How to use a water heater correctly

Water heater maintenance

The list of maintenance work is not too voluminous:

• replacement of the magnesium anode;
• descaling;
• checking the check valve at the inlet.

Replacing the magnesium anode

This element prevents the crystallization of scale on the walls of the tank and heating element. Gradually, the magnesium anode dissolves, so it is prescribed to change it to a new one about once a year.

It should be noted that many boiler service masters in private conversations or in discussions on thematic forums give the following advice: while the water heater is working normally, you do not need to disassemble it and change anything.There are cases when boilers have been working properly for 10 years or more without any intervention - it all depends on the amount of salts in the water, that is, its hardness.

If the boiler is expensive and under warranty, it is better to change the anode with the help of service specialists

If the device has become clearly worse at heating water, and during the operation of the heater, hissing or crackling is heard inside, then the scale layer has developed a significant thickness and it is really time to change the magnesium anode

At the same time, the tank and heating element must be carefully cleaned of salt deposits

Those who have water in the water supply system with increased hardness are advised to take measures to soften it. There are two ways:

1. Install a softening filter with a cartridge filled with ion exchange resin in front of the boiler. This substance replaces calcium and magnesium ions with harmless sodium. It is better to choose filters that can be regenerated (restored) at home.
2. Installation of a hydromagnetic system (HMS). This device is non-volatile. It is equipped with a permanent magnet, the field of which causes hardness salts to crystallize, as a result of which they turn from solution into sludge - a suspension of small particles. Sludge is retained by a fine filter installed after the magnet.

The simplest way to clean the scale and deposits can be seen in the video.

Checking the serviceability of the check valve at the inlet to the boiler

This procedure is recommended to be performed annually. Here's what to do:

1. Shut off the tap that cuts off the boiler from the cold water line.
2. Shut off the root valve, which cuts off the internal wiring of the cold water supply from the riser.
3. Open the cold water faucet on any of the faucets.All these actions will allow you to check the root valve for leaks: if water does not drip from the tap, then everything is in order with it and you can start checking the check valve.
4. Open the valve that isolates the boiler from cold water.

Open both taps on the mixer (air will flow into the system through the open tap for hot water). If the check valve lets water through, it will drip from the faucet.

Regular cleaning of the water heater

As mentioned earlier, the boiler needs regular cleaning, which should be done at least once every two years. You can do it more often, in this case a lot depends on how hard the water is used. The boiler will clog faster if:

• well water is used;
• water does not meet the requirements for purity or hardness.

But these are very approximate data, because it was often necessary to clean the boiler two months after installation. It happens and vice versa - the device has been serving for ten years and is in excellent condition, without going through a single cleaning.

The boiler must be cleaned regularly

But there is no need to "go too far" in any case. Conduct a routine inspection a year and a half after purchase. If, when examining the boiler, you find that very little scale has formed, then the next cleaning can be carried out in a couple of years. But if the water began to heat up longer, and the device makes suspicious sounds during operation, this means that it's time to start cleaning immediately. In addition, if necessary, you can change the magnesium rod, and for this you need to know how to drain the water from the boiler.

Regular cleaning of the water heater

As mentioned earlier, the boiler needs regular cleaning, which should be done at least once every two years.You can do it more often, in this case a lot depends on how hard the water is used. The boiler will clog faster if:

• well water is used;
• water does not meet the requirements for purity or hardness.

But these are very approximate data, because it was often necessary to clean the boiler two months after installation. It happens and vice versa - the device has been serving for ten years and is in excellent condition, without going through a single cleaning.

The boiler must be cleaned regularly

But there is no need to "go too far" in any case. Conduct a routine inspection a year and a half after purchase. If, when examining the boiler, you find that very little scale has formed, then the next cleaning can be carried out in a couple of years. But if the water began to heat up longer, and the device makes suspicious sounds during operation, this means that it's time to start cleaning immediately. In addition, if necessary, you can change the magnesium rod, and for this you need to know how to drain the water from the boiler.

Typical instructions for a water heater Ariston 80 liters

Water heaters of this volume are necessary for daily use by the whole family. The presence of sensors and temperature level guarantees safe operation.

For long-term use of the device, it is necessary to carry out installation according to all the rules or with the help of an experienced craftsman. To avoid breakdowns and other troubles, follow the rules of operation:

1. The first switching on and switching off is carried out with a filled tank.
2. If the batteries are damaged, be sure to replace the weak parts.
3. In a room with a minus temperature, it is necessary to drain the water from the heater.
4. Long periods of inactivity of the appliance without heating function must be carried out with a closed tap or valve supplying water. Also, heaters must be unplugged from the outlet.

Devices for high-quality water heating from Ariston are presented in user-friendly sizes, equipped with all kinds of engineering improvements and are available in all major retail chains. It is enough to choose the model you need for individual installation.

Overview of the Ariston Velis PW 50 Water Heater - video

For residents of cities, at least once a year, there comes a period when an “apartment with all conveniences” turns into an “apartment with inconveniences”.

The reason for this metamorphosis is the preventive shutdown of hot water supply. Even in hot weather, the absence of this “good of civilization” causes tangible discomfort, and even if this happened in the cold season…

Not wanting to waste time on tedious running around with buckets and pots, many resort to a very simple solution - install a boiler. In this article, we will learn how to use a water heater, get acquainted with popular brands and talk about their maintenance.

The structure of the unit

Most of the options that are popular today are cumulative. They consist of the following parts:

• The inner tank is most often made of stainless steel, which allows you to use heated water for both personal hygiene and cooking. The main problem of this part is corrosion, which is caused by the action of electrical particles. This can be avoided by changing the magnesium anode annually.
• TEN - heating part.It may differ in shape, type of heating, connection method. The efficiency of the unit depends on its power.
• Magnesium anode - acts as a protective device.
• Thermal insulation reduces heat loss. She doesn't break down.
• The body can be made of metal or plastic. The most popular combined models. As a rule, damage to this part is the result of mechanical impact.
• The cold liquid supply pipe is part of the water supply in the apartment. As a rule, they are made of metal-plastic, but other materials can be used.
• The thermostat is a sensor that measures and indicates the heating temperature.
• The thermostat is another protective element that eliminates the possibility of overheating.

What is a boiler

The storage electric water heater is a device that gives its users independence from the general heating system. In fact, it is like a large thermos, which provides long-term storage of the desired water temperature. All this happens thanks to the heat-insulating layer, however, there are other important components in the design of the unit:

• heating element (most often heating element);
• thermostat to adjust the water temperature;
• the container itself is in the form of a steel tank (enamelled from the inside).

That's just the tank and determines the cost of the device. If all other parts can be easily replaced, then in the event of a tank leak, it would be best to buy a new boiler.

Details

Cleaning the heating element of the water heater from scale without disassembly

It is not always possible to disassemble the water heater in order to carry out its deep mechanical cleaning. This process is time consuming and complex.To disassemble a large boiler, the help of another person is needed. As a preventive treatment or first aid, you can use special products that can dissolve scale and clean the heating element from contamination.

How to remove scale in a water heater using professional tools

Water that passes through a rusty water supply should be used with products containing phosphoric acid. According to the recommendations of experts, it is better to use the following tools:

— Aipacon;

— Cillit ZN/I;

— Thermagent Active;

— Alphaphos.

REFERENCE! Equipment that has been in operation for more than 2-3 years should not be cleaned with products based on other acids.

The inside of the boiler can be cleaned with surfactant-based products. The most effective are Alumtex and Steeltex.

Before using the products, it is necessary to carefully study the instructions for cleaning the boiler from scale. The manufacturer usually indicates the exposure time on the packaging.

Usually the solution still needs to be prepared, that is, mixed with water in the required proportions. Then you need to open the cold water supply on the water heater and drain the hot water by 60-70 percent. Using the reverse connection of the boiler, you need to pour the prepared solution into the tank. Then you need to leave the product for 5-6 hours and drain through the hot water flow tap.

Cleaning the water heater from scale at home using folk remedies

If it was not possible to buy a specialized tool for some reason, then you can try using improvised means. You can clean the heater from scale with vinegar or citric acid.

To prepare an active solution, you need to dissolve 0.5 kg of citric acid in two liters of water.Release the tank by 1/3, and pour acid inside. In this state, the tank must be left overnight. During this time, lime deposits and rust should dissolve.

REFERENCE! Inside the boiler is protected by thin enamel, which can be easily damaged by aggressive chemical compounds.

Boiler disassembly and heating element cleaning

Experts advise to completely disassemble small units to clean them from scale. Thus, you can return them to their original performance indicators.

To clean the water heater from the scale layer, it must first be disconnected from the power supply and shut off the cold water supply. Then you need to wait 2-3 hours so that the water temperature decreases and the person does not get burned. Then you need to open the hot water tap and empty the tank.

Then the scale should be removed as follows:

1. The hot water inlet hose must be disconnected and the corresponding tap on the mixers must be opened so that the residues drain off.
2. Disconnect the power cable from the thermostat and heating element, proceeding carefully.
3. Gradually unscrew the flange to which the heating elements fit, allow the remaining water to drain. After which it must be completely removed.

REFERENCE! Now is the time to take a picture of the internal connection of the boiler, so as not to get confused later in its electrical circuit.

A heating element that has been successfully removed must be descaled. This must be done with a sharp object. A knife, chisel or other object with an abrasive surface will do

Be careful not to damage the tube

The storage tank must be cleaned of mucus and other contaminants with a brush or plastic scraper.In this case, do not put pressure on the case or rub it hard, as this can lead to a breach of tightness or damage to the walls.

After the descaling work has been carried out, you need to assemble the boiler in the reverse order of its disassembly.

Before installing the boiler in place, it is recommended to clean the rubber parts of the boiler and treat them with sealant. With this technique, you can avoid the flow of water during the operation of the water heater and reduce the risk of scale.

After installing the heating element in place, you need to do the following:

1. Hang the boiler in place.
2. Connect it to the pipeline.
3. Turn on the cold water supply and open the hot tap.
4. Wait until the boiler is filled with water and check the tank for integrity.
5. Put the thermostat in place and connect the wires.
6. Install the relief valve in place.
7. Plug the boiler into an outlet.

REFERENCE! If the boiler is regularly cleaned of rust and scale, then this process will not take much time, so that the life of the device will be extended.

Heating mode selection

This action depends only on the preferences of the user, temperature regulation should be on the touch screen for new models and on the thermometer for old ones.

Most often, people heat water up to 40. But there are a few tips that will be useful for everyone:

• At 30-40 degrees, bacteria are very active. They are very satisfied with such living conditions, and death does not occur at such low temperatures.
• The most optimal option is 50. In this temperature regime, scale will not form inside the mechanism, and it will last much longer. In addition, mold and fungus will not bother you.
• Once every 2 weeks, you need to use the maximum temperature regime for several hours.This is to kill bacteria. Water should not poison the body.
• Many users turn off the heater at night and only use cold water in the morning. Most often this is done in order to save money, but does not affect the total amount of electricity in the apartment. A maximum of 50-100 rubles for the sake of savings and a frosty morning shower.

Rules for using the device

You can use the accumulative type device immediately after the first start. To do this, turn it on and select the operating mode. Throughout the operation, you will have to follow some rules. They will help increase the life of the boiler.

• Before switching on, check the presence of water in the tank. This will prevent failure of the heaters.
• It is recommended to install a filter on the pipe supplying water to the boiler. It will protect against dirt and reduce water hardness.
• Descale the storage tank at least once a year.
• Periodically monitor the performance of the protective anode, change if necessary.

Read how to choose pipes for plumbing in a private house.

PVC pipes and plumbing fittings this is a guarantee of high-quality water in the house, read about the benefits.

Flow type devices require compliance with several other rules.

• Check the water pressure before turning on the power. A weak jet will not allow the device to function normally.
• In case of uncomfortable temperature, adjust it with the buttons on the body or by turning the mixer tap.
• If the heater is to be installed in a bathroom, provide splash protection.
• Hot water is no longer needed - be sure to turn off the device.

Both devices are not recommended for installation in rooms where the temperature can drop below zero. This will freeze the water inside the appliance and cause it to break.

The reliability of the equipment depends not only on the quality of the products. Also important: the correct installation, inclusion and use of equipment. Compliance with the recommendations given in the article will significantly increase the period of uninterrupted operation of the boiler.

How to use the boiler?

After turning on the unit, set the desired hot water temperature. On most heaters, manufacturers provide 3 positions: at 35, 55-57 and 75 ºС. Some models also have the fourth position - “anti-freeze”, then the temperature in the tank is maintained at 10 ºС. The actual operation is to set the temperature control to the desired position and use the water. In this case, it is worth following these recommendations:

• never turn on the boiler, if for some reason the tank of the unit is empty, this can lead to failure of the heating element. The safety valve at the inlet has a built-in non-return valve, its performance must be checked at least once a year;
• although the temperature of the boiler is adjusted in accordance with the wishes, it is necessary to turn it on to the maximum once every 2 weeks and maintain this mode for 2 hours. This is necessary so that harmful bacteria that live in warm water do not multiply in the tank;
• there should be a strainer at the cold water inlet to the house. If the water is hard, then it is necessary to organize additional cleaning and desalination, otherwise all thermal equipment, including the boiler, will not last long;
• Once every 2 years, flush the tank from scale, and also check the condition of the protective magnesium anode and, if necessary, change it.

Using an electric instantaneous water heater is also quite simple. The device turns on immediately after opening the tap, the water temperature is regulated by decreasing and increasing the pressure. When running too hot water, then the pressure must be increased, if cold, then reduced. For these devices, water hardness is also important, the presence of a large amount of salts will cause scale inside the heating element. First, the heating intensity will drop, and then the element will fail.

How to use the Termex water heater: general instructions for EWH

However, despite the structural differences, the order of their inclusion has the same principle. The universal instruction for starting the Termex boiler is as follows:

• Before turning on the water heater, the shut-off valves for supplying hot liquid from the common riser are closed. This is done even if a non-return valve is installed on the pipe. After all, with a slight malfunction without blocking the channel, the device will heat the central water supply.
• Before connecting the Termex storage water heater to the network, it is filled with water. The outlet of the hot liquid device and the mixer are opened in turn, and after them - the inlet of the cold stream. These manipulations are necessary to force air out of the system.
• After the water has flowed in an even stream, you can turn it off, turn on the unit in the power grid and, after setting the settings and waiting for an hour or two, start using it.

The Thermex water heater connection diagram when using flow-through devices will be similar, except that the result will be felt immediately.

The next stage after switching on is a performance check. Before using the Termex water heater, you need to:

• Make sure that the power indicators light up when plugged in.
• Measure the temperature of the liquid supplied to the mixer.
• After 20 minutes, take a look at the sensors of the equipment, if the boiler with the touch panel is connected correctly, the temperature indicator should already increase on the device. In the absence of an electronic panel, it is necessary to measure the degree of water heating at the outlet of the mixer again.

What to do if Termex does not turn on

The process of installing a Thermex instantaneous water heater or any other model requires the presence of serviceable network elements: sockets, circuit breakers, cables of sufficient thickness. The devices have a very high power, so if they do not work, first of all, armed with a tester, you need to check the presence of electricity in the outlet, then the power terminals. Video instructions for installing a Termex water heater will help you find their location, and a tester will help you take readings. If the voltage is zero, then the cable of the electrical appliance is broken.

What to do if the Termex water heater does not turn on, or rather, power is supplied, but it gives an error - the most popular question. In this case, you need to open the device manual and look at the explanation corresponding to the code indicated on the display. If this is not possible, the causes of the problem may be as follows:

The heating element has a damaged or burned out spiral.A sign is often a breakdown of electricity on the case, then the RCD machine immediately trips and turns off the power supply. The only way to deal with this is by replacing the heating element.
The protection is activated if the heating of the coolant rises above the set limit (usually more than 90 degrees), which occurs both when the control thermostat breaks down and when scale accumulates on the heating element, after which it overheats.
The tank is not filled with water. How to turn on the Thermex ID 50V boiler for the first time or another model was discussed above, and if the requirements for etching air from the nozzles are not met, the protective mechanism is triggered

Note that you need to do this even if the system is full, but it has not been used for a long time.

Any owner of such a water heater knows how to use a boiler. But how to save money on electricity bills without breaking the law, only a few lucky people know. After reading this article, you will be one of them by learning how to save on hot water.

In the modern world, it is difficult to do without a water heater in the apartment.

How to use instantaneous water heater

A tankless water heater has its advantages and disadvantages. The first include the fact that the use of such heaters does not limit your family in the amount of hot water consumption. You can even take turns swimming all day with the whole family. The inconvenience is the impossibility of simultaneously supplying hot water to several points of water intake. Yes, and with a strong pressure of water, it is difficult to achieve a high temperature of its heating, if there is no way to adjust the flow.

Instantaneous water heater

Particular attention should be paid to the installation of an instantaneous electric water heater. The high power of this device is based on the high power consumption

And in order to avoid overheating of the network, it is wiser to lay a separate wiring and for this it would be more correct to invite specialists. High-quality installation and proper connection of the water heater will protect your family from misfortune.

For efficient operation of the equipment and reduction of energy costs, you need to know how to use an electric water heater:

• Remember, the closer you place the water heater to the faucet, the less the water will cool down “on the way”.
• With increased water hardness, it is recommended to install special filters, so you will extend the life of the device.
• Flowing water heaters should not be left in rooms with negative temperatures, this leads to their damage and breakdowns.
• Turning on the instantaneous water heater, check the water pressure at the tap. With a low pressure, it is recommended not to set a high heating temperature, as the device may not turn on at all.

In order for household equipment to work efficiently for many years, it is necessary to follow the rules of use and maintenance. Our article, expert advice and operating instructions for an instantaneous water heater or boiler will help you with this.

Published: 27.09.2014

And in conclusion…

The issue of electrical safety has always been and will be the main one in dealing with electrical engineering, so pay special attention to both the installation of protection circuits and the presence of other important things - the presence of the necessary grounding, potential equalization circuit, reliable electrical wiring.It should also be remembered that the installation of an electrical outlet directly in the bathroom is strictly prohibited.

RCD selection example

As an example of use RCD selection tables, you can try to choose a protective RCD for washing machine.Electrical power for household washing machine usually carried out in a single-phase circuit, using two-wire or three-wire wiring. Based on the single-phase power supply, it is not necessary to use a three-phase RCD and choose four-pole RCDs and a single-phase one is quite enough, bipolar RCD, and therefore we consider only selection table bipolar modular RCDs. Because washing machine is a rather complex household device that uses both water and electricity at the same time, and often it is installed in a room that is dangerous from the point of view of electric shock, then the main purpose of using an RCD is to protect a person from electric shock. In other words, in terms of electrical safety, the main function of the RCDselected for the washing machine is protection against electric shock.For this reason, it can be used as RCD 10mAwhich is preferred or universal RCD 30mA, which also protects against electric shock, but allows a higher leakage current, which, however, leads to a stronger electric shock than when choosing a 10mA RCD. The choice of an RCD with a leakage current of 100mA and 300mA will not provide protection against electric shock, and therefore, RCDs with such ratings are not considered for connecting a washing machine.Washing machine power can be determined by looking at its technical data sheet, for example, suppose that its power is 4 kW, which corresponds to the power of a sufficiently large number of washing machines. Next, we look at which of the selected RCDs can withstand more than 4 kW of power and see that it is 5.5 kW (since the previous one, with a power of 3.5 kW, is not powerful enough, and the next one, at 7 kW, is suitable, but has an unreasonably large margin current) Thus RCD required to protect the washing machine, must be at the intersection of the columns with leakage current 10mA and 30mA with lines that indicate power greater than 5.5 kW. Considering that a 10mA RCD provides the best protection against electric shock, we leave for consideration only the column corresponding to a leakage current of 10 mA. RCDs from RCD 25A 10mA to RCD 100A 10mA. Based on the economic feasibility of using an RCD (the higher the operating current of the RCD, the more expensive it is), the best choice would be RCD 25A 10mA. More detailed information about the selected RCD can be viewed by clicking on the link corresponding to the selected RCD rating in the table, where you can check the correct choice of RCD, connection diagrams and other technical details and details necessary when connecting the selected RCD. Based on the methodology described in the RCD selection example described above, you can select an RCD for any other, not too complex application, such as protecting wiring in an apartment. To do this, it is necessary to initially calculate the RCD, namely its parameters suitable for the protected wiring and further, following the RCD selection method and using RCD selection table, select the desired RCD with the required ratings for power and leakage current.