Gas heating water heaters are devices with sufficient reliability and, if used carefully in accordance with the instructions and with proper care, can last for quite a long time. However, all devices can sooner or later break down, fail and require repair. Experts advise trusting the repair of geysers to professionals in this matter.
Geysers are heating devices with sufficient reliability and, with proper and proper care, can last for quite a long time.
However, you can learn to identify and eliminate some breakdowns yourself before the arrival of specialists.
What kind of breakdowns can occur, what a wick, thermocouple, igniter is and what to do if the gas water heater goes out will be discussed below.
How does a gas water heater work?
Two main elements are responsible for heating the water in the column:
- gas-burner;
- the heat exchanger, which is located above it, is a spiral tube through which heated water passes.
The rest of the gas apparatus consists of the following components:
- Ignition. In “prehistoric” Soviet models, this role was played by a wick or igniter, which was lit with a match. Now a piezoelectric element is responsible for this, which only requires the user to press a certain button.
- Water-gas device. Its elements are a gas valve and a membrane installed in the water supply. When you open the water, it starts moving through the column. Due to the water flow, the membrane bends, opening the gas valve, allowing gas to be supplied to the burner.
- The safety automation includes a solenoid valve to which sensors are connected to monitor the uninterrupted operation of the device. If any problems are detected, the sensors instantly close the valve and the column stops working. If we are talking about devices with igniters, then a thermocouple is also attached to the valve, which is heated by the flame. When the burner goes out, it fires.
Design and operating principles of thermal fuse, thermocouple and valve
A thermocouple is two welded conductors made of alumel and chromel. The thermocouple powers the solenoid valve. It very rarely fails. The bottleneck at the exit from the housing is the central conductor. The conductor is insulated, but it can still wear out and therefore the speaker can go out.
The thermocouple very rarely fails and this may also be the reason why the geyser goes out.
If the contact is broken at the places where the thermocouple is welded, it is impossible to restore it, since a current generator passes through the place of soldering. It is recommended to replace the thermocouple with a new one.
The solenoid valve is a coil of copper wire. Inside it there is a metal cylinder - a solenoid. It is mechanically connected to the gas shut-off valve to the burner.
When the thermocouple heats up, it generates a current, which, passing through the coil, creates a magnetic field, which draws the solenoid into the coil. The solenoid is mechanically connected to the valve, and therefore the valve moves, accordingly, gas flows to the igniter.
Provided that the gas does not ignite, the thermocouple cools down and no current is generated. The solenoid returns to its original position and the gas supply to the igniter stops. In this way, safety in the operation of geysers is ensured. If the wick does not burn, sometimes the wind can blow it out, or gas is not supplied to the igniter, then when the water is opened, gas will not be supplied to the burner.
The thermal fuse is a bimetallic strip. When the temperature in the place where the thermal fuse is installed reaches 90˚C, the plate bends and the solenoid power circuit is broken through the rod. The thermal fuse itself is connected to the circuit using terminals mechanically. Due to the complexity of its design and poor operating conditions, it may break.
The geyser goes out: Reasons
There may be several reasons why a geyser goes out. Repairing such a water heating system requires the involvement of qualified specialists. However, there are a number of simple reasons why the water heater may also turn off. The user can install and fix them independently.
If the gas flow heater turns off after ignition, you need to ensure:
- How the pilot light goes out (extraneous sounds may be heard).
- How long after ignition does the burner go out?
The geyser goes out immediately after being turned on
If the water heater turns off immediately after starting, most likely the ionization sensor has failed. It is responsible for the presence of a flame in the burner.
How to understand what the problem is:
- The burner goes out 3-5 seconds after ignition.
- Restarting is accompanied by longer work.
- After a few starts, the equipment begins to function normally.
- After a “rest” the problems recur.
Solution: Inspect the wiring that leads from the sensor to the control board. If everything is in order, the part will need to be replaced.
Ignition and instantaneous extinguishing of the gas water heater
This situation most often occurs due to improper operation of the device by users. When such a water heater is in working condition, it is strictly forbidden to open cold water to dilute hot water. This action is a most dangerous violation of the rules of its use. It can cause serious damage to the device. The temperature of the liquid is regulated solely by supplying gas.
Faulty ignition system
Depending on the models, there are three types of ignition: electric ignition (in modern versions), an igniter, which has a small constant flame, and a hydraulic turbine - from pressure.
The electric ignition runs on built-in batteries. According to manufacturers, they last for about a year. But as practice shows, the service life of such batteries is shorter. For example, in the Bosch gas water heater models W 10 KB or WR 10-2 B, there is an LED on the front panel that indicates the status of the batteries. The Neva Lux range of gas water heaters is also equipped with this type of ignition. If necessary, old batteries are replaced with new ones.
If the cause of the problem is the wick, then it is best to seek help from qualified specialists. They will check the functions of the thermocouple and gas control system, clean and adjust the igniter. Often, the problem when the pilot light of a gas water heater goes out is solved by completely cleaning the water heater.
In the case of a hydroturbine type of ignition, for example, as in the Bosch WRD 13-2 G or WRD 10-2 G, a malfunction may occur due to the lack of water pressure on which it is based.
Microexplosions during ignition
These unpleasant processes are only a consequence of low thrust, unsuitable batteries, contamination of the device itself, or a very large volume of gas supplied to the column. To troubleshoot the problem yourself, the owner can only clean the exhaust duct or replace the batteries. If the problem is not solved, then only gas service employees can understand why the dispenser goes out.
The column lights up normally, but after a few minutes of operation it goes out.
A sensor that reacts to combustion products has triggered. Probably, too many of them have accumulated and they are not displayed. Possible reasons:
The chimney is clogged with soot, soot, and debris.
Reasons: there is no normal traction, the work is not carried out.
Solution: you need to clean the chimney opening on your side. If this does not help, contact the management company.
There is powerful ventilation nearby
Reasons: waste is drawn into the ventilation hole.
Solution: while the column is operating, turn off the ventilation or set the ventilation to minimum power.
Repair of a gas water heater
The next reason why your geyser turns off is the lack of water or its low pressure. If you open a cold water tap and see insufficient pressure, as in a hot water tap, then the reason is in the entire plumbing system.
Provided that the pressure of cold water is stronger than hot water, this means that the reason lies in the water unit of your unit. The cause of the problem may be clogging of the filters at the inlet of the unit or deformation of the membrane. The reason may also lie in clogged hot water pipes themselves. If you have additional deep water filters installed, then if they become clogged, the water pressure may decrease similarly.
How to troubleshoot when the gas heater goes out?
The first thing you can do is wash the filters yourself or replace them with new ones. The second is to call a utility company to determine the lack of water pressure in your system. Specialists will help you either flush the pipes or clean the column from combustion products and soot. The membrane on the water unit may also need to be replaced.
How to troubleshoot when the gas heater goes out?
The first thing you can do is wash the filters yourself or replace them with new ones. The second is to call a utility company to determine the lack of water pressure in your system. Specialists will help you either flush the pipes or clean the column from combustion products and soot. The membrane on the water unit may also need to be replaced.
Depleted ignition batteries may also be the reason why the gas water heater does not light up.
There are often cases when a gas water heater lights up and immediately goes out. The solution to this problem is to regulate the supply of hot and cold water. There is no need to dilute hot water with cold water, as this leads not only to the extinguishing of the flame, but also to improper operation of the gas water heater. To regulate the supply of cold water, you need to reduce its supply in the tap by turning the valve.
The problem when the gas water heater turns on with pops and goes out can be caused by a lack of draft, clogging of the nozzle and other parts of the water heater, due to a strong influx of gas, as well as due to the discharge of the ignition batteries. It’s not hard to guess how to fix the above problems: replace the batteries, clean the chimney, call specialists to fix the breakdowns.
The speaker turns off during operation
The device turns on, operates for a long period, then turns off. Why the speaker may go out during operation:
- Settings are checked. Probably, automatic shutdown after a certain period was selected.
- Increase in temperature indicators - more than 100 degrees. In this case, the temperature sensor will work and the operation will stop.
- Insufficient pressure in the gas or water supply.
- The contact between the thermocouple and the magnetic valve is broken. Contacts are cleaned and connections are tightened.
- Oxidation of contacts of the control unit. The device begins to click, but the wick does not light. The contacts need to be cleaned.
- The batteries are low. Replaced every 6 months. It is optimal to purchase batteries with a high charge content.
Clogged shower head and hose
It happens that the speaker turns on and immediately goes out when switching to the shower. This is associated with clogging of the watering can. It is necessary to unscrew it, clean it and wash the holes. It is effective to soak metal elements in a solution with citric acid.
Scale on the watering can is formed due to an increase in water hardness in a number of regions. For these purposes, filters are installed or a mixer with a shower is purchased, which is equipped with an integrated anti-scale system.
The next part that sometimes causes the wick to go out is the shower hose. When it gets tangled or clogged, the pressure decreases and the device turns off.
Sometimes the mixer breaks or becomes clogged. It is necessary to disassemble it, check it, and clean it if necessary.
Soot accumulation on the heat exchanger
During operation, the heat exchanger accumulates soot and scale. If it becomes clogged, the color of the fire will change to blue. Cleaning algorithm:
- The casing is removed.
- The screws are unscrewed.
- The water supply is cut off.
- The faucet opens to drain hot water.
- The thread and tap are disconnected.
- A solution of hydrochloric acid is prepared.
- Take a pipe with a diameter of 1/2″ inch or use a hose.
- One end is connected to the input, the other to the output.
- The solution is poured into the funnel.
- When pressure appears at the outlet, the procedure stops.
When working, you must wear gloves. When the scale has been removed, it is necessary to thoroughly flush the heat exchanger to remove acid. Cleaning is recommended once a year. Regular care helps the device function properly.
Traction is poor or completely absent
The accumulation of combustion products is often associated with clogging of the chimney with scale and dirt. If there is no traction or it is not enough, the working out will not be removed.
To check the traction, you need to bring a lit match or lighter to the control window of the device. If the fire deviates to the side, draft is present. If it remains lit, it is missing.
Why does the speaker go out after turning it on?
- The column and wick light up and immediately go out - after repeated starts, the water heater does not start. Cause of failure: failed servomotor or solenoid valve. Cleaning the burner and jets will not help. The malfunction can only be eliminated by replacing broken components.
- The burner turns off after a few seconds of operation, when turned on again the flame burns longer, after 5-6 starts the column starts working normally - the reason: a malfunction of the ignition system, more precisely the flame ionization sensor or overheating relay. To eliminate the malfunction, change the module or move it closer to the flame.
If the gas water heater turns on and immediately goes out, the breakdown can be eliminated by replacing the servo drive, solenoid valve or flame ionization sensor. Repair work requires the involvement of a specialist.
The column does not turn on
If the gas water heater does not turn on, you do not always need to call the experts. There are a number of malfunctions in the gas water heater that the user can repair independently.
Insufficient pressure
The automatic system blocks the gas supply in case of insufficient water pressure. You can estimate the pressure by simply opening the water taps. If it is small or absent altogether, it means that an emergency shutdown in the gas water heater is not due to a breakdown of the device.
In the case of normal pressure in the tap, it is worth looking for reasons in the water heating system. As a rule, a decrease in pressure is a consequence of filter contamination or membrane damage.
During the connection process, some models are equipped with special filters for coarse cleaning, which, when clogged, also significantly affect the strength of the liquid flow.
Coarse filter
To correct the sources of failure due to which the wick of the geyser goes out, the owner will have to:
- clean or change the filtration system;
- install a new membrane partition for the water unit;
- clean the pipeline.
Faulty ignition system
Depending on the models, there are three types of ignition: electric ignition (in modern versions), an igniter, which has a small constant flame, and a hydraulic turbine - from pressure.
The electric ignition runs on built-in batteries. According to manufacturers, they last for about a year. But as practice shows, the service life of such batteries is shorter. For example, in the Bosch gas water heater models W 10 KB or WR 10-2 B, there is an LED on the front panel that indicates the status of the batteries. The Neva Lux range of gas water heaters is also equipped with this type of ignition. If necessary, old batteries are replaced with new ones.
In the case of a hydroturbine type of ignition, for example, as in the Bosch WRD 13-2 G or WRD 10-2 G, a malfunction may occur due to the lack of water pressure on which it is based.
Dirty wick
This problem is typical for speakers with an igniter - very often it can become contaminated with dust. As a result, the fire becomes very weak and turns yellow.
However, a change in the shade of the fire may also indicate that the gas-air mixture contains little air.
This problem leads to the fact that the column either cannot be ignited at all, or it will start working after a large influx of gas. In this case, a pop will be heard first.
You can easily clean the part yourself. To do this, you will need to prepare all the necessary tools - screwdrivers and wrenches. After this, carry out the following sequence of work.
- Unscrew all bolts, remove the cover, dismantle the housing.
- Remove the interfering tubes - to the draft sensor and to the gas supply to the wick.
- Completely disassemble the entire structure by unscrewing the remaining screws.
- Clean and blow through all the parts and put the body back together.
After everything is assembled, you need to check the operation of the column. If the flame ignites the first time and glows blue when burning, it means the cleaning has been done correctly.
Repair of a gas burner with automatic protection system
More complex reasons for the extinguishing of a geyser with an automatic protection system will be described below.
To repair a gas water heater, you must have a clear understanding of how the components of the protection system work.
In geysers with an automatic protection system, the gas in the igniter must burn continuously, even regardless of the position of the handle, tap valves and mixers for water supply. The simplest automatic protection system for geysers consists of three elements: a thermocouple, a thermal fuse, and a solenoid valve. The wick of the geyser goes out when the protection elements are triggered or when the thermocouple malfunctions or the igniter is clogged.
If the automation elements fail, evidence of their inoperability is the process when the igniter of the gas water heater goes out after the gas control knob has stopped being held. To carry out repair work, it is necessary to clearly understand how the components of the protection system work.
The column goes out after ignition
If it was discovered that the column began to fade after ignition, then it is worth paying attention to how this happens: are there any strange sounds, does the igniter go out immediately after being turned on or after some time. A common cause is improper use of the device by users. When such a water heater is in working condition, it is strictly forbidden to open cold water to dilute hot water. This action is a most dangerous violation of the rules of its use. It can cause serious damage to the device. The temperature of the liquid is regulated solely by supplying gas.
Lack of draft in the hood
As a rule, this is caused by a dirty chimney. During operation, combustion products enter it and settle in the form of soot on the walls. Therefore, the ventilation duct requires systematic (once a year) maintenance.
Checking the presence of draft is simple: you need to bring a lit match to the hood. If it functions adequately, the flame should move towards the exhaust path.
Often, a lack of normal draft occurs when plastic windows into a room are tightly closed - they impede the flow of air. During operation, the protective relay overheats, the security system is activated and the device turns off.
Flame ionization sensor malfunction
The fact that the problem is related to the ionization sensor can be understood by the fact that the column goes out almost immediately. The fact is that it is in constant contact with fire, during which ions are produced. They, in turn, are responsible for generating current. And if there are few ions, then the equipment will not turn on normally.
The main signs of a faulty sensor are as follows:
- the burner lights up, but goes out after a couple of seconds;
- If you turn on the column again after this, it will work a little longer;
- the column will light up normally after several consecutive turns on;
- This defect appears when the device is rarely used.
You can try to solve the problem yourself first. To do this, you need to check all the wiring connecting the sensor and the control board. It is important to make sure that all contacts are working properly. After this, unscrew the screws, remove the cover and move the heating electrode closer to the center of the flame. This will extend the life of the part. If these manipulations do not help, then it is better to turn to professionals.
What to do if the gas water heater goes out
The main reason for the fire going out in the column during ignition may be low draft or its complete absence in the ventilation duct. One of the most common reasons is a tightly closed plastic window. There is no air flow, and therefore the column overheats and the thermal protection relay for the gas column against overheating is triggered. If, when you open a window or door, after 10-15 minutes the column lights up and does not go out, then the reason for the extinguishing lies precisely in the overheating of the column.
The most common reason for the lack of draft in a gas water heater is a tightly closed window.
Provided that the chimney may be clogged with products resulting from combustion or if a foreign object has entered it, the protection system in the water heater begins to operate and the gas is shut off automatically. How to check the presence or absence of draft in the chimney? It is enough to open the window and place a lit match or palm on the chimney opening. When draft is present, the flame will be deflected and you will feel a breath of air in your palm.
How to fix the problem? The answer is simple: clean the chimney and ventilation duct. Companies can help you with this; upon request, their specialists will come to you and clean your chimney.
Another reason for the gas burner flame going out may be the process of discharging the power elements. If your column has automatic ignition from generators or batteries, then you will have to replace them with new ones, having first checked the “On/Off” key.
The lack of cold water or its weak pressure is another reason why the gas water heater turns off.
Other sources of the problem
Let's look at other problems that cause the problem of column attenuation after ignition.
The fading of the wick may be due to the presence of powerful ventilation near the column. Exhaust air is drawn into the ventilation, which leads to attenuation. It is necessary to turn off the ventilation or turn its power down to minimum while the gas heater is operating.
For the same reason, you should not place a powerful hood next to the column. During its operation, sensors may be triggered, diagnosing a malfunction.
Sometimes the reason is hidden in the lack of natural ventilation. It is necessary to open the window or install a supply valve.
The wick can also be extinguished in models with piezo ignition. The button must be held for at least 10 seconds.
“Smart” geysers may not ignite due to a burnt-out control board. They are sensitive to the quality of the electricity supply, so they need to be connected through a stabilizer and not turned off at night
Also, during operation of the heater, it is not recommended to mix hot and cold flows. This leads to a drop in pressure in the line and damping of the wick.
The problem is solved by adjusting the indicators to a comfortable level and reducing the pressure with a special handle. If you still have to mix water, you need to leave the hot stream as the main one.
Attenuation may be caused by a malfunction of the solenoid valve or servomotor. Only calling a specialist will help here.
Why does the geyser go out - what to do and what are the reasons?
If this is the reason, the column will begin to work temporarily without failures.
Replace every six months.
Protection against overheating of the geyser is an important part of the internal structure.
It is prohibited to turn off and start the water heater without a module. The radiator is clogged - the heat exchanger has fins. When using the speaker for a long time, debris accumulates between the plates. A characteristic sign of a clogged heat exchanger is a change in the color of the flame to yellow. The problem can be eliminated by washing the coil with warm water.
At the same time, clean the igniter using a wire or a brush with coarse bristles.
Spontaneous shutdown during operation should stop. In models with piezo ignition, it is important that the wick is constantly burning. If there is insufficient draft (the reasons are given in points 1 and 2), the igniter goes out, which leads to the column turning off. After eliminating the described violations associated with air circulation in the room
Attenuation: overview of popular models
Some brands of water heaters have characteristic diseases that are useful for users to know about. Here are a couple of examples.
Column "Neva 4510"
It happens, although extremely rarely, that this device simply stops turning off.
This occurs due to the jamming of the gas valve rod - the spring cannot move it to the “closed” position.
To check if this is the case, you need to remove the water-gas unit, disconnect the water part from it and try to move the rod with a screwdriver.
If this requires a lot of force, you need to replace the gas unit - this malfunction cannot be repaired (this unit in these columns is too fragile).
Column Bosch Junkers WR 13-P
The weak point of these water heaters is the thermocouple, which is heated by the igniter.
In some units, it quickly (after about 3 years of operation) begins to malfunction, as a result of which the column first goes out spontaneously, and then the igniter cannot be ignited at all - it goes out immediately after the button is released.
This problem can usually be resolved by sanding the thermocouple with fine sandpaper.
If this does not help, check to see if the pilot tube has become dislodged. In the Junkers it is not attached rigidly, and therefore can be moved during cleaning, careless manipulation, or even ignition with a match. As a result, the gap between this tube and the nozzle through which gas is supplied into it is reduced.
Do you think installing a gas water heater is difficult? In fact, installing a geyser with your own hands is quite a feasible task. Everything except the gas line can be done independently.
What is included in the maintenance of a gas boiler, read the following material.
And through this gap air is sucked into the gas flow. Accordingly, the air content in the gas-air mixture decreases, which is why the flame on the igniter burns worse and does not reach the thermocouple. This gap needs to be adjusted. If this is done correctly, the flame on the igniter will lengthen and deviate slightly, reaching the thermocouple.
Ignition repair
Try cleaning the air supply hole and the nozzle with a thin wire, your igniter should work again.
Sometimes, over time, the igniter nozzle can become clogged with soot, and the flame becomes insufficient and the fire may not ignite and go out. Gas accumulates and an explosion may occur. The igniter needs to be cleaned urgently.
It may also be that the pilot burner is half yellow when it should be blue. This happens due to a lack of oxygen in the gas mixture. Soot is released, which settles on the heat exchanger. In this case, it is necessary to clean the hole in the igniter for supplying oxygen to the burner from dirt.
To remove the igniter, you need to unscrew the nut that secures the gas supply tube and unscrew the two outer screws. Next, the bar is pulled towards itself and raised up. The jet must be clamped in the igniter of the tube; when it is released, it falls out. Clean the air supply hole and nozzle with a thin wire - your igniter should work again.
The most important thing in troubleshooting a problem when the pilot light of a gas water heater goes out, the thermocouple and other parts of your burner fail is to be extremely careful. If you are not confident in your abilities and cannot troubleshoot problems yourself, then contact a specialist. It's dangerous to joke with gas!
Ways to prevent malfunctions
When purchasing a device, you should pay attention to the minimum water pressure required for the normal functioning of the device. The passport data must be compared with the water pressure in the apartment.
For the column to work properly, you must:
- carry out preventive maintenance once a year or more often;
- inspect the chimney a couple of times a year and clean it, if necessary;
- clean parts from scale and soot;
- provide adequate ventilation.
And don’t forget to change the batteries on time.
