Oasis gas column repair: an overview of typical breakdowns and recommendations for their elimination

Faults occur in any technique, regardless of manufacturer. Be it a famous German brand or its Chinese counterpart. With the difference that the second they occur more often.

Failure of such an indispensable device as a gas column creates a lot of inconvenience. If the malfunction is not related to a gas leak, in most cases, the repair of the Oasis geyser can be done independently. We will talk in detail in this publication about which failures are most often diagnosed in the columns of this brand popular among users, as well as about how to eliminate them.

Varieties of gas stoves brand

According to the type of water heating, the columns are divided into two types: flow and storage.

The former heat a continuous stream of water passing through the internal coil under the pressure of the plumbing system. The work of the second involves pre-filling the tank by analogy with electric boilers.

Water heating requires a certain time depending on the capacity of the tank. This type of water heater is extremely rare and is not in demand by a domestic buyer.

Flowing gas columns are most common, primarily due to the rapid heating of water. This article will consider this particular type of column.

Depending on the method of output of combustion products, gas columns Oasis are: chimney and turbocharged (chimneyless).

Chimneys have an open combustion chamber and a natural exhaust through the chimney. The turbocharged closed chamber with forced exhaust

A distinctive feature of the latter is its own ventilation system, made in the form of coaxial double-circuit chimney. It consists of two pipes embedded in one another. The internal combustion products are discharged, and air from the street enters the gap between the pipes.

Forced ventilationturbocharged speakers carried out by an internal fan. This requires more power than conventionalchimney devices. Therefore many chimneyless models are powered by mains.

The internal structure of the column “Oasis”

Before proceeding with the troubleshooting of the Oasis gas column and choosing a method for their elimination, it is necessary to clearly understand what type the device belongs to, to know the device, the principle of its operation.

The arrangement of the nodes of the gas column Oasis is typical for most models of flowing columns in China

Above in the diagram, the device of a typical gas water heater is considered, which is also characteristic of Oasis columns. Further we will consider how the most common type works. chimney flow model of the brand with automatic ignition.

When the tap is opened, water is supplied through the inletwater and gas a unit that includes ignition and gas supply. As soon as it ignites, a signal is sent from the flame sensor to the electronic unit to stop sparking.

Next, the water passes through a coil, rigidly mounted on a heat exchanger, which is heated by a burning gas. The coil gives off heat to the running water.

When the tap closes,water and gas the unit shuts off the gas supply. Combustion stops and the column goes into standby mode to open the water tap.

An important condition for the normal and safe operation of the column is the removal of combustion products through the ventilation chimney. If the hood is absent or insufficient, the draft sensor is activated and the column is turned off.

For the timely shutdown of the column when the limit temperature is reached, the overheating sensor is responsible. It is an important element of the column that provides overheating protection.

Maintaining the required temperature is an equally important condition for fire safety and long life of the column. Overheating negatively affects the condition of all elements, primarily the heat exchanger, which leads to their premature failure.

Frequent malfunctions and their elimination

Before proceeding with the troubleshooting of the “Oasis” brand column and choosing a solution, it is necessary to make sure that the normal water pressure in the system and draft in the chimney. It is better to check the draft with a candle or a match, the flame should deflect well until attenuation.

Consider the most common malfunctions that occur during the operation of the Oasis speakers, possible causes of their occurrence, and solutions.

Problem # 1 - the flame in the burner does not ignite

If the Oasis geyser does not light, there may be several main reasons. Let's talk about the main ones.

Insufficient speaker power

Insufficient power supply or lack thereof. The most likely and simple cause of this malfunction is dead batteries. If during the opening of the crane a discharge crack is heard, there is a spark, the pressure is normal, but the gas does not ignite, then the reason is most likely in the batteries.

Over time, they lose their capacity. Their power drops, they cannot give the necessary current to the load. It is only enough to start the high-voltage generator, and power is not enough to open the electromagnetic valve.

Contact degradation in the battery compartment due to corrosion and contamination can also cause ignition problems. Corrosion can be caused by leaking batteries, or by moisture entering the contacts from the outside.

Remedy: replace batteries to new ones. Alkaline elements should be installed. First you need to check the status of contacts.If necessary, wipe them with alcohol, or clean them with an emery, knife or file. If corrosion damage occurs as a result of moisture, its source should be identified and leakage should be eliminated.

Forchimneyless speakers lack of ignition may be due to a malfunctionpower supply unit. Only in this case there will be no spark discharge.

Weak head at the outlet of the water heater

Deterioration of the flow of water through the column is a frequent phenomenon.

If the water pressure in the system is normal, and at the outlet of the column is weak, then there may be several options:

• clogged filter at the inlet of the water block;
• the capacity of the heat exchanger coil is impaired due to scale;
• clogged mesh-divider (aerator) on the hot water tap;
• a piece of scale got into a flexible hose supplying hot water to the tap.

Remedy: remove, clean, rinse strainers under running water. Replace flexible hose. Flush heat exchanger.

If salt deposits are present on the filter, boil it in a 10% citric acid solution for 15 minutes.

Water node malfunction

Under pressure from the incoming water stream, the membrane pushes the stem, which opens the mechanical gas valve and presses the button microswitchesactivating ignition.

This mechanism may fail for the following reasons:

• the membrane has worn out, over time it loses its properties, elasticity, breaks;
• stuck stock.

Remedy: disassemble the water unit. If the threaded connections are stuck, treat them with WD-40 anticorrosive agent or brake fluid and leave for half an hour. Then replace the membrane, grease a rod, a spring and an epiploon. It is better to put a new membrane silicone, it will serve longer.

Malfunctionmicroswitches or solenoid valve

You can check the health of the micro switch and the solenoid valve multimeter. To do this, it must be switched to resistance measurement mode with a minimum limit. Connect probes to terminals mswitch and alternately press and release the button.

If the readings of the device vary from unity Ohm to infinity, then the switch, with a high degree of probability, is operational. If the readings do not change -microswitch defective.

To check the solenoid valve, measure the resistance of the solenoid windings on the connector terminals. It should be about 400 ohms between the black and yellow wires, as well as yellow and red. Between the red and black wires is about 7 ohms. If the measurement results are significantly different, the solenoid valve is defective.

Sometimes traces of corrosion and moisture are detected on the microswitch, in which case it must be replaced after eliminating the leak and its consequences

Remedy: these elements are not repaired and must be replaced.

Problem # 2 - the flame ignites and goes out

This happens when the electronic unit does not receive an ignition signal, stops the ignition and shuts off the gas. The cause may be a malfunction.flame sensoror carbon deposits on the sensor.

Remedy: Lightly clean the sensor with fine emery (null). At the same time, one cannot be too zealous so as not to damage the metal coating. If this procedure does not produce a result, it is required flame sensor replacement.

Problem # 3 - the device goes out after a few minutes

Such a malfunction is often associated with poor traction or overheating.

Remedy: clean the chimney, reduce the water temperature by adjusting the flame and pressure, do not dilute the hot water with the mixer.

Problem # 4 - leak in a column

To determine the exact location of the leak, you must remove the front panel and carefully examine all the nodes of the column. The most common leak occurs in a water block or heat exchanger.

Leaking stem seal

The gas-water unit has one design feature that is not visible in the normal position.There is a hole in the back wall through which the rod controls the microswitch lever. A leak often occurs through it when the gland is worn.

This feature of the devicewater block the Oasis gas column can only be seen from the back when removing the assembly.

To detect leakage of the gland, it is enough to inspect the mounting microswitches. If moisture is present, and it’s dry on top of the block, then the stem seal of the water unit is leaking

Remedy: remove the batteries, remove their installation unit. Loosen the nuts on the inlet and outlet nozzles of the water block. Disconnect a pipe (hose) of water supply and a radiator tube. Disassemble the water unit, replace the gland or the entire stem.

Radiator leak and its elimination

Copper andcopper containing alloys. The reason is that manufacturers often use alloys in which the percentage of copper is less and less.

During operation, small holes begin to appear as a result of corrosion and mechanical damage, violating the tightness of the radiator. This so-called "fistula". In these places, the heat exchanger begins to pass water.

By the way, even a high-quality copper heat exchanger is not protected from rapid destruction - corrosion occurs under the influence of stray currents that occur in the water supply system when the column is improperly grounded or if other operating rules gas-powered equipment.

When the first signs of a leak appear, do not delay the adoption of measures. Small leakage can soon turn into a brook and a fountain, water will get to other nodes, which can lead to their failure

Remedy: you can replace the heat exchanger with a new one, but this will cost a third of the column price. Often this is not justified, it is much easier to solder it without disassembling the entire column and removing the radiator.

Before you start soldering, you need to drain all the water from the radiator, otherwise it will be problematic to warm up the pipeline. To do this, it is necessary to shut off the water supply to the column, disconnect the inlet pipe from the pipe, substitute a container under it, open the hot water tap.

When water drains, it is necessary to purge to remove residues. You can use a vacuum cleaner or compressor. If such devices are not at hand, you can blow with your mouth. To do this, you need to choose a rubber hose that is suitable for the diameter and fit it tightly onto the coil, strengthen the crimp connection.

There are two ways to solder: a gas torch or a soldering iron.

Gas soldering

You will need to solder gas spray burner, sponge, tin and copper flux paste, solder.

Start by warming the leaked tube to evaporate any remaining water. Sponge the soldering area. Apply flux paste. Warm up again until the flux changes from gray to silver.

Touching the solder rod to the hot tube, ensure that the tin spreads evenly on the surface. It is important that the solder does not melt with the flame of the burner, but from a heated tube

So that the flux residues do not lead to corrosion, it is necessary to remove them with a damp rag.

A detailed briefing on the soldering of copper tubes with a gas burner we have given in this material.

Soldering a column with a soldering iron

Prepare a powerful soldering iron for 100 W or more, solder POS-50, POS-61 or another with a melting point of at least 200 degrees. Flux: rosin or solder fat, aspirin tablets can also be used. Significantly facilitates the use of a building hair dryer.

The place of soldering must be cleaned with nulling, until all traces of corrosion are removed from the metal surface. Thenlow fatUse alcohol or thinner.

Warm the soldering place well with a soldering iron. Excellent results are obtained by additional heating with a building hairdryer. Get around soldering iron tip with a piece of solder.Apply a small amount of flux to the soldering place and immediately tin the surface of the metal with a soldering iron. Try to keep the solder fluid by adding flux at times. Bring the thickness of the solder to 1-3 mm.

With a good warming up of a thin layer of solder it is quite enough to reliably eliminate leaks and prevent the destruction of the pipeline at the place of soldering.

Problem # 5 - head reduction and poor water heating

Signs scale formation in the heat exchanger are a decrease in the flow of water at the outlet of the column and itslow heat. At the same time, the column may ignite poorly, and the radiator overheats due to poor heat exchange with water. This causes the thermal protection sensor to trip and the speaker to turn off.

Clogged radiator plates also leads to overheating. When they are clogged with garbage, scale, the exit of combustion products into the chimney is difficult, which can lead to burnout of the heat exchanger skirt.

Water hardness is the main reason for the deterioration of the pipeline capacity. The presence of salts of calcium, magnesium and other impurities promotes the formation of scale and reduces heat transfer. Heating greatly enhances this process.

Scale reduces efficiency, increases gas costs to achieve the desired temperature. If you do not take measures to remove it, deposits will increase even faster, up to the complete closure of the water flow

Do not use a column with scaled tubes in the heat exchanger. This will lead to local overheating, cracks in the coil and the need to replace it.

Remedy: Flush the heat exchanger with a special solution. There is a wide selection of reagents for professional use. They are best suited for descaling without damaging the piping.

Most chemicals contain solutions of various acids. Their concentration and composition are selected in such a way as to effectively dissolve salt deposits, but act as softly as possible on the inner surface of the pipeline. The appropriate reagent should be selected taking into account the heat exchanger material.

For example, reagents designed for copper radiators cannot be used for pipelines made of galvanized and stainless steel and vice versa.

The highest quality flushing is performed using special equipment (boosters). The effect is achieved due to repeated circulation of the reagent, its heating, reverse, the use of special compounds. The cost of such equipment, as well as services, is quite high. The purchase of boosters is justified more for professional use.

Good results can be achieved in less costly ways using available devices and reagents.

The most popular and proven means of washing heat exchangers are solutions of citric acid, vinegar, decalcification and other acidic cleaners. It is important to comply with the dosage - excess concentration of the active substance can damage the pipeline

To remove scale, 10 to 20% solutions are usually used. 100 g - 200 g are taken per 1 liter of waterdescaling agent or citric acid or 9% vinegar. The greatest effect is achieved when the solution is heated to 80 - 100 degrees.

Flushing can be done in two ways:

• without dismantling the radiator;
• with removal of the heat exchanger.

To flush the radiator without withdrawal, a series of actions to be performed. First shut off the water by substituting a drain tank. Disconnect the outlet pipe, open the tap. Next, unscrew the nut connecting the coil to the water block. Using a flexible hose, connect the funnel from the cut plastic bottle to the inlet of the coil.

Then secure the funnel above the heat exchanger. Pour the working solution in small portions into the funnel until foam appears on the other end of the coil.The procedure will take 4-6 hours - until the termination of the chemical reaction, focusing on the released foam, or using acidity indicators.

WITHdismantling heat exchanger washing is performed as follows: first, the column is disassembled, the radiator and the burner are removed. Then perform the cleaning of the plate from soot and soot. After that, the radiator is placed in a large metal container with water, the reagent is poured into the pipeline and the container is heated. At the end, the heat exchanger must be washed with cold water and 10% soda solution.

How to extend the life of the speaker?

The longevity of the column depends on many factors. Most of them are laid at the factory, the rest are determined by the operating conditions.

By following some rules and recommendations, you can significantly reduce the number of breakdowns and extend the life of the speaker.

Battery Features

Of all the parts, the most frequent replacements require batteries. For geysers, only alkaline batteries made using Alkalin power technology of size “D” and the first letter “L” in the designation - LR20 should be selected. Their capacity and service life are five times longer than that of salt ones: from 1 to 1.5 years.

It’s better not to buy items that are too cheap; they can be fake. It is possible to install NiMH or Li-Ion batteries, but their price with a charger is higher

Quality batteries cost from $ 1.2. There is a radical way to reduce the cost of replacing batteries - alteration of the column to power from the network.

To do this, you can buy a special power supply, 3 V, or use a charger for a mobile phone, 5 V, with an additional stabilizer. The main requirement is that its power is enough for ignition, which occurs at a supply voltage of 3 V and a current of 350 mA.

For cases of power outages, you can always keep batteries in stock, fortunately,alkaline shelf life of 5 years and above.

Column heat exchanger quality

When choosing a column, special attention should be paid to the quality of the heat exchanger. The type of metal and its quality have a great influence on the life of the radiator. They are made of galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper.

The most durable of stainless steel, but inferior to copper in thermal conductivity. Accordingly, less economical, have less efficiency. Copper - the most efficient heat transfer, but also the most expensive.

When replacing a heat exchanger with a new one, pay attention to the thickness of the metal and the weight of the radiator. Quality should not be too easy

The high cost factor of copper leads to the fact that manufacturers save as much as possible on the wall thickness of the heat exchanger, bringing it up to 0.5 mm, which significantly reduces the service life. For the same reason, other metals are added to copper. The alloy thus obtained may have unpredictable properties. As a result, such a heat exchanger is even impossible to solder.

System water quality

If the water in the system is subjected to frequent chlorination, this adversely affects the condition of the copper heat exchanger. Together with the refined walls of the pipeline, this can quickly lead to corrosion and the appearance of fistulas.

The increased hardness of water in combination with heating gives no less problems. Scale deposits require periodic flushing.

You can improve water quality withaquafilters and magneticsofteners. Details and selection rules water filter from a water supply system is given in the following publication.

Geyser overheating

The most important factor leading to malfunctions and a decrease in the life of the speaker is its overheating. It is important not to bring the temperature to 65 degrees or higher.

To reduce the risk of overheating, do not use a mixer to cool it. Only change the temperature with the dedicated knobs for adjusting the flame and water flow.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Clearly about the repair of the gas column and the fistulas in the following plot:

How to clean the gas column with chemistry and solve the problem of low water pressure:

Compliance with these simple rules will contribute to the long-term operation of the gas column without breakdowns and repairs. It is important to remember that gas leaks or poor ventilation can lead to tragic consequences. At the first sign of a gas smell, you need to call the emergency service "04".

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