The main part of a flow heater is a heat exchanger, which can leak over time. You have a choice: do the repair yourself or go to the workshop. We will tell you how to solder a gas column with your own hands.
Causes of leak
A common cause of leakage is a brass or copper radiator. Since manufacturers make some elements not from pure copper, but with the addition of impurities, these places oxidize faster. As a result, the heat exchanger is susceptible to corrosion or burns out.
An additional cause of breakdown is the method of disinfecting water in the region. Most often, chlorine dioxide is used for these purposes. When heated in the radiator tubes, chlorine reacts with copper, which contributes to the destruction and formation of fistulas. It is proved that in places with decontamination by the ozonation method, such problems with gas columns do not arise.
Preparation for soldering
Prepare the tools you need in your work:
- Soldering iron (at least 100 watts).
- A brush for metal or fine sandpaper.
- Solder. It is recommended to take an alloy of tin and lead.
- Flux. You can take rosin or small crumbs of aspirin tablets. The latter should be sprinkled on a heated place so that it spreads.
Now you need to prepare the column. To determine the location of the leak, do not rush to block the water. Do this:
- Remove the cover from the device (it may be necessary to unscrew the bolts).
- Turn on the water supply and inspect the heat exchanger for leaks.
- If you need to weld a copper tube on a bend in an accessible place, you do not have to remove the column.
- If the fistula is in an inaccessible place, you need to dismantle the case and disassemble.
- Shut off the gas supply.
- Drain the water. To do this, open the hot stream and remove the nut from the cold pipe.
- In recent models, there is a stub below. Replace the container and open the cap. Water will merge on its own.
Important! Before starting repairs, the radiator must be completely dried with a compressor or vacuum cleaner. Otherwise, moisture will not allow to brew a fistula.
Now use a sandpaper or brush to clean the damaged area. Often in such places a green spot is visible. Do not apply too much force so as not to damage the handset even more. At the end, wipe the cleaned part with a degreasing agent.
Welding Methods
We have already written how to solder a heat exchanger. But there can be several welding methods.
Soldering iron
The method provides for the presence of a powerful tool (at least 100-110 watts). Also prepare solder and flux. Sprinkle the damaged area with flux, lay the solder on top with a soldering iron. Make sure that it spreads evenly and covers the hole. Continue building up until the layer reaches 2-3 mm.
After such a repair, the fistula will not show itself.
Gas-burner
This method is suitable for a thick-walled radiator, which has high thermal conductivity. Connect the burner to the gas cylinder, adjust a gentle flame so as not to damage the walls of the heat exchanger.
The damaged area must be warmed up well to remove residual water. Soldering is carried out by solder, after which the remains of the flux are carefully removed. It contains acid, which can contribute to the destruction of the tube.
The video shows in detail how to properly solder:
Cold welding
For these purposes, you need to buy high-quality welding. Since the material will come in contact with water, it must have moisture resistant properties.
- Put on gloves.
- Knead the weld until it becomes soft and ductile.
- Apply material to the leak. Wait until it hardens.
Use a piece of copper pipe as the solder material.
At the end of the work, check all parts of the structure. Wherever green spots are visible, fistulas will soon appear. Therefore, it is better to immediately clean and solder the micro-hole so as not to repeat the disassembly.
After connecting, do not immediately put on the cover. Check the quality of the work performed by pressure from the water supply.
As noted by users who independently carried out such repairs, some columns are equipped with already sealed heat exchangers at the factory. Faulty parts are repaired, fistulas are soldered and reinstalled in columns for sale. Therefore, be careful when buying equipment.
When you buy a replacement radiator separately, inspect it for soldering. If such a place is found, refuse to purchase. In the event of a warranty replacement, keep the quality of the parts under control. They should be new, not used.
To avoid frequent repairs, opt for high-quality equipment from the manufacturer "Oasis", "Neva", "Electrolux". But in the Vector devices, radiators made of very thin material are installed.