How to drain the boiler correctly

Maintaining a warm and cozy home requires proper maintenance of your heating system, particularly in the winter months. A vital component of this upkeep involves making certain that your boiler is appropriately drained. Although draining the boiler may seem like a difficult undertaking, with the correct assistance, it can be a simple procedure that ensures the effective functioning of your heating system and helps prevent damage.

The majority of heating systems are powered by boilers, which heat water that is pumped through pipes to warm various rooms in your house. The accumulation of silt and mineral deposits within the boiler over time may have an impact on its effectiveness. By removing these deposits, draining the boiler can help to avoid problems like decreased heating output, higher energy costs, and even system failures.

Furthermore, before performing any maintenance or repairs, the boiler must be drained. It guarantees the system’s safe depressurization and lowers the possibility of scalding or other mishaps while servicing. To preserve the longevity and effectiveness of your heating system, you must know the proper procedure for draining your boiler, whether you’re a homeowner doing it yourself or hiring a professional.

In addition, appropriate boiler drainage can help reduce energy use and utility costs. An efficient boiler uses less energy to heat your house to the right temperature because it is kept clean and well-maintained. You can save money over time and increase the longevity of your heating system by including routine boiler draining in your home maintenance regimen.

Water heater drain cock device

The storage water heater from various manufacturers shares similar features. The only areas where differences are visible are in advanced functionality and design. The base is made of a big tank. It is equipped with a temperature sensor and a heating element.

A pipe that runs down the tank to a shallow depth supplies the boiler with cold water. The header at the end of the spigot serves as a water splasher. The blue-marked cold water section is typically found on the tank’s right side.

Either the top or bottom can supply hot water. The spigot inside the tank ends beneath the top of the tank. The red-marked hot water supply comes from the left side of the tank.

The heating device’s scheme:

• Tank;
• TEN;
• Temperature sensor;
• Hot water outlet;
• Thermal insulation;
• External casing;
• Magnesium anode;
• Cold water outlet.

Even heating and drainage of the hot water that rises to the top are guaranteed by the design. However, the liquid that enters the tank does not entirely drain and does not drop below a predetermined level. Consequently, overheating of the heating element is prevented.

It is not possible to just empty the tank using the hot water tap due to the check valve. In this manner, just a thin layer on top can be removed. There are several more steps to take in order to empty the water completely.

2 Need for liquid drainage

It is required to completely empty the tank when performing routine equipment cleaning. When using a centralized water supply without pre-treatment, this activity is carried out twice a year; if the water is pre-treated to a high degree, it is carried out just once a year.

The boiler’s interior accumulates dirt and limescale as it operates. This layer forms a specific heat insulator on the bottom, walls, and heating element. The fact that the heating element will overheat while in use and that the water will not reach the necessary temperature—it will only be barely warm—exacerbates the situation. When the boiler uses a lot of electricity, its efficiency is very low. The best course of action is to empty the tank, disassemble the heating component, and clean it of scale. Consequently, the apparatus will function in its entirety and last for an extended period of time.

The water heater must be emptied in order to be empty.

The formation of an unpleasant odor coming from the tank is the reason to drain the water heater. This is because the unit is used erratically or infrequently. In this instance, the water is clogged, emits a distinct smell, and can be solved on its own if it is replaced entirely. If the boiler needs to be moved or repaired, the tank doesn’t need to be emptied.

3 No need for draining

Eliminating the water heater’s contents is not always necessary. It is advised to store a small amount of water in the unit when preserving it for the summer. This stops "early" corrosion from forming and stops the unit from combusting in the event that the owners connect it carelessly without first filling it.

It is not advised to perform a thorough draining process if the system has been kept in storage for an extended period of time and the user wishes to replace the contents of the tank. It will be sufficient to replenish the water in the tank multiple times via the faucet, which experts advise doing once every two months, passing approximately 100 liters of water (cold or hot) through the device.

General procedure

Air access must be allowed inside the water heater’s storage tank in order for the water to completely drain, and the DHW pipe is the simplest way to do this. The fundamental process is as follows:

• the boiler MUST be disconnected from the power supply;
• the heater"s cold water make-up valve is closed;
• The hot water tap is opened to release the excess pressure in the tank;
• unscrew the screw securing the safety valve flag, which stands between the titan and the water supply line;
• If there is no provision for draining the liquid flowing out of the safety valve into the sewerage system, an empty bucket or similar container should be placed under the safety valve;
• lifting and lowering the valve flag as the bucket is filled, we drain the water from the heater.

There’s a distinct gurgling sound in the boiler when water is drained from the storage tank via the safety valve. If it is absent, then there is not enough atmospheric pressure to raise the water in the empty container.

And if it doesn"t gurgle.

In this instance, the sequence of events needs to be changed:

The system is disassembled and the connection between the heater’s DHW outlet

If it isn’t disassembled, disconnect the connection closest to the boiler’s "hot" outlet. In the worst-case scenario, place a small piece of rubber hose with an appropriate diameter on the bend of the hot water tap closest to the heater; force the liquid out of the DHW line into the water heater tank by blowing into the hose vigorously. You can use a compressor or a hand pump, but use caution. Following completion of all procedures, the boiler’s water will be drained.

But not completely—the liquid will still be in the tank below the cold water supply pipe. Its capacity, which could be several liters, will depend on the height of the tube.

The water in the boiler will be drained once all the processes have been completed. But not entirely—the liquid will still be in the tank below the cold water supply pipe. Its capacity, which can reach several liters, will depend on how high this tube is installed.

When replacing a malfunctioning heating element, the last drainage of water "to dry" must usually be done through the mounting holes for the heating element. In the second scenario, the water heater must be preserved and the storage tank must be fully emptied.

Technically speaking, taking apart the heating element is not a tough task that calls for specialized training for the performer. All that needs to be done is exercise caution to prevent harming the gaskets that connect the heating element to the tank wall.

It is good when everything is according to the rules!

You can quickly empty the water from the storage water heater thanks to this connection scheme.

The method for draining water from the water heater that is being described assumes that all regulations were followed when connecting the device to the engineering communications, which is unfortunately not always the case. The most common violations of the regulations include the lack of a shut-off valve to stop the boiler’s cold water supply, the absence of a flag on some safety valve models, and the inability to reach the threaded connections on the inlet and outlet connections.

These infractions are not serious and do not particularly affect the boiler’s overall performance, but they make it very challenging to remove the water from it. The procedure can only be greatly accelerated if you install a dedicated tap for the boiler storage tank’s air supply and anticipate the need for it early on in the wiring of the cold-hot water supply system.

How to drain a water heater according to the rules

It is a good idea to have a basic understanding of the water heater’s construction before emptying the tank. There are two tubes that are attached to the tank. For the water to enter, one of them is required, and for it to exit, the other. A safety check valve-style shut-off fitting is an additional crucial component. Just unscrewing the supply line on it will only allow you to release a few liters.

Disconnecting the water heater from the power supply network is the first step towards emptying the liquid from the tank, regardless of the brand. Subsequent actions vary depending on the manufacturer, such as the well-known Ariston, Termex, or Polaris. Every one of them has unique design elements that are typical of heating apparatuses. An internal surface covered in titanium and stainless steel is a distinguishing feature of Termex water heaters. In contrast, impact-resistant plastic is used to make the exterior.

An instruction on the correct way to empty the water from the Termex or Ariston water heater is developed, taking into consideration the peculiarities. According to the first of these brands, it appears as follows:

1. Close the cold water supply valve.
2. When the liquid inside has cooled down on its own or you have used it up, open the hot water at the faucet closest to you. This is necessary to relieve the pressure.
3. After all the hot liquid has drained out, close the faucet.
4. Use an adjustable wrench at the cold water inlet, i.e., at the cold water inlet.е. from the bottom of the check valve, unscrew the nuts. Twist the last one as well.
5. Immediately connect the hose to the freed pipe, which will be needed to drain the rest of the liquid into the sewerage system.

Ariston, the manufacturer, uses a slightly different method for emptying the appliance than Termex.

1. Having disconnected the device from the mains, unscrew the upper plug of the mixer.
2. Remove the shower hose, shut off the cold water and close the mixer taps.
3. Twist the valves on the supply and return pipes together with the plastic nuts.
4. Remove the cap from the faucet, unscrew the screw, remove the gaskets and the handle.
5. Do not completely disconnect the body of the device from the inner cistern, and then open the desired plug.
6. Open the faucet tap to allow water to flow out of the hole that has been closed with the plug.

How to drain a water heater with a T-piece

Use the special instructions provided to empty the water heater if it has a tee, or drain valve. This component is situated between the valve and the cold water supply pipe at the tank’s outlet. You must first turn off the water supply at the unit’s inlet in order to empty the water. The only thing left to do is use the faucet to open the tee after that.

How to drain a water heater using the trigger lever

The second way to empty a water heater is for those models that are built with a unique lever known as a trigger. The element is situated vertically and parallel to the cold water supply pipe on the protective valve. You must bend the trigger to a ninety-degree angle in order to empty the tank. Some adept individuals even manage to attach a hose to the valve’s "spout" so that the liquid can be released into the sewage system. The procedure is quite comfortable, but it takes a while—nearly an hour or two.

How to drain the water from the boiler with the removal of the check valve

When a check valve is present, the final option—how to empty the water from the electric water heater—is employed to relieve pressure in an emergency. Since this is the most drastic option available, you should prepare by preparing basins, rags, and even a phone call to a partner. Liters of liquid will rush in a large stream in the first few seconds. The hot water supply must be unscrewed first, followed by the safety valve.

How to drain the water from the water heater in case of breakage

You are unable to perform drainage tasks on your own in the event that the equipment malfunctions, particularly if the warranty has not yet run out. When this happens, you should seek assistance from the staff of the business where the water heater was bought or the installers. Repairs are typically completed on the spot, but if disassembly is required, the technician will release the liquid on his own. You can attempt to do the repair yourself if the warranty has already expired, but it is best to leave it to the professionals.

And how it is organized in general

At the very least, a general understanding of the heater’s internal workings and operation is required in order to properly drain the water from it.

General device

An electric boiler with a traditional design is straightforward to operate but incredibly dependable. It is essentially a sizable thermos with internal heating that works by storing water in a storage tank that has a heating element installed inside. All "Termex" and "Ariston" storage water heater models share a structural device; the only things that differentiate them are the form and material of the individual elements’ manufacture, the existence of various components that enhance and facilitate the operation of the device’s nodes and parts, and the level of "sophistication" of the control units.

Storage tank

Though the quality of the anticorrosive materials used to make storage tanks varies widely, all manufacturers use them. The best surfaces are those made of stabilized steel covered with a layer of vitrified porcelain; this prevents water contamination from wall particles and makes limescale practically "stick" to the surface. Galvanized steel is the least expensive material; it lasts a fair amount of time but adds metal to heated water and is very prone to scale formation.

Pipe, pipe, all around pipe ..

For the cold and hot water intake, two vertically positioned tubes are installed in the tank; the bottom of the first tube is cut, and the top of the second tube is cut. The splitter that is typically attached to the "cold" pipe guarantees that the water is distributed evenly throughout the tank’s volume. The liquid that is already heated is displaced upward by the cold water that enters through this tube and enters the DHW system through the "hot" pipe. In this instance, there is no liquid mixing within the tank.

Where without convenience ..

A thermostat is also fitted inside the tank to control the temperature of the heating water and prevent it from boiling, and a magnesium anode lowers the amount of electrochemical corrosion in the storage tank. These additions automate and simplify the heater’s functioning. The heating element (TEN), which is also housed inside the tank, is a copper-encased spiral of high-resistivity wire, typically nichrome.

Any heater must have a safety valve fitted on the "cold" pipe as part of its design. Its goals are to equalize the pressure of heated and make-up water in the main line, release excess pressure in the line, and stop liquid from escaping the vessel when the "supply" is turned off.

Time to drain the water

Thermex and Ariston electric boilers are examples of pressure-working vessels and equipment with hermetic construction, common to all such devices. For this reason, simply turning on the heated water disassembly will not empty it entirely; instead, only the liquid above and directly from the "hot" intake tube cut will be drained.

In what cases it is necessary to drain the water from the water heater

To eliminate any uncertainty regarding the necessity of draining the water from the tank or if this step can be skipped, the issue that needs to be addressed must be precisely identified. Due to the possibility of metal parts corroding, many water heater manufacturers advise against leaving the appliance without water for an extended period of time.

There are three situations where draining the water is required:

• Mandatory drainage of water requires a water heater installed in the dacha. The question of how to do this arises in the owner at the end of the season. If you do not drain the water for the winter, then at subzero temperatures the liquid will freeze and rupture the storage tank of the water heater. The problem does not concern owners who live year-round in a summer house.
• The need to drain water arises when the water heater breaks down, as well as preventive cleaning of the tank from scale and dirt. The frequency of scheduled maintenance depends on the design of the unit as well as the quality of the liquid. The higher the water hardness, the faster scale will form. However, on dry heating elements solid accumulations are deposited longer than it happens with devices with open heating elements.
• Without water drainage can not do without in an apartment in the event of a plumbing failure. From the storage tank, designed for 80 or 100 liters, you can take liquid for technical needs: toilet flushing, hand washing and other purposes.

If the device’s instructions state that it is not intended to operate without water for an extended period of time, you may attempt to solve the issue in the event that the water supply fails. Bottled water is one substitute that can be used.

When the owners leave the dacha, there is no need to empty the storage tank. Nonetheless, it is important to take into account the length of the absence, the water heater’s design, the room’s lowest temperature, and the water intake source. Putting everything in order now:

• If a long departure from the dacha falls on winter, then in case of severe frosts, the temperature inside the room will fall to the negative mark. As much as the absence of water would be detrimental to the appliance, the liquid must be drained out.
• Inside the room, where the air temperature does not fall below 0оС, stainless steel tank is better not to be emptied. The corrosion process is less likely to occur in the presence of water.
• Copper heater appliances should be emptied when not in use. Here the corrosion process is reversed. Copper deteriorates faster in water with increased hardness.
• Prolonged downtime of the water heater is dangerous for infection. Stagnant water starts to rot, which can be recognized by an unpleasant odor. It happens faster when the water heater is fed from a domestic well.
• In centralized water supply, chlorination is performed, due to which putrefactive bacteria are destroyed. If you leave the boiler not drained for a week, the probability of water rotting is minimal.

Generally speaking, when you are gone from the dacha for brief periods of time, there is no need to empty the water heater tank. You can easily remove stagnant water by draining it and heating fresh water to the highest temperature a few times.

6 Removal of residual moisture

It will only be feasible to remove all the water to the point of drop if the equipment has been nearly completely disassembled, the interior has been thoroughly cleaned, and any existing malfunctions have been fixed. The dried structure is then put back together for additional use or kept disassembled until the next season.

Draining the operating fluid in the best possible way comes before disassembly. Subsequently, take off the ornamental cover located at the base of the tank, cautiously unplug the cables connecting the signal lamp to the exterior, and remember where the electrical cords are located. The heating element’s support flange needs to be unscrewed counterclockwise in the following step. The remaining moisture will naturally evaporate after the water heater’s nuts are loosened. It is only then possible to remove the heating element from the recess and finally unscrew the fasteners.

Emptying the water heater is a simple process that needs to be done with accuracy and consistency. It is best to leave this work to the experts if you have even the slightest doubts about your skills.

Procedure for draining the water heater

Close the HTW pipe’s tap and remove the drain valve to separate the appliance from the socket before emptying the water.

Should the decision be made to empty the tank, it can only be completed once the contents have reached room temperature. A maximum of 1.5 liters will emerge from the tank when the hot tap is opened after the water supply is cut off; the remaining water will stay inside. In order to rectify the water drainage and comprehend the reason behind it, it is imperative to comprehend the structure of the electric water heater:

• The heated water is drawn from the top of the tank through a special tube and flows to the bottom of the water heater.
• The cold water pipe is connected through a non-return disc valve, which prevents the water from flowing back into the main line. It is also responsible for releasing excessive pressure caused by heating and expansion of the liquid.
• In an electric storage type heater, the water from the tank is supplied by the pressure of the main water supply pipe.
• If the cold water supply is cut off and the system stops working, the liquid will not flow out of the tank on its own. Only the water that was above the intake pipe will come out of the faucet.

Drainage in standard, advanced and simplified connection types

The boiler’s design and connection determine how to empty it.

Using the standard version makes emptying the boiler tank much simpler. However, a drain valve needs to be installed on the tee after the non-return valve in the plumbing scheme.

To drain the tank:

1. Close the cold pipe with the valve, unplug the appliance and open the hot water at the faucet.
2. Connect a hose of the required length to the drain cock.
3. Prepare a bucket or other large container.
4. Partially drain the contents through an open faucet.

When filling the drain tank, closing the valve is sufficient; there is no need to disconnect the pipes. Because the faucet restricts the amount of air that can enter the tank, there is no jet from the hose.

Since the tee is mounted at both the heated water outlet and the cold water inlet, an improved version of the standard connection suggests a more convenient drainage process. When using this kind of pipework, shut off the valve at the unit’s inlet first. Next, in order to release the pressure within the tank and empty the residue into the outlet pipe, the drain hose is attached and the mixer is turned on. The free end is aimed towards the sewer or a ready-made container, and the "hot" pipe’s tee’s air intake shut-off valve is opened.

The flow of moisture into the electric heater must be stopped in the simplified connection method. Next, let the residue out of the connecting pipe by opening the hot water valve. After that, the liquid that remains is drained out and the check valve lever is turned to the open position. This procedure takes a while.

Quick and complete emptying

Using a wrench to unscrew the safety valve is the quickest way to empty the water.

In the event of an emergency, it becomes imperative to promptly drain the fluid. The following is how the process is executed:

1. Close the cold water valve on the supply pipe. If there is no such regulator at the inlet to the tank, the shutoff is carried out on the riser pipe.
2. Open the tap on the boiling water outlet of the electric heater to equalize the pressure inside and outside the tank. Then close the valve again.
3. Place a large pot or basin under the boiler and unplug the hot water hose.
4. Unscrew the tee with the drain valve.

The liquid will then swiftly drain away. Making sure the basin doesn’t overflow is essential to avoid flooding your neighbors. It is required to turn off the air supply to the water-heating tank while changing the container. If the boiler is installed above the sink, bathtub, or toilet, the procedure will be simpler.

Draining the residues from the tank is a must before cleaning the inside of the tank or storing the dacha heater for the winter. Using any of the above techniques, first drain the majority of the liquid. After that, the water that is still at the bottom needs to be removed.

1. Remove the decorative panel from the bottom of the boiler, holding it, disconnect the wires leading to the light indicator.
2. Disconnect the contacts of the electrical wires. In order not to confuse everything during assembly, it is better to make a photo of the boiler stuffing before that.
3. Slowly unscrew the flange supporting the heating element. First loosen the nuts, and when the excess liquid has drained out, unscrew the element completely.
4. Remove the heating element and allow the remaining water to drain out.

Our goal with this guide, "How to Drain the Boiler Correctly," is to make home owners’ maintenance of their heating systems easier. To maintain the longevity and efficiency of your boiler, draining it is an essential step. You can avoid potential damage and maximize performance by clearing out old water and sediment buildup. From turning off the boiler to securely emptying the water, we’ll guide you through each step while emphasizing important safety measures. Our simple instructions will help you maintain your heating system’s smooth operation and keep your home warm for many years to come. You’ll feel comfortable handling this necessary maintenance task.

How to drain the water from the water heater by dismantling the safety valve: instructions and a list of necessary tools.

For drainage and subsequent reassembly you will need the following tools and devices: a set of wrenches (universal wrench is better), adjustable wrench №1, screwdriver, indicator screwdriver, drain hose, basin (bucket), packing/fumed tape. The order of actions is as follows:
1. Disconnect the power supply (turn off the circuit breaker, unplug the water heater from the socket).
2. Make sure that the water in the tank is at room temperature, it is dangerous to drain boiling water.
3. Shut off the water supply.
4. Unscrew the safety valve, immediately after it put the drain hose on the supply pipe.
5. Open the hot water tap to equalize the pressure, if this is not done, no water will flow out.
6. Flat tank water heaters have an additional spigot, to drain, remove the plug on the spigot before removing the fittings on the outlet spigot.
7. After the tank is almost emptied, it is necessary to drain the remaining water accumulated at the bottom of the tank (from 3 to 8 liters). To do this, you will have to dismantle the protective casing at the bottom of the unit, the thermorelay (in most cases), and unscrew the flange. Before working with an indicator screwdriver, make sure that the boiler terminals are not energized. Before proceeding to dismantle the flange, it is necessary to put a basin or bucket underneath to avoid splashing and dirtying the floor.
8. Next, it is necessary to remove residual water and scale, if necessary, perform preventive maintenance of the water heater.
9. The water heater is assembled in the reverse order.
10. Before turning on the water heater, make sure that the tank is full of water.

Emptying a wrongly connected boiler

If the water heater is not correctly connected to the mains, you will need to perform some work. This occurs if a shoddy craftsman installed the drain tee and cut-off ball valves without bothering to install either one. Regretfully, these circumstances frequently occur. The scheme illustrates an incorrect boiler connection example:

Initially, comparable procedures are carried out to cut off the water pipe that enters a home or apartment. The faucet’s hot tap drains the most water possible. After that, there are two methods to solve the problem: slow and fast. You can select the method of your choice.

There is a way to complete the task with minimal damage if you have enough time on your hands and the safety valve is in good functioning order. Press the valve lever once you’ve placed a bucket underneath or a pipe on the valve outlet that is directed toward the sewer. It should be noted that forcing the valve to release pressure will take a long time. It will take at least two hours to empty an 80L boiler.

Although emptying the water boiler can be done much more quickly, you will still need to wait for the appliance to cool down because you won’t be getting your hands wet. After completing all the steps to turn off and empty the water from the faucet and unplug the appliance from the mains, you will need to use an adjustable or gas wrench to remove the pipe from the water heater’s outlet connection. Remember to fill the bucket beforehand because some water will leak through the fitting.

The next step is to unscrew the pipe from the safety valve. Since it does not flow in the opposite direction, nothing will happen as a result. The water will flow after you unscrew the safety valve completely. To control the process, you must first loosen it with a wrench, and put a bucket under it. Then, plugging the outlet pipe with the finger of one hand, with the second hand unscrew the valve to the end. After releasing your finger, you can drain the water from the boiler into a bucket, and when filling it – close it again, creating a vacuum. Clearly this method is shown in the video:

The full disassembly method can also be used to empty a small water tank that has upward-spitting water heaters. In order to turn the tank over and empty the water, you are unable to do this without removing it from the brackets.

Step	Description
1	Turn off the power to the boiler.
2	Let the boiler cool down for a while.
3	Find the drain valve usually located at the bottom of the boiler.
4	Attach a hose to the valve and place the other end in a drain or bucket.
5	Open the valve slowly to release the water.
6	Once all the water has drained out, close the valve tightly.
7	If needed, repeat the process until the water runs clear.
8	Dispose of the drained water properly.
9	Check for any leaks or damage before turning the power back on.

For your boiler to remain long-lasting and efficient, it must be properly drained. You can guarantee that your heating system stays in optimal condition all year long by adhering to a few easy steps.

First and foremost, it’s critical to comprehend the necessity of draining your boiler. Mineral deposits and sediment can accumulate inside the boiler over time, reducing its efficiency and possibly causing damage. By emptying the boiler, these impurities are removed, facilitating smoother and more efficient operation.

Make sure you turn off the boiler and let it cool completely before starting the draining procedure. By doing this, any mishaps or injuries during the maintenance process will be avoided. Furthermore, find the boiler’s drain valve and make sure you have the tools you’ll need, like a wrench or bucket, to complete the job.

When it’s time to empty the boiler, connect a hose to the drain valve and store the other end outside or in a suitable drainage area, like a floor drain. Gently open the valve to let the water exit gradually. Throughout the draining process, keep an eye on the pressure gauge to make sure it stays within safe limits.

Following the boiler’s drain, it’s critical to remove any leftover silt and debris. This can be accomplished by adding clean water to the boiler and letting it empty once more. Continue doing this until the water runs clear, signifying that there are no contaminants in the boiler.

Lastly, after you’ve completed draining and flushing the boiler, remember to firmly close the drain valve. By doing this, any leaks or system damage will be avoided. Your boiler can continue to function properly for many years with routine maintenance and care.

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