Evaporative Cooler Cleaining
#1
09-27-2006, 09:28 PM
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Westminster, CO
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Evaporative Cooler Cleaining
I have drained, lubed, and am in the process of cleaning and covering an evaporative cooler for the winter. Any tips on cleaning the water reservoir of the inevitable calcium, crud build up? A wire brush seems harsh or metal scraper and will remove paint which should be recoated or will corrode in the future. I am past the warranty which warns against using any cleaners so would CLR or something similar work as a solvent?
Scott
Scott
#2
09-27-2006, 10:00 PM
CLR will probably take the paint off too. I would hit it with a scotchbrite pad, and get the loose stuff off that might get into the system and clog it, but not overdo it. If you do scratch the paint in there, I would strip the tub completely, or as far as you can, scratch it up with some 400grit paper, and paint it with a high gloss paint, like high temp ceramic paint. That way, next year cleanup will be easier.
#3
09-27-2006, 10:08 PM
Posting Guru
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: SW Arizona
Posts: 1,010
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You have essentially covered all the bases.
But here is a website from the University of Arizona about Swamp Cooler Maintenance.
For anyone else, here are some suggestions for winterizing :
There, you have it.
Yeah, we use them too.
But here is a website from the University of Arizona about Swamp Cooler Maintenance.
For anyone else, here are some suggestions for winterizing :
Get rid of minerals in the bottom tray. Vinegar can be used to dissolve the buildup.
Clean out the tray at the bottom of the cooler. Drain the water and gently scrape it out.
Inspect the water trough for clogged holes, clean as necessary.
Thoroughly dry the tray and inspect it for signs of cracking.
Coat the entire tray with submarine sealer or another product to prevent rust.
To prevent freezing of the cooler's water line, disconnect the water line from the cooler and blow out the water.
Cover your cooler to protect it and to keep cold air out of your house.
Clean out the tray at the bottom of the cooler. Drain the water and gently scrape it out.
Inspect the water trough for clogged holes, clean as necessary.
Thoroughly dry the tray and inspect it for signs of cracking.
Coat the entire tray with submarine sealer or another product to prevent rust.
To prevent freezing of the cooler's water line, disconnect the water line from the cooler and blow out the water.
Cover your cooler to protect it and to keep cold air out of your house.
Yeah, we use them too.
#4
09-27-2006, 10:35 PM
Senior User
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Albuquerque
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
#5
09-28-2006, 09:07 AM
There are specialty evaporative cooler cleaners out there that are pretty good. I think the chemistry is ammoniated citric acid. Just follow the directions.
Another thing to consider is keeping the crud buildup to a minimum while in operation. I found a blowdown pump that drains the water every 8 hours from the sump; it has kept my swamp cooler very clean for the last 3 years. And we have water that's as hard as the back of your head around here.
Another thing to consider is keeping the crud buildup to a minimum while in operation. I found a blowdown pump that drains the water every 8 hours from the sump; it has kept my swamp cooler very clean for the last 3 years. And we have water that's as hard as the back of your head around here.
#6
09-28-2006, 05:16 PM
Posting Guru
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: California Desert
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I work in a cement plant. You can imagine what cement dust would do to a swamp cooler. Every month or two we have to take it down, replace the pads (solid cement slab by this time), and use acid with a pressure washer. That zinc grounding rod sounds like a good idea. I'll have to try it in my home swamp cooler next year.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bf250
General NON-Automotive Conversation
13
12-08-2007 09:53 PM
