Why the gas water heater does not work and what to do about it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

When problems with the gas water heater appear, the easiest way is to call a jack of all trades and patiently wait for his arrival. And you can figure out what caused the malfunction, and after that you decide where to call and what to do.

A gas water heater is a simple and familiar box in the kitchen that provides our apartments with hot water. It can be big or small, old or new, can be lit with matches or a button. But sooner or later she will start to junk.

Possible malfunctions of the gas column

1. The gas column does not ignite: it clicks or does not react at all to switching on.
2. The column lights up, but goes out during operation.
3. The device works with claps.
4. The water does not heat up well.
5. The gas water heater is leaking.
6. You can smell gas.

Do not repair the gas water heater yourself if you are not familiar with the rules for handling equipment. Working with gas is unsafe!

The gas column does not ignite

Reason 1. Not enough traction

A foreign object or soot in the chimney may cause the problem. At the same time, the draft decreases, and the protection system is triggered in the water heater: the gas is automatically shut off.

It is easy to check the assumption: open the window, put your palm to the opening of the chimney, or light a match near it. If the traction is good, a breath will be felt, and the light will noticeably deviate to the side.

Solution: The ventilation duct needs cleaning. You won't be able to do this on your own. Call the management company and call the chimney sweeps.

Reason 2. The supply elements are discharged

This happens with gas water heaters with automatic ignition from batteries: batteries or generators. As a rule, this happens 8–16 months after the start of operation.

Solution:

1. Check the column power key.
2. Replace dead batteries with new ones.

Reason 3. Weak water pressure

You can check the pressure by opening a cold water tap. If cold water flows as badly as hot water, then the matter is in the plumbing. If the pressure of cold water is much stronger than hot water, then the matter is in the water unit of the column. Perhaps the filters are clogged in it or the membrane is deformed. Or maybe the hot water pipes themselves or filters in the installed deep cleaning system are clogged.

Solution:

1. Call the public utility: they can give an answer if problems have arisen in the entire water supply network.
2. Rinse the water filters or change the filter in the mixer.
3. Clean the column from soot and soot.
4. Replace the membrane of the column water assembly.
5. Leave a request with the utility service for flushing hot water pipes.

Reason 4. No gas supply

Usually, when a speaker is ignited, you can hear a characteristic sound and feel a slight smell of incoming gas. If there is no sound or smell, then gas is not being supplied.

Solution:

1. Call the utility service to find out if repair work is underway on your site: the gas could be turned off centrally.
2. Check if the gas bills have been paid: it could have been turned off for non-payment.
3. Call a gas specialist.

The geyser goes out during operation

Possible reasons:

1. Most likely, there was a problem with the temperature sensor installed to protect the column from overheating.
2. If the column works normally for a short time, and then it turns off itself, and it turns out to be re-lit only after 15–20 minutes, then the sensor is too sensitive to temperature. The fault in this may be the initial malfunction of the part or the stuffiness in the room.
3. If the column works intermittently (sometimes without complaints, and sometimes it turns off for no reason): the insulation of the conductor of the temperature sensor is probably worn out.

Solution:

1. Ventilate the room in which the speaker is located. Maybe the kitchen is just too hot.
2. Replace the temperature sensor (this can be done under warranty if the column was purchased recently).
3. Contact the service center about the problem.

The gas water heater works with claps

Possible reasons:

1. Gas pressure too high.
2. Gas pressure too low.

Solution: The burner needs to be cleaned and adjusted. This is not difficult if you know the theory. But it is better to call a specialist.

Water does not heat well

Reason 1. Insufficient column power

Perhaps you often need the simultaneous supply of water to the kitchen and to the bathroom, and the column does not have time to warm up such a volume.

Solution:

1. Choose a unit with a higher power.
2. Turn on hot water in different rooms alternately.

Reason 2. Column is clogged

Blockage can occur in the burner or heat exchanger due to excess soot. It will be signaled by a red-white flame at normal water pressure.

The solution is to clean the column, preferably with the help of a professional.

Reason 3. The membrane of the column water assembly is damaged

If at first there is water of an acceptable temperature, but gradually it becomes colder, the flame of the column is blue, and the light is weak, then the problem is in the integrity of the membrane. Cold water wedges into the hot stream, and the outlet temperature decreases.

The solution is to replace the membrane.

Reason 4. Incorrectly installed water inlet and outlet hoses

If you have just turned on a new column, and there was no hot water and there was no hot water, it is likely that errors were made during the installation.

The solution is to switch hoses.

Water dripping from the column

Possible reasons:

1. Loose connection of the supply hoses.
2. Worn water part or heat exchanger.

Solution:

1. Replace rubber seals on hoses.
2. If that doesn't work, the internal parts of the speaker may be damaged. If they are expensive enough, it may be more profitable to buy a new heating unit. See a specialist.

When you turn on the column, you smell gas

If a strong smell of gas is felt when igniting the column, this is no joke. It is necessary to immediately turn off the column, turn off the gas supply valve, open all windows (sometimes doors) to ensure ventilation of the room and call the emergency service.

How do you deal with home appliance breakdowns? Are you trying to solve emerging problems on your own or rely on specialists? Share your experience in the comments.