How can you clean a water heater? Many believe it’s best to call a professional for the job. However, we will guide you on how to clean this appliance yourself at home.
Low-quality water with impurities damages internal components. Cleaning the parts and tank of the water heater is necessary to extend its lifespan. On our website, you can also learn how often you should clean your boiler and why it’s essential.
Cleaning a boiler at home can be challenging and requires some technical skills. Below, we outline the steps.
Preparing Tools and the Water Heater
To clean your water heater, you will need:
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers.
- Wrench.
- Sandpaper.
- Power drill.
- Specialized cleaning solution.
Preparing the Heater
How can you clean a water heater without dismantling it and without taking it off the wall? Take a look inside the casing. If the contamination is minor and concentrated near the heating element (TEN), you can rinse the debris through the faucet. Let the dirty water drain out. However, if there are deposits on the tank walls or components, you will need to dismantle the casing, remove the parts, and clean them thoroughly.
Draining the Water
First, unplug the water heater from the power supply. If it’s located above a bathtub, you can screw the heating element inward and drain the unit. If the heating element is attached to a flange and comes outwards, it’s better to empty the tank in advance.
Steps to Drain Water:
- Turn off the water supply to your home.
- Shut off the cold water valve near the boiler, but leave the hot water valve open.
- Allow the water to drain into a container.
Alternatively, connect a hose to the fitting and lead it into a sink for draining. If this setup isn’t ideal, you can also drain the water through the safety valve. Remove the valve and let the water flow out.
Removing the Heating Element
Now, you need to remove the heating element:
- Open the bottom panel. It may be secured with clips or screws.
- Disconnect the wiring from the heating element (take a photo of the connections beforehand for reference).
- If the flange is bolted, unscrew the bolts and remove the heating element.
In many models, the heater can be cleaned without removing the casing since all components are accessible from below. However, if your model’s heating element is located at the top, it’s better to remove the tank from the wall beforehand. To do this, lift it upward and pull it towards you to release it from the brackets. The element is mounted on a flange, so push it inward, twist it, and extract it.
Cleaning the Heating Element
You can clean the heating element from scale using mechanical methods. If the deposits are loose, scrape them off with a knife. If this doesn’t work, press gently with pliers, and the deposits should fall off. Rinse with water afterward.
Important: Be careful not to damage the insulation of the heating element. Near the TEN is a magnesium anode. If it’s heavily worn, replace it. Use the thread diameter to select the correct replacement.
Cleaning the Tank
It’s easiest to remove the casing and rinse off the dirt in the shower. Slime and minor deposits can be wiped off with a sponge. Avoid using abrasive brushes or cleaners that could damage the enamel lining.
For stubborn deposits, use specialized cleaning solutions such as:
- Citric acid: Dissolve 50g in 1 liter of water.
- Vinegar essence: 2 teaspoons per 1 liter of water.
- Vinegar (8%): 5 tablespoons per 1 liter of water.
Pour the solution into the tank and leave it overnight. Then drain the solution and rinse the walls with warm water.
Eliminating Unpleasant Odors
If your water heater emits an unpleasant odor, cleaning is necessary. This can happen because water contains high levels of sulfates. When they interact with the magnesium anode, hydrogen sulfide is released. To resolve this, remove the magnesium rod.
Stagnant water can also harbor bacteria. If you haven’t used your heater for a long time, set it to the highest temperature and heat the contents. If this doesn’t work, take a water sample to a lab for analysis. The results will identify the problem.
Reassembling the Heater
Before reassembling the boiler in reverse order, carefully inspect all components. If the rubber seal is worn, replace it. If it’s still in good condition, apply sealant to the surface and other rubber parts. Check the TEN; if it’s damaged or worn, install a new one. Don’t forget to replace the magnesium anode, which protects the tank from rust. After installing the flange and securing the bolts, reconnect the boiler to the plumbing system.
Assembly Steps:
- Connect the hot water line first, then the cold water line.
- Do not turn on the heater until it is fully filled with water.
- Inspect the unit for leaks.
- Plug it into the power supply and set the thermostat to the desired temperature.
Proper Maintenance
To extend the lifespan of your appliance, follow these tips:
- Install reagent filters. Their cartridges contain substances that soften the water. Regular cartridge replacement improves water quality. Filters with sodium resin are considered more effective.
- Consider non-reagent filters. They generate a strong magnetic field that alters the structure of salt particles, preventing them from depositing on surfaces. These filters are more expensive.
- When purchasing, check the material of the TEN. Galvanized and black metals are more prone to rust.
Proper maintenance prevents issues with your water heater, so follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.