Conventional Storage Tank Gas Water Heater

Common complaints we receive for gas and electric water heaters are:

• No hot water
• Not enough hot water
• Water temperature to hot or cold
• Water seems to be taking longer to get hot, slow to reheat
  
• Water takes forever to get hot at the faucet usually furthest from the water heater
  
• Popping or crackling sounds when heating
  
• Water leaking from bottom or down the side of the tank
• The temperature/pressure relief valve drain pipe is warm or dripping
• Rust or colored water
• Odd rotten egg or sulfur smell in the water
• Gas odor in the same room as the water heater
  
• Flame rolls out from underneath or smells hot
• Tank drain valve is dripping or plugged

• Carbon monoxide alarm

While it can be difficult to troubleshoot some of the above listed water heater concerns, there are several things homeowners can do before calling a plumber.

First and foremost you are working with a GAS appliance. While rare and in almost if not all cases due to faulty maintenance or repairs, gas water heater explosions can occur, not only from the gas itself but also from excessive pressure buildup within the water heater tank itself. If you have questions about any of the troubleshooting procedures listed below, PLEASE error on the side of caution and schedule an appointment to have Erik come out and show you in person how to properly service and repair your hot water heater.

No hot water

Pilot not lit -

•     Check gas supply/valve open (handle is parallel to pipe)
•     Air in gas line after maintenance on gas line (purge air from line)
•     Pilot gas tube kinked (replace pilot assembly)
•     Thermocouple (Clean with abrasive sand cloth, test and replace thermocouple if defective)
•     Gas control valve (test and replace gas control valve if defective) 
•     Defective spark ignition (test, or look through site glass for spark)

Pilot will not stay lit -

•     Air in gas line after maintenance on gas line or new install (Purge air from line)
•     Pilot gas tube kinked (Replace pilot assembly)
•     Dirty or defective thermocouple (Clean with abrasive sand cloth, test and replace if defective)
•     Gas control valve (Test and replace if defective)
•     Poor or inadequate air supply (Inspect air intake below and around bottom for lint, leaves, water)
•     Poor or inadequate flue piping (Inspect for proper draft including proper termination, height, and location)
•    On rare occasions, a furnace improperly connected to the water heater flue.

   

Not enough hot water