Troubleshooting the Gas Water Heater

A gas water heater is one of the most important appliances in your home, but it is often ignored. Like any other appliance, problems can come up if you take it for granted. If you experience water heater problems, you must follow these gas water heater troubleshooting tips. 

If There is no Hot Water

1. Pilot light not ignited - The pilot flame may go off due to several reasons. Check if the pilot is lit. If not, light the pilot so that it lights the burner and produces hot water.
2. Faulty thermocouple - If you see that the pilot is lit but still you don’t get hot water, it could be due to a faulty thermocouple.  In such a case, the thermocouple cannot sense the pilot flame. Retighten or replace the thermocouple. 

If Pilot Light or Burner Goes Off

1. Partially or entirely turned gas valve - The pilot light and burner won’t stay lit for long or won’t ignite if the adequate amount of gas is not supplied to them. Check if the handle of the gas valve is not moved partially or all the way. This can restrict the gas supply to the pilot and burner.
2. Clogged or blocked orifices or tube - Clogged, blocked, or dirty tube obstructs the gas supply to the pilot and burner, whereas dirty orifices don’t ignite efficiently. Call professional water heater experts and get the gas tube and orifices cleaned or replaced.
3. Damaged thermocouple - A faulty or damaged thermocouple will affect the temperature controlling factor. It is best to replace the faulty thermocouple so that the pilot flame and burner can ignite and stay lit.

If You Get Too Hot or Less Hot Water

1. Thermostat set on too high or low value - The thermostat regulates the water temperature inside the gas water heater. If the thermostat is set at a too high or low value, it will produce very hot or cold water respectively. Check the thermostat reading and set it at 60°C.
2. Damaged thermostat - Failing thermostat is incapable of maintaining the desired water temperature. Replace the faulty thermostat at the earliest.

If You Get Colored Water

1. Failing anode - The anode in your water heater is responsible for controlling corrosion and oxidization inside the water heater tank. Faulty or dissolved sacrificial anode fails to do so. Replace the anode every 1-2 years.
2. Corrosion in the plumbing system or water heater tank - Hard water supply from the main water source can lead to corrosion inside the plumbing system. Replace the corroded plumbing components. Install a water softener to reduce the corrosion in the future. 

​Leaks from the water heater, slow water reheating, rumbling noise from the tank, and unusual smell from the tank are some other gas water heater defects. If you suspect any of these problems, it is advisable to call professional water heater repairers rather than ignoring them. Call Hot Water Tanks Edmonton and we will be there to troubleshoot your water heaters.