect the parts from the inlet and see after which unit water stops flowing into the system. Once the problem area is found, repairs can begin.

Prevention

If there are problems with water pressure from the water heater, it is necessary not only to eliminate the causes, but also to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future.

Preventive measures will help with this:

1. Adjust the temperature and pressure level. Sudden changes in the flow of water into the unit should not be allowed, so as not to provoke detonation. In this case, the specified heating temperature should be sufficient for the selected water pressure.
2. Overheating leads to the formation of excess scale and detachment of radiator particles (burnout). Therefore, the water temperature should not exceed 55 degrees.
3. Monitor the condition of the filter. The cleaning element is designed to retain salts that damage the surface of the pipes. The filter will also protect the column from small debris contained in the water.
4. Installing an electric water softener will help reduce the risk of scale formation.
5. If you notice a drop in outlet pressure, immediately contact a specialist. He will check the operation of the column and provide service.

Problems with the water heater or water heating boiler will not arise if preventive measures are taken in a timely manner. The main condition for long-term operation of the units is soft, clean water and the absence of sudden pressure surges.

Everything you need to know about hot water is presented in this section of the site.

Why does the boiler cool down quickly even though we recently bought it?

First, let's look at the simplest reason for a recent purchase. If you recently purchased a water heater and have not used it before, then we must warn you about some interesting points.

A good 80-liter water heater, fully heated (this can be understood by the indicator), should freely allow 3 adults to wash themselves in the shower, and at the same time the latter will no longer have hot water flowing. Why is that? We actually waste a lot of water when we bathe, so the system is designed in such a way that cold water is supplied from below, and hot water is taken from above (even if the supply visually comes from below). Therefore, when there is less and less hot water, some of it mixes with the lower layers of cold, and cool water comes out.

Even if you were told that now you can wash with almost five of you, you were deceived. Now many people are complaining about the insufficient power of their water heater, and it turns out that they were told fairy tales in stores.

Why does the boiler cool down quickly after moving or after reinstallation?

If you moved this water heater to a new apartment, or it was installed by “insufficiently qualified technicians,” there are some errors that may affect its operation.

1. The most common reason why the boiler cools down quickly is incorrect connection of the water supply and outlet hoses. In this case, the water will heat up, but it will cool down much faster, since cold water will fill the system from above, and according to physics, will move down to the outlet. Therefore, after some time, you will no longer be able to wash normally, even though hot water will still be in the system.
2. In addition, the concept of “water too cold” is often observed. In winter, the water entering the system is almost icy, and in summer it is slightly warmer. If before the three of you washed normally, but now the third one barely has enough time, know that this is the reason. If the three of us washed normally before, but now the first one doesn’t have enough, then most likely this is not the reason.
3. It is also worth checking the pressure in the system. Often more cold water can be supplied, or rather the pressure can be much greater than necessary, and the drainage system can pump out warm and hot water to avoid rupture of the tank. This happens in extremely rare cases, especially if you installed the system using wizards. Although it is rare to find this, even if you installed it yourself.
4. Sometimes, sudden cooling is possible due to the lack of shut-off valves at the hot water outlet. This is a common installation error, so if you did the installation yourself, you may want to take a look at this problem. In this case, hot water may partially go through the system to your neighbors if you live in an apartment building.
5. The heating element is dirty inside. For the device to work properly, the tank must be opened and cleaned at least once a year. If it has not been cleaned for about 2-4 or more years (the period may be less due to the quality and type of water), the reason may be that a lot of sediment has accumulated on the water heating element, which interferes with normal operation. In this case, you just need to clean the water heater.

These are the main reasons why the boiler cools down quickly. Only a master can really try to solve the problem in this case, especially if the above methods did not help.

Boiler problems:

• the thermal insulation has burst or broken;
• the entire structure is installed on the roof (attic) of the house, so it easily cools down due to the external temperature;
• The water heater itself is defective.

But this happens extremely rarely. The reasons described above occur more often. You can solve it yourself if you understand the problem a little, but if not, then leave a request to the specialist.

Types of devices and their design

The water in the storage boiler can stagnate and stink if the device is not used for a long time.

To find out why the water in a home water heater goes out, you need to pay attention to its design and type. Devices are divided into several categories

Depending on the method of heating, water can be either storage or flow-through. Depending on the energy source, the water heater can be gas or electric.

Cumulative

The heaters are equipped with thermos tanks designed to store hot water. They belong to the universal category and are ideal for cottages and country houses. This is a good option for many connected devices and several users, when there is little pressure in the pipes, with low gas pressure and frequent problems with electricity.

If the water in the boiler is rotten, the reason lies in the tank. Such water heaters differ in the material from which the tank is made: plastic, glass-ceramics, titanium or stainless steel. Plastic tanks are considered the most budget-friendly; enamel-coated options are more durable and are produced by leading manufacturers.

Flow-through

The columns heat the water the moment the tap is opened. Inside the flow-through unit there is a heating element, during connection with which the water temperature rises to the desired level. The smell of hydrogen sulfide from this type of boiler is the most difficult to eliminate. Flow-through heaters are best placed in small apartments where large tanks cannot be installed.

Instantaneous boilers are suitable for infrequent use, as well as for a small number of connection points. The heating source in a flow boiler is a gas burner or an electric heating element. The advantage of boilers of this type is that heated water can be supplied to them without preparation from the sewer and for a long time, but its consumption has limits.

Electric

The cause of the unpleasant odor may be a filter in which microorganisms settle

Electric boilers operate on a simple principle: they are equipped with metal heating elements, in which the water is heated to the desired temperature. The main advantage of such a heater is the available energy source, since finding a source of electricity is easier than connecting the device to a gas pipe. To install it, you do not need the help of specialists or installation of a chimney.

If the water from such a boiler smells of hydrogen sulfide, the reason must be sought in the type of material from which it is made. The main disadvantage of the heater is that it is overpriced compared to similar gas appliances due to high energy prices. Heating the water takes twice as long. If the boiler is completely empty or the heating element is not heated enough, hot water will flow with a delay.

Gas

Gas boilers have a gas-type burner that heats the tank or heat exchanger. Gas-powered appliances are considered the most economical for all heating systems or hot water supply.

Why is the water heater not filling?

Filling the boiler is a simple matter at first glance

It is important to follow the correct sequence of this procedure:

1. the hot water drain valve on the mixer to which the boiler is connected opens, then the cold valve of the general water supply;
2. the liquid gradually fills the reservoir and displaces the air with a hiss;
3. the water level in the tank rises, it begins to overflow into the pipe (level B in the figure);
4. When a steady stream of water flows, you can turn off the mixer.

Diagram of water movement in the boiler

The water heater is full, only now you should turn it on. This is how it should be ideally. But it happens that the boiler suddenly does not draw cold water, although the water supply is working. What can affect this behavior of the heat exchanger?

Filter clogged

At the entrance to the boiler, the water is filtered to remove impurities. To do this, the design of the device has a mesh filter that traps debris and rust particles. The metal grate gasket becomes dirty and the garbage plug prevents the free flow of water. To resume normal filling of the boiler, you need to remove the plug from the flask and remove the mesh. Wash it in the same way as the mixer filter and return it to its place.

There are also replaceable filters with gel filler. Poor quality material can leak and clog the tubes through which water moves. If this is your case, then saving the situation will be very simple: you need to buy a normal filter. But you will have to try and thoroughly clean the water intake pipes with a brush.

Incorrect assembly

It happens that the cold water intake hose is connected to the heated water drainage point, and vice versa. Such a nuisance sometimes happens, especially if the installation was installed by a newbie. As a result, the functioning of the boiler is disrupted and water does not flow into it. The same can be said about an erroneous connection of a safety valve. A specialist will help solve the problem.

Boiler connection

Check valve faulty

To keep water in the boiler and prevent it from flowing back into the general water supply, a safety valve is built into the design of the device. It is located after the shut-off valve, at a short distance from the tank, and acts in one direction when drawing water. It is also designed to relieve excess pressure: when the water gets very hot, the valve locking device presses the spring. Excess fluid is released and the pressure stabilizes.

When worn out or when large particles get into the valve mechanism, it jams and does not allow water to flow into the boiler. It often happens that the chamber behind the disc spring becomes clogged with scale. You can return the unit to functionality by unscrewing the part, disassembling it into its components and thoroughly cleaning it. If the cleaning attempt is unsuccessful, the equipment should not be left without the valve.

Water does not pass through the boiler: reasons

The flush water filter may retain water at the inlet of the boiler - it needs to be cleaned

If one of the nodes through which water flows fails, this most often leads to a blockage of fluid flow through it. There are enough vulnerabilities in the system. If everything is in order, but there is no free flow into the inner barrel, it will also not be possible to take away the coolant - hot water is taken from the top.

Water retention in the filter

Input filters are installed in front of each critical system in order to purify water from coarse inclusions. Their working body consists of a stainless mesh. Depending on the purity of the source, the filters are more or less susceptible to contamination. In some cases, when the liquid contains a high metal content, there is a possibility of complete clogging of the cells of the mesh cylinder and disruption of its functioning.

Checking the filter is easy - access to the compartment with the mesh is under a special nut on the side.

Check valve malfunction

A clogged pressure reducer blocks the flow of water into the water heater

Any check valve has a movable element on the stem. This rod moves in a forward direction under the influence of coolant pressure and back under the action of a spring.

The weak point of the design is the guide hole where the rod goes. If the water heater has not been used for a long time, and there are salt deposits in the water, they can settle on the rod, blocking its movement, which makes it impossible to open the valve. As a result, no water comes out of the boiler.

Incorrect operation of the pressure reducer

When the pressure of the central water supply flow exceeds the permissible operating pressure standards for which household equipment is designed, reduction gears are installed. These elements are equipped with a pass-through valve. The clearances between the valve piston and the bore are very small, which contributes to rapid clogging and increases the risk of clogging.

Scale inside the tank

Lime deposits may block the inlet pipe inside the unit

Low quality electric boilers and aggressive coolant composition can cause scale and rust to form inside the tank. Gradually settling to the bottom, the latter can completely block the opening of the inlet pipe. The lack of water flow automatically makes it impossible to draw it from the outlet pipe.

If the water is known to be hard, choosing a boiler operation that does not allow the coolant to reach very high temperatures will help avoid scale formation.

Clogged pipe channels

The pipes supplying water to the electric boiler, especially flexible hoses, have a small channel cross-section. This can also cause them to become clogged. Most of all, you should expect disruptions in the functioning of the hot line, since due to the temperature, scale is intensively deposited on the internal walls. The intake pipe inside the flask goes into this risk zone.

Malfunction of input and output valves

If the mesh on the faucet is clogged, it will not allow water to pass through well - you need to clean it with an acid solution

For the convenience of repair work or maintenance of the water heater, shut-off valves can be installed at its inlet and outlet. These are usually ball, butterfly valves or dampers. All of these devices have moving mechanical parts that can fail. For example, the control rod of a ball valve may burst when closed. Visually, the valve is open, although in reality the opposite is true, so the boiler will not draw water.

Faucet clogged

The reason for the slow flow of hot water or its complete absence may be the mesh on the mixer tap if it is made of low-quality metal and has oxidized or become clogged with particles of rust and scale. The screen can be easily removed by unscrewing the nut at the top of the tap.

The water in the boiler runs out quickly

Intensive use of water in the summer and a light degree of heating will lead to the boiler emptying faster. It is also possible that excess pressure is created in the tank and the safety valve releases it, releasing part of the hot water. Or, conversely, low pressure in the main water supply, which does not push cold water into the boiler; it is always half empty.

In addition, the heating element was probably recently changed to a less powerful one. The position of the temperature regulator remains at the same level, and the heating element cannot cope with heating. There are many reasons why a water heater empties quickly, below are a few of them.

Leak in the housing

Boilers are made of durable materials that can withstand high pressure and weight. With intense use and poor maintenance, corrosion forms on the inner surface of the tank - fistulas through which water leaves the tank. The development of corrosion is influenced by:

• salt deposits on the walls;
• scale;
• long idle time in an empty, undried state.

If the boiler is rotten, the holes cannot be sealed by welding. Such a housing cannot be used and should be in a landfill.

The boiler body is rusty

Leaky connections

The check valve, reducer and other elements of the plumbing structure must be connected firmly, without gaps. The nodes must be sealed with tow, fum tape or plumbing thread and filled with sealant. If this is not done, weakly secured places will definitely leak sooner or later. Imperceptibly or obviously, water will leave the boiler, and this will lead to breakdown: if the thermal protection does not work, the heater will burn out.

Hot water does not flow from the water heater, reasons

Often, many users are faced with the fact that water does not come out of the boiler. Hot water does not flow from the water heater for various reasons. Next we will tell you why hot water does not come from the water heater, what to do in such situations and how to troubleshoot problems.

Read in the article

Reasons for lack of hot water

In answer to the question why there is no hot water pressure in the boiler, we can say that there may be no pressure for various reasons, ranging from manufacturing defects to improper operation.

Filter clogged

As you know, the boiler is filtered from various impurities using a mesh filter that traps debris with rust particles. The lattice top gasket becomes clogged, and a lump of debris prevents the fluid from flowing freely. Therefore, it can end at one moment.

To resume normal boiler filling, you need to remove the plug, wash the mesh and return everything back. There are replaceable types of filters that are filled with helium or air. Bad material leaks out and clogs the water pipes. Buying a normal water supply filter or cleaning the water intake pipes with a brush will help save the situation.

Scale with deposits

Scale is the salts formed on heating appliances. It appears on the water heater tank due to hard water. Removing scale will help fix everything by opening the lid of the water heater and heating element, washing the salt from the walls of the tank and spirals.

Lemon with oxalic acid or anti-scale agents will help dissolve the hard crust. If the tank is completely broken, you will need to replace it or buy a new boiler. Sometimes repairs are more expensive than new equipment, then it makes sense to replace the boiler.

Mixer dirty

Often the liquid from the tap begins to flow poorly. This means that rust has appeared in the mixer. It is necessary to turn off the water supply system and clean the disassembled faucets. Sometimes the problem is in the rubber seals.

Rarely occurring faults

There is no hot water not only because of clogged filters or faucets. There are rare, but more unpleasant malfunctions in the form of structural failures.

Damage to valves

One of the most rare troubles is the breakdown of a valve or tap located on the boiler. Sometimes it leaks, does not turn, or is difficult to turn. The tap needs to be replaced.

Pipe blockage

Clogging of pipes occurs as a result of salt deposits or large, indelible particles entering the filter.

This most often happens where pipes bend. This phenomenon can be eliminated by thoroughly washing the mesh on the filter, cleaning the pipes or replacing them. It is best in this situation to purchase plastic pipes.

Check valve jamming

In some situations, the valve becomes clogged with debris and it flies through the pipes to the boiler unit. In such a situation, it is necessary to remove the check valve, check its functionality and remove debris. Sometimes the reason is a manufacturing defect in the equipment.

Pressure problems

If the water in the tap initially flows well, then poorly, and this happens from time to time, then the cause of the malfunction is a clogged faucet filter. Often the problem also lies in the lack of tight installation of pipes and manufacturing defects.

Failed pressure regulator

It fails as a result of manufacturing defects, improper operation of the boiler and constant low inlet pressure. It is necessary to carry out gearbox diagnostics and, if possible, change the pressure in the gearbox, this must be done.

Remedies

The main way to troubleshoot a boiler is to clean the pipes with a filter. Sometimes replacement parts and professional assistance are required. Also, the help of a specialist is necessary if it is impossible to find the problem on your own.

According to professional opinion, the pressure quickly runs out due to the summer season, low or excess pressure and the installation of a more powerful heating element. This often occurs due to forgetfulness, for example, if you turned on the tap and left it for a long time. It also happens due to a central shutdown.

The most common cause of quickly running out of water is a leak in the housing due to poor maintenance. As a rule, all boiler installations are created in the factory from durable materials that can easily withstand high pressure and weight. However, if corrosion or rust has formed inside the tank, and the owner of the device did not notice it in time, a leak may form. It is not recommended to use such a tank and it is also impossible to repair it. It can only be replaced.

Often the liquid runs out due to leaks in the connections of the check valve, reducer or other elements that make up the plumbing structure. In this case, you need to seal the nodes using tow, fum tape or thread and sealant. Liters of water will flow out of the boiler unit when the tap is opened. This will lead to breakage of the liner in the absence of thermal protection. The Thermex boiler may start to hiss and then burn out.

The third reason is a weak non-return safety valve.

Attention ! A leak does not need repair if liquid fills a liter jar in a day. These are excess elements that are formed during the process of increasing pressure from the heating process. If the system drains quickly, the safety valve can be replaced.

If hot water does not flow at all, this is often due to the appearance of a large blockage in the inlet filter, pipe bends and pipes. This often indicates the formation of dirt in the heating element, the output of the regulator with a check valve or thermostat.

User recommendations if there is no hot water in the boiler

Some users say that hot water in the boiler may leak to neighbors as a result of the valve not working or opening. To confirm the hypothesis, you can look at whether the riser located below the valve is hot or warm. If the riser is hot, it needs to be replaced.

Often the cause is a breakdown of the heating element or heating element. Microcracks may form in it as a result of the action of scale, which becomes more and more numerous. He also gets electrocuted sometimes.

There are other reasons for the lack of heating:

• Breakage of the heating coil. It is best to replace the device, refusing to fix the problem yourself by winding nichrome wire. It is necessary to take into account the fact how the devices are made. During manufacture, they are coated with a ceramic coating to prevent scale. Some models come with a non-removable heating element. Removal requires cracking the copper shell and then soldering or welding.
• Low fluid pressure. The flow sensor does not send a signal to the heating coil.
• Radiator installation clogged. To check the condition of the radiator, you need to disconnect the heater from the network and disassemble it. You can flush the radiator with any descaling agent. If it is very clogged, you can soak it for several hours.

Often the cause is also incorrect installation of equipment or the selected heating mode, breakdown of the thermostat, failure of the rubber gasket of the faucet. Rarely, a malfunction of the thermostat sleeves, power cable, magnesium anode and adjustment knob becomes a factor in the phenomenon. The electronics also break down, making it impossible to select a mode. The problem may lie in improper use of the boiler unit or a defect.

Attention! If the device will not be used for a long time, it is necessary to completely remove water from all hoses with sleeves. To prevent sediment, it is worth filtering the water.

Hot water does not flow from the water heater or it does not happen as it should, for various reasons: from manufacturing defects to blockages and hard water.

DIY water heater repair Ariston 80 liters

Not every user knows how to drain water from a water heater. Almost everyone who owns an electric heating tank sooner or later faces the question of how to clean it from scale. Due to rising utility bills, including hot water supply, more and more residents are buying water heaters to constantly supply hot water to their apartment or house. The boiler is easy to use, does not take up much space and allows you to use it at any time.

A household appliance such as a water heater is very popular. Convenient and low maintenance, it has found its application both in private houses and apartments. However, not everything is as smooth as it may seem, and sometimes owners are faced with incorrect operation of the equipment. The reasons that, for example, hot water does not come from the boiler when you open the tap, may be different. If problems occur, do not panic and replace the device with a new one; in most cases, breakdowns can be repaired.

The inlet part of the water heater passes large volumes of water through itself. To protect the internal parts of the device from foreign elements and water debris, the design provides for the installation of a coarse filter

.
Due to the specific nature of its operation, the filter is subject to periodic contamination. Rusty pipes and dirty water form dense formations on the mesh gasket, interfering with the flow of liquid.
The malfunction is eliminated after thorough cleaning under running water. To do this you need:

• unscrew the cap of the flask using a special key;
• remove the mesh gasket and remove contamination;

If the clog is too dense, you can use dishwashing detergents.

Do not leave the mesh soaked in the solution with the product, just apply it to the sponge and wipe the part. After this, you need to install the filter in place, repeating all the steps in reverse order.

Coarse filter

Repair in the form of cleaning the water heater from sediment with your own hands

Definition of sediment:

• the gas boiler makes a lot of noise;
• The electric one has a minimum level of burnout, and an unpleasant odor emanates from the boiler.

Large amounts of sediment may cause the heating element to malfunction. The reason for the long wait for the water jet to flow is the presence of sediment.

Water heater connection diagram.

In gas boilers, sediment accumulation occurs in the lower part where the burners are located. The ball of sediment releases steam, which causes sounds resembling a rumble. The presence of a gray odor means that there is sediment in which bacteria multiply. To get rid of it, an additional tube is installed. Precipitates can be dissolved. If the boiler is electric, then you need to purchase a vacuum device. If there is no timely disposal of sediment, problems and breakdowns may occur.

To clean the boiler with your own hands, you need:

1. Disconnect the boiler.
2. Shut off the water supply.
3. Pour out the hot water and release excess pressure from the boiler tank. To do this, you need to open the hot water tap.
4. Remove the check valve and then drain the water. It's faster through the valve.
5. Remove the cover from the bottom of the boiler and unscrew the flange nuts.
6. Remove scale from the heating element and from the inside of the flange.
7. If necessary, replace the rod.
8. Check the integrity of the internal coating of the tank. Many models are coated with a layer of glass enamel, which can crumble. It is necessary to inspect the scale for the presence of blue or blue particles that stand out against the background of brown scale.
9. Reassemble in reverse order.
10. After successful assembly, check the boiler for leaks. To do this, the hot water tap should be kept open to allow air to escape from the tank.
11. If a leak occurs under the flange, the gasket is replaced. It is advisable to replace it immediately.

If the DIY repair is unsuccessful, the cost of repairing the water heater may increase significantly.

Mixer dirty

The liquid will flow in a weak stream if the mixer spout

a traffic jam has formed. The pressure will be equally bad for both cold and hot water. To fix the problem, it is necessary to carry out a number of procedures.

1. Close the riser to turn off the water.
2. Carefully remove the mixer.
3. Unscrew the spout from the general body.
4. Remove the mesh and rinse it under running water. If salt deposits or heavy dirt forms, let it soak in a special cleaning solution.
5. Rinse the faucet spout thoroughly and clean the insides of dirt using a brush.
6. Reassemble the mixer in reverse order and install it in place. Don't forget to open the riser.

This procedure may take some time; alternatively, you can simply replace the clogged faucet with a new one. Experts recommend replacing worn parts every few years to avoid serious damage in the future.

Trouble-shooting

Having discovered a problem unit, you need to begin restoring the boiler’s functionality. The procedure depends on the specific reason that is interfering with the normal operation of the device. Let's look at the most common situations.

Scale clogged

Water heater clogged with scale

Scale is deposits of insoluble carbonate salts on the walls of water heating devices. It is found in kettles, washing machines, and water heaters.

The amount of scale depends on the hardness of the water. In regions with hard water, even after a year of operation of the boiler, the amount of salts deposited on the walls may be sufficient to completely block the lumen of the heating element tubes or significantly narrow it.

If scale causes the water heater to fail, repairs must be carried out in the following order:

• Open and remove the protective cover from the water heater.
• Unscrew the nuts holding the heating element in place and remove it.

Dismantling the heating element

Wash the boiler walls and heating element coil from carbonate deposits. Organic acid - lemon or oxalic acid - will help dissolve the hard crust. You can also use industrial products - anti-scale agents. Soak the part in an acid solution to free it from accumulated deposits.

Cleaning the heating element from scale

• Using a tester, make sure that the heating element coil has not burned out due to a violation of heat removal by scale.
• If the spiral is intact, assemble the device in the reverse order of dismantling.

If the heating element fails, you will have to look for a new one or buy a new boiler - you need to choose the most economical solution. If repairs require large financial expenses, it is more profitable to immediately purchase new equipment.

Failure of the pressure reducer

The pressure drops of the incoming water in the system can range from 2.5 to 7 atm. To compensate for surges, a special unit is installed at the boiler inlet - a gearbox. Its task is to ensure equal pressure at the outlet of the boiler and from the tap. If it falls due to a gearbox failure, it is necessary to adjust its operation or replace the broken part.

Low pressure in the main water supply also leads to a drop in pressure at the outlet of the water heating boiler or instantaneous water heater. Unscrew the hose and check the pressure level: if water comes from the main water supply in a thin stream or does not flow at all, you should wait, as the problem may arise due to repair work. If the pressure has not been restored within several hours, you should contact Vodokanal.

Thermostat failure

If the water leaving the boiler does not heat up enough or does not heat up at all, the cause may be a failure of the thermostat - it is responsible for maintaining a constantly high temperature. To carry out diagnostics, turn off the power to the boiler and remove the thermostat from the housing.

• Press the thermostat button.
• Heat the copper tip of the thermostat. If the node is working properly, the button should turn off.
• Test the electrical circuits of the thermostat using a tester.

Typically, a thermostat malfunction is caused by the overheat protection tripping. As a result of the operations performed, the device should work, and the problems will disappear after it is installed in place. If the tester shows an open circuit, you will have to replace the burnt out thermostat.

Faucet clogged

If water comes out of the boiler with sufficient pressure, but flows out of the tap slowly, the reason lies in the faucet being clogged with scale or rust. You will need to turn off the water, disassemble the faucets and thoroughly clean the filter mesh. You also need to inspect all the rubber seals and make sure that the valves are working properly.

Hot water does not flow from the boiler: why and how to fix it

The function of a storage water heater is to achieve and maintain the set water temperature. After prolonged use, situations may arise when the flow pressure becomes weak or cold water comes out of the tap instead of warm. These problems appear as a result of improper maintenance of equipment, for example:

• scale deposits on the heating element;
• pressure reducer malfunction;
• thermostat failure;
• mixer contamination;
• incorrect heating mode.

Before turning on the equipment, you need to turn off the flow of hot water on the riser and open the tap on the mixer. If this is not done, the air will not escape from the tank and the tank will not fill. In addition, the heated water will flow through the riser to the neighbors, and cold water will flow from the boiler or will stop flowing altogether.

To find out the cause of the breakdown, you should first tighten the mixer valve, disconnect the device from the electrical network, empty the tank and begin inspection. You may be able to troubleshoot the problem yourself.

Scale

Hard water and high temperatures contribute to the rapid deposition of salts on the walls of the boiler and heating coil. Scale complicates the process of heating water, and a violation of heat removal can lead to burnout of the heating element. If during the inspection it turns out that the electric heater is covered with a layer of deposits, you need to perform the following steps:

• remove the protective cover;
• unscrew the bolts on which the heating element is attached;
• remove and clean the part by keeping it in a citric acid solution;
• install the spiral in place;
• use a tester to check the contacts.

If, after cleaning, the heating element is operational, then the structure is assembled in the reverse order. But what to do when the spiral fails? In this case, you will have to replace the burnt out electric heating element.

Scale on the heating element

Pressure reducer

In the water supply system, pressure surges from 2.5 to 7 atmospheres occur. To protect the boiler from deformation due to such differences, a special regulator is mounted at the inlet into it. After correctly setting this unit, water flows from the storage tank and the tap with the same force. The pressure at the inlet and outlet of the tank must be the same. If the water pressure from the device is too weak, you need to adjust the reducer or replace it.

Low pressure in cold water supply pipes can also cause insufficient water supply from the boiler. To make sure of this, you need to turn the valve on cold water. If it flows in a thin stream or is absent altogether, repair work is probably underway.

Pressure reducer

Thermostat

Water heating does not occur if the thermostat does not turn on the heating element. You can diagnose a part malfunction as follows:

• disconnect the contacts and remove the thermostat from the housing;
• press the safety button;
• heat the copper tip (the button will turn off if the element is working);
• Use a multimeter to measure the resistance at the contacts.

Perhaps the overheating protection simply triggered and the device’s functionality has been restored. If the tester is silent, the thermostat is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Replacing the thermostat

Mixer

Water flows out of the boiler in a thin stream - this may indicate a blockage in the mixer. You will need to unscrew the spout from the mixer body, rinse the filter mesh from debris, use a brush to go along the internal contour and put the structure back together. A faulty valve on a hot water tap can also cause low pressure. If the components are very worn, it would be better to buy a new mixer.

Installing a filter system at the inlet to the boiler will help to avoid frequent replacement of consumables.

If water does not enter the boiler

If the described reasons have been eliminated, there is water pressure, but the boiler still cannot be filled, the cause may be an incorrect connection (the inlet and outlet pipes are mixed up) or a clogged mesh filter pad. It's easy to fix these problems: unscrew the hoses, rinse the filter and put everything back in the correct order.

Water heater operation diagram

Another cause of the malfunction is a broken check valve. It is installed at the entrance to the storage tank and does not allow water to return to the water supply. It can also release excess pressure when overheated. Over time, the valve spring becomes clogged with particles of scale and rust, causing the valve to jam. Disassembly and thorough cleaning will help resolve the problem. If it was not possible to clean the part and restore its functionality, you will have to look for a replacement.

Having figured out why the boiler may stop working normally and how to eliminate the most common malfunctions, it is worth focusing on preventive measures.

Most breakdowns can be avoided by following simple care recommendations:

• Do not overheat the water. Lower temperatures mean scale forms more slowly, leading to breakdowns.
• The design of many boilers includes the use of softening cartridges. Don't skimp on water softening, as this will help you avoid spending on repairs.
• When leaving for several days, turn off the device without draining the water. But turning it off at night to save energy is impractical due to the high wear and tear on the electrical part.

You can solve the problem yourself. Let's look at the most common malfunctions of water heaters.

Can I fix the problem myself?

Troubleshooting a water heater requires the user to have experience working with water heating equipment. This will help him not to confuse anything and actions to correct breakdowns will not cause even bigger problems.

If there is no such experience, then when dismantling various parts of the water heater, disassembling its parts and components, it is better to invite a specialist involved in the repair of devices of this class and brand. The measures are related to the fact that different models of devices from different manufacturers necessarily have significant design and functional features and their own specific functioning. This applies to both the appearance of the device and the features of the configuration, the layout of its internal parts and elements.

For example, one well-known company decided to equip its water heaters with connecting elements in the form of self-clamping clamps, while another uses nuts to connect pipes, and the use of anything else, in this case, will be useless.

In heating devices from other companies, the spiral of the water heating element is placed in a hole with a diameter of 65 mm. To attach it to the tank, special tools are needed, and the screwed-in bolts are so tightly connected to the nuts that it is simply impossible to unscrew them even if you try. As a result, when something in the device fails, it will not be possible to quickly open its case. In addition, all fastening parts, and there may be more than 12 of them, will have to be removed with a grinder, and the likelihood that by removing the bolts, you can also remove part of the body at the same time is very high. In addition, a boiler is an electrical device, and in order to work with it, you need to know which wire should be connected to which element. Not knowing and not following safety precautions when working with electrical devices can lead to dangerous consequences, the most harmless of which will be a short circuit in the electrical wiring.

If there are interruptions in the operation of the boiler, you cannot do without contacting specialists because difficulties are caused not only by the breakdown of parts of the device, but also by external factors that are in no way dependent on either the user or the device that he is trying to fix on his own.

However, it is necessary to carry out preventive maintenance of the device from time to time: change filters, inspect the internal tank for leaks and possible damage, check the integrity of the electrical wiring, at the slightest suspicion that the device is not working correctly. In the event of a breakdown, contact the service center to troubleshoot. Then the water heater will last a long time and it will be safe to use.

Weakness of the non-return safety valve

Water leakage through the valve drain pipe can be considered normal if a liter jar is drawn drop by drop from it over the course of a day. This is the excess formed when pressure increases from heating. But sometimes it is impossible to determine the amount of liquid flowing out, since it goes down the drain hose into the sewer. If the boiler empties unusually quickly, you may suspect a weak valve. In this case, you will have to install a new part, and in general it is recommended to change this important unit annually.

Water drips from the valve - this is normal.

It is forbidden to empty the boiler through the safety valve opening! Scale and sediment can clog the drainage pores and the mechanism will stop functioning.

1. No matter how well the water heater is thermally insulated, heat loss cannot be avoided. So you shouldn't set the temperature regulator to maximum. If the water consumption is moderate, it is better to heat it to a medium temperature so that dilution is not required. Strong heating is desirable at a time when you need to take a shower and you will need to draw a lot of water. Lower temperature means less scale.
2. If no one will be home for several days, the water heater should be turned off, but left full. But night shutdowns will not help save energy and will even lead to accelerated wear and breakdown of electronics, which are often forced to experience overloads.
3. After a long period of inactivity, the musty water must be drained, the boiler must be rinsed and refilled. Warm up at maximum mode for two hours, this will help get rid of unpleasant odors and bacteria. When there is no need to use the boiler for a long time, for example, in winter at the dacha, it is emptied, dried well and kept warm.
4. A useful element such as a magnesium anode will help reduce the formation of scale on the walls of the boiler. It dissolves over time and should be replaced about once a year. But this is a general recommendation, and in each specific case you need to think about whether to interfere with the operation of the equipment. The level of hardness and impurities in the water is different everywhere, but if the unit begins to crackle and heats up more slowly, it would be a good idea to disassemble the structure and inspect it from the inside.

Anode for water heater

1. To soften the water, you can install a filter at the inlet of the boiler, the cartridge of which is filled with a special resin. This substance displaces magnesium and calcium ions, and sodium ions appear in their place. Another way to reduce water hardness is to install a hydromagnetic system. The magnet crystallizes the salts, turning them into sludge, which are then retained by the filter.

A properly installed and properly operated boiler can last up to 15 years. Its performance is influenced by various factors: from water parameters to the quality level of parts and components. In diagnostics and repairs, the “random” method should not be used; the main rule is to follow the requirements of the instructions.

Storage tanks capable of heating water to a certain temperature (in common parlance - water heaters or boilers) are most often installed in those rooms where there is no centralized supply of hot water, or there is a high probability of its shutdown. This device has not lost its relevance from ancient times to the present day. Thus, the ancient Greek mechanic Heron of Alexandria (second half of the 1st century AD) is rightfully considered the inventor of the boiler. The unit he created heated cold water with steam. Then they forgot about it, and therefore at the end of the 17th - beginning of the 18th centuries they were forced to reinvent the device. But, like any other household electrical appliance, even an advanced water heater can break down as a result of exposure to internal or external factors, as well as due to simple wear and tear of parts. All the reasons why hot water does not come from the boiler, as well as ways to eliminate them, will be described in this material.

Typical malfunctions of the Thermex heater

The wide range of Thermex models allows you to choose a 100-liter boiler for a large family, a 10-15-liter boiler for use in a small kitchen, etc. The device is a metal heating tank, inside of which a heating element is located. The operation of the heater is controlled by a relay, as well as a thermostat. The magnesium anode helps to “soften” tap water.

It is worth noting that modern water heaters are equipped with a control unit that has a self-diagnosis function. The system detects the faulty unit and displays an error code. Having deciphered the meaning, you can understand where to look for a breakdown and how to fix it yourself.

Error table for Thermex water heaters

The video will help you deal with error E1:

Other problems with an electric water heater include:

• The appliance does not heat the water or takes too long to do so.
• Noise is heard during operation.
• Runs only for a short time.
• Doesn't work, won't turn on.
• The tank leaked.
• Unpleasant odor and color of water.

If you notice one of the signs, then proceed with inspection and repair.

Valve leakage during water heater operation

If the water heater is connected to the network and heats water for a long time without significant water intake, then the cause of the constant leakage is most likely a faulty safety valve. The fact is that during the initial heating of cold water, its volume in the boiler will increase by about 2-3%. This excess liquid will be discharged from the tank. In the future, the boiler simply maintains the temperature of the hot water, so there should be no leaks, so the cause should be sought either in a breakdown or in a clogged safety valve.

A completely different picture should be observed with increased water consumption, for example, while taking a shower: the constantly leaving volume of hot liquid will be continuously replaced by cold water. But when it heats up, the excesses indicated above will begin to appear. Therefore, the flow of a certain amount of water from the drainage hole in this case is quite logical.

Safety valve device for water heater

And the third option is for a small, extended water withdrawal. For example, washing dishes or cooking. With such a flow rate of hot water, there should not be a constant leak from the drainage tube, but the periodic leakage of liquid drops will indicate the correct operation of the water heater.

Device and principle of operation

In general, we can talk about three types of devices capable of storing and heating water:

• electric water heaters;
• indirect heating boilers;
• gas water storage tanks.

All of these devices have a similar design and operate on the same principle. They differ only in the heat sources used to heat the water. In this case, the role of a heater can be performed by: a heating element, a coil with a coolant supplied to it (for example, a boiler), or a gas burner. Structurally, all boilers have the form of a wall-mounted tank, the internal surfaces of which are covered with heat-insulating material. Cold water enters it through a pipe located in the lower part, and the heated liquid is taken from the upper part.

The heaters in all boilers are located in the lower part. The water in the tank is heated to the required temperature and then used by the owner for its intended purpose. To maintain and, if necessary, adjust the required temperature regime, a special thermostat is built

. In addition, the boiler is equipped with a temperature meter, with which the user can control the degree of water heating, and a safety valve that prevents the unnecessary leakage of liquid.

Elimination of external and internal causes

If the well is built on high water, the water may enter the boiler already with an odor

When the heater itself does not cause the odor, it is worth taking measures to eliminate external causes. It is recommended to deepen the well or borehole and collect water at a different level, and install special filters for the water supply system. You also need to contact the housing and communal services services or water utility, which are responsible for the quality of the supplied liquid. If the problem with water purity can be solved on your own, the owner of the boiler will not have to write a statement to the utility company.

By the stench and the hint of scale, you can guess what exactly the problem is. When the heater has not yet begun to emit pungent odors, you need to completely drain the water from it, fill it with fresh water, turn on the unit at full power and leave it running for several hours. Afterwards, pour out the water again and change it, then use the device in standard mode.

Boiling at a temperature of more than 40 degrees can also solve the problem. The boiler is cleaned in this mode if the bad smell has not disappeared. In this case, the water heater is cleaned of mucus, dirt particles, scale and other harmful substances that can cause breakdown. Such a unit is dismantled by first pouring out the water and disconnecting the parts, including hoses, wires, heating elements, and the lower flange. It must be treated with a solution of citric acid, washed with a sponge and rinsed with warm water.