How to clean the inner tank of water heater
Water heaters are one of the indispensable household appliances in our daily lives. However, after long-term use, scale, bacteria and impurities can easily accumulate in the inner tank, affecting the water quality and service life. Regular cleaning of the water heater liner can not only ensure water hygiene, but also extend the service life of the equipment. This article will introduce in detail the cleaning method of the water heater liner and provide relevant data and suggestions.
1. Why should we clean the water heater liner?

The inner tank of the water heater is exposed to high temperature and humidity for a long time, which is easy to breed bacteria and scale. The following are the main reasons for cleaning the liner:
| question | influence |
|---|---|
| Limescale accumulation | Reduce heating efficiency and increase energy consumption |
| bacterial growth | Affects water hygiene and may cause skin problems |
| Impurity deposition | Block pipes and reduce hot water flow |
2. Steps to clean the water heater liner
Cleaning the water heater liner requires certain skills and tools. The following are detailed steps:
1. Turn off the power or close the gas valve
Before cleaning, be sure to cut off the power supply or close the gas valve to ensure safety.
2. Drain the water from the water heater
Open the water heater's drain valve and completely drain the water from the tank. Note that the water temperature may be higher during drainage to avoid burns.
3. Disassemble the inlet and outlet pipes
Depending on the water heater model, remove the inlet and outlet pipes to facilitate subsequent cleaning.
4. Use detergent or white vinegar
You can choose a special water heater cleaning agent or white vinegar (water-vinegar mixture with a ratio of 1:1) and pour it into the inner tank and soak it for 1-2 hours to dissolve scale and sterilize.
| Cleaning agent type | Use ratio | soaking time |
|---|---|---|
| Special cleaning agent | According to the proportion of instructions | 1-2 hours |
| white vinegar | 1:1 (water-vinegar mixture) | 1-2 hours |
5. Brush the inner tank
Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to gently scrub the inner liner, and avoid using hard objects to scratch the inner wall.
6. Rinse the inner tank
Rinse the inner tank thoroughly with clean water to ensure that any cleaning agent or white vinegar residue is completely removed.
7. Reinstall and fill with water
Reinstall the inlet and outlet pipes, close the drain valve, fill it with water and then turn on the electricity or open the gas valve to check whether it operates normally.
3. Cleaning frequency recommendations
Depending on the usage environment and water quality, the recommended cleaning frequency is as follows:
| Usage environment | Recommended cleaning frequency |
|---|---|
| Areas with hard water | Clean every 6 months |
| Areas with better water quality | Clean once a year |
| High frequency of use | Clean every 6 months |
4. Precautions
1. Be sure to turn off the power or close the gas valve when cleaning to ensure safety.
2. Avoid using strong acid and alkali cleaning agents to avoid corrosion of the inner tank.
3. If the inner tank is severely corroded or cannot be cleaned, it is recommended to replace the water heater.
4. If you are not familiar with the operation, it is recommended to contact professional maintenance personnel for cleaning.
5. Summary
Regular cleaning of the water heater liner is an important measure to ensure water hygiene and equipment lifespan. By following the steps and precautions introduced in this article, you can easily complete the liner cleaning work. If you encounter difficulties, it is recommended to seek professional help to ensure safe operation.
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