Troubleshooting Standard Gas Water Heaters
PILOT WON'T LIGHT
Make sure the gas supply valve has been turned on. Often
something as simple as the gas being turned off can keep a new
water heater from working. A newly installed gas water heater will
have some air in the gas line. For this reason, it may take several
attempts to light the pilot. Many times, the pilot will be lit, but
it can be hard to see. Newer water heaters are more energy
efficient and have much smaller pilot lights than older models.
WATER LEAKS
With a new water heater, most leaks are caused by leaking
connections at the hot water outlet or cold water inlet.
Occasionally, leaks can be found coming from a fitting (such as
around the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve) or around one of
the heating elements. Leaking fittings can often be tightened or
repaired. It is extremely rare for a new tank to leak.
The first time a new gas water heater is started, it will
produce condensation. You may hear drips, or even a sizzling sound
coming from the water heater. You may see a small puddle
underneath. Condensation is caused by the cooling effect of a tank
or cold water. Condensation is not a leak. Once the water heater
reaches normal operating temperature, condensation will go
away.
WATER DRIPS
If drips are noticed coming from the discharge pipe of the
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve, the home's water pressure
may be too high or a thermal expansion tank may be needed
WATER PRESSURE
Check your home's water pressure with a gauge. The recommended
water pressure is 50 to 60 PSIG. If the pressure is higher than
that, install a Pressure Regulating Valve (or adjust your existing
pressure regulating valve if you have one). For water pressure
issues, consult your local water utility or a qualified
plumber.
THERMAL EXPANSION TANK
When water is heated, it expands. In older homes, the expanded
water pushed back into the water main. Today, most homes have
backflow prevention valves which stop water in your home from
reentering the water supply. These valves can be in water
softeners, pressure regulating valves or the water meter itself.
Backflow prevention valves (also known as "check valves" prevent
the expanded water from reentering the water main. This causes the
water pressure in the house's pipes to increase dramatically, often
to the point where the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve drips.
For these reasons, most homes now need a thermal expansion tank and
a properly adjusted pressure regulating valve
"Electric Thermal Expansion Tank"
Water Drips
If drips are noticed coming from the discharge pipe of the
Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve, the home's water pressure
may be too high or a thermal expansion tank may be needed.
Note - If large quantities of hot
water are coming from the discharge pipe, turn electrical power off
and consult a qualified technician. Do not cap or plug the
discharge pipe.
Water Pressure
Check your home's water pressure with a gauge. The recommended
water pressure is 50 to 60 PSIG. If the pressure is higher than
that, install a Pressure Regulating Valve (or adjust your existing
pressure regulating valve if you have one). For water pressure
issues, consult your local water utility or a qualified plumber.
Most plumbing codes require a Pressure Regulating Valve if the
water pressure is above 80 PSIG.
Thermal Expansion Tank
When water is heated, it expands. In older homes, the expanded
water pushed back into the water main. Today, most homes have
backflow prevention valves which stop the water in your home from
reentering the water supply. These valves can be inside water
softeners, pressure regulating valves or the water meter itself.
Backflow prevention valves (also known as "check valves") prevent
the expanded water from reentering the water main. Since the
expanded water now has nowhere to go, the water pressure in the
house's pipes can increase dramatically, often to the point where
the Temperature and Pressure Relief Valve discharge pipe drips. A
thermal expansion tank has an internal air bladder which can absorb
the expanded water, protecting plumbing, appliances and the water
heater. For these reasons, most homes now need a thermal expansion
tank (and a properly adjusted pressure regulating valve). Not
having a thermal expansion tank is the most common reason for a
dripping discharge pipe.
|
WARNING! Do Not Cap or Plug the Temperature and Pressure
Relief Valve Discharge Pipe. Explosion Hazard.
|