A column or flow heater is becoming an increasingly popular product. A small appliance is able to compactly fit in the kitchen and provide several points of intake with hot water. In addition, gas heating is cheaper than electricity. But what if the geyser is flowing? Call a wizard or independently understand the problem? Possible options are indicated in the article.
Where in the column water
To understand the causes of the problem, you need to understand the device. The basis of the design is a metal casing to which two pipes are connected. Through one passes a stream of water for heating, through the other gas is supplied.
Water pressure acts on the membrane, the igniter and burner fire. It heats the heat exchanger through which cold water moves. You open the mixer and get a hot stream.
Most speakers fire automatically as soon as the tap opens. There is also manual and piezoelectric ignition.
Why did the column flow
There may be several reasons for the leak.
- Worn gaskets between joints. Between pipes and nozzles rubber gaskets are installed for tightness. Over time, they are torn, deformed, damaged and require replacement. If a leak is noticed in the area of the connecting elements, you need to remove the old and install new gaskets.
- The heat exchanger (radiator) has flowed. Most often, water drips from the connections between the pipes and the radiator. Due to the difference in temperature and moisture, the supply pipes wear out, are susceptible to corrosion, so water flows from below. Seal or replace defective parts.
- For a long time, prevention was not carried out. Gas equipment requires periodic inspection and maintenance to prevent damage.
Ways to fix leaks
First of all, inspect the equipment to find the leak. Then proceed with the repair.
Heat exchanger problem
Before starting any work, turn off the water supply and turn off the gas. Inspect the column radiator: if the case is damaged, a crack on the surface may form green spots. All because moisture does not have time to dry out. Most often fistulas form outside, so you do not have to dismantle the part.
If no damage was found outside, then you will have to remove the radiator. This is a time-consuming process because you have to parse the entire column. In such cases, it is better to call the wizard.
You need:
- soldering iron;
- solder;
- fine sand paper;
- degreasing agent.
What to do:
- Drain the radiator. To do this, open the hot water valve, unscrew the cold nuts. To permanently remove moisture from the coil, you can use a vacuum cleaner. Otherwise, you will not be able to reach the temperature required for soldering.
- Remove the cover and inspect the products. All detected damage and cracks need to be cleaned with sandpaper. After complete removal of plaque, wipe cleaned areas with a degreasing solution, then wipe dry.
- Heat the damaged area with a soldering iron. Sprinkle with rosin or aspirin on top. Warming up the area to 160 degrees, solder the tin. If it collects in drops, it means that you have not heated the surface well. For successful future operation, the surf should be at least 2 mm.
- Treat all green patches this way.
Keep in mind that such repairs are temporary. Soldered areas are vulnerable and may soon begin to leak. Therefore, a complete replacement of the element is recommended.
Malfunction of the water unit (gear)
If a leak in the area of the water node is detected in the gas column "Electrolux", "Oasis", "Orion", "Neva", then the stem seal is defective. Will have to replace the entire element. Do this:
- Turn off the gas and water valve.
- Remove the upper casing; you may have to unscrew the screws.
- Disconnect the water unit from the radiator. Unscrew the fasteners that secure it to the back wall.
- Unscrew the knot, remove the membrane.
- Unscrew the stem with a key, install a working part.
Thread wear, connections
Damage and deformation of the connecting nodes are not uncommon. To determine the specific cause, you need to inspect all connections. The left pipe leading to the body supplies hot water, the right one transports fuel. Most often, moisture droplets are formed on the water pipe - condensate.
This is normal; repair is not necessary in this case. But if you notice a plentiful leak, then:
- Block incoming water from the water supply.
- Disassemble suspicious connections, inspect.
Most often, rubber gaskets leak. Therefore, prepare spare parts in advance.
- Remove the deformed gasket, clean the threads of scale and dirt, wipe dry.
- Install a new element (preferably made of silicone, they are more durable).
- Reassemble the parts in reverse order.
- If the nut turns during installation, install a new part of the same size.
Pipeline damage
In water heaters "Vector", "Ariston" and other brands, not only joints and gaskets can wear out. Leakage may be in the pipe itself. For immediate repair, you can use the method with a heat exchanger - solder.
You will need the same tools: a soldering iron with solder, fine-grained sandpaper, a degreaser. Now you need to drain all the liquid from the pipe, dry. Sand the fault and degrease the fault. Solder the damage with a soldering iron.
We remind you that such a repair will not survive for a long time. It is used as a temporary measure. Then it is better to replace the defective parts.
Users noted that finding replacement parts for the pipeline is not easy. Manufacturers do not produce spare parts, so some use standard corrugated hoses.
Do not forget: the geyser is a high-risk device. For amateurs it is better not to risk it and contact a service center. In other cases, adhere to safety precautions.