What Are the Steps to Gas Water Heater Repair?
- Light a gas water heater pilot light: Remove the burner access panel. Read and follow lighting directions on or near the cover. ...
- Clean a gas water heater pilot orifice: Shut the gas valve (refer to the heater’s owner’s manual for specific instructions). ...
- Service a gas water heater thermocouple: Check the thermocouple for loose connections at the control valve. The thermocouple is located near the pilot flame.
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 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. ...
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. ...
What is a gas water heater?
How to check if a water heater is leaking?
What to do if you smell gas in your home?
Why won't my water heater ignite?
Why does my furnace smell soot?
Can a gas water heater run cold water?
See more
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.
Why would a gas water heater 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.
Can a gas water heater be fixed?
A water heater can certainly be repaired, generally depending on what is going on when a plumber is called out for water heater repair. As per the common problems listed above, the general consensus for these tends to be a parts replacement, a reset of the system, or a flush of your water heater.
Why is my water heater not heating up?
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 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 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.
Is it better to fix or replace water heater?
The 50% rule states that if any repair costs 50% of what it would cost to replace, then you should replace it, rather than repair it. However, even if your current repair does not add up to 50% of a new water heater you to want keep in mind the frequency of repairs and your water heater's age.
How do you service a gas heater?
0:021:35How Do You Know You Need to Service Heater? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn this. You know dust. Now you can get your room heaters get a standard service from any gas fitterMoreIn this. You know dust. Now you can get your room heaters get a standard service from any gas fitter or you could ring beautiful plumbing.
What are the signs your hot water heater is going out?
Water is Discolored If your typically clear water unexpectedly looks cloudy or rusty, your water heater could be at fault. Cloudy water is a sign sediment has built up in the tank, while rusty water is a clue there's rust in the tank or pipes.
How do you reset a gas hot water heater?
0:202:56How to reset gas water tank pilot light - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou simply hold the button down and spark. It and then here's the most important part you continueMoreYou simply hold the button down and spark. It and then here's the most important part you continue to hold that button down for about 60 seconds.
What to do if hot water stops working?
First things first…Bump up the thermostat. Ideal operating temperatures for hot water heaters are between 122 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. ... Check the forecast. ... Relight the pilot light. ... Fix a faulty thermocouple. ... Rekindle a blue flame. ... Inspect the gas line. ... Restart your water heater. ... Reset the circuit breaker.More items...•
What trips the reset button on a hot water heater?
The high resistance caused by a loose wire produces a substantial amount of heat that can eventually cause fires. If there is a loose electrical connection within your water heater's system, your reset button's thermometer can trip (regardless of the water's temperature) if it picks up the heat from that loose wire.
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.
How do I reset my gas hot water heater?
0:202:56How to reset gas water tank pilot light - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou simply hold the button down and spark. It and then here's the most important part you continueMoreYou simply hold the button down and spark. It and then here's the most important part you continue to hold that button down for about 60 seconds.
What trips the reset button on a hot water heater?
The high resistance caused by a loose wire produces a substantial amount of heat that can eventually cause fires. If there is a loose electrical connection within your water heater's system, your reset button's thermometer can trip (regardless of the water's temperature) if it picks up the heat from that loose wire.
Is there a reset button on a hot water heater?
Somewhere on your electric water heater, you'll find a reset button. It's usually red and often located near the thermostat. It may also be hidden behind a removable metal panel on the unit—and then behind some insulation. Once you find the button, push and release it.
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 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.
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.
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.
