Valuable recommendations on how to clean water heater heating elements from scale

Modern water heating devices make human life much easier. But in order to extend the period of perfect operation of boilers, it is necessary to regularly monitor their condition.

Maintenance procedures include cleaning the heating element from limescale. There are many means and methods for removing scale. These include folk recipes and ready-made household chemicals.

How to clean the heating element of a water heater from scale, read the article.

Why clean?

As water heats up, some of the salts it contains precipitate and accumulate. on the inner walls of the boiler and the water heating element.

Limescale is characterized by low thermal conductivity, so as it accumulates, the water heating time lengthens.

This fact causes significant inconvenience when using the device. But, unfortunately, this is not the only negative consequence of scale deposits.

Long-term operation of the boiler entails an increase in energy consumption, and, consequently, spending money. In addition, the load on the device itself increases.

If you do not clean the heating element from salt deposits, the risk of equipment breakdown increases significantly. Clogging also affects the quality of hot water consumed. Flake-like inclusions appear in it, which are not always pleasant during hygienic procedures.

How often?

Experts recommend carrying out preventive cleaning of the heating element once a year.. If the device operates under increased load, it is advisable to increase the frequency to twice a year.

In this case, it is always necessary to monitor the operation of the water heater. There are several signs that indicate the need for cleansing.

The time for cleaning has come if:

• water takes longer to heat up than usual;
• power consumption has increased;
• the device makes noise during operation;
• the case and sockets become very hot;
• the water has acquired a yellowish tint;
• a hydrogen sulfide smell appeared in the water;
• the boiler turns on and off.

If a white coating remains on the taps, it means that the water hardness is increased. In this case, the water heater requires more careful maintenance.

How to disassemble a boiler?

Before proceeding directly to the cleaning procedure, the device must be disassembled and the water heating element removed from it.

Disassembly work is carried out following a certain algorithm:

1. The device is disconnected from the power supply.
2. The pipe through which water is supplied is blocked.
3. Close the cold flow valve near the boiler.
4. Open the hot water tap on the nearby mixer.
5. A hose is connected to the drain fitting and the water is released.
6. Remove the water heater from the wall and turn it over.
7. Unscrew the mounting bolts from the tank pan.
8. Remove the panel and take out the thermostat holder.
9. Unscrew the screws on the protective door and remove it.
10. Disconnect the contacts, freeing the wires.
11. Remove the rubber seal.
12. Take out the heating element.

How to get the heating element?

The process of removing the heating element must be very careful. This rule is especially important to follow if cleaning has not been carried out for a long time.

Significant accumulated deposits may prevent the element from being quickly removed, and sudden movements can cause damage.

Having taken out the heating block, it is also necessary to inspect the magnesium anode. If the degree of its depletion is close to the maximum, then it is advisable to immediately replace this element with a new one. Otherwise, after some time you will have to repeat the disassembly of the unit.

How to remove lime deposits?

The removed heating element is cleaned in two ways: mechanical and chemical.. If the lime deposits are thick, then both methods are used together.

First, large deposits are removed from the tubular part using physical force, and then the remaining limescale marks are removed chemically.

To do this, fill a cylindrical container (for example, an enamel bucket) with cleaning liquid and lower the heating element into it. The exposure time depends on the nature of the reagent.

How to remove using folk remedies?

To dissolve the solid salt deposit on the heating element, it is necessary to use substances with an acidic reaction. Used as home cleaners:

1. Lemon acid. Pour two 25 gram packets of powder into a liter of water. When all the crystals have dissolved, a heating element is lowered into the solution. Leave for a day, after which the heating element is washed in clean water.
2. Acetic acid. If a vinegar solution of medium concentration (9%) is used for cleaning, then take 5 tablespoons per liter of water.

   If only essence is available, then its quantity should be 2 tablespoons for the same volume of water. The holding time is 10-12 hours.

3. Mechanical cleaning. To remove limestone, use a metal brush, scraper, or sandpaper. The method is labor-intensive and cannot be used to clean the anode.

If there is too much scale, then the amount of reagent can be increased, and the metal container with the solution and heating element can be placed on low heat and heated for 30-60 minutes.

How to remove plaque with household chemicals?

Ready-made liquids sold in household chemical stores are distinguished by a special composition that guarantees the effectiveness of cleansing. Various companies produce such products:

1. Boiler-Cleaner. Acid product from the Chistyulya company. The liquid is used against carbonate salts and iron oxide. The composition includes a complex of acids, an anti-corrosion additive and substances that enhance the effect of the main reagents. To clean a contaminated surface, the liquid is mixed with water to obtain a concentration of 5 to 12%. The heating element is lowered into the solution and kept for 8 hours. The cost of a 5-liter canister is on average 480 rubles.
2. SteelTEX. The formula of the product includes surfactants and corrosion inhibitor additives. The liquid helps remove metal oxides, salts, rust, and biological inclusions from the heating element. According to the instructions for use, SteelTEX is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:6 to 1:10. The stronger the contamination, the stronger the solution should be. After washing, use an alkaline neutralizer. The price of the product (20 kg) is about 4,200 rubles.
3. Cillit ZN/I. This reagent from a German manufacturer is designed to combat rust and lime salts. To treat heating elements, prepare a solution of 1 part of the product and 9 parts of water. The part is kept in the solution for 1-4 hours at a temperature of 20 to 40 degrees. If necessary, heating is allowed. The average cost of a 20 kg canister is 10,700 rubles.

How to assemble the tank?

Reassemble the device in the reverse order. To do this, it is important to remember the sequence in which the actions were performed during dismantling. The clean heating element and flange are returned to their place, rubber gaskets are laid, contacts are restored and the protective door is screwed on.

Features for devices from different manufacturers

The general scheme for removing the water heating element may have slight adjustments depending on the brand of the boiler. They are determined by the individual structure of the device and the method of installing the heating element. The following boilers have disassembly features:

1. Ariston. To remove the cover with the heating element, you must first insert it inside the housing. If the part does not give in, rock it slightly and try again. The heating element is taken out sideways, as it has a curved shape. On some models, this part needs to be turned counterclockwise.
2. Gorenja. To remove the front panel on the tank, you need to lightly press its lower edge and pull it towards you. Once the latches have engaged, the panel is removed.

   The boilers of this company are heavy, so it is better to lift and turn the device together.

3. Polaris. Models of this brand are distinguished by the difficulty of removing the heating part. First, the retaining bracket in the device is unscrewed and only after that the heating element is removed. It is taken out at an angle, as if taking it to the side.
4. Atlantic and Termex. In water heaters of these brands, first unscrew the nuts located around the circumference of the tank. Then remove the fastening washer. The flange on which the heating element is fixed is lowered down. The heating element is taken out carefully, using loosening movements.

Tips on the topic of the article

Cleaning the heating element of the boiler from accumulated lime deposits is an important and mandatory event. To reduce the frequency of the procedure, experts recommend listening to practical advice:

• if there is no need to heat water, it is advisable to turn off the water heater;
• Before turning on the device, you need to check whether the tank is filled with water;
• if the water pressure in the system has dropped, you should not turn on the boiler at full power;
• It is recommended to install mainline or other water filters in the house;
• to disinfect the tank, low heat (up to 40 degrees) must be alternated with high heat (up to 90 degrees);
• Regular preventative cleaning of the heating device should be observed.

If you are interested in how to remove scale from various household appliances, take a look here.

Useful video

How to clean the heating element of a water heater with your own hands, video instructions:

Conclusion

To keep the water heater in working condition for a long time, it is necessary to periodically clean its heating element from scale. Folk and store remedies are suitable for this purpose.

In any case, before cleaning the heating element and the parts protecting it should be removed from the structure, and after cleaning, restore the integrity of the device and check its tightness.