Repair of gas water heaters at home: what you can and cannot do yourself

There are gas water heaters in almost every home and are now becoming very popular in city apartments. Modern developers offer fully self-contained housing, independent of interruptions in the supply of heat and hot water. The column takes up very little space, and you are guaranteed to have hot water at any time of the year and around the clock. But what if she suddenly went nuts? The topic of this material by the homemaster.techinfus.com/en/ editorial office is the repair of gas water heaters at home. We will consider which breakdowns can be corrected with our own hands, and in which cases the gas service master should be called.

A breakdown of a gas water heater is a serious problem. It is not always possible to solve it with your own hands.

Gas column device and principle of operation

Columns for heating water on blue fuel can have two modifications:

In most cases, the speaker is a compact device that is mounted on the wall. A fuel and water supply pipe is connected to it. The appliance needs a hood. The main components of the unit:

Gas column diagram

If the column has a closed fuel combustion chamber, air is forcibly pumped into it using a small fan. To control the column, an electronic unit is used that receives and processes data from built-in sensors. The task of the column is to heat running water. When the water in the tap is turned off, the device is in standby mode. When the valve is opened, the active heating of the heat exchanger begins. The heat exchanger itself is a thin copper coil. The water in it heats up and flows into the tap. As soon as the water flow stops, the automatic damper cuts off the gas access, and the column goes back to standby mode. This is the general principle of operation of columns with any combustion chamber device.

The igniter is constantly on in the heater. It will go out only if the gas line is shut off

There are electronic ignition systems based on battery operation. In such devices, the igniter does not burn, and the burner ignites like in a stove, from a piezoelectric element. All water heaters with blue fuel are equipped with an emergency shutdown system. It is triggered if it receives signals from sensors when the pressure in the pipes decreases, damping and stopping the draft in the chimney. Most speakers have and temperature sensorslimiting the temperature of the heated water. Knowing the basic principles of operation and the layout of the column, you can draw preliminary conclusions why the gas column does not work.

How to properly turn on the gas column and adjust the temperature and pressure

The efficiency of its operation and its service life depend on the correct switching on and setting of the heater. It is important to correctly adjust the water supply in the gas column. In the documentation of the column, the capacity of the heat exchanger is usually written - from 6 to 12 liters. There is a toggle switch on the front panel.

When turning on for the first time, open one of the hot water taps, wait until it flows and set the value on the toggle switch, which is indicated in the technical passport

If your home has problems with normal water pressure, experts recommend setting the toggle switch to maximum, and then adjusting the fuel toggle switch to achieve the desired temperature. How to light a gas column is described in the instructions for the device. The fuel supply is adjusted only after you have installed the batteries for ignition or connected the column to electricity, if the ignition is from the mains. Open the gas and hot water supply tap. The column should automatically turn on, and only then adjust the temperature.

Keep in mind that the higher you set the heating temperature, the less the unit will work without breakdowns. That is, the wear of the heater is directly related to the temperature control mode.

Manufacturers recommend limiting yourself to 50 ° C, this is the best option for long-term operation of the device

For rational fuel consumption, some modern units are equipped with a winter-summer mode adjustment. Check the technical documentation, the adjustment knob can be located on the front or on the bottom.

Related article:

How easy it is to check the thrust in the gas column

In principle, the operation of the entire unit as a whole depends on the efficiency of the chimney duct. Good traction is needed for the combustion of fuel and the removal of combustion products outside the dwelling. If there is no thrust, the sensitive sensors of the equipment will give an alarm signal to the control system, and it will turn off the column. Professional repairmen have in their arsenal special devices for checking the intensity of traction. But what if there is no such device at hand, and the gas column does not ignite? You can simply check the presence or absence of movement in the chimney: bring a lighted match to the column window.

If the flame deflects, it's okay

If not, keep in mind that in the event of a malfunction in the hood, the gas appliance must never be operated.

What tools are needed to repair a gas water heater with your own hands

Finding a problem in a gas water heater can take quite a long time and require patience and a certain set of tools from you:

In addition to tools, you may need replacement parts and gaskets.

What to do with common gas water heater malfunctions

It is easy to repair simple units with an open combustion chamber with your own hands. If you have an imported expensive device stuffed with electronics installed, it is better to give up this idea. The consequences of inept repairs can be dire. Do not go into the unit, and if the warranty period has not expired.

An unsuccessful attempt will result in the impossibility of warranty repair

There are several options for problems that are most common and can be fixed by the owner:

You can try to cope on your own so in accordance with our recommendations.

Repair of the gas column heat exchanger in case of cracks or scale formation

If you find a crack in the heat exchanger, it can be "healed" with a soldering iron. If the damage is located in an accessible place, it is not necessary to remove the heat exchanger. Drain all the water. To do this, you need to turn off the supply to the apartment and open the hot water taps.

To release all the water from the heat exchanger, unscrew the union nut.

After drying the heat exchanger, sand the damaged area and degrease it with a solvent. The crack is then sealed with rosin and tin. Before starting the column, connect the water and check how well the repair was made.

If scale has formed in the heat exchanger tube, and this happens often in regions with "hard" water, you need to rinse the unit with any special descaling compound. To do this, the water is drained, and a hose is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger through which the composition is poured. Hot water taps must be closed during the procedure! Leave the solution for two hours, during which time the hydrochloric acid will eat away all the scale, and you can drain it into a bucket. To speed up the process, you can ignite the pilot. Repeat the procedure twice to ensure good cleaning.

You can replace the purchased composition with a concentrated solution of citric or acetic acid

What to do if the gas water heater does not light up

Gas heaters have a manual or automatic ignition system. The latest models from well-known manufacturers are equipped with a hydrogenerator, it is he who generates energy for ignition, so that with a weak water pressure or its absence, such columns may not ignite.

If the ignition occurs with the participation of batteries, maybe the problem will be solved by a banal replacement of batteries. You can check their performance using the built-in indicator

The column will not start working until you turn on the tap. The reason for the lack of reaction may be in the water pressure in the general network. Check, maybe the water was just turned off centrally? A similar reason is the lack of pressure in the gas pipe.

Malfunctions may be associated with a malfunction of the water unit, or "frogs" as it is popularly called. This is the valve that opens the fuel supply. If the geyser does not turn on when the water is turned on, then it unexpectedly works - look for damage in this unit. Elimination of the breakdown consists in replacing the membrane.

If the gas column igniter goes out after releasing the button

If the unit has a manual ignition, then the problems may be associated with the thermocouple. In this case, when the button is released, the igniter wick goes out. The reason is a breakdown of the solenoid valve.

It is impossible to repair the solenoid valve on your own, you will have to change the thermocouple

Sometimes the wick goes out due to carbon deposits. This part can be easily removed and cleaned with a toothpick dipped in kerosene.

Why does the geyser spontaneously go out, and how to fix the problem

An unexpected termination of the heater's operation may be associated with the same water unit. If there is a large pressure of water, the valve works, and when the pressure decreases, it shuts off the fuel supply. The second reason for the spontaneous extinction of the column is the disappearance of thrust. Sensitive sensors react instantly and give a signal for emergency shutdown.

Often the solenoid valve fails - from time to time it is necessary to change this part of the unit. It's easy to check whether it works: you need to disconnect it from the case, without disturbing the wiring and remove it outside. If the unit continues to run, it is not the problem.

It looks like a solenoid valve for a gas water heater

If all of the above reasons do not suit you, most likely it is the temperature sensor. You won't be able to check it without special equipment, so call a specialist.

Why does the gas water heater not heat the water

If there is a good water pressure, but the gas horse-tram does not heat well, the reasons are most likely in the formation of carbon deposits and soot on the outside of the heat exchanger. A layer of dirt traps heat and prevents the liquid from reaching the desired temperature. The same effect is created by scale. All of these parts need to be cleaned periodically.

A decrease in the temperature of hot water is caused by a weakening of the gas pressure or a malfunction of the water unit

The reason for the weak pressure of hot water from the gas column

Weak water pressure is an indicator of a clogged water supply system. In most cases, the cause is global and is a problem with the public network. But, perhaps, the filter mesh is clogged on the way to the "frog", check this assumption. A blockage can also form on the way from the dispenser to the tap. In this case, you need to organize a reverse flow of water and try to clear the pipes from the resulting blockage in this way.

What to do if the gas column radiator is leaking

The appearance of a puddle of water on the floor under the column is a signal of a radiator leak. Slack can be provided by union nuts and rubber seals. All of these parts are subject to replacement. In units with a safety valve, this part is the main cause of the leak. And, finally, the cause of the leak may be a crack in the heat exchanger, we wrote about its sealing above.

A leak is a reason for immediate repair.

Replacing the gas column gaskets

The rubber seals in the column require periodic replacement. High temperatures and intensive use lead to damage to the integrity of the gaskets. Repair kits for a specific model can be purchased from authorized dealers and gas stores.

The most difficult process is replacing the frog membrane.It is she who is the most common reason why the geyser does not heat water well. How to replace this part - in a short video course.

Video: Neva gas column (Neva) 4510-4511 does not ignite: repair, membrane replacement

What to do if pops are heard when turning on the gas water heater

Pops when turning on the appliance indicate that an excessive amount of fuel has accumulated inside before ignition. Excess gas ignites with a small explosion, which you perceive as cotton. It is often a matter of dropping the spark plug. This happens for natural reasons, due to the constant temperature drop. The candle can simply be raised slightly by unscrewing the nut holding it. Poor-quality gas can also cause pops. Most often, problems arise with bottled fuel.

If you use a column in an apartment building, and neighbors complain about a similar problem, contact your gas supplier with a quality claim

You smell gas during operation

The most unpleasant thing that can happen is the smell of gas in the house. Do not try to fix this problem yourself! Switch off all electrical appliances immediately, open windows and doors and call the emergency gas service immediately. Stay out of the room, leave it.

Violation of the gas pipeline can be not only for you, but also for neighbors, warn them about the danger

Features of repair of popular brands of gas water heaters

Popular brands of geysers, as a rule, suffer from the same problems that we wrote about above. But each manufacturer has its own weaknesses.

Features of repair of gas water heaters Bosch

The Bosch speakers are ignited using batteries, so check the battery charge first. Other problems with these units are common: contamination of the igniter, malfunction of the temperature controller and draft sensors. The main problem may be finding replacement parts as they are quite expensive and difficult to find.

Service centers of this manufacturer are available only in large cities.

The nuances of do-it-yourself repair of a Junkers gas column

Junkers speakers most often suffer from problems with the ignition system. They are treated by cleaning the pilot and replacing the thermocouple. These heaters need to be descaled at least once a year and the inlet water filters changed.

Repair of gas water heaters at home brand Oasis

The scheme of the Oasis geyser is not particularly different from others. Instructions for elementary repairs are in the technical data sheet of the product, and the alleged causes of the breakdown are also described in it. Factory defect in these devices is extremely rare, they are famous for their good quality. And the problems are most often associated with flaws in the installation and connection.

In order not to face such problems, do not take on the installation yourself - invite specialists from a trustworthy company

Features of repair of a gas column Vector

If the Vector gas column does not light up, replace the batteries. The set comes with very weak batteries, so don’t spare money for new ones. The emergency shutdown system in these devices has very rigid settings, so when there are pressure drops in the water and gas pipelines, do not expect good performance from the column. To rectify the situation, invite an experienced wizard to manually adjust these settings. A gas appliance, whether it be a stove, boiler or water heater, is a potentially dangerous object in the house. If you are not confident in your own knowledge and strength, do not take up repairs.

The experience of the majority shows that it is much easier and safer to contact specialists in this matter who have the necessary knowledge and experience.

If you have your own options for repairing a geyser in your arsenal - write us about it in the comments!

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