How to install a water drain from a boiler. Draining water from storage water heaters. Boiler equipment and liquid drainage

Quite a sensitive issue related to water supply in modern houses. Drain water from the boiler, which is located in the storage electric water heater . There is nothing complicated, but for the sake of presentation it is advisable to know the structure of the entire system.

Boiler system, diagram

Everything is in order

The storage water heater is equipped with:

  • enameled tank (sometimes stainless steel is also available);
  • internal tubes;
  • TENom with thermostat;
  • automatic air vent.

Typically, the tanks inside such a device are designed for a specific pressure. Approximately 7 to 10 bar. It turns out that the boiler device is a kind of vessel that operates under pressure. And since there is still liquid left there, you cannot simply drain it by opening the valve. Because without air supply, only part of the liquid will flow out from behind the vessel. The water located near the hot water pipe will drain away.

How to properly drain water from a boiler fully? This is possible only when air is supplied to the system. This procedure is performed through hot water supply. Let's look at it step by step:

  1. You need to close the valve cold water to the boiler.
  2. Open the hot water (faucet, for example, in the bathroom) and gradually release the pressure.
  3. We take a small Phillips screwdriver and twist the flag that is attached to the cold water safety valve. The valve itself supplies fluid to the device.
  4. After twisting, you need to lift the flag and at the same time prepare a container into which the liquid will drain. Place the container under safety valve. Sometimes professional installation already means a tube inserted under the spout. It must be tied to the sewer.
  5. In the best case, there should be enough atmospheric pressure to allow the liquid to move due to air suction through the hot water supply pipe. Visually this can be heard by the movement of bubbles inside the tap with hot water. Here the system is already prepared, and is it necessary merge gradually, changing the container under the boiler (you can open and close the safety flag). But often the atmospheric pressure fails.
  6. We have to do some disassembly. It is necessary to process the nearest connecting part from hot water to the boiler. It is good if the disassembled connection does not come out of the device.
  7. There are models that cannot be disassembled. In this case, we are looking for a rubber hose of a suitable diameter. We put it on the tap that is closest to the water heater. Next, we blow into the hose so that the remaining water pours into the boiler. Sometimes a pump or compressor is used, but this is more complicated.

Boiler system

Judging by the cycle of work, it is better to install a water heater with easily removable connections in advance. This is very convenient at dachas, where during the lower season you have to drain it into water. Resourceful users install a tee in advance to drain the water.

Another tip! The heater has a tube with cold water, it is not located at the very bottom. Therefore, when draining, some liquid may remain. It is better to be aware of this when leaving the device on winter time in an unheated room.

completely, without leaving a drop? You can get the job done just by unscrewing heating element. Whatever goes through the tube will go through the mounting hole.

How to drain water from an Atlantic boiler

Working with this company is standard. Let's figure it out how to drain water from the boiler:

  1. Turn off the water heater and wait until the water cools down. This is simply for the safety of the user.
  2. We turn off the tap that is responsible for supplying cold water to the device itself.
  3. You need to open the hot water valve and turn the lever to the desired position. The task is the following - we relieve the pressure by supplying air.
  4. Close the hot water tap located on the pipe. This will allow air to enter the boiler itself.
  5. Open the drain valve located on the cold water pipe. Next, we put a drainage hose into the boiler and drain all the water from the boiler without any residue.
  6. We check the work. All water must be drained; this is very important for an appliance in a country house or in a private house. Otherwise, a breakdown or short circuit cannot be ruled out.

Draining water from the Gorenje boiler

Draining the liquid is even easier for this company:

  1. Disconnect the water heater from the network. And open the hot water supply valve.
  2. We wait for the hot water to flow completely and connect the hose to the tap where the cold water is. We take the other end to the sewer drain or just with a bucket.
  3. You need to open the drain and again reduce the pressure due to air. Then the entire boiler will simply leak. The whole procedure will take place fast , takes no more than 10 minutes.

For your information! Sometimes water is drained from boilers of this company using a safety valve. And they use it most often, because this method is even simpler.

Why do you drain the boiler at all?


Results after cleaning the boiler

Let us list all the main cases so that drain liquid:

  1. If the boiler turns off before the onset of winter, it is advisable not to drain all the liquid from the tank completely. When the boiler itself is not afraid of frost in the future, it is best to leave a little liquid inside. This approach protects the tank from the growth of corrosion. And water will also come in handy in case someone accidentally turns on the boiler. After all, an empty tank will instantly heat up and a fire may occur.
  2. When the devices have been turned off for some time, and the liquid in it has become slightly stagnant, it is also not recommended to drain it completely. Stagnation is best updated by adding until the tank is full. The boiler needs to be maintained once every three months; it must run at least 80-100 liters through the system.
  3. When the device is still under warranty, it is not recommended to do even minor repairs yourself. Otherwise, the warranty is simply lost. When a problem arises with the boiler, be sure to wait for specialists. The craftsmen must drain the water themselves and fix the breakdowns, because these procedures are free under warranty.

Results

In case of drainage, the following actions are required for any brand of water heater:

    1. Disconnect from power before starting work.
    2. Shut off the water supply from the water supply network to the heating system.
    3. Existing hot water cannot be drained. This is very dangerous.
    4. Only after cooling, the pipes supplying cold and hot water are removed.
    5. Drain water without problems, observing all points.

The question of how to drain water from a boiler sounds quite often today. It especially worries residents of suburban villages who use the device to organize hot water supply. Sometimes there is no other option, especially during the warm season.

But why empty the boiler at all? There are two options - for repairs and for winter, if in country house no one lives during the cold season.

Boiler device

Water heater device

To deal with this issue, you need to know the structure of the boiler. This is a container made of stainless steel or enameled, which depends on the manufacturer and model. It includes two pipes:

  1. Supplying water from the water supply network.
  2. Discharging hot water for household needs.

Both pipes fit from the bottom of the unit on opposite sides of the center, where a tubular electric heating element - heating element - is installed. Pay attention to the length of each pipe. The supply of cold water is short, the discharge of hot water is long. Why is this so?

It's all about the laws of physics. Cold water entering the boiler and filling it completely is heated by a heating element at the bottom of the water heater. As its temperature rises, it moves up to the neck of the long hot water pipe. When the boiler is operating, this process occurs continuously, so that inside the tank the water is arranged in layers - cold at the bottom, warm in the middle, and hot at the top.

Many may question the security of such a system. After all, the water can heat up to the point of steam, which will lead to the rupture of the container. That's right, there is such a possibility, but the manufacturers have provided for it. Therefore, almost all heating devices of this type are equipped with a safety unit that controls the temperature inside the tank. And if it exceeds the limit, the electrical power is automatically turned off. There is one more element that prevents the boiler from exploding - this is an automatic vent for draining overpressure. It is usually installed at the highest point of the water heater.

But even these precautions are precautionary because the water heater tank can withstand pressure of 7-10 bar. For example, in the city water supply network the water supply pressure is 4 bar. So the boiler can withstand almost any pressure without problems.

Drain the water

A hot water boiler is a pressure vessel. Therefore, simply by opening the valve on any plumbing fixture that uses hot water and closing the cold water supply valve, it is impossible to drain the water from the boiler. A small part of it will merge, which is located above the long neck inner tube. The rest will remain.

Draining water from the boiler

What to do? This type of water heater has 3 holes through which water can be drained:

  • Cold water supply pipe.
  • Hot water drain pipe.
  • Place of installation of the heating element.

There are more problems with the heating element. To remove it, you will have to tinker a lot, removing electrical part device and removing the fastening nut. If this heating element is burnt out and requires replacement, then it is still not the most best way. In this way, you can drain the remaining water and sediment that forms over many years of operation.

The best option is through a cold water pipe. Typically, a modern connection is dismountable, where the main pipe elements are attached using an American connection. This is a threaded coupling with a rubber or plastic gasket. Once you open it, you get a free-standing heating unit that is not connected to the pipe. But to do this, it is necessary to reduce the pressure inside the boiler.

Water drainage diagram

  1. Disconnect the water heater.
  2. Close the cold water supply valve. We wait until the water inside the boiler cools down.
  3. Open hot water in any mixer. We lower it, thereby reducing the pressure inside the tank.
  4. Now you can open the American connection that connects the boiler to the cold water pipe. There is one difficulty here. The water will drain under pressure, because the container can contain up to 100 liters. In addition, the awkward shape of the American woman does not allow putting a hose on her. There is only one way out - to substitute buckets or other containers, and carry out the draining process manually.

Attention! Advice that must be taken into account at the boiler installation stage. After the shut-off valve in front of the American, it is necessary to install a drain valve on the tee. It will ensure normal drainage of water from the water heater. Just one tap and your problem is easily solved.

How to drain water from a water heater

Very often, in the connection diagram of a boiler with cold water, a pipe is installed check valve. Its purpose is to prevent water from moving in reverse side, if for some reason its supply has weakened or stopped altogether. This sometimes happens in suburban villages. So you can drain the water through it. To do this you will need a regular screwdriver. The valve design includes a flag with which you can open the hole of the device.

That is, the American valve is removed after the valve, the flag opens, and the water begins to descend in the opposite direction. There are spring-loaded valves, then you just have to press the shut-off valve, for example, with the same screwdriver. But even in this case, buckets will be required.

The process is not over yet. In any case, a small layer of water and sediment remains inside the boiler. To get rid of them, you need to remove the heating element. That is, we again return to this electrical element. The process of removing the heating element is very dirty in the truest sense of the word:

  • The casing is removed, which covers the connection point of the heating element.
  • All supply wires are removed from the heating element. Remember the connection diagram or draw it. You can simply write on paper which wire and what color is connected to the supply wires - record the color of the wire.
  • Now you need to remove the union nut. This is not always easy, and it is important not to overdo it so as not to knock off the thread.
  • Pull out the heating element. Please note that residual water and dirt will immediately flow out from under it.
  • Rinse the tank and check the heating element. If it burns out, install a new one.

Conclusion on the topic

If you do not want to suffer through such a process as draining water from a water heater, take care of correct assembly and connection heating device. Prerequisite- a collapsible diagram for connecting pipes and installing drain valves both at the inlet and outlet. The costs are minimal, but the benefits are enormous.

Every user of a storage boiler should know how to drain the water from the water heater, since accidents occur in the operation of any electrical appliances. Draining a water heating device may also be necessary for preventative cleaning or equipment repair. Some boiler repair procedures do not require calling a technician; minor breakdowns can be repaired with your own hands. However, you need to know how to properly drain water from a storage water heater.

Why do you need to drain the water?

There is a whole list of situations when it is simply necessary to drain liquid from titanium:

  • for the time of departure from the house (dacha) of temporary residence. This is necessary so that during frosts the frozen liquid does not rupture the storage tank;
  • during an emergency shutdown of the public water supply. The water in the boiler is 50-100 liters of liquid for household needs (using the toilet, washing hands, dishes);
  • if there is a leak in the boiler;
  • to remove the unpleasant smell of stagnant, rotten water. If the water heater has not been used for a long time, a very foul odor appears. You need to drain all the liquid, and then fill the tank, turn on maximum heat and empty it again;
  • if you hear noise during operation or the RCD frequently trips;
  • to clean the tank from scale or multiplied bacteria. The first appears due to excessively hard water when the liquid is regularly heated to high temperatures. And bacteria appear if you constantly heat the boiler to low temperatures;
  • to replace the magnesium anode. This part of the water heater must be changed annually, since the anode protects the device from corrosion, attracting all harmful impurities to itself.

Is it always necessary to remove water from a water heater while away?

If the storage boiler is located in a heated building, then it is not necessary to drain the liquid during departure - the device is not afraid of frost. But there is another problem that can manifest itself - stagnant water. It all depends on the design of the unit:

  • if the storage tank is made of stainless steel, then you should not drain the water, since the liquid does not corrode it, but humid air, on the contrary, promotes corrosion;
  • if the inside of the water heater is made of copper, then it is better to empty it before leaving, since hard water quickly corrodes the tank;
  • if you use centralized water supply, then it is not necessary to drain the heater, since the water from the common line contains chlorine impurities, which disinfect the liquid, preventing the occurrence of unpleasant odor and proliferation of microorganisms;
  • water from a home well does not contain chloride impurities, so it quickly stagnates and the smell of rot appears, so in this case, the liquid should be removed from the water heater before leaving.

Pay attention! If the boiler is under warranty, then you CANNOT drain the water! Otherwise, the warranty will become void!


What do you need to know to drain your water heater?

Anyone who has already drained water from a boiler knows that this process depends on many nuances: type of connection, operating conditions of the device, design features, frequency of heater use.

Before draining the water from the boiler, the device must be disconnected from the power supply. Then you should wait until the liquid in the heater cools to room temperature.

As a rule, the water heater is mounted on supports or a wall. Connected to the boiler from below flexible hoses or tubes for cold (input) and hot (outlet) water.

Hot water can only flow out of the tank while simultaneously filling the device with cold liquid. If cold water does not enter the device, then hot liquid will not flow out even when the tap is open. This is the peculiarity of this unit. Therefore, it is necessary to wait until the water heater cools down completely.

When the liquid has cooled, you need to open the cold water inlet, and also ensure that air enters the device through the hot flow outlet. How to do this depends on the connection option and design features. Let's look at 5 ways to drain water from a water heater.

Method No. 1: through a safety valve

Installing a boiler in accordance with the rules implies the presence of a drain safety valve, which is installed at the inlet to the water heater. This device automatically drains liquid from the tank in the event of an emergency when the pressure in the device exceeds the specified values.

The safety valve is equipped with a spout for connecting a drain tube and a handle-shaped screw for opening and closing the device. It is recommended to open the emergency valve once a month even without visible reasons to check its functionality.

To do this, you just need to turn the valve handle. If liquid flows from the spout, then the drain part is in working order. If the water does not flow or the flow is often interrupted, this means that the valve is clogged and is not performing its main function. It needs to be cleaned or replaced with a new one.

How to drain water from a water heater through a safety valve? It couldn't be simpler - you just need to turn the valve!

Liquid flows through the emergency device at low speed. A storage tank with a capacity of 80-100 liters will be emptied in about 2-2.5 hours, and if the valve is clogged, then the flow rate is even lower, and it will take 3-4 hours to empty the tank. Therefore, there are other, more quick ways, empty the water heater.

Method No. 2: through the cold water inlet

This method allows you to quickly empty the tank of water, but you will have to tinker a little with a wrench.

The cold water inlet can be used to drain the boiler as follows:

  1. First of all, you need to turn off the water in the entire house or apartment and disconnect the water heater from the electrical network.
  2. Check if the hot water outlet tap is closed. Otherwise, too much flow will flow from the tank, which will be difficult to control.
  3. Place a large container under the drain to catch the liquid.
  4. Then, using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the nut connecting the check valve and the flexible connecting hose or metal-plastic tube.
  5. Disconnect the tube or hose from the safety bleeder.
  6. Using an adjustable wrench, unscrew the nut connecting the emergency valve to the heater pipe.
  7. Remove the safety device, making sure the hot water tap is closed.
  8. Gradually start opening the hot water tap to allow air to flow into the tank. Liquid from the cold water inlet will begin to flow out faster.
  9. If you need to reduce the flow rate, turn on the hot water tap.

This method allows you to empty an 80-liter boiler in 3-5 minutes.

Method No. 3: through incoming and outgoing hoses

A very fast, but also the most uncontrolled option, how to drain water from a storage tank. electric heater. Therefore, it is recommended to drain water through the inlet and outlet hoses only if the boiler is installed directly above the bathtub, because it will be impossible to stop or weaken the flow of liquid during drainage.

So, having disconnected the water heater from the water supply and electrical network, unscrew the inlet hose and emergency valve from the cold water connection. Then twist the hose off the hot flow outlet.

Immediately after this, water will flow down in a strong stream through the two vacated holes simultaneously. The whole process will take 2-3 minutes.

Method No. 4: for a small boiler

It is recommended to drain a small Thermex-type water heater as follows, using a hose and an adjustable or gas wrench:

  1. Close the cold flow inlet using a wrench or gas wrench (2).
  2. To prevent a vacuum from being created, the hot water outlet (7) must be opened.
  3. Water will flow, it should drain to a certain point. This process will take about 2-3 minutes.
  4. After the flow stops, the mixer (5) should not be closed. You need to open the tap (4) and drain a little more liquid or unscrew the nut at the cold water inlet.
  5. Then you need to attach a rubber hose to the boiler pipe, and place the other end in a bucket, basin, bathtub or sink.
  6. Next, twist the hot fluid outlet from the water heater to allow any remaining water to drain from the tank.
  7. After this, the contents of the boiler will be completely drained.

This method of emptying the tank is suitable for devices with a capacity of up to 30 liters.


Method No. 5: for a medium volume boiler

In order to drain water from a medium-capacity device such as "Ariston" you will need a slotted screwdriver, open-end wrench 32 and 24 mm, slotted screwdriver and 4 mm hexagon.

Work progress:

  1. Turn off the water and disconnect the equipment from the power supply.
  2. To reduce pressure, open the faucet in hot flow mode.
  3. Then you need to open the tap on the body of the hot water device.
  4. Next, you need to connect the hose and open the tap to empty the tank.
  5. Wait until ALL liquid has drained out of the titanium.

An excellent way to drain water from an Ariston-type water heater with a capacity of 50 to 80 liters.

Each of the described methods is not perfect, in the sense that it does not free the water heater to the last drop. To drain the water from the boiler completely, you need to disassemble the storage tank:

  1. First you need to empty the device using one of the five methods listed.
  2. Then you need to unscrew the cap at the bottom of the tank, which serves only a decorative function.
  3. Next, holding decorative cover, disconnect the wires from the warning lamp.
  4. Then disconnect the electrical wiring from the housing. But before you do, take a photo of their initial connection so you don't get confused when you reattach them.
  5. After this, slowly, counterclockwise, unscrew the flange that serves as a support for the heating element. First, simply loosen the nuts and allow the remaining liquid to drain, then you can completely unscrew the flange.

The heating element must be removed very carefully, without sudden movements, so as not to accidentally damage the tank. The heating element may be coated with scale, which will make it difficult to remove, so if there is resistance, you need to move it slowly from side to side.

To prevent draining water from causing equipment damage, experts recommend adhering to the following rules when working independently:

  1. Before starting all actions, you should disconnect the device from the power supply.
  2. It would be a good idea to re-read the operating instructions for the device again, study its design features and connection nuances.
  3. Wait until the contents of the tank cool completely.
  4. To prevent the water in the tank from stagnating, you need to run approximately 100 liters of liquid through the heater twice a month.
  5. Make sure that the boiler is filled with water before connecting it to the electrical network after completion of work.

Now you know how to drain the water from the boiler with your own hands. The body of the water heater requires replacement over time, since the metal is subject to natural corrosion, as well as the deposition of salt deposits. However, timely cleaning, preventative draining, and regular replacement of the magnesium anode can extend the life of the equipment for many years.

Water heater - uncomplicated household appliance. To understand how to drain water from a water heater, you must first become familiar with its structure. Its basis is a container with two pipes for water inlet and outlet. The water input into the system is often located on the right side of the device, and is indicated by a blue ring. There is also fittings here, that is, a protective check valve. This valve is used when you need to relieve pressure in a container.

In addition, it prevents water from flowing back into the water supply network. That is, your water does not go to your neighbors, precisely thanks to the non-return valve.

The instructions for this electrical appliance explain in detail how to drain a water heater. However, if it is lost, use our action algorithm for two commonly found brands of water heaters.

Storage water heaters can be flat or round. The shape determines how many pipes are connected to the water heater. A flat water heater consists of 2 welded pipes; cold water supply and hot water intake pipes are welded into them. The design also includes heating elements that are attached to the flange. A round water heater means that if the flow of cold water is cut off and the remaining hot water is poured out, it will be empty.

You will need:

  • adjustable wrench, gas no. 2 will do
  • rubber hose.

Step by step, draining is done like this:

  1. Shut off the cold water tap
  2. When it is closed, open the hot water tap on the mixer.
  3. Then you just have to wait for the water to stop flowing. The draining takes about a minute.
  4. Then this tap also closes.
  5. Now the adjustable wrench comes into play. Unscrew the cold water inlet nuts to the check valve. They are on the bottom of the check valve. There is no need to be afraid that the water heater will leak, since the design of the check valve is specially created to prevent hot water from flowing through the cold pipe.
  6. We twist the check valve, preparing a hose for draining into the sewer. After twisting the check valve, some water may flow out of the pipe. Our task is to quickly put the hose on the tube.
  7. Next, unscrew the nut on the hot water pipe. With this action, air will begin to enter the system, and water will flow into the hose. If the water does not flow, you need to “blow out” the hose, and things will go smoothly.

Flat-plate water heaters often have a third pipe with a plug screwed onto it. In this case, when cold water is shut off to the water heater, immediately unscrew this plug. Then hook the hose and unscrew the nut from the hot water pipe. As a result, the water will drain, but a little slower.

Draining water from an Ariston water heater

When stopping operation of the ARISTON instantaneous storage water heater for a long time, it is recommended to completely drain the water from the water heater tank. To completely drain the water from the tank, you need to unscrew the plug located in the upper part of the mixer with a key.

You will need:

  • adjustable wrench or wrenches, 24 mm and 32 mm
  • 4 mm hexagon
  • straight screwdriver.

Sequence of steps:

  1. Close the mixer tap and water supply tap.
  2. Unscrew the shower hose and the safety valve of the outlet pipe.
  3. We unscrew the hose supplying water and direct it into the container. If there is a check valve at the inlet, then twist it too. From inlet pipe water will flow out.
  4. Unscrew the two plastic nuts of the outlet and inlet pipes.
  5. Remove the cap of the faucet handle, then unscrew the screw, remove the handle and the plastic gaskets around it.
  6. We disconnect the water heater body from the tank, towards the mixer, without removing it completely.
  7. Using a hexagon, unscrew the metal plug on the top of the mixer.
  8. Completely drain the water from the hole where the plug was.

It is better to place the water heater body in a vertical position. The mixer tap must be open. The procedure will take about 20 minutes.

Is it worth draining the water?

The question “should I drain the water from the water heater” arises in two cases.

The water heater is in good working order, but is rarely used.

Let's consider a situation where, for example, you use a water heater irregularly: only in the summer or only when there is no centralized supply of hot water. Should you drain the water in this case?

Professionals will tell you that the water in a storage water heater should only be drained in case of repair or replacement. If you simply do not use water, you cannot drain it from the tank. This will lead to system failure.

Don't be afraid that the water inside will spoil. After long storage it is simply passed through the tap, and the next batch is already quite suitable for use.

By the way, when filled, the magnesium anti-corrosion anode of the water heater works and additionally protects the container from corrosion.

Most manufacturers also do not recommend draining the water. This is explained simply: without liquid, tank corrosion occurs much faster. In such cases, masters remember the saying: what is used to being in water should remain in it.

Changing the environment has a strong effect on the material, accelerating oxidative processes.

Another reason for draining water is the smell that comes out of the water heater if it is not drained. But there is a trick here: if the water from the water supply has foreign impurities (hydrogen sulfide, for example), then even a short break in the use of the water heater should be “waterless”. It is recommended to drain the water each time, and when filling for the first time, heat it to maximum.

Water heater breakdown, to take the device to a service center

If the water heater is still under warranty, there is no need to drain anything if it breaks! Call the technicians right away - their task is to fix the problems of the device. Basically, water heaters are repaired on site. Like other large equipment.

Tips from experts when working with water heaters

Any work on draining water must be started by disconnecting the power. Since this is an electrical device, any technical manipulations with it require compliance with safety precautions.

  • The water in the heater must be cooled before draining to avoid getting burned.
  • The answer to the question of whether it is worth draining the water from the water heater greatly depends on the individual parameters and characteristics of the device you are using. Be sure to pay attention to manufacturers' recommendations. Typically, such details are specified in the operating instructions.
  • If the water heater is idle for a long time in a temperature range below minus 5° degrees, the ice inside the tank may expand and rupture the container.
  • To avoid water molding due to long periods of inactivity, run one hundred liters of water through the cold water heater every couple of months. The system will be cleaned. It is also recommended to plug in the device so that it warms up the water. Here it is worth considering the feasibility of these actions - choose which preventive measure will be cheaper in your region.

Before turning on heating, be sure to check whether the water heater is full!

If you use a storage boiler, you should know the features of its maintenance. You may need information on how to drain water from a water heater when repairing or cleaning the tank. The draining process depends on the type of connection. We will tell you how to do the work yourself, without calling a specialist.

Is it necessary to drain?

It is simply necessary in such cases:

  • The boiler is located in the country house or in another unheated room. It will not work for the whole season, so it is recommended to drain the water for the winter. At sub-zero temperatures Ice will form, causing damage.
  • Cleaning the tank. There are several reasons, the main one being scale. Due to the hardness of the water, during heating, heavy impurities settle on the surface in the form of plaque. Over time, it turns to stone and interferes with the normal heat transfer of the heating element. Electricity consumption increases by 25-50%, but sufficient heating does not occur. The development of bacteria also indicates the need to drain the water heating tank.
  • Replacing the magnesium anode. Any work is carried out only when the housing is empty. . Magnesium attracts impurities to itself, preventing them from settling on the walls and leading to corrosion. They corrode its base, not the material of the device.

Should I drain the water from the tank? The following signs will tell you:

  • Noise during operation. An RCD may also often trip - this indicates an abundance of scale inside. The pieces fall to the bottom and create noise when heated. , read in a separate article.
  • Flow. The reason is connections, worn elements, and body corrosion. Then you need to urgently carry out repair work.
  • Weak pressure. Probably the passages are clogged with scale. Cleaning in progress.
  • The device does not heat water or you have to wait a very long time for heating.
  • Safety valve allows a lot of water to pass through or remains dry.

When draining should not be carried out:

  • You won’t be using your equipment for a season and want to turn it off. It is worth starting from temperature indicators. If the mark does not fall below +5 degrees, then some water can be left. Experts have proven that in the complete absence of liquid, the body is more quickly susceptible to corrosion under the influence of oxygen.
  • When the device is turned off for a short time.
  • Under warranty. Otherwise they will become invalid.
  • For the sake of experiment.

How to drain water correctly

The drainage features depend not so much on the brand of equipment (Gorenje, Electrolux, Atlantic), but on the type of connection. Let's look at how to carry out work on popular boilers.

Important! Before starting, unplug the boiler.

Water heater "Termex"

You will need a gas wrench and a drain hose.

Work progress:

  • Use the key to turn off the cold flow (2).
  • To avoid vacuum, open the hot tap (7) on the mixer.
  • Let the water drain to the mark. This will happen within 2 minutes.
  • As soon as the liquid leaves, do not close the mixer (5). Open the tap and drain the water (4) or tighten the nuts at the cold flow inlet.
  • Connect a rubber hose to the heater thread. Lower its other end into a sink or deep container.
  • To drain the residue, disconnect the hot water outlet from the housing.
  • After removing the nut, the contents will finally drain from the system.

The method is suitable for small appliances with a maximum capacity of 20 liters. Watch a video on how to do the work yourself:

Ariston technology

Prepare tools for work: 32 and 24 mm open-end wrench, slotted screwdriver, 4 mm hexagon.

  • Turn off the water.
  • Open the hot stroke on the mixer, this will reduce the pressure.
  • To allow air to enter the housing, open the tap where the hot stream is supplied.
  • Connect the hose and open the drain tap.
  • You need to pour out all the liquid from the boiler.

Such the method will work for boilers of 50 and 80 liters.

Through safety valve

We talked about it in a separate article. The part is used to relieve excess pressure and drain liquid. This type of boiler connection is made after purchasing a shop technician. The service is inexpensive, but when it is necessary to perform a drain, the user will encounter problems.

What to do:

  • Turn off the water.
  • Open the mixer and allow the remaining liquid to drain.
  • Turn the lever on the drain valve and wait until the contents drain completely.

You will have to wait a very long time, especially if you have a 100-liter boiler. If you have a valve installed without a lever, then you will have to mechanically remove the water.

The part cannot be dismantled, so you can press out the spring yourself, as shown in the picture:

More details are shown in the video:

To drain the contents completely and at the same time check the condition of the heating element, do this:

  • Unscrew the screws of the bottom cover.
  • Disconnect the wiring.
  • Unscrew the flange bolts, sometimes it is enough to turn it counterclockwise.
  • Unscrew the flange together with the heating element.
  • At the same time, the remaining liquid will drain.

Inspect the element and descale it if necessary.

To independent work did not cause damage, follow the recommendations:

  • Before starting, unplug the device.
  • Before you start draining, look at the instructions and study the design and connection features.
  • Wait until the liquid cools to avoid burns.
  • If an unpleasant odor appears, you need to run about 100 liters of water through the boiler every two months.
  • Before connecting to the network, check that the tank is full.

Now you know how to do the work yourself. The metal body is susceptible to corrosion and salt deposits. But with proper care, the boiler will serve you for many years. Follow our tips and install filters to improve water quality.