How to repair a manual geyser. Do-it-yourself geyser repair - general repair tips



Instantaneous water heaters have a simple and at the same time reliable device, preventing the occurrence emergencies. Inside the structure are various sensors and regulators. Controlled gas pressure, traction intensity.

One of the important nodes remains the water node of the geyser or "frog". The regulation and safety module is installed in semi-automatic and automatic flow gas boilers. A gearbox failure is reflected in burner start-up failures, failure to turn on and other violations.

The principle of operation of the column water block

Instantaneous water heaters turn on immediately after opening the water supply tap and turn off after it is closed. The working process regulates the water block of the geyser.

The hollow "frog" device is divided into two parts by means of a rubber membrane. One half of the reducer is connected to the cold water supply, the second has a rod connected to the gas valve. On the metal rod automatic water heaters are located "wings" connected to the electric ignition unit.

The principle of operation of the gas-water unit of the gas column is as follows:

  • when the cold water tap is opened, one of the cavities is filled with water;
  • under the pressure of water, pressure is exerted on the membrane of the water unit;
  • the diaphragm under pressure bends and presses on the rod located in the second cavity;
  • a metal rod presses on the valve opening the gas supply;
  • in automatic columns on the rod there are ears connected to the ignition unit;
  • a spark is applied to the burner, igniting the flame;
  • after closing the DHW tap, the design and internal parts of the unit begin to reverse;
  • the stem returns to its original position thanks to the spring and closes the gas supply.
Reducer device gas water heater may differ depending on the model of the gas column, but general principle node operation remains unchanged. Any malfunctions are reflected in equipment malfunctions. Damage can be identified by several characteristic features.

Possible malfunctions of the water unit

There are failures and malfunctions in the operation of the instantaneous water heater, which clearly indicate the failure of the structural elements of the gearbox. These include:
  • refusal to turn on the column;
  • the flame does not ignite the first time;
  • there is a water leak from the gearbox;
  • after closing the DHW tap, the flame does not go out.
Malfunctions indicate the following possible breakdowns and malfunctions in the "frog":
  • Membrane ruptured- the average life of the diaphragm is 5-7 years. Over time, due to constant mechanical stress and hard water, the rubber breaks through. A sign of membrane failure is that water is dripping from the gearbox.
  • Membrane coarsened depends on the elasticity of the diaphragm quality work water unit of the geyser. For operation, it is important that the membrane is sensitive to any changes in water pressure. If the gasket is coarsened, the column will work with a delay. After closing the DHW tap, the gas burner continues to work for some time.
  • The rod is clogged - when the membrane breaks, water enters the metal surface of the rod, causing it to corrode. Rust prevents the needle from moving normally. Symptoms of a malfunction: starting the column is difficult. The flame is ignited only with strong water pressure. After closing the DHW tap, the burner does not go out.
  • Clogged coarse filter- there is a mesh at the inlet to the gearbox, which quickly clogs, especially if the connection conditions were violated and the piping scheme was performed with errors. Symptom: Difference in pressure at the inlet and outlet of the water heater.
All the described breakdowns are easily eliminated. The need to completely change the gearbox in the gas column is extremely rare. Do-it-yourself repair, with tools and an understanding of the internal structure, will take no more than 30 minutes.

If described below technological process will cause difficulties, it is better to call a specialist from the gas service at home, for a professional after-sales service flow boiler.

Repair and maintenance of the gas-water unit

Hard water, constant thermal stress, and other factors will eventually destroy the structural components of the dispenser. Any gas-consuming equipment requires regular maintenance. And if defects are found, immediate repairs are carried out.

The design of the water reducer of the geyser has a simple internal organization. Everything is easy to understand. If desired, you can repair the gas column frog or carry out preventive maintenance without calling the wizard.

How to remove a frog from a gas column

First, turn off the water and gas supply. After that, the work is carried out in the following order:
  • drain water from the heat exchanger - for this purpose it is better to use a tap or mixer located significantly below the water heater;
  • disconnect the gas and water supply pipelines (an adjustable wrench is required);
  • now you can remove the water unit of the gas column, if everything is done correctly, the frog should be easily dismantled.
The design of the gearbox may differ depending on the model. flow column. In order for the removal of the water block to be successful, it is necessary to unfasten all parts and pipes suitable for the main structure. The case is removed easily, physical efforts are not necessary.

Cleaning the water unit of a gas water heater

Held at least every year. There are several fixing bolts on the frog cover. When unscrewing, care must be taken not to damage the folds. After removing the cover or disassembling the gearbox into two parts (depending on the column model), cleaning is carried out inner space and maintenance of structural parts:
  • during the cleaning of the gearbox, scale and solid residues that have settled on the bottom of the unit are removed, at the same time they clean the coarse cleaning mesh on the inlet pipe;
  • stem can be lubricated castor oil, or grease;
  • the gasket can also be smeared if it feels rough to the touch and has lost its elasticity.
Regular maintenance of the frog will extend the life of the flow gas boiler and ensure its smooth operation.

What parts should be replaced

There are several elements in the gearbox that are constantly exposed to mechanical pressure and poor quality water. At each service, the operability is checked and the following components are replaced:
  • stem seal- oil seal replacement is necessary on average every 3 years to protect gas valve from moisture ingress;
  • membrane - gasket replacement is needed when it breaks, as well as when microcracks appear;

If you are faced with a breakdown of the water heater, do not panic - our article will help. Malfunctions of the gas column "Neva" can occur due to different reasons, but typical ones can be distinguished. We will tell you how to repair the Neva models at home.

Important! If your equipment is under warranty, you should not engage in self-disassembly, otherwise you will lose free service.

Column device

How to understand the location of the water heater nodes? Don't worry, the diagram will help you. It was created on the basis of the Neva speakers.

External device:

  1. Metal casing.
  2. control window.
  3. Gas flow regulator.
  4. Water regulator.
  5. Digital indication of temperature.
  6. Pipe branch cold water(thread G 1/2).
  7. Hot water outlet.
  8. Branch pipe for connection to the gas pipeline (cylinder).
  9. Branch pipe for removal of products of combustion, is connected to a flue.
  10. The foundation. Back wall.
  11. Holes for installation.

Internal equipment:

  • 6, 7, 8 - continued, nozzles as above.
  • 12 - water unit.
  • 13 - water adjustment rod.
  • 14 - drain plug.
  • 15 - microswitch.
  • 16 - control unit.
  • 17 - gas unit.
  • 18 - fuel adjusting rod.
  • 19 - solenoid valve.
  • 20 - collector.
  • 21 - collector fixing screws.
  • 22 - burner nozzles.
  • 23 - spark plug.
  • 24 - ionization sensor.
  • 25 - copper heat exchanger.
  • 26 - output to the water unit.
  • 27 - output to the gas unit.
  • 28 - fixing bolts.
  • 29 - thermal relay.
  • 30 - thermometer.
  • 31 - gas outlet device.
  • 32 - thrust sensor.
  • 33 - mounting brackets.
  • 34 - battery compartment.

Having understood the design, you can start troubleshooting.

Speaker problems

These problems and their solutions are suitable for all Neva models, including: 4510, 5514, 4511, 4513, 4510M, 4513M, 4610, 5611. We will separately consider error codes and breakdowns on the example of some models.

To get to the internal components of the device, you will need to remove the cover. How to do it yourself:

  • Be sure to turn off the water and gas supply.
  • Pull the controls towards you and remove.
  • Some models have a screw behind the regulator. Unscrew it.
  • Disconnect the temperature indicator wiring.
  • Unscrew the casing mounting bolts.
  • Pull the cover slightly towards you, then up.

You can start repair work.

Breakdowns "Neva Lux" 6011 and 6014

Reasons for occurrence and troubleshooting.

The burner does not ignite. no spark. In this case, the temperature display does not work when the mixer is opened.

  • Weak water pressure. If there is little pressure in the tap, you need to wait until the supply is restored. Perhaps the installed model is too powerful for your plumbing. Also check the adjustment toggle switch, set to the maximum value. At common problems with pressure, it is recommended to install a circulation pump.
  • The batteries have run out. Some users are misled by the scoreboard. If the display is lit, the user thinks the batteries are good. But to light a candle, more current is required. It is important to choose high-quality batteries.

The manufacturer recommends using LR20 (alkaline) batteries. Therefore, salt elements such as R20, which are sometimes used, will not give stable operation. An alternative to LR20 are CR20, but their cost is much higher. To replace, turn the knob in the battery compartment.

  • Flow sensor failure. Requires inspection and replacement.
  • Deterioration of the rubber membrane. You can understand this by visual inspection. Open the mixer and see how the pusher works. If it does not move, then the membrane is damaged or stretched (marked with a blue arrow in the photo). Red arrows mark places that are prone to leaks.

You can remove the water part together with the gas part. The order of dismantling is marked with letters:

  • a - after turning off the fuel supply, the supply hose is unscrewed.
  • b - the cold water nut is loosened.
  • c - the nut of the water block and the radiator pipe are unscrewed.
  • g - the solenoid valve wiring is disconnected.
  • e - the microswitch loop is turned off.
  • e - the bolts of the flange connection are unscrewed.

Breakdown of the electronic board calls for a specialist.

Breakdown on the body of the device. A clicking sound is heard, as if a spark is forming, but ignition does not occur. So, the insulation of the candle is broken. If defects are found during inspection, a serviceable part must be supplied. Also, the cause of the breakdown is a violation tight connections cable with control unit. Return the cable to the socket.

Neva Lux error codes

The display allows the user to see the fault code. Column self-diagnosis issues digital value in the event of a malfunction.

E0 - the boiler is turned off. Fuel is not entering the system. Check the gas valve, the supply may have been cut off for a short time.

Error E1- the control board does not receive a signal from the flame sensor. More than a minute has passed.

What could have happened:

  • Air in the gas pipeline. This happens when you first turn on or when the device is turned off for a long time. Open and close the hot water several times until the burner lights up.
  • The fuel supply valve is not fully open. Open the faucet.
  • Insufficient pressure in the gas line.
  • The tank ran out of fuel. The bottle needs to be replaced.
  • Violation of the wiring between the water unit and the flame sensor, solenoid valve. Inspect the cable for insulation damage.
  • The electrode has moved out of place, does not reach the burner. Return the item to its original location.
  • The electrode and flame sensor are covered with soot. You can clean the parts with a brush.
  • The contacts between the spark plug and the high voltage wire have come loose.
  • Nozzles clogged with soot.

The burner must be removed for cleaning. Disconnect the wiring and unscrew the pipe nut. Unscrew the two manifold bolts, then do the same with the burner mounts. After dismantling, the holes are washed with a brush and soapy water. After rinsing and drying, reassembly is carried out.

Code E3- the solenoid valve worked before the signal from the flow sensor was received.

  • The valve is defective. A new element is being installed.
  • The electronic unit is broken. Diagnosis is carried out by a specialist.

Error E7- after 7 ignition attempts, the equipment still does not light up or goes out.

  • Open the fuel valve all the way.
  • The ionization sensor has shifted or soot has accumulated on its electrode. It should be in the flame zone, near the burner. Cleaning is done with a brush.
  • The electric valves are out of order.
  • Boiled water or gas block. Replacing elements.

Error E8- the traction sensor has worked. The reasons:

  • The sensor is broken. See if the contacts are tight, change the part.
  • The chimney is clogged with debris or soot. If you cannot clear the passage yourself, contact the utilities.

L0- there is not enough fuel for normal operation. What happened:

  • Weak water pressure. Line pressure acts on the diaphragm, which opens the valve. Wait until the supply is restored, adjust the toggle switch or descale the radiator. How to do this is described in the article.

  • The temperature at the regulator is too low. Increase your scores.
  • The pressure in the gas line exceeds allowable norms. Install the reduction gear.

Such malfunctions are typical for the Neva 3208 and Neva Transit models.

Other issues faced by users

The device works for a while and then turns off.. Draft problems that can occur due to blockages or improper installation of the hood.

Typical user mistakes:

  • The ventilation pipe is built too close to the chimney wall, normal draft is not formed.
  • Another device or hood is connected to one pipe.
  • There is another window at the column ventilation level.

The column does not ignite or immediately goes out. The temperature sensor is triggered.

  • Overheating has occurred.
  • The item is out of order.
  • The membrane has expanded.
  • The flame sensor does not work.

Display not working:

  • The thermostat has failed. Need a replacement.

  • Contacts broken.
  • Display defective.

Appliance is very noisy:

  • Turn the water regulator. Reduce pressure.

  • Gaskets in pipe connections protrude out of place. Replace gasket.

You learned the structure of the Neva water heater, its typical problems. You can start troubleshooting. We hope our article helped you to resume the operation of equipment.

Professional experts argue that gas equipment is potentially dangerous equipment, so experts should repair and service it. You can independently figure out which parts are broken, and this will help restore performance faster. gas equipment, some problems are easy to fix with your own hands.

Malfunctions that do not affect the principle of operation of the geyser, home craftsmen fix themselves. It is important to know the list and description of the most common breakdowns and follow the recommendations from the manufacturer.

The gas stove does not ignite

When technical device refuses to ignite, there may be several reasons.

Broken igniter. When the igniter is not working, it cannot burn, in which case you need to contact the gas service. A qualified person will replace defective element, it is not recommended to replace it yourself - this is a real danger.

In order to meet the needs of consumers in hot water, developed a variety of water heaters, both electric and gas. For reliable operation, they are equipped with new control and protection systems for safe and long-term operation. But no matter how reliable water heaters are, over time they also fail. Repair geysers should normally be done by a professional, but in some cases you can do the troubleshooting yourself.

Geyser - the device is quite unpretentious in operation and can work for a long time without breakage. But if they happen, then diagnose the geyser for correct repair device can be found in the following ways:

  • power problems;
  • malfunction of the water unit;
  • malfunctions in the gas block;
  • incorrect installation.

If problems are found in the gas block, then repairing the Ariston gas column or repairing the Junkers gas column, as well as any other water heater, cannot be carried out with one's own hands. The damage must be repaired by a qualified tradesman. In other cases, you can try to cope on your own.

Power problems

For the normal operation of most of the components inside the unit, a stable power supply is required. Therefore, if malfunctions of the gas column appear in the form of failures, which are characterized by the fact that the flame does not ignite or goes out during the operation of the apparatus, then possible cause such a problem may be power shortage supplied by batteries.

This does not apply to units without electronic components in the design. For example, you will not find it in the Neva 3208 unit, which you want to repair, or when repairing the Astra gas column of the old model.

Often, when repairing an Oasis geyser, as well as a Junkers geyser, users are often misled by the fact that the LCD display is lit, and there seem to be no power problems. But it should be borne in mind that ignition requires a sufficient charge to form a spark in the glow plug. In addition, the electronic unit also needs power to supply it to the solenoid valve so that it is in the "open" state. Therefore, if the batteries are already dead, then there may not be enough power to ensure the operation of these modules.

In the instructions for the water heater, the manufacturer indicates the operating time of one set of batteries. As you might guess, this value is approximate, and it depends on the quality of the batteries used. When buying batteries, pay attention to the markings on them. For long-term operation of the gas column, it is recommended to choose batteries marked LR20. This means that they are alkaline, that is, alkaline.

Cheaper ones, labeled R20, break down very quickly and cannot cope with a constant load. The ideal option can be considered lithium batteries CR20. Their main difference from alkaline ones is their high capacity, stable generated current, long work, exceeding several times the life of LR20 batteries. The only drawback of CR20 batteries is their high price. So buying LR20 alkaline batteries in terms of economy and profitability will be the right choice.

It should be remembered: never buy batteries in street kiosks, and even more so in the market from stalls. This recommendation applies especially to winter period because batteries lose their charge when cold.

Removing the column lining

Do-it-yourself geyser repair, like replacing batteries, is the only way troubleshooting that does not require removal of the outer casing of the unit. For repair of geysers Vector, Oasis and any other in case of other malfunctions, an opening of the device will be required. To proceed with the removal of the casing from the water heater, it is necessary to shut off all the water and gas supply valves, after which, do the following (for example, the Neva 5611 water heater is taken, which we will disassemble on the table).


Water node malfunction

Most often, gas water heaters are repaired due to a malfunction of the water block. Its job is that, under the influence of fluid pressure, the membrane inside it, bending, transmits movement to the rod, and already it moves the pusher of the gas unit. As a result, the spring valve opens and the power supply to the control module is switched on. Therefore, if the water unit is faulty, then the device will not start.

Water block failure can be identified by outward signs.


If you notice at least one sign, then the node will need to be removed and repaired. The water unit is removed only together with the gas module, since they are a single structure. You can do this in the following way:

  • after you have made sure that the gas valve on the pipe is switched to the closed state, you can disconnect the supply hose (a);
  • similarly, when the water supply is turned off, the nut on the water block pipe (b) is unscrewed;
  • further with the help wrench it is necessary to unscrew the nut that connects the water block to the heat exchanger (c);
  • disconnect the terminal block (d) on the conductors connecting the solenoid valve with the control module;
  • in the same way, the wires (e) going to the switch are disconnected;
  • using a screwdriver, it is necessary to unscrew the 2 screws (e) that attach the branch pipe to the water-gas unit, through which fuel is supplied to the burner manifold;
  • after unscrewing the fastener, the entire assembly can be easily removed from the device.


Repair of the gas column Neva 3208 regarding the malfunction of the “frog” is similar and intuitive, although interior view unit is slightly different. The gas column Neva 4511 is also disassembled, the repair of which is quite feasible with your own hands.

When is the repair Chinese geyser, is always surprised by the size of the water node. It is quite small in size, and to disassemble the “frog”, you need to unscrew only 4 screws.

Heat exchanger repair

Repair of the gas column heat exchanger will be required in the event of:

  • if insufficient water pressure is noticed at the outlet of the gas column;
  • weak heating of the liquid;
  • Noises are heard during the operation of the unit.

The reason for all this could be scale, formed on inner surface copper tubes. Therefore, the heat exchange is reduced and throughput the latter. In addition, if the unit has not been serviced for a long time, there may be accumulation between the heat exchanger plates dust and soot, which also interferes with the process of heating water. The heat exchanger is easy to remove.


Repair of heat exchangers of any geysers begins with washing them under a strong stream of water to remove dust and other contaminants. After that, it is recommended to lower it for half an hour in water with the addition detergent, for example, for dishes.

The cleaning of the knot is continued with a small, not stiff brush, after which it is washed again under running water. Water heater tubes clogged with scale are cleaned by a strong flow of water in the opposite direction. If the scale is not completely removed, then you will have to pour into the tubes special acid solution. For its preparation, you can use the usual citric acid. You need to take 100 g of acid and dilute it in 1 liter of water heated to 40C. This solution is poured into the heat exchanger pipe until it emerges from the other. The reaction will be visible immediately in the form of emerging foam. The poured solution is left for 15 minutes, after which all the channels of the assembly are well washed under the pressure of water.

If the result does not suit you, the dissolution of scale can be repeated.

Thus, the heat exchanger of the gas column Neva Lux, Dion, KGI, Selena, as well as the gas column Neva transit, is flushed.

Wrong installation

The reason that the water heater turns off after start-up may be incorrect installation. The diagram below shows how to install the unit.

The following pictures show common mistakes when installing a water heater.


Such installation methods violate normal draft, as a result of which the operation of the water heater becomes incorrect, and in some cases impossible.

By historical standards, centralized provisioning hot water emerged relatively recently. The issue of heating water home environment it was possible to solve several options, but the most popular were accumulative and solid fuel, that is, titanium.

It was heated with coal, much less often resorted to the use of firewood or fuel oil. The liquid in the boiler had to be heated in advance. For example, in order to take a bath, it was necessary to spend at least one hour. Of course, the use of such equipment was not very comfortable. Water heating issue short term was resolved with the advent of columns operating on gas.

The principle of operation of the geyser is to heat the water from the water supply using the gas available in the residential mains. To speed up the heating procedure, a heat exchanger is used, where the liquid flow is redistributed through a complex of thin tubes that are located immediately above the gas burner.

Due to this, it becomes possible to heat the liquid in a short time, immediately during operation, so there is no need to accumulate heated liquid in the container.

This is the main mechanism for the functioning of heating equipment, all the remaining elements are designed to ignite gas, the ability to regulate water heating and ensure the safe operation of all equipment.

Possible problems

Does not ignite

The most likely reason that the column does not ignite is perhaps the usual lack of draft in the ventilation well. There is also a possibility that a foreign element got into the chimney, or after a certain period of time it became completely clogged with soot. This setting includes defense mechanism located inside the equipment, and the gas on the machine is blocked in the dispenser.

The draft in the chimney should be checked. It is not difficult to implement this - you should bring a burning match to the well. If the flame leans to one side, this will mean that everything is functioning well, and there is thrust.

Here, you simply need to eliminate the cause of incorrect operation, and the column will begin to function normally. It is possible to do it yourself or resort to the help of specialists.

Another probable and potential reason that the device does not ignite is the possibility of discharging the batteries, but this is only applicable for heating systems with automatic ignition mechanism.

Solutions:

  • Control the "on" and "off" buttons of the device.
  • Carry out battery replacement.


Insufficient fluid pressure

A potential cause may also be insufficient fluid pressure. This can be quickly and effectively checked by opening a cold water faucet. If the pressure is too weak, then there is a possibility that the cause of incorrect operation is not in the system, but in the water supply or its specific section.

If the fluid flow in the cold water tap is stronger than in the hot one, there is a possibility that the cause is hidden in the water node. heater, then there is a blockage in the filter or the membrane is deformed.

Solutions:

It is also possible that the column lights up and then fades away. In such circumstances, it is necessary to adjust both taps supplying water.

Solutions:

Reduce the pressure of water inlet in the faucet responsible for cold water supply.

There is a smell of gas

It is important to keep in mind that when the heater is turned on, under no circumstances should there be a smell of gas. If you still feel it, then you should immediately turn off the gas valve, ventilate the room, and call representatives of the gas service. Under such conditions, it is forbidden to carry out repair actions of the column with your own hands.

Solutions:

Contact a gas service representative.

Poor water heating

There are likely several reasons for this. This may be due to the low power of the equipment. To check, you should carefully read the technical documentation offered for the device.

Also, the liquid may not warm up well due to standard equipment blockage. A sign will be the changed color of the fire, and the formation of soot under the heating equipment during its working activity.

With a low level of pressure of the supplied gas, the water will also be poorly heated.

Solutions:

Goes out

If, when connected, the column first lights up and then goes out, then the probable cause may be a bimetallic temperature sensor, which is designed to prevent overheating of the equipment.

There are two possible manifestations of this incorrect operation:

  1. The burner lights up, the equipment operates in standard mode certain period, after which it goes out and does not function for a certain time, the attempts made to kindle it do not give positive results. After about twenty minutes, the gas column can be reconnected, the burner ignites, but after approximately the same amount of time it goes out. This is due to the natural increased susceptibility of the mechanism. Solutions: In fact, this case is considered a guarantee, but in reality this trouble is of a seasonal nature and happens during periods of heat or cold when the windows in the kitchen are kept closed. In both options temperature regime air is increased, therefore, the equipment is not cooled properly. It is possible that this problem will manifest itself after the warranty period has expired. Unfortunately, under these circumstances repair work you will have to pay personally to the owner of the gas column.
  2. The column turns off haphazardly or does not light up at all. This may signal wear of the sensor conductor insulation. Solutions: It is not worth calling a specialist from the gas service, since this problem is not in his field of activity. It is also not recommended to carry out repair work on your own. Here best solution will seek help from a company that produces specific model or to a service point.


Weak outlet pressure

If fuel is supplied, then the pressure of the liquid in the water intake mechanism is sufficient, and the difficulty lies in the clogging of the heat exchanger with scale. Probable cause can be idle burning of the igniter for a long period of time.

The igniter manages to warm up the heat exchanger to a sufficient level, thereby causing the remaining liquid to actively evaporate. As a result, the resulting scale is not washed off due to the lack of liquid flow and has time to “grab” before the next connection of the equipment, which ultimately leads to the non-operational state of the equipment.

Solutions:

Repair measures consist in cleaning or complete replacement of the heat exchanger.

extraneous noise

Noise from small explosions or pops accompanying the connection process can be triggered by several points: insufficient draft in the ventilation well or duct; due to the discharge of batteries for ignition of heating equipment; possible clogging of parts of the equipment, as well as too strong gas pressure.

Solutions:

  • Clean the chimney, call a representative of the housing department or professional chimney sweeps.
  • Carry out battery replacement.
  • In all remaining options to eliminate incorrect work rational decision will seek professional help.


leaks

The owners of the speakers, who do not maintain their devices for a long period, have the opportunity to detect dripping water under the equipment.

Solutions:

In case of detection of such malfunctions, it is necessary to check all existing interfaces and replace the seals.

In fact, many can independently carry out repair work related to troubleshooting the gas column, if the user can correctly identify the malfunction and is confident in his own capabilities and strengths. However, if you are not sure that you will be able to properly deal with hardware troubleshooting, it is best to contact professionals.