Malfunctions in the operation of household appliances negatively affect a person’s quality of life. It is especially unpleasant if the gas water heater does not light , because then there will be no hot water in the house, you will not be able to bathe, wash or wash the dishes. Malfunction occurs under the influence of various factors. Most of them can be identified and eliminated without the help of a specialist.
Some geyser breakdowns do not require calling a specialist Source telegraph.co.uk
Geyser does not light up
Reason 1. Not enough traction
The problem may be caused by a foreign object or soot in the chimney. At the same time, the draft decreases, and the protection system in the water heater is activated: the gas is automatically shut off.
It’s easy to check the assumption: open the window, place your palm on the chimney opening or light a match near it. If the draft is good, there will be a noticeable blow, and the light will noticeably deviate to the side.
Solution: The ventilation duct needs cleaning. You won't be able to do this on your own. You should call the management company and call chimney sweeps.
Reason 2. The power supply is discharged
This happens with geysers with automatic ignition from batteries: batteries or generators. As a rule, this occurs 8–16 months after the start of operation.
Solution:
- Check the column power button.
- Replace dead batteries with new ones.
Reason 3. Low water pressure
You can check the pressure by opening a cold water tap. If cold water flows as poorly as hot water, then the problem is in the plumbing. If the pressure of cold water is significantly stronger than hot water, then the problem is in the water column. Perhaps the filters in it are clogged or the membrane is deformed. Or maybe the hot water pipes themselves or the filters in the installed deep cleaning system are clogged.
Solution:
- Call the utility company: they can give you an answer if there are problems throughout your entire water supply network.
- Rinse the water purification filters or change the filter in the mixer.
- Clean the column from soot and soot.
- Replace the column water assembly membrane.
- Submit a request to the utility service to flush hot water pipes.
Reason 4. No gas supply
Usually, when the column is ignited, you can hear a characteristic sound and smell a slight smell of incoming gas. If there is no sound or smell, then gas is not flowing.
Solution:
- Call the utility service to find out if repairs are being carried out on your site: the gas may have been turned off centrally.
- Check if your gas bills have been paid: it could have been turned off for non-payment.
- Call a gas specialist.
Problem: the heat exchanger is clogged with scale
The most common malfunction of geysers lies in the heat exchanger (radiator) being clogged with scale. Hard water is to blame for scale build-up on pipes. Scale deposition occurs at water temperatures above 80 degrees, and at 82 degrees this process begins to occur more intensely.
To prevent scale formation, you should not use too hot water. For swimming, a water temperature of about 42 degrees is enough, for removing grease when washing dishes - about 45 degrees, since grease removers can cope with it in cold water, and for washing in an automatic machine - no more than 60 degrees.
Many people leave the gas water heater running on the igniter because it is convenient and there is no need to light and adjust the water heater every time. However, even an hour is enough for the temperature in the heat exchanger to rise to 90 degrees - hence the scale. Therefore, do not be lazy to turn off and turn on the column as necessary, and also do not alter the heater’s automation; if you have low pressure, it is better to install an intensifying pump in this case.
Well, if you have a problem, you need to repair the Chinese gas water heater by flushing the heat exchanger
To do this, you need to understand that the heat exchanger of the column is really clogged, paying attention to the following symptoms: low pressure in the heated water tap, when the pressure in the cold water tap is good; the column does not turn on at all; or turns off immediately after turning on. Of course, the tap at the entrance to the gas water heater may have broken, but if it is working properly, proceed to disassembling the water heater
To flush the column, you will need: a Phillips and flat-head screwdriver, a set of open-end wrenches, a set of paranit gaskets and a rubber hose. In addition, you must purchase anti-scale agent in advance from a hardware store, which is sold in a plastic bottle and in the form of a dry powder. You can also use vinegar essence because it is the most accessible.
First, remove the accessories from the speaker, and then the casing. After this, it is necessary to shut off the water supply at the inlet and open any of the heated water taps closer to the column. Next, unscrew the supply tube from the heat exchanger and move it to the side. After you unscrew the nut from the heat exchanger, water will begin to flow out of the heat exchanger. It needs to be drained about a liter.
Next, put a hose on the inlet of the heat exchanger, lift it higher than the column, insert a funnel into the hose and pour the prepared solution into it in a thin stream. Pour slowly, otherwise a reaction will begin and the anti-scale will be pushed back. The solution should remain in the heat exchanger for a couple of hours. The substance can also be heated on a burning igniter so that the reaction occurs faster and takes less time.
Place a basin or plastic bucket under the tap and slowly open the water supply to the gas water heater. See what comes out of the hose. If there is a lot of sludge and after washing the pressure becomes good, then everything worked out, if not, then the procedure will have to be repeated again. But when using anti-scale, this will not be necessary.
The geyser goes out during operation
Possible reasons:
- Most likely, there is a problem with the temperature sensor installed to protect the column from overheating.
- If the column works normally for a short time, and then turns itself off, and it can only be re-ignited after 15–20 minutes, then the sensor is too sensitive to temperature. This may be due to an initial malfunction of the part or stuffiness in the room.
- If the column works intermittently (sometimes without complaints, and sometimes turns off for no reason): the insulation of the temperature sensor conductor is probably worn out.
Solution:
- Ventilate the room in which the speaker is located. Perhaps the kitchen is simply too hot.
- Replace the temperature sensor (this can be done under warranty if the column was purchased recently).
- Contact the service center regarding the malfunction.
Basic faults
Whatever model you have installed, sooner or later malfunctions will appear in its operation. The following malfunctions cannot be excluded:
- The device simply does not light up. There may be some clicking noises.
- The device starts, but goes out during operation.
- When the speaker is working, powerful pops are heard.
- No water heating.
- There are leaks.
- When the unit operates, a burning smell appears.
You can try to solve the problems yourself. But to do this, you must have access to gas equipment and good experience in this field.
Therefore, it is wiser to contact your local gas service and submit a repair request.
If the device is under warranty, you can contact the service department of the store where you purchased the equipment. Repairs should be carried out free of charge.
If the warranty period has expired, you will have to pay for the services. The price tags appear different. It all depends on the type of breakdown and complexity of the work.
In fatal cases, the device must be replaced.
The water doesn't heat up well
Reason 1. Insufficient speaker power
Perhaps you often need to simultaneously supply water to the kitchen and bathroom, but the water heater does not have time to warm up such a volume.
Solution:
- Select a unit with greater power.
- Turn on hot water in different rooms alternately.
Reason 2. The column is clogged
A blockage may occur in the burner or heat exchanger due to excess soot. This will be signaled by the red-white color of the flame at normal water pressure.
The solution is to clean the column, preferably with the help of a specialist.
Reason 3. The column water assembly membrane is damaged
If at first the water flows at an acceptable temperature, but gradually it becomes colder, the flame of the column is blue, and the light is weak, then the problem is in the integrity of the membrane. Cold water wedges into the hot flow, and the outlet temperature drops.
The solution is to replace the membrane.
Reason 4. Water inlet/outlet hoses are installed incorrectly
If you have just turned on a new water heater and there is still no hot water, errors were probably made during installation.
The solution is to switch the hoses.
Fault prevention
The device requires preventive inspection from time to time
In conclusion, a few words about simple operating rules that will allow you to avoid most malfunctions. So, what operating rules must be followed:
- Provide a sufficient amount of air; if there is insufficient oxygen supply, the column does not work. Open windows and vents while the unit is operating;
- Do not turn on cold water at the same time as hot water. If the water supplied by the column is too hot, it is better to adjust the water temperature than to dilute it with cold water.
- Carry out periodic inspections and preventive maintenance, this will help to identify problems in a timely manner and quickly repair them;
- Do not install flexible hoses longer than three meters; this can significantly reduce the gas supply pressure, which will lead to interruptions in the operation of the column.
Remember that gas appliances require a responsible approach. If you are not confident in your abilities, then call a specialist - a very serious problem that can lead to disastrous consequences.
If the traction is weak
The thrust of the device weakens, the thrust indicator reacts, and the gas is automatically blocked. All this happens when the chimney becomes clogged. These may be soot formations or accidentally falling objects, as well as cracks.
In this case, the wick of the gas water heater usually does not light.
You can even conduct a draft test: open a window, lean a paper sheet against the chimney opening, or hold a flaming match.
If there is traction, the piece of paper will be attracted, and the match flame will tilt to the side.
If the traction is weak, this will not happen. Then it is necessary to clean the chimney. You should not do this on your own. After all, you need to work from the roof of the house.
Where to go if the gas water heater does not work for this reason? This is where your local property management company can help. Contact them and they will send you chimney cleaning specialists.
You can contact a private licensed company.
Analysis of the scope of work is free of charge. And the cleaning itself takes place in three stages:
- Vacuum equipment is used. A special vacuum cleaner removes dirt.
- Mechanical cleaning. A special cable with a ruff at the end is used.
- Repetition of point 1.
For mild blockages, chemical methods are used. The walls of the chimney are treated with special preparations, for example “Komichek”. Then they are thoroughly cleaned with water.
The average price tag for work is 500-600 rubles. for simple operations. In more complex situations, the cost of services varies from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.
Protection triggered
Most models have a security system. If the geyser does not turn on, they may have been triggered. Here are the main sensors:
- overheating,
- water flow,
- flame ionization,
- safety valve to relieve pressure.
When any sensor is triggered, the fire will go out or not light up. To avoid false positives, monitor the state of the nodes. The main reasons for failure are wear or contamination (scale, dust, soot).
The igniter does not work - reasons and solutions
There are several types of ignition of gas equipment. In older speaker models, the wick is lit using a match.
Other units are equipped with a built-in piezoelectric element. The models are also considered obsolete, but many manufacturers still produce them. The operating principle is based on the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy. When you press the button, a spark is generated. She ignites the burner.
A more modern option is electric ignition. The fire is ignited automatically when the corresponding tap is opened.
Manual ignition
One of the most common problems is a clogged igniter. If soot has accumulated on the nozzle, the water heater must be disassembled and cleaned.
The piezo element does not work
Piezo ignition often breaks. This is one of the reasons why the gas water heater does not light up when turned on. Symptoms of malfunction: ignition occurs after several presses.
On average, it needs to be replaced every 3-4 years. It is easy to replace the element. The key is secured to the body with a lock nut or several bolts. The wire from the electrode is removed by removing the terminal.
Battery discharged - no spark
Another common reason why a geyser stops turning on is worn-out batteries. This applies to devices that turn on automatically.
Automation turns on the burner when water enters. To create a spark you need power. In some speaker models, the spark will be produced by a turbine, which, under the influence of pressure, generates electric current. One large single-charge cell (size D) lasts for six months. During this time, the user usually manages to forget that it needs to be changed.
The thick “barrel” produces a voltage of 1.5 V. Idling clicks during ignition indicate the exhaustion of the resource. In this case, the wick lights up, but the burner does not.
Tip: Keep spare batteries ready. Energizer and Duracell work the longest.
If the power supply is intermittent, there will be no spark even with new batteries. This occurs when contacts oxidize or resistors swell. You can solve the problem yourself, but it is better to install a new power supply.
