troubleshooting your hot water heater
For your safety, water heater service should only be performed
by a qualified plumbing technician
|
problem |
cause |
solution |
|
|
Improperly sealed, hot or cold supply connections, relief valve, drain valve or thermostat threads |
Tighten threaded connections |
|
Leakage from other appliances or water lines |
Inspect other appliances near water heater. |
|
|
Leakage under water heater |
Refer to Condensation (on your water heater owner's manual) |
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Thermal expansion in closed water system |
Install
thermal expansion tank |
|
Improperly seated valve |
Check
relief valve for proper operation |
|
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||
|
(refer to Cathodic Protection on your water heater owner's manual) |
High sulfate or mineral content in water supply. |
Drain & flush heater thoroughly, then refill |
|
Bacteria in water supply |
Chlorinate water supply |
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Dirty pilot burner |
Clean pilot assembly |
|
Thermocouple tip is not in contact w/ pilot frame |
Insert thermocouple correctly |
|
|
Thermocouple malfunction |
Replace thermocouple |
|
|
Thermocouple malfunction |
Check thermostat |
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Gas knob dial not positioned correctly |
Refer to Lighting Instructions (on your water heater owner's manual) |
|
Pilot orifice clogged |
Clean or replace pilot orifice |
|
|
Pinched or clogged pilot tube |
Replace pilot tube |
|
|
Main gas supply off |
Turn on main gas shutoff valve |
|
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|
or no hot water |
Heater not lit or thermostat not on |
Refer to Lighting Instructions (on your water heater owner's manual) |
|
Thermostat set too low |
Refer to Temperature Regulation (on your water heater owner's manual) |
|
|
Heater undersized |
Reduce hot water use |
|
|
Low gas pressure |
Contact your hot water heater dealer |
|
|
Incoming water is unusually cold |
Allow more time for heater to reheat |
|
|
Leaking hot water pipes or fixtures |
Have professional plumber check & repair leaks |
|
|
High temperature limit switch activated |
Contact your hot water heater dealer to determine cause |
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Thermostat set too high |
Refer to High Temperature Regulation (on your water heater owner's manual) |
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|
sizzling, rumbling |
Condensation dripping on burner |
Refer to Condensation (on your water heater owner's manual) |
|
Sediment at bottom of heater tank |
Clean sediment from tank. Refer to Draining Instructions (on your water heater owner's manual) |
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Improper combustion |
Refer to Air Requirements (on your water heater owner's manual) |
courtesy:
a.o. smith
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