How to fix a deluxe plus gas water heater. Do-it-yourself gas water heater repair: is it worth it and how to fix it efficiently (70 photos)
Instantaneous water heaters have a long service life and are easy to use. Over time, preventive or major repairs of gas water heaters are required, which is necessary to restore the uninterrupted operation of the equipment and supply hot water to the house. The editors of the site today decided to devote a separate article to this issue. We will tell you about the main malfunctions of household speakers and how to fix them.
Read in the article:
Features of the geyser device and the principle of its operation
Surely many users wondered why the gas water heater does not heat water well, does not light up or works intermittently. Before proceeding with troubleshooting, you should understand the design features of household speakers. All instantaneous domestic water heaters have a heat exchanger, gas burners and operating temperature sensors inside. In addition, pipelines are connected to the design of the column, through which gas is supplied to the system, cold water is supplied, and hot water is also removed to the consumer.
The principle of operation of the gas water heater is as follows: after opening the water tap, the valve is triggered, gas enters the burner, and the candle ignites. As it burns, heat is generated, the temperature of which is controlled by a built-in sensor. Thus, water is heated using a heat carrier. The columns are equipped with a ventilation system through which exhaust gas and steam are removed. The operating temperature of the water is regulated by a built-in switch located outside the flowing equipment.
How to turn on the gas water heater and adjust the temperature and pressure
Consider the features of turning on and adjusting the parameters of a household appliance, if the column was dismantled for overhaul, or it was replaced with a new model. After installation and connection of all structural components of the equipment, turn on the burner and open hot water. Next, you need to measure the outgoing temperature and compare it with the incoming (cold water supply) - the difference between the indicators should be about 25 ° C. In case of prolonged heating of the outgoing liquid or its complete absence, adjust the temperature using the gas supply knob (toggle switch).
You can achieve the desired temperature of hot water by adjusting the fluid pressure in the pipeline. If the water pressure is too weak, the temperature will become too high, or it will not be enough to turn on the column. High pressure, on the contrary, will lead to the fact that the liquid will not have time to heat up. There are several ways to solve the problem with poor water pressure.
A leaky membrane is a fairly common reason for the lack of hot water in the house. After replacing it, the device will easily cope with a large volume of incoming fluid.
How to check the thrust in a gas water heater: practical recommendations
It is imperative to check the draft before starting the column, since the quality of the equipment will depend on the speed of the exhaust gases in the chimney. In addition, this procedure is carried out in order to exclude the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning. To check the intensity of the thrust, the gas service uses an anemometer. You can also use a flame of fire, brought up to the ventilation shaft. To do this, you need to light a sheet of paper or bring a match to it: if the flame quickly rushes into the chimney, then the draft is good, and you can use the column.
Important! Weak draft of instantaneous water heaters can be formed due to blockages in the structural elements of the columns. It is easy to see if there is an uncharacteristic (deep orange or green) flame color in the burner. To remove soot, you need to clean the ventilation shaft and remove dirt from the device components.
Do-it-yourself tools for repairing a gas water heater
If the gas water heater does not work, and you have to repair faulty equipment yourself, you should prepare the appropriate tools. For work, you will need adjustable and open-end wrenches, which are needed to unscrew and crimp the branch pipes and threaded connections.
You also need to prepare a set of simple and cross-head screwdrivers. Before starting work, you should purchase paronite gaskets to replace worn seals with them. Please note that tow should be used to seal the seams. If you have to troubleshoot electrical equipment, you will need a multimeter to measure a number of parameters. If a leak in the heat exchanger and piping is detected, prepare sandpaper, a soldering iron, rosin and solder.
Ways to eliminate common gas column malfunctions
Problem # 1. Repair of a gas water heater heat exchanger in case of scale formation
One of the reasons why the gas water heater does not turn on when the water is turned on is the formation of scale in the heat exchanger during operation. Its construction consists of a pipeline and a metal casing. Water enters the pipes, where it is heated. Due to the high hardness and high temperature, limestone and salt deposits form, which interfere with the normal operation of the column.
Expert opinion
Design Engineer VK (water supply and sewerage) LLC ASP North-West
Ask a specialist“If cold water comes under a good pressure when opening, and hot water in a thin stream, this indicates a blockage in the heat exchanger piping, which needs to be flushed.”
To restore the normal operation of the equipment, it is not at all necessary to dismantle the heat exchanger. Before starting repair work, shut off the gas and water supply. Then you need to remove the union nut and drain the water from it.
You also need to unscrew the nuts on the outlet and inlet of the device. Further, with the help of a rubber hose, anti-scale is poured inside. For these purposes, you can also use citric acid or vinegar solution.
After 3 hours, connect the pipes to the heat exchanger, check the tightness of the threaded connections. Then you need to open the water supply tap (hot). This should be done slowly so that the dirt under pressure does not splash all over the kitchen. When limescale and blockages have melted, the hot water flow will increase. If necessary, the cleaning procedure is repeated several times. The problem with scale formation can be solved quite simply by installing filtration equipment.
Problem # 2. The gas column does not light up or ignites and immediately goes out
Now let's look at what to do if the gas column does not light up. The main cause of this malfunction may be the lack of traction. This often happens due to a clogged ventilation shaft. The problem is eliminated by cleaning the chimney duct with a metal bristle brush.
Also, the column will not light up if the membrane is damaged. It deforms quite often, due to which the trigger mechanism of the burner does not work when the hot water tap is opened.
The breakdown of the membrane is determined as follows: it is necessary to make the water pressure maximum by opening the valve to the end. If the heater turns on, the membrane must be replaced. For this, the mechanism of the water unit must be disassembled and the deformed membrane replaced.
Please note that silicone seals last much longer than rubber membranes, so they should be chosen to ensure long column performance. Also, the equipment may not turn on if the water intake filter becomes clogged. Cleaning is simple: you need to unscrew the nut from the pressure supply side, remove and rinse the mesh, then reinstall and check the device.
Problem # 3. Why does the geyser spontaneously go out, and how to fix the problem
If the column goes out, a common cause of this breakdown is the failure of the temperature sensor. The bimetallic device protects it from overheating. Over time, the insulation of the sensor wears out, a short circuit of the device to the case often appears, which causes the safety valve to turn on.
This leads to chaotic operation of the gas column. In such cases, the temperature sensor needs urgent replacement. In order to avoid the formation of complex hardware breakdowns, a qualified specialist should replace the device, therefore it is not recommended to change it yourself.
Problem # 4. The gas water heater does not heat the water
Often, users have to deal with the fact that the pressure is good, and the gas water heater does not heat the water well. Such a malfunction may be caused by insufficient power of the device. In addition, the heating of the water pressure may be too weak due to the banal clogging of the system. It is also worth paying attention to the pressure in the gas pipeline - if it is too weak, the liquid entering the heat exchanger will practically not heat up. This problem is solved by adjusting the hot water supply tap, cleaning the structural elements of the system, or completely replacing the column with a model of the required power. Before proceeding with the elimination of this malfunction, you should invite a gas appliance service technician.
Problem # 5. Weak pressure of hot water from the gas column
We have already talked about the need to descale the heat exchanger. It is its presence that causes certain difficulties for the normal operation of the device, since a clogged pipeline does not allow water to flow with good pressure. In addition to clogging this device, the likely reason for the lack of inclusion of the column may be the operation of the igniter in idle mode. When it burns for a long time, the body of the heat exchanger heats up, as a result of which the liquid in it evaporates.
This leads to the fact that there is no water flow in the pipeline, and the blockage is not washed out. Over time, the heat exchanger becomes unsuitable for further operation. If cleaning is not possible, this unit should be replaced.
Problem # 6. What to do if the gas column radiator is leaking
Long-term operation of gas water heaters leads to damage to the gaskets and the formation of cracks in the pipes and radiator. In practice, replacing it is quite expensive, since its cost is almost a third of the price of new equipment. We will figure out how you can repair this unit with your own hands at minimal cost.
Table 1. The sequence of repair work on the gas column radiator
| Stage of work | Description |
| Before starting repair work, the existing fluid must be drained from the system. To do this, the hot water tap is opened (cold water is closed). Then the nut on the inlet pipe is unscrewed, after which almost the entire volume of water will flow out of the device. |
| Unscrew the fasteners. Dismantle the leaking radiator. |
| You should carefully inspect the pipes and the radiator housing for damage (cracks, holes). As a rule, they are found in places of formation of green or gray-yellow oxide. |
| Damaged areas must be thoroughly cleaned of oxide and dirt, for which sandpaper is used. Smear the treated areas with a solvent to remove traces of carbon deposits and other contaminants. |
| Soldering iron, solder and rosin are used to repair cracks and holes. Tin the defect, then treat it with a layer of tin. Its thickness should not exceed 2 mm. |
Problem # 7. Replacing the gas column gaskets
Due to the effect of high temperature, over time, at the points of connection of the nozzles, the gaskets harden or deform, as a result of which a leak is formed. It can be eliminated by simply replacing the sealing elements.
To loosen and tighten the nuts, you need a 24 open-end wrench or its adjustable analogue. After installing a new gasket, do not forget to wind 4-5 turns of FUM tape around the pipe thread.
Problem # 8. A popping sound is heard when the gas burner is turned on
The main reason for the formation of pops during the operation of instantaneous water heating equipment is too high or low pressure in the gas pipeline. If the pressure is small, there is oxygen in the mixture supplied to the column, which forms pops when ignited. At high pressure, the flame, escaping from the igniter, also produces similar sounds. This problem is solved by adjusting the pressure of the gas flow. It is better to entrust this work to representatives of the gas service.
Problem # 9. You smell gas during operation
Often there is such a problem in the operation of equipment as a gas leak, which is accompanied by a persistent characteristic odor. If it is available, it is not worth operating the column in order to avoid an emergency. In this case, you need to call the repair team of the gas service.
Repair of gas water heaters of popular brands at home
Features of repair of gas water heaters "Bosch"
The high build quality of Bosch gas water heaters ensures long-term trouble-free operation of water heating equipment. Thus, heat exchangers of the Therm 4000 and 6000 series can last 6-10 years without the need for cleaning. To carry out the prophylaxis of the node, the column does not need to be removed.
Usually, there are no questions about how to light the Bosch gas water heater. If equipment interruptions are observed, the first step is to check the integrity of the gaskets and diaphragm. The water block or flow regulator may also fail. Basically, the repair consists in replacing the sealing elements.
How to make a repair of a Junkers gas water heater with your own hands
Repair of Junkers dispensers in most cases comes down to preventive measures. They consist in cleaning the pipes, replacing the membrane, removing the formed carbon deposits, adjusting the operation of the burner and valves. Complex types of repair include setting up the control unit and restoring the water-gas system.
Repair of the gas water heater "Oasis": a brief instruction
Brief instructions for the repair of the Oasis gas water heater (the equipment diagram is shown in the photo) consists in identifying typical malfunctions and their elimination. So, if the automatic ignition system does not work, you need to clean the contacts and replace the batteries.
In the absence of traction, the column will not turn on. The problem is eliminated by cleaning the ventilation shaft. The same will happen if the water pressure regulator is set at the minimum mark, since in this case the diaphragm will not work and the gas valve will not open. To eliminate the malfunction, it is enough to set the regulator to maximum.
Quite often, in the gas columns there is a clogging of the mesh filter, into which small particles enter, which reduce the intensity of the pressure. The problem is solved by flushing.
Features of the repair of the gas column "Vector"
The device and principle of operation of the "Vector" devices is not much different from other models. With a low pressure of cold water, it is recommended to install a booster pump, which will ensure uninterrupted hot water supply. If the "Vector" gas column does not light up, check the condition of the filter and the heat exchanger for limescale deposits.
Dear readers of the online magazine site! Leave in the comments useful tips for the repair and maintenance of gas water heaters, as well as share your experience in setting up instantaneous water heaters with other visitors.
If you are faced with a breakdown of a water heater, do not panic - our article will help. Malfunctions of the "Neva" gas column can happen for various reasons, but typical ones can be distinguished. We will tell you how to repair Neva models at home.
Important! If your equipment is under warranty, do not disassemble it yourself, otherwise you will lose free service.
Column device
How to understand the location of the water heater components? Don't worry, the diagram will help you. It is based on Neva speakers.
External device:
- Metal casing.
- Control window.
- Gas flow regulator.
- Water regulator.
- Digital indication of temperature.
- Cold water connection (thread G 1/2).
- Hot water outlet.
- A branch pipe for connecting to a gas line (cylinder).
- A branch pipe for the removal of combustion products is connected to the chimney.
- The foundation. Back wall.
- Installation holes.
Internal equipment:
- 6, 7, 8 - continued, nozzles, as indicated above.
- 12 - water unit.
- 13 - water regulation rod.
- 14 - drain plug.
- 15 - microswitch.
- 16 - control unit.
- 17 - gas unit.
- 18 - fuel adjusting rod.
- 19 - solenoid valve.
- 20 - collector.
- 21 - collector fixing screws.
- 22 - burner nozzles.
- 23 - spark plug.
- 24 - ionization sensor.
- 25 - copper heat exchanger.
- 26 - output to the water unit.
- 27 - outlet to the gas unit.
- 28 - mounting bolts.
- 29 - thermal relay.
- 30 - thermometer.
- 31 - gas outlet device.
- 32 - thrust sensor.
- 33 - mounting brackets.
- 34 - battery compartment.
Having understood the design, you can start troubleshooting.
Speaker malfunctions
The indicated malfunctions and options for their elimination are suitable for all models produced by "Neva", including: 4510, 5514, 4511, 4513, 4510M, 4513M, 4610, 5611. We will separately consider the error codes and breakdowns on the example of some models.
You will need to remove the cover to access the inside of the instrument. How to do it yourself:
- Be sure to shut off the water and gas supply.
- Pull the adjusters towards you and remove.
- Some models have a screw behind the adjuster. Unscrew it.
- Disconnect the temperature indicator wiring.
- Remove the casing securing bolts.
- Pull the trim towards you a little, then up.
You can start repair work.
Breakdowns "Neva Lux" 6011 and 6014
Reasons for the appearance and ways of troubleshooting.
The burner does not ignite. No spark... In this case, the temperature indication does not work when the mixer is opened.
- Weak water pressure. If the pressure in the tap is small, you need to wait until the flow is restored. The installed model may be too powerful for your plumbing. Also check the adjustment toggle switch, set to the maximum value. For frequent pressure problems, it is recommended to install a circulation pump.
- The batteries are dead. Some users are confused by the scoreboard. If the display is lit, the user thinks the batteries are ok. But lighting a candle requires more current. It is important to choose high quality batteries.
The manufacturer recommends installing LR20 (alkaline) batteries. Therefore, salt cells such as R20, which are sometimes used, will not give stable performance. An alternative to the LR20 is the CR20, but the cost is much higher. To replace, turn the knob in the battery compartment.
- Defective flow sensor. Inspection and replacement required.
- Wear of the rubber membrane. This can be understood by visual inspection. Open the mixer and see how the pusher works. If it does not move, then the membrane is damaged or stretched (marked with a blue arrow in the photo). Red arrows mark places that are susceptible to leaks.
You can remove the water part together with the gas part. The dismantling procedure is marked with letters:
- a - after turning off the fuel supply, the supply hose is unscrewed.
- b - the cold water nut is loosened.
- c - the nut of the water block and the radiator pipe is unscrewed.
- d - the wiring of the solenoid valve is disconnected.
- d - the microswitch loop is disconnected.
- e - the bolts of the flange connection are unscrewed.
Broken electronic board requires a call from a specialist.
Breakdown on the body of the device. A clicking sound is heard, as when a spark is formed, but no ignition occurs. This means that the insulation of the candle is broken. If defects are found during inspection, a serviceable part must be supplied. Also, the cause of the breakdown is a violation of the tight connections of the cable with the control unit. Return the cable to the socket.
Neva Lux error codes
The display allows the user to see the fault code. Self-diagnosis of the column gives a digital value in case of a malfunction.
E0 - the boiler shuts down. Fuel does not flow into the system. Check the gas valve; the supply may have been shut off for a short time.
Error E1- the control board does not receive a signal from the flame sensor. More than a minute passed.
What could have happened:
- Air in the gas pipeline. This happens when the device is turned on for the first time or when the device is turned off for a long time. Open and close hot water several times until the burner ignites.
- The fuel supply valve is not fully open. Unscrew the tap.
- Insufficient pressure in the gas line.
- The tank has run out of fuel. The cylinder needs to be replaced.
- Violation of the wiring between the water unit and the flame sensor, solenoid valve. Examine the loop for damage to the insulation.
- The electrode has moved out of place, does not reach the burner. Return the part to its original location.
- Soot is present on the electrode and flame sensor. You can clean the parts with a brush.
- The contacts between the spark plug and the high-voltage wire are removed.
- The nozzles are clogged with soot.
The burner must be removed for cleaning. Disconnect the wiring and unscrew the nipple nut. Unscrew the two manifold bolts, then do the same with the burner mounts. After dismantling, the holes are washed with a brush and soapy water. Reassemble after rinsing and drying.
E3 code- the solenoid valve was triggered earlier than the signal from the flow sensor.
- The valve is defective. A new element is being installed.
- The electronic unit has broken. Diagnosis is carried out by a specialist.
Error E7- after 7 attempts to ignite, the equipment still does not light up or goes out.
- Open the fuel valve as far as it will go.
- The ionization sensor has moved or soot has accumulated on its electrode. It should be in the flame area, near the burner. Cleaning is done with a brush.
- The electrical valves are out of order.
- The water or gas block has boiled. Replacement of elements.
Error E8- the thrust sensor has been triggered. Causes:
- The sensor is broken. See if the contacts are tight, change the part.
- The chimney is clogged with debris or soot. If you cannot clean the passage with your own hands, contact your utilities.
L0 - not enough fuel is supplied for normal operation. What happened:
- Weak water pressure. The line pressure acts on the diaphragm, which opens the valve. Wait for the flow to recover, adjust the toggle switch, or descale the radiator. How to do this is described in the article.
- The temperature at the controller is too low. Increase your metrics.
- The pressure in the gas line exceeds the permissible limits. Install the reduction gear.
Such malfunctions are typical for the Neva 3208 and Neva Transit models.
Other problems faced by users
The device works for a while, then turns off... Draft problems that can arise from blockages or improper installation of the hood.
Typical user mistakes:
- The ventilation pipe is installed too close to the wall of the chimney, normal draft is not generated.
- Another device or hood is connected to one pipe.
- There is another window on the level with the ventilation of the column.
The column does not light up or immediately goes out... The temperature sensor is triggered.
- Overheating has occurred.
- The part is out of order.
- The membrane is stretched.
- Flame sensor does not work.
Display does not work:
- The thermal sensor is out of order. Need a replacement.
- Contacts broken.
- Display defective.
The equipment is very noisy:
- Twist the water regulator. Reduce the head.
- The gaskets in the pipe joints protrude out of place. Replace the gasket.
You have learned the structure of the Neva water heater, its typical malfunctions. You can start fixing the problem. We hope our article helped you get the technology back on track.
Instantaneous water heaters have a simple and at the same time reliable device that prevents emergencies. There are various sensors and regulators inside the structure. Gas pressure and traction intensity are controlled.
One of the important units is the water unit of the gas water heater or "frog". The regulation and safety module is installed in semi-automatic and automatic flow-through gas boilers. A faulty gearbox is reflected in burner startup failures, failure to start and other irregularities.
The principle of operation of the column water block
Instantaneous water heaters turn on immediately after opening the water supply tap and turn off after closing it. The working process regulates the water block of the gas column.The hollow frog device is divided into two parts by a rubber membrane. One half of the reducer is connected to the cold water supply, the second is a stem connected to the gas valve. On the metal rod of automatic water heaters there are “wings” connected to the electric ignition unit.
The principle of operation of the gas-water unit of the gas column is as follows:
- when the cold water tap is opened, one of the cavities is filled with water;
- under the pressure of water, pressure is exerted on the membrane of the water unit;
- the diaphragm bends under pressure and presses on the rod located in the second cavity;
- a metal rod presses on the valve, opening the gas supply;
- in the automatic dispensers on the rod there are ears connected to the ignition unit;
- a spark is supplied to the burner, igniting the flame;
- after the DHW tap is closed, the structure and internal parts of the unit begin to reverse;
- the stem returns to its original position thanks to the spring and shuts off the gas supply.
Possible malfunctions of the water unit
There are malfunctions and malfunctions in the operation of the instantaneous water heater, which clearly indicate the failure of the structural elements of the gearbox. These include:- refusal to turn on the column;
- the flame is not ignited the first time;
- there is a water leak from the reducer;
- after closing the DHW tap, the flame does not extinguish.
- Membrane ruptured- the average service life of the diaphragm is 5-7 years. Over time, due to constant mechanical stress and hard water, rubber breaks through. A sign of membrane failure is that water is dripping from the gearbox.
- Membrane hardened- the elasticity of the diaphragm determines the quality work of the water unit of the gas column. For operation, it is important that the membrane is sensitive to any changes in the water pressure. If the gasket is hardened, the column will be triggered with a delay. After closing the DHW tap, the gas burner continues to work for some time.
- Plugged stem - when the membrane breaks through, water enters the metal surface of the stem, causing it to corrode. Rust interferes with normal needle movement. Symptoms of malfunction: it is difficult to start the column. The flame is ignited only under strong water pressure. After closing the DHW tap, the burner does not go out.
- Coarse filter clogged- there is a mesh at the entrance to the gearbox, which quickly clogs up, especially if the connection conditions were violated and the piping scheme was completed with errors. Malfunction symptom: difference in pressure at the inlet and outlet of the water heater.
If the technological process described below will cause difficulties, it is better to call a specialist from the gas service to your home for professional service of a flow-through boiler.
Repair and maintenance of the gas-water unit
Hard water, constant thermal stress and other factors destroy the structural components of the column over time. Any gas consuming equipment needs to be serviced regularly. And if defects are detected, carry out immediate repairs.The design of the water reducer of the gas column has a simple internal structure. Everything is easy to understand. If desired, you can repair the gas water heater frog or carry out preventive maintenance without calling the master.
How to remove a frog from a gas water heater
First you need to shut off the water and gas supply. After this, work is carried out in the following order:- water is drained from the heat exchanger - for this purpose it is better to use a tap or mixer located significantly below the water heater;
- disconnect the gas and water supply pipelines (an adjustable wrench is required);
- now you can remove the water assembly of the gas column, if everything is done correctly, the frog should be easily dismantled.
Cleaning the water unit of the gas water heater
Held at least every year. There are several fixing bolts on the frog's cover. When unscrewing, care must be taken not to spoil the folds. After removing the cover, or disassembling the gearbox into two parts (depending on the column model), the internal space is cleaned and the structural parts are serviced:- while cleaning the gearbox, scale and solid residues that have settled on the bottom of the unit are removed, at the same time they clean the coarse mesh on the inlet pipe;
- the stem can be lubricated with castor oil or grease;
- The gasket can also be smeared if it feels rough and has lost its elasticity to the touch.
What components should be replaced
There are several elements in the gearbox that are constantly exposed to mechanical pressure and poor-quality water. At each service, the operability is checked and the following components are replaced:- stem seal- Replacement of the stuffing box is necessary on average every 3 years to protect the gas valve from moisture ingress;
- membrane - replacement of the gasket is needed when it breaks, as well as when microcracks appear;
According to historical standards, centralized hot water supply is relatively new. The issue of heating water at home could be solved in several ways, but the most popular were storage and solid fuel, that is, titanium.
It was fired with coal, much less often they resorted to using firewood or fuel oil. The liquid in the boiler had to be warmed up in advance. For example, in order to take a bath, it was necessary to spend at least one hour. Of course, the use of such equipment was not very comfortable. The issue of heating water in a short time was resolved with the arrival of dispensers operating on gas.
The principle of operation of the geyser consists in heating water from the water supply using the gas available in the residential main. To speed up the heating procedure, a heat exchanger is used, where the fluid flow is redistributed through a set of thin tubes that are located just above the gas burner.
Thanks to this, it becomes possible to heat the liquid in a short time, immediately during operation, so there is no need to accumulate the heated liquid in the container.
This is the main mechanism for the functioning of heating equipment, all the remaining elements are designed to ignite gas, the ability to regulate water heating and ensure the safe operation of all equipment.
Possible problems
Does not ignite
The most likely reason that the column does not light up is perhaps the usual lack of draft in the ventilation shaft. There is also a possibility that a foreign element has entered the chimney, or it has become clogged with soot after a certain period of time. In this situation, a protective mechanism located inside the equipment is activated, and the gas is automatically blocked in the column.
The chimney draft should be monitored. This is not difficult to implement - you should bring a burning match to the well. If the flame tilts to one side, it will mean that everything is functioning well, and there is traction.
Here, you simply need to eliminate the cause of the incorrect operation, and the column will begin to function normally. There is an opportunity to do it yourself or to resort to the help of specialists.
Another probable and potential reason that the device does not ignite is the discharge of the batteries, but this is applicable only for heating systems with an ignition mechanism in automatic mode.
Remedies:
- Control the buttons "on" and "off" of the device.
- Replace the batteries.
Insufficient liquid head
Potential cause may be insufficient fluid head. This can be quickly and effectively checked by opening a cold water tap. If the pressure is too weak, then there is a possibility that the reason for the incorrect operation is not in the system, but in the water supply system or in its specific area.
If the flow of liquid in the cold water tap is stronger than in the hot one, there is a possibility that the reason is hidden in the water unit of the heater, which means that there is a blockage in the filter or the membrane is deformed.
Remedies:
It is also possible that the column lights up and then goes out. In such circumstances, it is necessary to adjust both taps supplying water.
Remedies:
Reduce the head of the water inlet at the tap responsible for cold water supply.
Gas smell comes out
It is important to keep in mind that when you turn on the heater, under no circumstances should you smell gas. If you still feel it, then you should immediately close the gas valve, ventilate the room, call the gas service representatives. Under such conditions, it is forbidden to carry out repair actions of the column with your own hands.
Remedies:
Contact your gas service representative.
Poorly heated water
There are several possible reasons for this. This may be due to the low power of the equipment. To check, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the technical documentation offered for the device.
Also, the liquid can heat up poorly due to the standard blockage of the equipment. Changed color of the fire, and the formation of soot under the heating equipment during her working activity, will become a sign.
At a low pressure level of the supplied gas, the water will also be poorly heated.
Remedies:
Goes out
If, when connected, the column first lights up and then goes out, then the probable cause may be a bimetallic temperature sensor, which is designed to prevent overheating of the equipment.
There are two possible manifestations of this incorrect work:
- The burner lights up, the equipment operates in standard mode for a certain period, after which it goes out and does not function for a certain time, attempts to light it up do not give positive results. After about twenty minutes, the gas column can be reconnected, the burner ignites, but after approximately the same amount of time it goes out. This is due to the natural increased susceptibility of the mechanism. Remedies: In fact, this case is considered a warranty, but in reality this nuisance is of a seasonal nature and happens during periods of heat or cold, when the windows in the kitchen are kept closed. In both cases, the temperature regime of the air is increased, therefore, the equipment is not cooled properly. It is possible that this problem manifests itself after the expiration of the warranty period. Unfortunately, in these circumstances, the repair work will have to be paid personally to the owner of the gas water heater.
- The column turns off haphazardly or does not light up at all. This can indicate deterioration of the sensor conductor insulation. Remedies: It is not worth calling a specialist from the gas service, since this problem is not in his field of activity. It is also not recommended to carry out repair work on your own. Here, the best solution would be to seek help from the company that produces a specific model, or to a service point.
Weak outlet head
If fuel is supplied, it means that the liquid pressure in the water intake mechanism is sufficient, and the difficulty is hidden in the clogging of the heat exchanger with scale. The probable cause may be the ignitor's idle combustion for a long period of time.
The igniter manages to warm up the heat exchanger to a sufficient level, thereby forcing the remaining liquid to actively evaporate. As a result, the scale formed is not washed off due to the lack of fluid flow and until the next connection of the equipment has time to "grab", which ultimately leads to an inoperative state of the equipment.
Remedies:
Repair measures consist in cleaning or completely replacing the heat exchanger.
Extraneous noise
The noise from small explosions or pops accompanying the connection process can be triggered by several points: insufficient draft in the ventilation well or duct; due to the discharge of the batteries for the ignition of heating equipment; possible clogging of parts of the equipment, as well as an excessively strong gas pressure.
Remedies:
- Clean the chimney, call a representative of the housing department or professional chimney sweeps.
- Replace the batteries.
- In all the remaining options, to eliminate incorrect work, a rational solution would be to seek help from professionals.
Leaks
The owners of the dispensers, who have not been servicing their devices for a long period, have the opportunity to find dripping water under the equipment.
Remedies:
If such malfunctions are found, it is necessary to check all existing mates and replace the seals.
In fact, many are able to independently carry out repair work related to the elimination of malfunctions of the gas water heater, if the user can correctly identify the malfunction and is confident in his own capabilities and strengths. However, if you are unsure if you can handle your hardware troubleshooting well, your best bet is to go to a professional.
Despite the widest range of electrical heating appliances on the market, the gas water heater is still one of the most popular means of heating a house and providing it with hot water. This is a fairly economical option, since it allows you to simultaneously provide several drainage points in the house. Another advantage of gas water heaters can be considered the fact that they allow you to use hot water, practically unlimited, without any restrictions.
Essential elements
The geyser device looks like this.
- Water flow regulator.
- Chimney connection.
- Power control.
- Heat exchanger.
- Water node.
- Exhaust hood.
- Switch.
- Rear panel.
- Diaphragm gas valve.
- Ignition.
- Gas unit.
Two pipes are connected to the gas column. The first of them is designed for gas supply, the second - for cold water supply. In addition, a pair of burners is located at the bottom, one auxiliary and one main.
Important! The device of the gas column can be different, depending on the method of ignition - it (ignition) can be electronic, manual and using a piezoelectric element.
How does a gas water heater work
Such devices are designed to provide domestic and industrial facilities with hot water. The essence of their work is quite simple: cold water from the pipeline enters the column heat exchanger, where it is heated by burners (they are located under the heat exchanger). As you know, fire needs oxygen, therefore, so that the burners do not go out, the column is connected to the ventilation system of the house / apartment. The exhaust gas is eliminated by means of a special chimney, which is combined exclusively with a gas water heater.
What to look for when choosing a water heater
All the described types of columns function somewhat differently.
So, if the device is turned on manually, that is, the gas has to be ignited with matches, the burner will ignite from the fact that you turn the fuel supply valve. Although it is worth noting that such designs have become outdated a long time ago. Modern designs are equipped with either an electronic ignition or a piezoelectric element.
New models are activated at the touch of a button located on the front panel of the device. Piezo ignition creates a spark that ignites the pilot. In the future, everything happens in automatic mode - the tap opens, the column lights up, hot water begins to flow.
If the gas water heater is fired up electronically, then it is perhaps the most reliable and durable device. The system is turned on by means of a pair of batteries supplying the charge necessary for the formation of a spark. No buttons, no matches, the only thing you need to do to turn it on is to turn on the tap. In most cases, batteries last a very long time because the energy required to charge is minimal.
Causes of malfunctions and DIY repair
The use of gas water heaters, however, like any other equipment, is accompanied by malfunctions, frequent or rare. At the same time, there are such malfunctions that can only be eliminated by specialists who have the necessary knowledge and admission for this. But there are those that can be easily eliminated with your own hands, so we will consider them.
Video - sensor malfunction
Video - repair of a Chinese gas water heater
Important! You can check the draft of the chimney in the old "old-fashioned" way: bring a lighted match to it. If the fire on the match deflects in the direction of the chimney, then everything is in order with it. If this did not happen, then he needs a complete cleaning.
It is for this reason that the gas water heater should be inspected annually - this is the only way it will work correctly.
Features of operation
Modern gas water heaters are small and compact, so they can be placed in almost any convenient place. Their service life depends largely on how correctly they are installed and used in the future.
As you know, the device of the gas water heater is such that it has to work with a rather dangerous fuel. For this reason, during installation, make sure that, God forbid, there is no gas leak. If you cannot, for one reason or another, take care of this, or, even worse, cannot eliminate all the leaks, then further operation will turn into a dangerous activity, which sooner or later can lead to an explosion.
For this reason, it is categorically not recommended to install a gas water heater with your own hands. It is better to have professionals who have all the necessary skills, experience, and the appropriate equipment to do this.
So, for installation, you need the following tools:
- dowels;
- magnet and salt filter;
- drill;
- the required number of taps;
- pipeline;
- chimney corrugation;
- gas pipe;
- Mayevsky valve;
- actually, the column itself.
The device is installed only in the kitchen and only on the wall, which is made of refractory material. The distance from the column to the wall surface should be at least 2 centimeters, if it turns out more, then this is even better. An asbestos sheet should also be laid here, which must have a minimum thickness of 0.3 centimeters.
Important! The apartment / house must have a chimney that will remove the products of gas combustion. It will consist not only of vertical, but also of horizontal sections, and on them it should go at a slope (approximately 0.2 centimeters per each running meter).
So that the pipeline does not accidentally burst, the gas column should be installed only when the water is completely drained from the system.
But editing, as we said, is not the most important thing. It is also important that the device is used correctly, for which certain operating rules must be followed. If you do not do this, then even the most expensive and high-quality model will soon break down. So we want to prevent this from happening. Firstly, we must not heat the water to a temperature that would exceed 60 degrees. The fact is that too high a temperature will lead to the formation of salt scale on the walls of the heat exchanger. The result is more frequent cleaning or, even worse, replacement of the heat exchanger.
In addition, we can damage the structure of the heat exchanger by using too hard water. To avoid this, the water should be softened using special means, or a special filter should be installed in the system.
The right choice of gas water heaters
If you decide to purchase a geyser device for yourself, then pay attention, first of all, to the power of the model you have chosen. It should be enough to provide all your family members with hot water. The power of almost all modern models fits into the range from 3 to 60 kilowatts.
Important! The more powerful the gas water heater, the more water it will be able to heat up within a certain period of time.
The average “cell of society”, consisting of four people, needs a device with an average capacity of 16-24 kilowatts. It is more than enough for the dishes to be washed and everyone was able to take a shower. Even if the device has a low power of 16 kilowatts, it will be able to give 10 liters of hot water, which is enough to wash and wash dishes at the same time. Of course, if you can, then buy a column with a capacity of 24 kilowatts, since it can provide 24 liters of heated water.
In addition, it is advisable to take into account the water temperature that a specific model can provide. For its designation, the Latin letters DT are used. For example, if water is already supplied to the heat exchanger at a temperature of 12 degrees, then it will heat up to 24 in it. therefore, it can be used even without preliminary dilution.
Today there are models that are capable of heating water even up to 50 degrees. Their power, as well as the cost, is an order of magnitude higher than conventional models. For this reason, if several plumbing elements are simultaneously connected to the system at once, then it is better to purchase a more powerful column so that it can provide them all with hot water at the same time.
Also, when buying a gas water heater, see if it is equipped with safety sensors. They are of the following types:
- overheating;
- damping of the burner;
- burning;
- reduced pressure;
- temperature;
- sudden interruption of water supply.
And remember: gas water heaters are only allowed to be installed in the kitchen! Installation of a gas water heater in the bathroom is prohibited! Unless she (the bathroom) meets all existing requirements.
As a conclusion
So, we have analyzed what a gas water heater is, what are its features, what malfunctions may arise during operation and how to fix them later. We only note that such devices are extremely economical, especially in light of the ever-increasing utility rates. And the last thing: do not forget that prophylaxis of the column's performance should be carried out annually.
