Water heater: 6 mistakes in use that lead to boiler breakdown
The boiler is a very useful device. Water heaters are electric and gas. Despite the variety, all water heaters have a similar operation and design. The water in the device heats up to the specified temperature. The thermostat allows you to maintain the required level. Maximum heating up to 80 degrees.
Many people make mistakes during use that can shorten the life of the device or create certain problems.
1. Each water heater has an RCD (Residual Current Device). You can see it available. The device is near a power outlet. The error is that a boiler with a faulty RCD is used. If your boiler does not have such a device, then you just need to purchase it. Sometimes electricians put the RCD in the shield.
It is important to check the correct operation of this device. There is such a button on the body - "test". A megohmmeter is used to check the button itself.
2. The second error is the pressure in the device. The tank breaks frequently. Corrosion or high pressure is the reason. A leak appears and this is a signal that repairs are urgently needed. The maximum pressure of the water heater is 6 bar. And the pressure in the water supply system can fluctuate up to 7 bar. Sometimes it is even up to 10 for a short time.
To avoid problems, to get rid of excess pressure, a safety valve will help. It usually comes with a water heater.
3. If the boiler is turned on with an empty tank, this will lead to a breakdown of the heating element. By the way, some devices have dry start protection, but not all.
4. Hard water is a common cause of heating element failure. The fact is that scale accumulates and this destroys the heating element. The appliance will slowly heat up the water. Output: for hard water, set the temperature lower. The higher the heating, the more limescale.
5. Do not use flexible hoses. They have a small inner diameter and less water flow. As a result, the water temperature may change, and the head will be small. Although I was told that there is a flexible stainless steel hose on sale without tapering.
6. About once a year it is necessary to remove the heating element and clean it. Change the anode if necessary. If you do not clean it, then problems will arise: not enough hot water, excessive consumption of electricity, incorrect operation of the sensor showing the temperature. As a result, the heating element quickly fails.