Posted on Dec 15, 2023 at 12:03 pm by James T
Descaling a water heater is an essential task to maintain its efficiency and prolong its lifespan.
Over time, the accumulation of limescale can hinder the performance of your appliance, increasing energy consumption and risking damage to its internal components.
We will guide you through the necessary steps to properly descale a water heater.
Table of Contents
Why regularly maintain your water heater?
Whether it is electric or gas, the water heater requires regular maintenance to prolong its lifespan.
The maintenance of a thermodynamic water heater, for example, is not limited to descaling alone; a thorough understanding of all aspects of its maintenance is crucial to maintain its optimal performance and prolong its lifespan.
Therefore, you should descale your water heater every month or once a year depending on the type of appliance you have.
Descaling an electric water heater
Less dangerous than a gas water heater, an electric water heater still requires regular maintenance, usually once a month. Descaling consists of removing the limescale residues that accumulate in the various parts in contact with water, including the tank, the heating element, and the thermostat.
Here are the steps to properly perform this operation:
- Identify the elements to clean: tank, heating element, and thermostat.
- Turn off the power and close the cold water supply valve.
- Open the faucets in the house until no more hot water comes out.
- Drain the remaining water in the tank using the drain valve located at the bottom of the appliance, collecting the liquids in a bucket.
- Pour a descaling solution into the tank through the cold water inlet.
- Let the product work for the time indicated by the manufacturer.
- Drain the tank and rinse it several times with cold tap water to remove residues.
- Close the drain valve, fill the tank completely, and turn the power back on.
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Descaling a gas water heater
As for a gas water heater, its maintenance should be done annually, with a check of the pipe connections. In this case, it is preferable to call a professional who can also check the general condition of the appliance and make any necessary repairs.
Here are the main steps for descaling a gas water heater:
- Turn off the gas supply and close the cold water supply valve.
- Disassemble the parts in contact with water (tank, burner, heat exchanger…) and clean them with a brush and a suitable descaler.
- Check the condition of the seals and replace them if necessary.
- Reassemble the appliance, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Relight the gas and open the cold water supply valve.
The cost of professional descaling
Calling a professional for the maintenance of your water heater can be a more convenient and secure solution. Generally, the price for professional descaling varies depending on several criteria, such as the type of appliance, geographical location, and any necessary repairs.
However, it is possible to find offers starting from 80 euros for an electric water heater and between 100 and 150 euros for a gas model.
To avoid frequently replacing your water heater and preserve its performance, it is essential to carry out regular maintenance, including descaling.
If you are comfortable with technical manipulations, you can perform this operation yourself; otherwise, do not hesitate to call a qualified professional who will take care of your equipment and ensure its longevity.
