The water heater in one’s home may be one of the most under-rated appliances. But it plays a crucial role in the smooth running of the household. Typically, water heaters have a long lifespan if they are taken care of and undergo regular checks and maintenance when needed.
Most water heaters are reliable and sturdy, but there are chances of problems and issues because of constant use. Sometimes, gas hot water repairs in Adelaide are possible, but total replacements may be necessary in other cases.
Gas Water Heater Problems
In case one’s home features a gas water heater, and one faces a lack of hot water, this might be because of a shortage or obstruction in the main gas valve. In case there are problems with the pilot flame, there may be issues with the thermocouple. Following are some common issues:
- Poor flow of air
This will manifest as problems of foul-smelling gas, sooting burner flame, yellow burner flames, or a pilot outage. One will need to check the flue vent and the water heater’s base for any obstructions. The flame arrestor must also be checked regularly to prevent the poor flow of air.
- Sooting
This issue may occur when there is a build-up of dirt and debris in the orifice or in gas supply tubing. In case the flue vents and gas chamber are sooted but the remaining parts of the burner are clean, there might be incorrect use of the orifice, or a loose connection, or excessive gas pressure.
- Condensation
This can occur as a result of excessive demand for hot water in a short space of time when the water is as yet cold. With the heating of water, sometimes gases cool to the dew point, which causes condensation to travel back to the chamber and impacts the flame. Excessive condensation can kill the flame which heats the water.
- Pilot light
In case the gas doesn’t stay lit, there may be issues with the gas supply. Hence, there will be low gas pressure, and the pilot will not stay lit. The pilot light can be impacted by condensation, the clogged vent system, or combustion air supply. Insulation faults and wiring around the igniter wire will also prevent the igniting of the pilot light.
Troubleshooting the gas heater
When it comes to troubleshooting one’s gas water heater, there are a few steps that one can take to identify the nature of the problem before calling professionals to deal with repairs. The average lifespan of modern water heaters is 13 years. But just like older models, the ideal way to get the best out of one’s system is by proper maintenance.
Following are some troubleshooting tips that help one know when to seek professional help and to avoid bigger problems down the line. Take note that always one must be extremely careful while troubleshooting the gas water heater to avoid risks of burns, fires, and explosions:
- Check the pilot light
The first step is always to check the pilot flame. In case the heater is functioning properly, there will be a blue flame with no signs of yellow. In case the pilot flame is yellow, or one has trouble lighting it, this indicates problems with the gas heater ranging from electrical malfunction to defective or leaky valves.
- Check thermostat
Several problems of gas water heaters can be traced back directly to a thermostat that is either defective or set improperly. The Department of Energy (DOE) advises setting the thermostat to 120 degrees F, for the water of a comfortable temperature and not scalding or cold. Poor regulation of temperature is mostly a sign that there is a thermostat or electrical problem.
- Poor water flow and sediments
One must regularly drain water from the water heater. This is for both troubleshooting to detect too much sediment or prevent clogging of the heater and keep it running in proper fashion.
When to call for professional help
Professional help must be called when there is:
- Cold water
- Too hot water
- Inadequate supply of water
- Reduced pressure of water
- Stained or rust coloured water
- Scaling of heater
- Unusual sounds or smells
- Leaks from the storage tank
- Combustion or ignition problems
- Low pressure or flow
In sum, when there are issues with a gas heater, it is dangerous to undertake repairs on one’s own. Experts advise calling for professional help for gas hot water repairs in Adelaide. Common issues can be solved easily if dealt with early enough before they turn dangerous and costly.
