How to clean the gas column

In operation, gas columns, like any other equipment, need regular maintenance. Therefore, it is necessary to know how to clean the gas column to prevent the formation of limescale and corrosion. Only in this case you will be able to ensure its full functioning for a long time, and you will always have plenty of hot water of good quality.

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Why clean the gas column?

The gas column is a good alternative to hot central water supply, which is often disconnected for preventive maintenance or turned off at frequent intervals in order to save. Unfortunately, the quality of domestic pipes desires better, and the water is stiff and saturated with salts, which aggravates the problem of scale and deposits of salts on the surfaces.

These factors affect the operation of the gas column: clogged with rust and filter debris, thin tubes of the heat exchanger overgrown with a layer of scale, as a result, clogged and do not pass water. Of course, you can partly be to blame for the fact that the unit does not work, for example:

• you forget to turn off the ignition;
• often turn on full power heating;
• use the column with a small head of water.

But once the problem has arisen it is necessary to fight it. We will help you to figure out how to fix the problem and give some effective advice in servicing the water heater.

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How to clean the column from scale?

The cleaning procedure is carried out consecutively in several stages. Clearly follow the below scheme, and you quickly solve the problem.

Step 1 - preparation of tools

For all the work you will need the following tools and tools:

• screwdrivers - flat and cross-shaped;
• car keys of different sizes;
• set of silicone gaskets;
• the container into which you will put the removed heat exchanger;
• bucket;Funnel or rubber pear;
• plastic tube corresponding to the diameter of the heat exchanger tube, about 60-100 cm long;
• descaler: "Antinakipin", "Rust remover", "Cilit", liquid VD-40, acetic essence, table vinegar, citric acid;
• cleaning household products: Domestos, San-wedge, etc.

Stage 2 - preparation of

1. equipment. Before deconstructing the column, check for serviceability of the crane that is at the entrance to the column.
2. Shut off the gas and water supply.
3. Remove the speaker guard: take a screwdriver suitable for attachment and unscrew the retaining screws.
4. Remove the nuts that hold the water filter.

Step 3 - cleaning the

filter To get a really good result and restore the system throughput, you need to know how to clean the gas column filter. This procedure is not difficult, if you adhere to the following rules:

1. Remove the brush deposits of salts and trash.
2. Wash the filter under running water.
3. Put it in a small container, fill with a detergent.
4. Leave for 20-30 minutes.
5. Rinse out.

Step 4 - replacement or correction of the membrane

Check the membrane for suitability. If it is strongly concave, then it must be replaced. In this case, we recommend that you replace the old part with a more modern silicone one.

Proceed as follows:

1. Cover the intake unit, tighten the screws one by one to evenly stretch the diaphragm.
2. Unscrew the nuts that hold the water supply pipes to the heat exchanger. In the process of untwisting the fixtures, problems may arise, since the accumulated scum prevents them from being disconnected, in this case the WD-40 technical aerosol will help you, it actively penetrates into the layering of scale and softens it:
   • Spray the agent on the surface.
   • Leave for 15-30 minutes for reaction.

Note: If this method does not work properly, tap the connection point with a key or warm it up using a cigarette lighter.

Step 5 - Checking the heat exchanger

1. Disconnect the heat exchanger, turn it over and place it in a container.
2. Using a funnel or a rubber bulb, fill the coil with descaling agent of your choice:
   • Use antinakipine in a warm state.
   • Cilit dissolve in water 1: 2.
   • Acetic acid should be placed for effective action of the coil for at least 8 hours.
3. Pour a third of the volume of the substance inside, add the rest of the fluid every five minutes as the reaction fizzles out( hissing).
4. Leave the substance inside for 3-5 hours exposure.

Note: If there are no special chemicals at hand, make a solution from the helpers, for this, table vinegar or citric acid solution: 100 g per 0.5 l of water, but be prepared for that, that these funds will affect the contamination longer by 2-3 hours and less efficiently.

1. Drain the solution and flush the heat exchanger:
2. Attach the plastic tube with one side to the coil and the other to the tap with cold water.
3. Rinse the coil until the water is clean.

Note: Alternatively, install the column in its place and connect the water supply under a small head, while placing a bucket under the water outlet to allow the residue of the scale to flow out.

Step 7 - Final cleaning

Complete the procedure for repairing the gas column as follows:

1. Lubricate the threads on the pipes with graphite grease, to facilitate unwinding in subsequent times.
2. Change old gaskets to new ones.
3. Connect the pipes.
4. Open the valves on the hot water and gas pipes.

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How to clean the gas column from soot?

If the ignition of the column from it drops soot, then you have problems with burning. It is advisable to entrust this procedure to professionals, but if this is impossible, do it yourself.

Note: Before cleaning, be sure to close the gas, remove the protective cover.

The most common cause of carbon deposits is the flow of gas in the joints. To check the column for gas leakage:

1. Make a soapy solution.
2. Apply by brush to the joints.
3. If bubbles begin to form, contact the gas service for troubleshooting or try to adjust the valve itself by scrolling the washer until the desired result is obtained. But remember, it's important not to twist very much, otherwise the gas supply will be insufficient.

The second reason - jammed nozzle holes. In this case:

1. Collect the soot with a vacuum cleaner or iron brush.
2. Take a thin copper wire and remove the carbon from the nozzles.

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Useful advices

To make the column work properly:

• Periodically do preventive maintenance.
• In time, clean the filter of litter and lime.
• Do not use as high a temperature as possible.
• To avoid scale formation, after using the gas column, drain hot water.

Using our tips, you will be able to correct all the problems that arise during the use of the gas column. But keep in mind that you can do this work yourself only if you have the appropriate experience of repairing the equipment.

Remember that improper gas cylinder repair can exacerbate the problem and the system will become unsafe for you, as this equipment is explosive! If you are not confident in your strengths and knowledge, the only way out is to call the specialized specialists and entrust all the work to them!