gas water heater troubleshooting

Carefully check the cold water supply and outgoing hot water connections, as well as the heater's relief or drain valve and thermostat connections. Good pressure is between 45 and 55 psi. When the pilot ignites, continue holding down the pilot switch for one minute. If the pilot flame lights but keeps going out, its orifice could be dirty and clogged, making the flame small and unsustainable. Once the pipes warm up, this shouldn’t be a problem. Keep in mind that the water sitting in the pipes is cold, particularly in the morning. If it seems like you never have enough hot water in your home, your water heater may be too small. If you can gain access to your hot-water pipes, from the basement, for example, put foam water pipe insulation sleeves onto them. If you are looking for a space-saving water heater, this could be the best tankless water heater for you. Two main types of water heater gas valves are commonly used on storage water heaters: mechanical and electronic. Please see How to Fix a Leaking Faucet for disassembly and repair information. During this minute, the pilot flame heats the thermocouple or thermopile. If you’re lucky, the solution will be relighting the pilot flame as discussed above for gas water heating or resetting a circuit breaker for electric water heating. Just push the button of this switch and listen for a click.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'hometips_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',151,'0','0'])); If it still doesn’t stay lit, the problem is almost always a defective thermocouple. • A water recirculating pump system. The burner is typically behind a small metal access panel or viewing door. Answers to this issue are turning up the heat dial on the water heater, insulating the hot water pipes, moving the water heater, installing a second water heater or adding a recirculating pump system. These eventually build up. You can replace these yourself following the manufacturer’s instructions, or call a water heater service professional. This device, when heated, provides the tiny amount of electricity needed to operate the water heater gas valve. amzn_assoc_emphasize_categories = "2619525011,1055398,2972638011,228013"; In addition, your neighbors’ usage can affect your supply of hot water if you share a water heater. Tankless water heater installation costs will likely be far lower than you anticipate. Wait a little while, then check the water temperature at a faucet. Professional installation, which we recommend unless you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, should cost about $150, part included. If the pilot light goes out after you light it, click the high-limit reset switch (sometimes called a door switch), located down by the viewing door at the bottom of the water tank. The burner should ignite. If you have one of these, a defective check valve could allow cold water into the hot water pipe. Check the main switch on the water heater and the circuit breaker (or fuse) that serves the water heater. Call a plumber. Only every month or two. As an Amazon Associate, HomeTips earns from qualifying purchases which allows us to continue creating helpful DIY content. Smith energy saver gas automatic water heater. Check Warranty Status. As is the case with all machinery, operational problems can arise with your A.O. The spark gap is factory set (0.125") and should be maintained. by Don Vandervort, HomeTips © 1997 to 2020. Be sure valves are all the way open by turning them fully counterclockwise. If this is the case and hot water is not available at any fixture, do the following. Lochinvar Tankless waterheaters. Someone will need to find out whether or not your unit is the only one with hot water problems. If the water heater is far from the fixtures that aren’t getting hot water, the pipes from the water heater may go through an unheated space such as a basement or attic where they give off their heat. Look on your water heater for the gas line (may be a yellow tube). • The gas valve on the gas supply pipe may be turned off. You can buy an inexpensive water pressure gauge online or at a home center. The first one is out by the meter. See more How to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple below. Even though it may not be specified by your lease, your landlord is responsible for providing a healthy, safe space. Be sure it is open. Clear, easy-to-follow video and dialogue make it easy to determine what replacement component or repair work will be needed to make your water heater fully operational once again. Fire the product and see if the unit will operate without the vent system connected. How to Troubleshoot Swimming Pool Heaters, Information on a Standing Pilot Gas Furnace, How to Boost Water Pressure From an Electric Water Heater to a Shower, AO Smith: Residential Gas Water Heaters Instructional Manual, How to Troubleshoot a Tiny Titan Water Heater, The Natural Gas Hot Water Heater is Not Getting Hot, How to Adjust the Faucet to Prevent Scalding. Wait until the gas smell has dissipated before relighting the pilot light. Check out our guide to learn when it’s time to replace a water heater. Join us to get great money-saving tips, cool ideas, and valuable advice from home improvement expert Don Vandervort! If these steps don’t solve the problem, one or both heating elements may be the problem. Re-establish the gas feed and light the pilot. But don’t overdo it: Pressure above 80 psi will cause excessive wear on plumbing. This plastic tube is supposed to direct cold water to the bottom of the water heater tank. Turn the gas OFF to the water heater and press the piezo igniter. if your water heater is electric, jump down the page to No Hot Water—Electric Water Heater for DIY fixes. If the problem is chronic, re-piping is probably going to be necessary to solve it. Videos, drawings, and easy to understand step-by-step DIY advice show you how to fix your water heater. A pilot light malfunction could also be a result of a thermocouple malfunction, a wire disconnected from the spark ignitor, a broken electrode or melted insulation, any of which would require the service of a qualified service agent. Rheem water heater troubleshooting allows you to find pressure relief valve to some common issues or indicates professional repair or replacement is needed. If the pilot stays lit, as it should when working properly, turn the gas valve to ON. If it is leaking, see Water Heater Is Leaking. This cuts down on the water heater’s efficiency and its ability to adequately heat the water. These two valves are thoroughly discussed in the following video and the video at the top of this article. If steam or excessively hot water shoots out of faucets, or you hear boiling sounds inside the water heater, the appliance may not be shutting off at its set temperature. Replacement of this may cost $300 to $400, installed. Replacing pipes is the only answer for this. • Mineral deposits in the pipes. A tiny spark should ignite the pilot when you click the ignitor. Gas patio heaters can be useful additions to yards or outdoor areas, but they’re also quite simple devices from a technological standpoint. I have a Navien tankless water heater in my house. The other less common problem would be the gas valve. If it doesn’t stay lit, repeat the process. It has one or two thermostats on the side of the tank. As you might expect, this controller is more expensive than a mechanical gas valve, as are its replacement parts. In fact, it may be so small that you’ll need to dim the room lights to see it. But the water heater’s burner hasn’t had time to warm it. Gas heaters, whether they warm up air or water in a home, rely on a pilot light to trigger the flame of the actual heater. • Physical restriction in the pipes. Gas leaks. Gas heaters are more difficult to service because they are more complex than electric units. See How to Turn Off the Water to a Fixture or the House for locations of various valves. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'hometips_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',625,'0','0'])); First, look inside the inspection window at the bottom of the water heater tank for a small flame: the pilot light. If the faucet spout shows signs of limescale mineral deposits, dissolve them as discussed above for shower heads. Wait about ½ hour and see if your water heats up. Smith water heater leaks, it could be a loose threaded connection. The next step in diagnosing a low hot water pressure problem is to define where the problem exists. To jump to the exact advice you need, select your specific problem: • No Hot Water Anywhere In the House• Hot Water Not Working In Part of The House• No Hot Water In An Apartment• Water Is Not Hot Enough• Not Enough Hot Water Supply• No Hot Water In The Morning• Hot Water Has Low Pressure or No Pressure• Hot Water Is Too Hot. Do not turn off the water unless the water heater's power and gas are turned off. For more, please see How to Solve Water Pressure Problems. Here are two helpful videos that show how to troubleshoot an electric water heater that has no hot water. Unless you have two or more water heaters, hot water in some part of your house means that the water heater is working. This indicates how well the unit converts its fuel to heat. • Low gas pressure or a malfunctioning gas control valve could also cause a pilot light to go out repeatedly. The ATI-540H-N tankless water heater uses up to 199,000 BTU/hr of natural gas to deliver an endless supply of hot water for a 3 bath home in northern climates and up to a 4 bath home in southern climates (one shower head per bath). Don’t overdo this—the water shouldn’t be scalding hot. HomeTips.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If the circuit breaker or fuse repeatedly blows out, call a qualified electrician to check and repair the circuit. Double check the user’s manual to ensure you turn the knob in the proper direction; you do not want to mistakenly make your water even hotter. Be sure to turn off the gas supply valve before working on these parts. Then continue with the following water heater troubleshooting advice. Push it. The answer is to flush the water heater tank, which removes deposits. Over time, mineral deposits collect at the bottom of the water heater. Of course, the TP valve or pipe could still be warm if the water heater stopped working within the last 3 or 4 hours because the water inside would still be holding some heat. The total cost including tax, installation and disposal of my old 30 year old water heater was an even $1,500. Note: The sound of water boiling is not the same as a rumbling sound near the base of the water heater caused by mineral sediment being churned by heat. Based on my research, the GC10A-3E is a 10-gallon Atwood gas and electric water heater. Unsubscribe anytime! First look to see whether the faucet has an aerator screwed onto the end of the spout. The valve handle should be parallel to the pipe. You may be able to get your water heater back on track without having to boil away your savings. Allow the clean cold water to flush through the tank until the water runs clear at the end of the hose. If the pilot light is out, follow the instructions posted on the water heater or the details below here to relight the pilot light. 2 Check the high-temperature cutoff on the water heater. 3 If there is any water inside the compartment, this could cause the thermostat to malfunction. Many newer water heaters use a new electronic control valve called the Honeywell Smart Controller. Gas Heater Pilot Light Troubleshooting. For many water heater repairs, it makes a difference whether the water heater is gas or electric. Smith hot water heater that talks back with sizzling or rumbling sounds could have sediment buildup inside the tank. Helpful for diagnostics, it has blinking lights that inform you or the service person about the water heater’s status. You may need to have the gas pressure set by a professional using a manometer. Tools and supplies you’ll need:• Inexpensive water heater element wrench• Replacement water heater element• Phillips screwdriver• Voltage testing meter• Towel. Push the button of this switch and listen for a click. Thoroughly rinse the screen and reinstall it. Which is the measure of unburnt gas. Hot water is considered essential to healthy living. In addition, a gas water heater has a gas pipe going to it, a pilot light, and a burner at the bottom of the hot water tank. If the unit operates without coding out at that point that's a great indication the problem is ... gas valve continue troubleshooting the steps below. Adjust the water heater to a slightly hotter temperature to make up for the cold. In cold weather, your water heater must work harder to heat-up the cold water coming from the water supply. See the video at the top of this article and move to the 18:30 mark in the video to learn how to reset this switch. If you’re getting full pressure on the hot water side of your faucets but no hot water, then the problem probably isn’t a valve or a blockage. Check all valves. If old steel water pipes have never been replaced, they may be filled with deposits that restrict water flow. Here is how to dissolve mineral deposits in a shower head: If that doesn’t work, see How to Replace a Shower Head for instructions on how to remove it. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Don Vandervort writes or edits every article at HomeTips. (You can see this in the illustration above.). If the circuit breaker has tripped, reset the circuit breaker by flipping it all the way to OFF and then back to ON. If the gas smell is strong and doesn’t dissipate, immediately turn off the gas supply valve, ventilate the space, and call a plumber or your gas utility company from a remote location. Because methods for repairing the problem may depend on whether your water heater is gas or electric, these are discussed separately below.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'hometips_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',633,'0','0'])); We’ll discuss gas water heaters first. If the TP valve or outlet pipe is cold, the water heater hasn’t been working for several hours. In other words, the problem is with the amount of hot water available. This article will show you how to troubleshoot and fix both gas and electric storage water heater problems. On the label, check the energy factor (EF). Go to the article 'Gas Water Heater Thermocouple Issues' for information on this common repair. If you discover that your A.O. The cause may be: • Air in the gas line. A malfunctioning thermocouple is a frequent cause of gas water heater problems. As is the case with all machinery, operational problems can arise with your A.O. Note the present setting (or mark it with a felt-tip pen), and then turn it toward a cooler setting, wait a couple of hours, and see if the problem is solved. Bill Reynolds holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Rowan University. • A cross connection. Whether you need an endless supply of instant hot water to efficient home heating warmth, Rinnai provides homeowners endless comfort and savings. For electric hot water heaters, start troubleshooting with a quick reset. To avoid the possibility of scalding your skin, apply extra caution when testing the temperature setting. First turn up water heater’s control valve if you’re not getting enough hot water. An A.O. Screw this onto an outside hose faucet, and open the faucet fully. Open the drain valve, but close the hot water valve that feeds the house until you finish draining and flushing the tank. Is it in one area of the house, at the shower in one bathroom, or at the kitchen sink? Also check other gas appliances in the house—such as a gas range or furnace—to see whether they work. REMOTELY MONITOR and control your boiler, water or pool heater anywhere! Fit this bag over the shower head so the head is fully submerged, and secure it with rubber bands or a twist tie. amzn_assoc_enable_interest_ads = "true"; Or chunks of mineral deposits may have broken loose from pipes or the interior of the water heater and traveled through the pipes to a place where they lodge (such as at an elbow), blocking water flow. Make sure that the shut-off valve, is not closed. It is less precise than a furnace or air conditioning thermostat, so temperature swings of up to 30 degrees or more are normal. With that in mind, the repairs will be the same. You’d probably know if it’s leaking but, just in case, check around its base for signs of water. The good thing about this video is that the service person is working on an actual water heater rather than a disassembled model like the one in the video above. A faulty or loose temperature and pressure relief valve or inlet valve may also be the cause of leak. Shop by AO Smith Water Heater Parts. • A leaking water heater. The job of the temperature-pressure (TP) relief valve is to release excessive pressure from steam buildup, but the TP valve may have been improperly installed, or it may be faulty. Keep your water heater running smoothly with our product support. A typical example of this would be that the kitchen faucet produces hot water but you can’t get a hot shower. Make certain to follow the procedures in the manual for relighting the pilot. Another common water heater problem is that the water heater doesn’t produce enough hot water. Minimum Gallon Capacity Recommendations Electric Water Heater: Family of 1 to 2: 30 gallons Family of 2 to 3: 40 gallons Family of 3 to 4: 50 gallons Family of 5+: 80 gallons. Rinnai tankless water heaters and home heating solutions enhance the way your family lives. On an electric water heater, it is the thermostat controls for the elements. In some cases, this may look like a small LED light. Shut off the water supply to the water heater, if necessary, by closing the shutoff valve on the cold water pipe coming into the top of the heater tank. Please refer to the video at the top of this article and advance to the 18:30 point in it to see a detail of how to reset this switch. To be sure your entire house is without hot water, check every hot water faucet and fixture. And never work on it if water is pooled on the floor near the appliance. If the burner still doesn’t ignite, turn off the hot water and read on. This video does a particularly good job of detailing how to remove the thermocouple and burner assembly, and how to replace it. The following training video for water heater service people is excellent for gas water heater troubleshooting. HomeTips articles may contain links to Amazon.com and other partner programs that provide helpful products and services. Do this right away to prevent water damage. Browse Helpful Items on Amazon• TP Valves• Thermocouples• Electric Water Heaters• Gas Water Heaters. the top of the water heater. Note that the water heater should not share a circuit with another appliance—it draws too much power when heating. Smith energy saver gas automatic water heater. So it mixes with the warm water in the tank and travels to the shower head as lukewarm water. Call an electric water heater repair person. If there is a spark, gas isn’t reaching the pilot. Your first step should be to contact your landlord and alert them to the problem. Digital Gas Pool and spa Heater DYNAMIC SELF-DIAGNOSTIC CONTROLS NOW FEATURING PROTEK SHIELD ... SMARTER CONTROLS MAXIMUM CONNECTIVITY . amzn_assoc_region = "US"; No hot water is one of the most common problems in water heating systems. If you don’t find any signs of a leak, figure that the cause is likely a chunk of deposits has lodged in the pipe somewhere. But something is keeping the hot water from traveling to the faucets or fixtures that don’t work. That is the smell of natural gas. Clearly, the first thing to do if your hot water is too hot is turn down the water heater’s temperature control. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; If it doesn’t ignite, leave the hot water running and try lowering and then raising the temperature setting on the dial until the burner ignites. If raising the heat doesn’t do the job, the dip tube that supplies cold water to the tank may be broken or cracked. • Cold weather. You’ll need to purge this air from the line by holding down the pilot knob longer. Most likely, the culprit is a partially closed valve, a constriction such as old steel pipes clogged with deposits or too-small pipes, or a chunk of deposits has broken loose from the water heater and jammed in a hot water pipe. Turn off the pilot light and gas feed line while draining and flushing the tank. Troubleshooting a gas water heater Check the gas supply Someone may have accidentally shut off the gas supply to the water heater, which is why the water heater isn’t heating the water. This may be caused by the gas valve, the natural gas supply, or—more likely—the thermocouple located next to the pilot light.

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