Gas Water heater troubleshooting tips
Few water heater troubleshooting tips can save you from a service call
Before you do any gas hot water heater troubleshooting make sure there is no gas leak. Natural gas leak can be very dangerous. If you smell gas near the gas water heater, shut off the pilot light, close the main gas valve and do not activate any electrical power switches not even lighting. Call gas utility immediately.
Basic gas and electrical knowledge are necessary for proper water heater troubleshooting. Make sure your gas is off when doing troubleshooting. Refer to the water heater manual for more details.
No hot water
Check that you have gas in your house and to the water heater directly; the main gas valve might be closed causing no hot water. If you suddenly have no hot water, your water usage may have exceeded the tank capacity. If that is the case, wait for water heater to recover to take a shower or to do dishes. Another problem related to no hot water issue is that your pilot light has gone out. Relight your pilot flame according to the instructions printed on the unit.
Pilot light doesn’t light or doesn’t stay lit
One of the most common water heater troubleshooting is checking that there is a gas at all coming to water heater or is the gas pressure low. If there is a problem with the gas supply, call the utility company. If there is an air in gas line, it will need to be removed from the gas line and should be done only by certified gas technician. Most issues with the pilot light can only be fixed by a professional. Do not try to fix it yourself as it can cause even more issues. Call heating expert for a service.
Lack of Oxygen
Hot water heaters require sufficient supply of fresh delivered for gas combustion for a proper operation. The air enters the gas chamber form the bottom of the water heater and needs to enter the flue vent that is below the draft hood. If there is no sufficient fresh air supply there can be a pilot light outage, yellow burner flame, possible presence of carbon monoxide and smell of burnt gas in the furnace room. Check the room to ensure sufficient supply of fresh air and make cuts in the walls to put grills for the air to enter the room. Do not cover water heater with the insulation blanket and check space for any possible obstruction.
Condensation
Condensation can happened when large amounts of hot water is used continuously and also when gas is burning and flues gases cool down and result in the condensation. Condensation often happens when hot water heater is filled with cold water for the first time. You may see water dripping around the water heater as a result of condensation, water on the vents and top of the water heater. If condensate drips in to the burner you will hear a sizzling noise. To solve the problem and to do water heater troubleshooting you will need to raise the supply air temperature, water temperature inside the water tank or even increase the size of your water heater (it makes sense of your existing water heater is old and you don’t have sufficient supply of hot water).
Burner won’t stay lit
The main reasons why burner won’t stay lit is high temperature in the room, blocker or dirty air intake and blocked flame arrestor openings.
Check Vent System
Venting system always has to have positive or horizontal slope. Your exhaust vents cannot be negatively slopped as this can cause carbon monoxide leakage. Properly installed venting system is very important in the safe operation of your water heater and its efficiency. If you notice an issue with your vent system call professional to fix it.
Having an issue with your existing hot water heater? Not sure how to do water heater troubleshooting on your own? Call an expert DeMark Home Ontario professionals will be happy to assist! Call Today 647-847-2998
