Gas Hot Water Heater Repair in 4 Steps
- Shut Off Gas & Disconnect Tubes. At the control box (bottom of tank), turn the top know to the “OFF” position,. Allow...
- Remove Burner. Remove the burner access panel. Take care not to kink any of the tubes and you slide out the burner.
- Clean & Reinstall Burner. Clean the ports on the burner with brushes or a vacuum cleaner.
Full Answer
How to restart a gas water heater?
How to Restart a Central Gas Heater
- Adjust the thermostat setting inside the house to the lowest temperature.
- Locate and shut off the gas valve near the furnace. The handle -- when on -- is in line with the piping.
- Turn off the electric circuit that powers the heater. ...
- Remove the panel doors from the gas heater. ...
- Locate the gas switch or control knob and move it to the "off" position.
How do you turn off gas to a water heater?
How to Turn Off an Electric Water Heater
- Turn Off the Breaker. The first thing about how to turn off water heater electric is to locate the two-pole breaker. ...
- Put a Tag on the Breaker. Safety standards demand that you put a tag on what you are working on to avoid getting anybody hurt.
- Cool Off the Water. ...
- Turning Water Off. ...
- Drain the Hot Water Tank. ...
How do you troubleshoot a gas hot water heater?
Troubleshooting Problems with Your Water Heater Gas Valve
- Preparing to Troubleshoot. Before you start any kind of troubleshooting you should make sure the power to the heater is turned off.
- No Hot Water. If your unit isn't producing any hot water, it could be a number of things. ...
- Gas Pilot Issues. It's not uncommon for a gas pilot to not stay lit after a repair has been made. ...
- Leaky Valve. ...
How do you clean a gas water heater?
Things You Need to Clean Your Water Heater’s Thermocouple
- An Adjustable Wrench. While open-end wrenches may suffice, you may have a whole bunch of these tools on hand if you do not know the size of the different ...
- Emery Cloth. Emery cloth is almost similar to a nail file which has an abrasive surface. ...
- Lint-free Cloth. ...
- Small Brush or Steel Wool. ...
What is the most common problem with a gas hot water heater?
Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you'll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures.
What causes a gas water heater to stop working?
A faulty or loose thermocouple, air in the gas line, or a defective gas valve may also be the source of the problem. Contact a professional plumber or water heater technician to inspect and rectify the issue.
How do I know if my gas water heater is bad?
Warning Signs of Water Heater FailureAging. Unfortunately, household appliances are built to last forever. ... Leaking. Every homeowner fears water damage, for good reason. ... Delivering Rusty or Cloudy Water. ... Hot Water Shortage. ... Varying Water Temperature. ... Making Strange Noises. ... Requiring Expensive Repairs.
What is the life expectancy of a gas water heater?
While the typical water heater has a lifespan of about 10 years, careful consideration of the factors that pertain to its lifespan can provide the InterNACHI home inspector and the homeowner with information about the potential costs that would be incurred by replacing the water heater.
How do you diagnose a water heater problem?
A water heater that produces no hot water may not be getting power, may have a tripped limit switch, or may have one or more failed heating elements. First, check the water heater's circuit breaker in the service panel to make sure it hasn't tripped. If the breaker has tripped, switch it off, then switch it back on.
Is there a reset button on a gas hot water heater?
The reset button is often red and located near the thermostat or behind a metal panel that is removable on the unit. When you find it, push the reset button and then release it. There may be a lower thermostat button also known as a second reset button.
Why is my water heater not heating?
If an electric water heater is not producing hot water, it could be a simple problem like a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker. Additionally, some electric water heaters have a circuit-style safety switch located near or on the thermostat.
What causes a water heater to go out?
A dirty thermocouple is the most common cause of malfunctioning water heater pilot light. Because the tip of the thermocouple is exposed to a direct flame, carbon can build up and cause the flame to malfunction or go out.
How do I know if my water heater needs to be replaced?
Here are the five signs you need a new water heater in your homeYour older water heater is getting up there in age. ... It's making strange noises. ... You're getting rusty water out of the tap. ... Your hot water doesn't last as long as it used to. ... There are water puddles around the unit.
What is the best gas water heater on the market?
The 5 Best Water Heaters of 2022 RatingsProductForbes Advisor RatingTank SizeRheem XG50T12DU38U23.850 gallonsRheem XE50T10H45U03.850 gallonsRheem XE50T12CS55U13.750 gallonsRheem MHD852453.785 gallons1 more row•Jul 11, 2022
How often should you flush your water heater?
It is recommended that you flush your water heater at least once per year. Doing so will help to prevent the potential problems that sediment can bring over time.
Which water heater brand is best?
Here's a list of brands, each of which is able to hold the title for best water heater brand.Navien. Many consider Navien to be the best water heater brand because they offer some of the best tankless units on the market. ... Bradford White. ... Rinnai. ... Rheem. ... Kenmore.
Can a water heater last 20 years?
Most tank water heaters have an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years, and tankless water heaters can last as long as 20 years.
Can a gas water heater last 30 years?
These heaters have an average lifespan of 20 years. However, some can last for up to 30 years when maintained properly.
Should I replace my 15 year old water heater?
Anyway, you should consider replacing your water heater if it's about 6-12+ years old and when you start running out of hot water faster. However, age and lack of hot water aren't everything. You could have a 15-year-old water heater that works just fine and wouldn't need replacing.
Should I replace my 30 year old water heater?
30 years on a gas water heater is about 2x its expected lifespan. Old corroded water heaters and pressure relief valves can fail in catastrophic manner especially if they burst due to over pressure.
What to do if gas water heater leaks?
If the heater leaks, operate the pressure relief valve and if the leak persists and the temperature is okay, have the valve replaced. If the gas water heater tank is rusted, replace the water heater. If the heater is noisy, drain and flush the tank (see below) and refill.
How to get gas smell out of water heater?
If you smell a gas odor for more than a couple of minutes, close the gas-shutoff valve supplying the water heater, open a door or window to ventilate the room , and call the gas company for service.
What fuel is used in a water heater?
The fuel for heating the water heater can be natural gas or propane, or it can be electricity (see Electric Water Heater Fix-It Guide ). As the water temperature inside the tank drops below the setpoint, the thermostat opens a valve that sends gas to the burner, where it is ignited by a pilot flame or electric spark.
What is a water heater?
A water heater is an apparatus for heating and storing hot water. A water heater typically warms water to a temperature between 120° and 140°F. When a hot-water faucet is opened, hot water flows from the top of the tank toward the faucet, and cold water enters via the dip tube to replace it. The fuel for heating the water heater can be natural gas ...
How to light a blown out gas burner?
To light a pilot that has blown out, turn the temperature-control dial to its lowest setting and the gas-control knob to off. Wait at least five minutes for the gas to clear. Tightly twist a piece of paper and light it.
How to clear mineral scale from a water valve?
Lift the spring lever on the valve for a few seconds to clear the valve of mineral scale. If no water spurts out, or if water continues to drip after the valve is released, replace the valve. Turn the gas-control knob to off and close the gas-shutoff valve. Close the cold-water supply valve.
What is a gas water heater?
Gas water heaters are similar to their electric counterparts; they utilize the water storage tank, insulation, dip tube, anode rod, and TPR valve, but use the gas burner for heating and venting system to remove the products of combustion.
How to check if a water heater is leaking?
Gas water heater using too much gas – high operating costs. Check if there is a gas leak. Mix the soap and water in a spray bottle. Spray it on the gas connections (you can also apply the mixture with the sponge or paintbrush). It is easy to recognize if there is a leak because bubbles will form.
What to do if you smell gas in your home?
If you find smoking and carbon deposits and smell the burning gas inside your home or room where the gas water heater is installed, ensure no obstruction in the vents, flue baffle, and a gas burner. The venting path should be clean of any dirt, dust, and deposits. Preventive inspection and regular maintenance can reduce the risk.
Why won't my water heater ignite?
So here are the reasons: The main burner won't ignite because of the pilot light problems - this problem will be described below. If the main gas burner line is clogged, there is dirt in the gas line or pilot line, ...
Why does my furnace smell soot?
Preventive inspection and regular maintenance can reduce the risk. Insufficient fresh air supply, which can happen in the confined spaces, is another major cause of the sooting and combustion odor. Correctly sized openings on the outside wall for the fresh air intake are one of the solutions.
Can a gas water heater run cold water?
A new gas water heater is filled with cold water and runs for the first time. A great amount of hot water is used in a short period, and the tank is refilled with cold water. This is common on undersized gas water heaters.
1. Hot water heater temperature is too hot or too low
This is a common problem with hot water heaters, and luckily for the homeowner, it’s an easy problem to fix.
2. The pilot light goes out
If you have a gas water heater the pilot light may go out. There are several reasons why a pilot light might go out.
3. Draining The Hot Water Heater
There are several reasons you might need to drain your hot water heater. Many times, sediment builds up because of hard water, causing your water heater to become less efficient or even clog the water lines. Draining the heater’s tank will allow you to flush the sediment out before it becomes a problem.
Got hot water issues? We provide free hot water heater repair and replacement quotes
Don’t wait until you’re not in hot water, get your hot water heater repaired at the first sign of trouble. Call Pikes Peak Mechanical for a free phone estimate for your plumbing needs in Colorado Springs. Or click here to contact us by email for a fast response.
Unusual noise
When your water heater starts making loud or unusual noises you will need to start by checking the heater element. Troubleshooting and repair will be different for gas water heaters and electric water heaters.
Water is too hot
If the water coming out of your water heater is too hot, that indicates there is an issue with the control thermostat. Learn how to inspect this part and more.
Water temperature changes between hot and cold
Find out why the water temperature in your water heater is not consistent, and what parts you need to repair or replace. If you notice fluctuation in water temperature we recommend you inspect the control thermostat and the lower heater element.
Leaking water
Figure out where your water heater is leaking from, and how to repair it. Learn to check parts such as the drain valve, the element gasket, and the temperature pressure relief valve.
What to do if you smell gas in your water heater?
If you smell gas, take immediate safety precautions, which include leaving the premises and calling the gas company. See the article ' Natural Gas Safety Tips ' for more information.
Why does water come out of my water heater?
Water on the floor around the water heater may be caused by leaks in the pipes connected to the water heater or by the pressure relief valve. See the article ' Checking a Water Heater Pressure Relief Valve ' and 'Checking for Plumbing Pipe Leaks' for more information.
What is a thermocouple in a water heater?
The thermocouple is a sensor that tells the gas valve when to allow gas to flow to the burner. Gas hot water heater troubleshooting often involves the thermocouple. When they go bad the will not allow the gas valve to release any gas. No gas, no hot water.
What happens if a thermocouple is faulty?
If the thermocouple is faulty, it will not send the correct signal to the gas valve to allow gas to continue flowing. Go to the article on ' Gas Water Heater Thermocouples ' for information on this common repair. The other less common problem would be the gas valve.
What happens if a gas valve is bad?
A bad gas valve will not allow any gas to go to the burner or pilot light. If the pilot light lights and then shuts off it is not the gas valve. If it won't light at all, see the article, ' Fixing Hot Water Heater Gas Valves ' for the issues surrounding this device.
Why is there a pilot light on my gas water heater?
Most gas hot water heaters us a pilot light to ignite the burner. There are some more expensive models that use electronic ignition. When the pilot light is out or won't stay on, you will not have hot water. Follow the above link to get to an article that discusses the issues related to the pilot light.
Why does my water heater rust?
The anode rod has metal in it that is supposed to oxidize in place of the steel in your tank. This prevents your tank from leaking. When the metal is gone the steel core and your tank start to rust, thus discoloring the water. See ' Hot Water Heater Anode Rods ' for information on the anode rod.
