Easy Maintenance Tips for Cleaning the Internals of Your Water Heater

Owning a Country Comfort Water Heater means you can enjoy reliable hot showers in various outdoor or semi-outdoor environments, including stables, barns, sheds, or camping setups. However, maintaining your water heater is essential to keep it running efficiently and prevent unpleasant surprises caused by debris or pests.  

A regular internal cleaning routine is one of the easiest ways to extend your unit’s lifespan, improve its performance, and avoid inconvenient breakdowns. This blog will guide you through the step-by-step process for cleaning the internals of your water heater, ensuring it's always in top shape.  

Why Internal Cleaning is Crucial  

Your water heater provides warmth and protection, perfect for showers but also appealing to unexpected guests. Without regular maintenance, the heater’s internal components can become home to unwelcome critters like crickets, spiders, lizards, and frogs. 

Additionally, dust, cobwebs, and leaves can accumulate over time and interfere with the system’s operation.  

Common Problems from Dirt and Debris  

- Blockages in Burners – Dust, debris, or pests can block the burners, leading to reduced efficiency or failure to ignite properly.  

- Odours During Operation – Any debris left to build up might burn when the unit is ignited, causing an unpleasant smell.  

- Performance Issues – A clogged or dirty heater can take longer to heat water or may operate less reliably.  

Routine cleaning is an easy way to avoid these issues and ensure your Country Comfort Water Heater works perfectly whenever you need it.  

How Often Should You Clean It?  

For heaters installed in outdoor or semi-outdoor areas, it’s good practice to clean the internals every three to four months. Environments like stables, barns, and sheds are particularly prone to dust, hay, and curious critters finding their way into your unit.  

By scheduling a quick clean a few times a year, you’ll stay ahead of potential problems and ensure your water heater stays in great condition.  

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning the Internals  

Here’s how to easily clean the inside of your Country Comfort Water Heater. The process is straightforward and only requires basic tools, making it accessible even if you’re not experienced with maintenance tasks.  

Step 1: Turn Off the Unit  

Before you begin, make sure the water heater is fully turned off. This ensures your safety while you work on dismantling and cleaning its components.  

Step 2: Remove the Front Cover  

The front cover of your water heater protects its internal components, but is easy to remove when cleaning is needed.  

Locate the two screws at the top and the two at the bottom of the cover.  

Unscrew all four screws and set them aside in a safe place.  

If the front knobs are in the way, gently lift them off with a flat-blade screwdriver.  

Once the knobs and screws are removed, the front cover should come off easily, revealing the internal components of the unit.  

Step 3: Identify the Key Cleaning Areas  

Most debris, pests, and dust will accumulate near the burners. Focus your cleaning efforts here, as this is where blockages are most likely to occur.  

Step 4: Clear Out Debris  

Using a blower, carefully blow out any accumulated leaves, cobwebs, or dust from the internal components. Remember to:

- Focus on the burner area, as this is the most common spot for pests to settle.  

- Be thorough but gentle, ensuring you don’t damage any parts while blowing out debris.  

Not only does this step keep your heater working efficiently, but it also helps avoid the unpleasant “cremation smell” that can occur when debris burns during operation.  

Step 5: Reassemble the Water Heater  

Once everything has been cleaned, it’s time to reassemble your water heater.  

Replace the front cover and secure it with the screws at the top and bottom.  

Reattach the knobs if they were removed earlier.  

Double-check that all components are securely back in place before turning the unit back on.  

The Benefits of Regular Maintenance  

Cleaning the internals of your Country Comfort Water Heater every few months is a small time investment that pays off in numerous ways. Here’s what you can expect from regular maintenance.  

Improved Performance  

Dust and blockages can reduce the efficiency of your water heater, requiring it to work harder to achieve the same results. A clean unit operates smoothly, providing consistent hot water whenever you need it.  

Longer Lifespan  

By removing debris and addressing potential issues early, regular cleaning can extend the lifespan of your water heater, saving you money on repairs or replacements in the long run.  

Better Hygiene and Smell  

A clean water heater ensures you avoid unpleasant odours caused by debris burning during operation, keeping your showers as enjoyable as possible.  

Lower Repair Costs  

Preventive maintenance is far cheaper than dealing with significant repairs. By keeping your unit clean, you reduce the risk of costly breakdowns or part replacements.  

Pro-Tip for Outdoor Installations  

If your water heater is installed in a high-risk location like a stable, barn, or shed, consider additional protective measures. For example:

- Install a protective cover to minimise dust and debris entering the unit.  

- Inspect the area regularly to ensure your heater remains free of pests or other potential hazards.  

Stay Connected for More Maintenance Tips  

Taking care of your Country Comfort Water Heater should be easy and hassle-free. That’s why we regularly share practical advice, step-by-step guides, and helpful product updates on our Facebook and Instagram pages.  

Follow us to stay up to date with the latest tips, tricks, and information. Whether it’s troubleshooting, maintenance, or learning about exciting new products, you’ll find everything you need in one place.  

By dedicating just a few minutes every few months to cleaning the internals of your Country Comfort Water Heater, you can keep it running smoothly, extend its lifespan, and avoid unnecessary issues caused by pests or debris.  

Don’t wait for performance problems to arise. Proactive maintenance ensures you always have a reliable, efficient water heater ready to provide hot showers whenever you need them.  

Keep your water heater in top shape and enjoy worry-free performance year-round!