🔧 How to drain water from a boiler: simple recommendations for everyone

Reasons forcing to drain water from the boiler

There are only a few cases that require the mandatory release of water. Therefore, without a special need to perform such an action and disrupt the heater's performance, it is inappropriate. This is due to the fact that the device is very sensitive to any interference. Therefore, its further customization can be quite complicated. There are three situations when water drainage is necessary:

1. Periodic operation of the electrical appliance. If you use the boiler only in the summer in the country or in a country house, then there is no point in keeping the water drawn in it constantly. Over time, it will stagnate and acquire an unpleasant odor, which will be problematic to remove from the tank.
2. If the device is located in a room where there is no heating. Getting rid of the water inside is the first necessity. In severe frosts, the water inside the tank turns into ice. It expands the tank, which entails a strong deformation of the boiler. After that, the owner can only throw out the electrical appliance.
3. During the renovation. If it is necessary to clean the heater or replace the drain valve, fittings, drain the water, in order to avoid a flood, it is imperative. In this case, a complete drain must be performed.

It is not recommended to empty boilerif it is still under warranty. After independent intervention, the employees of the service center will probably refuse free warranty maintenance. Also, you should not get rid of water during the period of inactivity of the boiler in a heated room. To eliminate the occurrence of an unpleasant odor and sludge in the tank, it is better to drain in a natural way: that is, twice a month, during downtime, carry out a complete water change.

Features of draining water with your own hands

If the tank is propped up or suspended from a wall, it is most likely in an upright position. This is convenient if you have to drain. In this way, you can completely empty the internal volume. The water can be drained through a hose connected to a cold pipeline or by activating the drain valve. However, in order to perform the operation correctly, you need to know some of the subtleties, which will be discussed below.

We use a safety valve

The safety relief valve is an emergency water outlet. It is installed at the lowest point of the heater. It is usually attached to a hot or cold tube. When the pressure inside the tank rises, a valve is triggered, releasing excess pressure outside. If you look at the release device, you will notice that it has a channel with a small diameter. It serves to connect a miniature waste tube. Once the connection is complete, you can activate the valve and drain the water.

The only drawback of this method is that, due to the small diameter of the tube, the process will take about two hours. In the event that the valve is clogged, the water will drain even more slowly. The drain time will increase by 3-4 hours.

How to drain water using a cold pipe

This solution to the problem is allowed only when the owner has the skill of locksmithing. In order to drain the water from the tank, it is necessary to prepare an adjustable wrench. Then follow the instructions:

1. We cut off the water on the main line, be sure to disconnect the boiler from the electricity.
2. To control the flow of water, it is necessary to check the closure of the hot water tap in the bathroom and in the kitchen.
3. Having prepared a container for collecting water, unscrew the nut connecting the cold line to the boiler, and begin the descent.
4. Be sure to unscrew the safety valve, assess its condition and readiness for further work.
5. For a quick drain, open the hot water tap, adjust the pressure with this particular part of the mixer.
6. On some designs, an additional tap on the hot pipe is provided. If you adjust its rotation, you can achieve the optimal drainage rate.

GOOD TO KNOW!

Do not under any circumstances carry out work with the boiler plugged in - this may result in electric shock.

With the help of pipes for the intake and return of water

Inlet and outlet hoses allow water to be drained. All the owner needs to do is unscrew both hoses or plastic pipes. After that, the drain will start immediately.

This method should be used if the tank is installed directly above the bathtub, because it will be impossible to stop the flow until all the water has flowed out. Thus, the tank is emptied within 3-5 minutes. To drain in this way, the safety valves must be removed. To install them in their original place, you must use new sealants.

How to drain water from the boiler, depending on the connection method

There are several options for installing a water heater. Depending on these factors, the methods for draining the contents will also vary. In each case, there is a strict sequence that must be followed in order not to make mistakes.

With the standard installation method

For such a design, a simple connection of the nozzles is provided. When connecting them to a boiler in a small area, a tee must be installed in front of the pressure relief valve. A valve is usually installed on it, with the help of which the drain is performed. Therefore, no additional tools are required for this method of emptying the tank. Provided that all pipes are correctly connected, it will take about 10 minutes to drain the water.

Above, see the connection diagram of all parts with a water heater.

When the improved method is used

In such a situation, it is envisaged to install two tees, which are attached not only to the inlet pipeline, but also to the outlet. To drain water with such a connection system, you must perform the steps in the following sequence:

• turn off the water supply tap;
• open the mixer valve;
• connect a hose to the outlet and direct it into the container;
• activate the safety valve by opening the air supply at the tee.

Floor standing boilers have a similar emptying method, provided they are installed in an improved way.

Simplified installation option

The simplified connection method only involves connecting flexible hoses to the cold and hot tubing. To drain in this case, open the hot tap and prevent water from entering the tank. Then, you should substitute the container and open the safety valve flag. If the water is drained out too slowly, you can completely disconnect the hot line from the appliance. The main thing here is to choose a sufficient capacity for receiving water.

GOOD TO KNOW!

If in the process of emptying the tank you do not want to remove the fuse, then it must be fixed in the open position so that the spring does not fall and does not block the outlet channel.

We get rid of water residues in the boiler correctly

Regardless of which drainage method has been chosen, some water may remain at the bottom of the boiler. In order to get rid of it, you should perform a few simple manipulations:

1. After carrying out the main drain, it is necessary to remove the lower plastic cover.
2. Next, carefully remove the wires from the warning lamp, be sure to disconnect the wiring.
3. If in doubt that you will memorize the switching sequence, take a picture with your phone.
4. Unscrew the heating element counterclockwise, holding it a little to allow the liquid to slowly drain out.
5. Carefully remove the heater from the container so as not to damage it against the metal body of the boiler.
6. If resistance is felt, do not try to pull out the heating element by force. It is worth shaking it left and right and carefully removing it from the device.

If, when completely draining, scale was found on the heater, then it's time to think about a fine filter.

What to do if you need to quickly drain the water

Often, users try to drain the water in an emergency, for example, when the relief valve is not working. To do this, proceed as follows:

1. Completely shut off the cold line tap (this can be done at the base of the pipeline, or directly in front of the boiler, if possible).
2. Open the hot water valve to equalize the pressure inside the container.
3. Place a bucket under the cold piping and unscrew the pipe using the installed fitting.
4. Be sure to open the hot line connection hole.

In order to stop the flow of water, it is necessary to shut off the air flow through the hot pipe.

Features of draining water from a boiler of different brands

Organization of hot water supply using quality water heaters considered to be quite reliable. But sometimes you have to get rid of the collected liquid, for example, to clean an electrical appliance or when it fails. Using the example of popular brands, we will consider how to empty a water heater without the help of specialists.

Boiler from TC "Ariston"

1. Disconnect the device from the electricity and wait until the water reaches the optimal temperature to avoid scalding.
2. Shut off the water supply to the boiler using a specially installed regulator.
3. Open the hot water tap on the faucet closest to the boiler. This will allow air to enter the inside of the tank.
4. Turn the air intake valve to the "ON" position, then open the drain valve, with which the water will come out.

To completely clean the inside of the appliance, you will have to completely remove the heating device. Ideally, it should be boiled in a metal container, adding citric acid.

Boiler from the brand "Thermes"

For safety reasons, it is necessary to disconnect the device from the network, only then continue the actions.

1. We shut off the completely stationary water supply, remove the pipes that supply water to the heater tank.
2. If a flat type boiler is used, it is sufficient to simply turn off the water supply and pour out the residues through the hot tap on the mixer.

The principle of draining may differ depending on the volume of the heater and the complexity of its design.

Water heater Electrolux

Models of boilers from the Electrolux trademark merge several times easier than any other model. Typically, the release is through a drain valve.

For more details on the drain algorithm, see the video.

How to avoid mistakes when cleaning the boiler after draining the water

Many owners are faced with the problem of clogging inside the storage water heater. Often there is a plaque on the heating element and the walls of the tank. It is he who can cause future damage to the unit. To prevent this from happening, you need to clean the inner surface. How to do this, see the instructions.

Illustration	Description of action
	Open the decorative cover, remove the nuts on the heater and wait for the remaining water to drain completely.
	We take out the heating element and carefully remove large pieces of scale from it.
	We manually remove all plaque that we can get.
	Without removing the boiler, rinse it with running water with a pressure watering can. Do not forget to substitute the basin.
	We insert the heating element into place, aligning the holes with the mounting bolts.
	We connect the wires according to the scheme with the heater. It is better to take a photo of the commutation beforehand.

After completing all the assembly steps, we start the water and turn on the boiler to the network.

If you have any unclear points about the drain technology, ask questions in the comments. We will definitely answer you.