Thermex water heater is leaking from below: what to do, how to eliminate the cause
Over time, equipment can fail for various reasons. Moreover, some breakdowns can be easily fixed by yourself by replacing one part, while others cannot be repaired at all. This article will talk about what to do if the Thermex water heater is dripping from below.
Why did the Termex water heater leak from below: the main reasons
Each boiler has its own characteristic causes of leaks, so you should start by determining the model of the device. After this, try to visually detect the source of the leak:
1) Fistulas (rusted cracks) on the surface of the bulb. This is one of the typical causes of a Thermex Safedry boiler leaking.
2) Destruction of the gasket.
3) Fistulas on the surface of the tank. There are many reasons for this:
- manufacturing defects;
- natural wear and tear;
- lack of magnesium rod;
- hardness of water;
- lack of grounding.
4) Malfunction of heating elements (overheating, scale contamination, improper operation). The following indicates that this is the cause of the leak:
- damage to the outer shell of the heating element;
- protection triggered;
- knocking out the machine on the counter;
- slow water heating or lack thereof;
- hiss;
- the release of water is cloudy in color, accompanied by a stench.
If in some cases the malfunction is visible to the naked eye (for example, damage to the shell), then in other cases it is impossible to do without the help of a special tool - a tester.
Among the most common reasons for the Thermex heating element to fail:
- natural wear and tear;
- heating an empty tank;
- rusting;
- voltage drop.
What to do to fix a leak from a Termex heating tank: recommendations for fixing the problem
So, let's say you have found out what is causing the leak. Now you can proceed directly to eliminating it.
If the reason is damage to the flask covering the heating element, then you will need to remove the flange with the flask and check if there are any fistulas on it. They can be removed with a soldering iron or cold welding.
If the heating element is faulty, the repair consists of replacing the heating element. If it leaks from under the gasket, then it is necessary to unscrew the structure and tighten the fasteners. When disassembling, you should inspect the gasket for wear, as this can also be the cause of a leak.
If you realize that the gasket on the flange has worn out, you just need to replace it. First, turn off the power to the boiler, empty the tank, remove the protective cover and disconnect all cables. Remove the flange to ensure a clear view. Inspect the gasket: ruptures or deformation are a signal for replacement. After this, try refilling the tank and make sure there are no cracks or leaks.
It is not difficult to eliminate a Thermex leak when it is caused by leaks on the pipes. Simply unscrew the pipe connection and change the tape or tow. Then apply water and check the product. If the leak is not eliminated, then the cause was not in the pipes.
If the tank is leaking, then most likely you will not be able to repair the equipment on your own. However, it's worth a try. You can try to solder the fistulas on the surface of the tank. First, turn off the power to the Thermex, drain the water, remove the lid, disconnect the cables and remove the flange with the heating element. Secondly, remove the boiler, disconnect the end parts of the shell from its side part.Thirdly, you need to carefully dismantle the thermal insulation. Fourthly, obvious holes need to be closed: threads need to be cut into them, bolts must be screwed in and sealed with a piece of cold welding.
Finally, prime and paint in several layers. Then put the flange in place, connect the hoses, fill the tank with water and check its tightness.