In detail: water heater Termeks rzb 50l DIY repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.
The “Termex” models refer to storage type water heaters. The main cause of breakdowns is most often poor-quality water in the pipeline. Unfortunately, because of this, the tank will have to be cleaned quite often. For example, if the water consumption is large, then the system is serviced once a year. However, it does not always make sense to call a specialist, repair of Termeks water heaters can be done by hand, having at your disposal a small baggage of knowledge, tools and spare parts.
Before proceeding with the repair of the boiler with our own hands, we will understand the design features. The device of the water heater is quite simple, the main components are as follows:
Diagram of the device of the Termeks water heater
- body made of stainless steel sheet;
- inner tank made of alloy steel, durable and corrosion resistant;
- the steel flange is a platform on which the device elements are attached: heating element, magnesium anode, thermostat;
- a large magnesium anode is a metal rod that is coated with a magnesium alloy; thus the element reduces the corrosiveness of the water, protecting the tank and increasing the durability of the water heater;
- stainless steel tube for hot water outlet;
- thermal insulation made of high density polyurethane foam;
- Heating element, which, in fact, heats the water;
- a thermostat acting as an automatic water temperature regulator (turns off the boiler when the water is heated, and vice versa);
- stainless steel cold water pipe.
Video (click to play). |
The operation of the water tank is based on the convection principle:
Cold water always enters the storage water heater from below, when heated it rises up, where the hot water intake tube is located.
- cold water enters the tank through the inlet pipe;
- the heating element turns on and heats the water to the set temperature (there is a regulator on the dashboard with which the temperature is set);
- thanks to convection, hot water rises independently to the top of the tank;
- the hot water outlet pipe is located in the upper part of the device, through which the heated liquid enters the pipeline;
- when the temperature of the water in the tank drops, the thermostat turns on the heating element, and when it reaches the maximum, turns it off.
Since a boiler is a device with a simple design and principle of operation, it can have only four faults:
If the water heater is shocked, then you need to check it with a multimeter. To do this, place the contacts as in the figures, and set the multimeter to the sound dial mode, there is sound - the heating element needs to be replaced.
- Water leak. The cause of this breakdown can be both the rotten body of the water heater and the failure of the heating element. But more often than not, the tank starts to leak due to loose rubber gaskets (they can stick on or simply deteriorate from time to time).
- Breakdown of electricity to the case (the tank is shocked). The most common cause of such a malfunction is a burst heating element. But sometimes the ward or control panel fails.
- The water in the boiler heats up slowly or does not heat up at all. If the tank does not heat the water at all, then most likely the reason lies in the thermostat (broken) or heating element (burned out), but the control board may also fail, which happens extremely rarely. If the water heats up slowly, then the heating element is covered with scale and it is time to clean it.
- The water in the water heater cools down quickly.If this happens, get ready for the fact that you will have to buy a new tank, as the thermal insulation is outdated. Of course, you can try to change it yourself, but it's rather difficult.
Before proceeding with the repair, first collect the necessary tools: a set of keys, an adjustable wrench, electrical tape, various screwdrivers, pliers. After that, turn off the water by turning off the inlet and outlet taps to the water heater. Then drain the water from the boiler tank, disconnect it from the mains.
The next step is to dismantle the protective cover. If you have a vertically located boiler, then the lid is at the bottom, and in the case of a horizontally located one - on the left or in front.
First, do all of the above, remove the tank cap.
It should be noted that most of the "Termex" models have not one, but two heating elements. So it is imperative to remember how and in what sequence the parts need to be connected... And it is better to photograph the whole process.
To remove the heating elements from the Termeks water heater, remove the top cover by unscrewing the bolt; disconnect all plugs and unscrew the heating elements mounting bolts.
The heating element itself is turned off as follows:
- after removing the cover, find the safety thermostat, remove the tips from it;
- also remove the tips (3 pieces) from the heating element;
- cut the plastic clamp;
- unscrew the screws while removing the sensor;
- now disconnect the ribbon and unscrew the four screws;
- then it is necessary to dismantle the nut on the clamping bar and pull out the heating element.
Do not forget that the heating element does not always need to be changed. If the water in the tank still heats up, but it happens slowly, then, most likely, scale has formed on the heating element. Then dismantle it and descale it. Then install. The problem should go away. Also, do not forget that it is advisable to clean the heating element with chemical means, and not to scrape off the dirt. In the latter case, there is a possibility of damage to the part.
The thermostat in Termeks water heaters is located under the lid, next to one of the heating elements, and its sensor is located inside the tank.
Sometimes the thermostat fails. This element cannot be repaired, it must be replaced.... To replace, you need to make all the preparatory steps, remove the cover, then remove the thermostat. But before dismantling, we recommend that you check this part. To do this, use a lighter to heat the tip of the sensor (copper). If the thermostat is working properly, then you will hear a characteristic click, which means that the protection mechanism has worked and the circuit has opened. Otherwise, you will have to replace the part.
No matter how trite it may sound, but first you need to find where the water comes from. A lot depends on this, since if the tank is rotten, then you will have to buy a new water heater. So:
- if water oozes from the side seam, then the container is rusted, and repairs will not work;
- if water comes out from under the lid at the bottom, then you need to disassemble the tank.
If there are traces of leakage in the places where the heating elements are attached, then your water heater is not hopeless and it can be saved by replacing the gasket.
In the case of the second option, complete all preparatory steps, then remove the plastic cover. Next, take a close look at where the water seeps out. If it comes out near the flange, then the rubber gasket has deteriorated. (less often it is a problem with heating elements). Otherwise - the tank is rusted, the boiler can be thrown away. To replace the gaskets, you need to remove the heating element. But it is necessary to carefully consider the heating element itself. If it is cracked, then it is also better to replace it.
If you have checked and replaced all the parts, but the boiler still does not work, then it is quite possible that the electronics are out of order. The control board cannot be repaired, and it will be extremely difficult to find a similar one in a store. Therefore, in this case, we recommend contacting specialists.
In most cases, the "Termeks" water heater can be repaired independently, as it has a fairly simple design and principle of operation. The main causes of breakdown are inoperative heating elements or scale... It is necessary to pay attention to this first of all. If the boiler does not heat the water well, do not rush to the store and buy a new heating element. Perhaps the old one is simply covered with dirt and it is just enough to descale it. If the water heater leaks at the joints or the water in it cools down quickly, then you will have to buy a new device.
Installing a boiler allows you not to depend on utilities: the technician provides the user with hot water around the clock. The Thermex brand is especially popular - due to its ease of installation and affordable cost. But even the Termex water heater is prone to malfunctions. From our article you will find out the causes of breakdowns, what to do when they appear.
The wide range of Thermex allows you to choose a boiler for 100 liters for a large family, for 10-15 liters for use in a small kitchen, etc. The device is a metal heating tank with a heating element inside. The heater is controlled by a relay and a thermostat. The magnesium anode helps soften the tap water.
It is worth noting that modern water heaters are equipped with a control unit that has a self-diagnostic function. The system identifies the faulty unit and displays an error code. Having deciphered the meaning, you can understand where to look for a breakdown and how to fix it yourself.
The video will help you deal with the E1 error:
Other problems occur in the electric water heater:
- The appliance does not heat up the water or does it for too long.
- Noise is heard during operation.
- Runs only for a short time.
- Does not work, does not turn on.
- The tank is dripping.
- Unpleasant smell and color of water.
If you notice one of the signs, then proceed to check and repair.
Consider how to cope with problems on your own.
If the case is vertical, it means that the heating element is at the bottom and you don't have to think about how to remove the cover. In the event of a malfunction, the machine on the dashboard can knock out, and the body can be shocked. If you notice too long heating, the element is overgrown with scale - as a result, heat transfer is reduced.
Perhaps the part has worn out due to constant use or burned out during a power surge. Read about replacing the heating element in a water heater in a separate article. In it, you will find general diagnostic and functional tests. We will describe the sequence of actions specifically for the Termex brand:
- Shut off the water supply and drain the tank. To do this, loosen the nut on the hot water connection.
- Disconnect all hoses, remove the device from the wall.
- Turn the case over to gain access to the bottom.
- Many models are equipped with two heating devices. In order not to get confused when connecting, take a picture of the wiring.
- To access the heating element, you need to disassemble the fasteners.
- Remove the screws and nuts that hold the part flange.
- Get it out of the tank.
With a strong formation of scale, the heating element may not come out of the nest. Then carefully clean it with a thin screwdriver.
Before changing the heating element, select a replacement in accordance with the serial number of the model. If your appliance has two heaters, try to distribute the work evenly so that the appliance will last longer.
Magnesium and calcium salts not only build up deposits on the parts, but also settle on the bottom of the tank. Therefore, when switched on, noise may be heard and the circuit breaker may trip. To avoid serious malfunctions, it is necessary to clean the Termeks boiler at least once a year.
- Prepare the equipment: disconnect from the mains, drain the water.
- Unscrew the bolts from the bottom and pull out the heating element.
- Remove limescale deposits from the tank. If it is not dry, it will be easier to remove with a wooden spatula.
- For cleaning, you can use chemicals such as "Anti-scale". Alternatively, dissolve 25 ml of vinegar in 10 liters of water.
- The heater can be cleaned in the same solution.
- If the magnesium anode becomes unusable, replace it.
Due to impurities in the water and scale, the water from the boiler could become cloudy and acquire an unpleasant odor.
Rinse the inner walls with lukewarm water, wipe and connect the appliances.
The main reason is the operation of the RCD. This is possible with a short circuit or current leakage to the case. Moreover:
- There is no electricity supply. Check the integrity of the mains wire, plug, serviceability of the socket.
- Faulty water pressure sensor. "Termex" supplies water when pressure is built up in the tank. Therefore, in the event of a malfunction, the part must be replaced.
- Low pressure in the water supply. It remains to wait for his recovery.
- Electrical contacts are loose or oxidized. Check and tighten the contacts.
If the case is leaking, urgent action must be taken. Causes:
- After the purchase of the equipment, a preventive inspection was not carried out.
- The magnesium anode has not changed for a long time.
- A large amount of impurities in the water.
- Leakage of current to the case.
- High pressure in the pipeline (more than 2 atm), which leads to deformation of the body. It is recommended to install a reduction gear.
- The gasket is deformed.
To locate the leak, unplug the device and arm yourself with a flashlight. Examine the case carefully. If a leak is found at the pipe connections, drain the water and reconnect the elements.
The gasket may leak. First tighten the screws on the boiler cover. If that doesn't work, install a new gasket.
Is it leaking at the place where the heater is attached to the body?
It is necessary to completely replace it and the flange that holds the heating element. In the event of a depressurization of the tank itself, only a complete replacement will help, or better - the purchase of new equipment.
Have you noticed any problems with your work? Take note of our publication and examine the device. If you are in doubt about your skills, it is better to seek repair from a specialist.
Boilers Termeks have long established themselves as reliable and unpretentious household appliances. But, like any other technique, they are prone to malfunctions. Some of the breakdowns can be eliminated with your own hands, and in case of other malfunctions, the repair of the Termeks water heater should be done by a master.
Before disassembling the device, you need to have at least a little understanding of its design and principle of operation.
- body material is sheet steel with anti-corrosion coating;
- alloy steel, durable and resistant to corrosion, used for the manufacture of the inner tank;
- the elements of the device (heating element, magnesium anode and thermostat) are installed on a metal flange;
- magnesium anode is a rod covered with a covered magnesium alloy - this part protects the tank from corrosion;
- a drain pipe through which hot water is discharged (the intake takes place at the top of the tank, where the water temperature is higher);
- the space between the outer shell and the tank is filled with polyurethane foam for good thermal insulation - due to this, the liquid in the switched off unit retains the temperature for a long time (like in a thermos);
- heating element is used to heat water;
- when the water heats up to a certain temperature, the heating turns off thermostatlocated at the bottom of the apparatus, it also turns on heating when the liquid cools down;
- a tube is installed at the bottom of the tank through which cold water flows.
The water heater is running by convection principle:
- through the supply pipe, water enters the storage tank;
- the thermostat turns on the heating element to heat the liquid to the temperature set on the thermostat;
- due to the physical law of convection, warm water begins to rise;
- in the upper part of the tank there is an entrance to the pipe for the intake of heated water, which is supplied to the consumer;
- when the hot water is used up and the temperature in the tank drops, the thermostat will turn on the heating again and the process will be repeated.
The design of the water heater is quite simple and there may be several causes of malfunctions. There are breakdowns in which it is possible to repair Termex water heaters with your own hands:
- the device does not heat the liquid;
- the unit heats the water slowly;
- the boiler often turns off or does not turn on;
- water flow from the tank.
When the liquid in the device does not heat up, then a possible cause may be a malfunction of the heating element. Signs of its failure, in addition to the lack of water heating, may be as follows: knocking out the automatics on the dashboard, permanently turning off the RCD (residual current device), receiving an electric shock through the water.
The heating element can come out of the three if:
- the unit was turned on without water and the overheating protection did not work;
- The heating element was “overgrown” with a thick layer of scale and was out of order due to overheating;
- there was a sharp jump in the voltage in the network;
- the heater has expired.
To check the heating element for damage, you need use a tester (with a special measuring device). If the device, switched to resistance mode, shows infinity, it means that the heater coil has burned out. If zero is displayed on the device, a short circuit has occurred. In both cases, the heater must be replaced.
Heater Replacement Procedure in a 50 liter Termex boiler is not difficult, but requires patience and attention.
- Before draining water from a failed Termeks water heater, the unit should be de-energized. After that, release water from the container of the device, and unscrew all hoses or pipes from the nozzles.
- Remove the device from the wall and turn it over.
Carefully, using a screwdriver, pry up the decorative plugs and remove them.
Video (click to play). |
Now you need to unscrew the nuts holding the flange. In this model of the unit, there are 4 of them on each heating element.
The method of replacing heaters in the 80 liter Termex boiler is not much different from the above.
This is a fairly common malfunction that appears during prolonged operation of the device without preventive cleaning. If you hear noises coming from the tank when the boiler is on, and the water heats up for a long time, this means that the heating elements are “overgrown” with scale. Its thick layer interferes with the full transfer of heat from the heater to the surrounding liquid. This can cause the cell to overheat and burn out. With such a problem, it will be easy to make repairs with your own hands.
How to disassemble a water heater to replace heating elements has been mentioned above. In a situation when the heating elements are in good order, but they have a large layer of scale, then it must be removed from the heaters. Mechanical cleaning (with a file, sharp objects and sandpaper) is not recommended due to possible damage to the heating element housing.
For safe descaling, you can use chemicals specially designed for this. You can buy them at a household chemicals store or service center.
For descaling, prepare a container, the depth of which will be slightly deeper than the heater itself, for example, a bucket.
- It is necessary to dilute the descaler (which is acid) in a bucket, observing the percentage of concentration, which is indicated in the instructions. If the concentration is less, then the cleansing will be ineffective.
- Dip the heating element in the acid solution and time it. Dissolution may take from several minutes to 2 or more hours. The cleaning time depends on the thickness of the formed layer and the properties of the solution.
It is important to follow the instructions for the descaler and not to overexpose the heaters in acid. After cleaning the heating elements, it is enough to rinse it with running water.
The reason that the Termeks water heater turns off without reaching the desired temperature, or does not turn on at all, may be faulty thermostat... It is checked with a resistance tester. If it is missing, the part should be replaced. To do this, just remove the bottom cover of the device, disconnect the wires and replace the thermostat.
If a leak is detected from the container, the problem is solved by replacing it. Here you should calculate how much it will cost you to replace or repair the tank, and what is the price of a new unit. It is recommended not to spend money on repairs, but to purchase a new boiler.
If you nevertheless decide on an independent repair of the Termeks boiler tank, then the following difficulties should be taken into account:
- when dismantling the tank from the outer casing, you will certainly damage the shell;
- if the device has a plastic reservoir, it cannot be restored.
- if the material of the container is copper or stainless steel, then you can try to solder it, but it will be problematic to do it efficiently without a special tool at home.
Some models of water heaters have glass enamel coated containers. When you try to repair such a tank by brazing, you will inevitably damage this layer, after which it will be impossible to repair it.
In a situation where water seeps out from under the flange, the problem may lie in rubber gasketthat has worn out. To replace it, you need to de-energize the unit, drain the water, disassemble the device according to the above instructions and replace the gasket.
Some types of malfunctions of the Termex boiler can only be eliminated by a master, and it is highly discouraged to make repairs on your own in such cases. Problems that can only be solved by a specialist:
- incorrect operation and emergency shutdowns of new equipment for which the warranty service has not expired;
- the settings on the electronic thermostat are reset;
- RCD often turns off the unit;
- a tank leak, although the effectiveness of such a repair is questionable - it will be cheaper to purchase a new device.
But before calling the service, make sure that in the line through which cold water is supplied, there is a pressure... There are models of units that turn off the boiler in the absence of pressure in the supply line.