Gas Water Heater Troubleshooting
What are the best ways to troubleshoot a gas water heater problem fast? Are there telltale signs of a gas leak? Check out this article for tips and tricks about gas water heater troubleshooting.
Gas water heaters are similar to electric water heaters in many ways, but there are several key differences in how they are made, how they are maintained, and how maintenance pros need to take care when working on them. Every service request should begin with a solid understanding of how gas water heaters operate.
Here is a simple breakdown of what a gas water heater looks like inside:
Armed with the knowledge of what makes up a gas water heater, it’s time to take a look at what gas water heater parts to check if something isn’t working. Follow these troubleshooting workflows and download the easy-to-follow to fix a gas water heater fast.
Gas Water Heater Troubleshooting
Be cautious. Before working on a gas water heater, check for a gas leak. There are a few reliable indicators of a potential leak.
- Sniff test—Natural gas is odorless, so manufacturers add a “rotten egg” aroma to the gas to make leaks obvious. You should not smell this. If you do, there’s likely a leak.
- Sound test—Leaking gas may make a hissing or whistling noise
- Visual test—Look for damage, rust, or corrosion on the lines and fittings, as well as on the tank
To narrow down the source of a possible leak, use the soap bubble test. Dilute dish soap with water and use a spray bottle to apply it to the area. Watch for bubbles, which identify a leak.
If there IS a gas leak, turn off the gas at the supply immediately. Open windows and doors to increase ventilation and avoid illness due to gas exposure. Do not turn the gas back on until all leaks are fixed. When certain there is not a gas leak, begin the gas water heater diagnostic.
| No Hot Water | Pilot or Burner Will Not Stay Lit |
|---|---|
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If there is no hot water, check the gas supply.
If the gas is on and the pilot is lit, and water is not heating, the issue is further down the line. The next step is to turn the gas off. Then, check for the following:
If the pilot, igniter, and thermocouple are all good, and there is still no hot water, check the:
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Begin the diagnostic by making sure the gas is on, then follow manufacturer’s instructions to light the pilot. If the pilot lights but will not stay lit, check the following. Be sure to turn the gas off before doing these checks.
NOTE: As mentioned earlier, if any part controlling the flow of gas into the system is bad, keep the gas off until that part is replaced. |
