Why a gas water heater does not heat water and what to do?
Gas water heater is a device, the main purpose of which is to provide flow heating of tap water. Under favorable conditions, this method of heating becomes more efficient and budgetary than the centralized. However, quite often it happens that the gas water heater copes with its task badly.
If, despite the set temperature, the water comes out of the faucet much cooler than necessary, you should look for the cause of the problem. It is not always related to the device itself, it may be a matter of water pipes, non-compliance with operating rules or any other factors.
About why the gas water heater does not heat water and about possible ways to fix related problems, read in our today's article.
Causes of lack of water heating
- Dirt deposits on the outside of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a kind of metal tank in which the water is heated. Since it is in contact with the products of combustion, a thick layer of soot can form on its outer walls, which prevents the water from heating to the desired temperature.
- Insufficiently strong flame in the burner. The heating capacity is sometimes not enough for the water in the heat exchanger to reach the set temperature. If the flame in the burner is constantly weak, it indicates a faulty diaphragm, which leads to insufficient pressure of the stem on the gas valve.
- The heat exchanger is constantly overheating. This is most likely due to a manufacturing defect. If the heat exchanger temperature is not controlled, a thick layer of scale builds up on the walls of the heat exchanger, preventing normal operation.
- Low pressure level in the gas pipes. This problem has nothing to do with the work of the water heater, as external factors are to blame here. If you think that the pressure in the gas line is insufficient, contact the gas service.
- Neglect of prevention and maintenance. If you don't take proper care and timely repair, gas equipment will inevitably malfunction. If the gas water heater is in poor technical condition, it will not be able to provide good pressure and the required water temperature.
Troubleshooting
|
The cause |
What to do? |
|
Soot deposits on the heat exchanger |
The problem can be solved by simply cleaning the heat exchanger. The layer of soot can be removed with a stiff brush, the main thing is to act carefully so as not to damage the metal surface. |
|
Weak flame in the burner |
It is necessary to carry out a visual inspection of the water unit, first disconnecting it from the gas equipment. If the diaphragm is intact, check the condition of the rod - it should not be dirty, and its movements should be smooth and even. |
|
Diaphragm hole |
If during the inspection of the water unit revealed damage to the membrane, you must necessarily replace it with a new one (experts recommend silicone membranes, because their service life is longer). |
|
Scale in the heat exchanger |
Scale deposits, if they have not caused internal damage to the device, can be easily removed by improvised means, such as citric acid. If the heat exchanger is seriously damaged, it is better to replace it. |
To learn how to deal with soot in the heat exchanger, see the video on Youtube channel "TVorim".
What else can be done?
- To increase the temperature of the water coming out of the faucet, you can do the following: Turn the regulator all the way to the right, then open the water tap only halfway. As the movement of water will slow down, it will warm up better.
- It is not superfluous to check the pressure in the gas pipes or in the cylinder. But you should not do it yourself - it is better to ask for help from professionals.
- Water may remain cool if the faucet adds cold water to already heated water. Compare (by feel) the temperature of the water from the faucet with the temperature of the outgoing hose. If the water is colder, then the problem is in the faucet.
- If the water temperature constantly "jumps" from the faucet, and the gas water heater periodically shuts off, perhaps the faucet or filter is clogged. All of these elements, as well as the shower head should be checked from time to time for deposits of lime and rust.
If your gas water heater won't heat, doesn't light or turn on, but the pilot light is on, watch the "Gas Appliance Repair" video on Youtube. It's likely to help solve the problem.
