addresses common problems with a Gas Water Heater That Does Not Heat

A water heater’s control valve

Do you need to troubleshoot water heater problems and make repairs? If you’re having water heater problems, they usually surface pretty quickly. For example, you may not have hot water! You might also hear sounds like gurgling or popping sounds coming from the tank. You might see water dripping or see rust in the pan.

Typical water heater problems include a leaking tank, not enough hot water, water that is too hot, water that is not hot enough, strange noises in the tank, and discolored or smelly water. Most problems are easier to diagnose and relatively easy to handle if you understand how water heaters work.

Before you proceed to the various water heater repairs in this article, consider these helpful tips regarding safe, efficient water heater usage:

• Set the temperature control to about 150 degrees F. We actually prefer to set the temperature even lower if you have small children or elderly people in the home who might scald themselves.

• To minimize the energy it takes to heat the water, insulate your water pipes if they run a long way from your heater to your faucets. Also consider installing a point-of-use water heater.

• Periodically check the temperature-pressure relief valve, which keeps pressure in the boiler from building up too much. Lift or lower the lever on this valve. Water should drain from the overflow pipe.

The most common complaint about a water heater is that it doesn’t do its basic job of heating water properly—either it doesn’t heat water at all, it doesn’t heat it enough, runs out quickly or it heats it too much. Because a gas water heater operates much differently than an electric water heater, most repairs regarding improper heating depend on whether the appliance is gas or electric. Problems such as leaks, noises, and odors are handled the same regardless of the heating method.

Gas water heater heating problems are typically: 1) The water heater doesn’t heat water at all; 2) It doesn’t heat enough water; or 3) Its pilot light does not stay lit.

In this article, we will address Ga s Water Heater Does Not Heat

If a gas water heater fails to heat water at all, perform these diagnostics:

1) Be sure the gas is turned on. Turn the gas control knob to PILOT to prevent the burner from igniting when you are looking inside. Remove the metal cover at the bottom of the water heater and look to see if the burner and/or pilot light—the small flame at the end of the pilot gas supply tube—are lit.

2) If the pilot light has gone out, follow the instructions on the tank to relight it. It’s also possible that the gas inlet valve has been closed partially or all the way. If so, turn the handle parallel to the line and relight the pilot. If the pilot won’t light, the thermocouple may be defective—either call your gas utility company (a free service in many areas) or contact Duncan Plumbing Solutions. (Newer water heaters may have a glow plug or spark igniter instead of a pilot—follow repair instructions in your owner’s manual.)

3) If the burner is not on, replace the cover and make sure the thermostat is set to about 120 degrees F. If it isn’t, adjust it, turn on a hot water faucet, and then wait a few minutes to see if the water heater burner ignites. 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 the burner ignites, replace the cover and turn the thermostat back to an appropriate setting. If the burner doesn’t ignite, have the water heater checked out by Duncan Plumbing Solutions. It could be that the heater’s thermostat is defective. Replacement is best left to a plumber such as the experts at Duncan Plumbing Solutions.

4) Smell for gas. If you smell a garlic-like scent, turn the gas valve control to OFF (you may have to push down to turn it). Wait until the gas smell has dissipated before relighting the pilot light. If the gas smell is strong and doesn’t dissipate, immediately turn off the gas supply valve, ventilate the space, and call Duncan Plumbing Solutions.

Duncan Plumbing Solutions | Phone: 972-937-0040 | info@duncanplumbingsolutions.com | www.duncanplumbingsolutions.com | Cedar Hill Plumber 75104 | Duncanville Plumber 75116 | Desoto Plumber 75115 | Mansfield Plumber 76063 | Waxahachie Plumber 75165 |Master License # M-39624

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