Is your gas water heater not heating water like it should? A cold shower is no way to start the day. If your gas water heater isn’t working properly, don’t worry – in most cases, this issue can be fixed with some simple troubleshooting steps.
Read on and we’ll walk you through how to get your hot water heater working again.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Check the pilot light first and relight it if needed. Make sure the gas valve is turned on fully and that gas is flowing. Inspect the thermocouple and replace it if faulty. Bleed any trapped air from the gas line.
If those steps don’t work, the gas control valve or heating elements may need replacing.
Check the Pilot Light
One of the first things to check when troubleshooting a gas water heater that’s not working is the pilot light. The pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner, which then heats the water. If the pilot light is not lit, the burner won’t ignite and the water won’t heat up.
Is the pilot light lit?
To determine if the pilot light is lit, locate the access panel on the front of the water heater. Open the panel and look for a small flame. If you see a flame, the pilot light is lit. If there is no flame, the pilot light may have gone out.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure if the pilot light is lit or not, you can try turning the control knob to the “pilot” position and holding a lit match or lighter near the pilot orifice. If the pilot light ignites, it was not lit before and you may need to relight it.
Relight the pilot if needed
If the pilot light is not lit, you will need to relight it. Here are the steps to relight the pilot light:
- Turn the control knob to the “off” position and wait for at least 5 minutes to allow any gas to dissipate.
- Locate the pilot burner assembly, which is usually located near the bottom of the water heater.
- Using a long lighter or fireplace match, carefully light the pilot burner.
- While holding down the control knob, continue to hold the flame near the pilot burner for about 30 seconds.
- Release the control knob and the pilot light should remain lit.
- Close the access panel and turn the control knob back to the desired temperature setting.
If the pilot light continues to go out after relighting, there may be an issue with the thermocouple or gas supply. It’s recommended to contact a professional plumber or gas technician to diagnose and repair the problem.
For more information on troubleshooting a gas water heater, you can visit www.thespruce.com.
Ensure Gas is Flowing
If your gas water heater is not working, the first thing you need to check is if the gas is flowing properly. There are a few steps you can take to ensure this:
Make sure gas valve is on
Check if the gas valve on the water heater is turned on. Sometimes, it can accidentally get switched off, preventing the flow of gas to the burner. If it is off, simply turn it on and see if that resolves the issue.
If you’re not sure how to do this, refer to the owner’s manual or contact a professional plumber for assistance.
Check for leaks in gas line
Inspect the gas line connected to the water heater for any signs of leaks. A gas leak can be dangerous and should be addressed immediately. Look for hissing sounds, a rotten egg smell (which is the odorant added to natural gas), or any visible damage to the gas line.
If you suspect a gas leak, evacuate the area and contact the gas company or a professional plumber right away.
Bleed trapped air from line
In some cases, air can get trapped in the gas line, preventing the flow of gas to the water heater. To fix this issue, you can bleed the air out of the line. Start by turning off the gas supply to the water heater. Then, locate the gas line and loosen the connection at the water heater.
Allow the gas to escape for a few seconds before tightening the connection back up. Turn the gas supply back on and check if the water heater is functioning properly.
Remember, if you are unsure about any of these steps or if you suspect a gas leak, it is always best to seek professional help. Gas-related issues can be hazardous, and it’s important to prioritize your safety.
Inspect the Thermocouple
When troubleshooting a gas water heater that’s not working, one of the first things you should check is the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that senses whether the pilot light is lit and allows gas to flow to the burner.
If the thermocouple is faulty or not functioning correctly, it can prevent the water heater from heating up.
What a thermocouple does
The thermocouple is a small device that is located near the pilot light. Its main function is to generate an electric current when heated. This electric current is used to control the gas valve. If the pilot light goes out or is not lit, the thermocouple cools down, and the electric current stops flowing.
This signals the gas valve to shut off, preventing gas from leaking into the water heater.
How to test the thermocouple
If you suspect that the thermocouple is the issue, you can perform a simple test to check its functionality. Start by turning off the gas supply to the water heater. Locate the thermocouple and disconnect it from the control valve.
Use a multimeter set to the millivolt range and connect the meter’s probes to the two leads on the thermocouple. With the pilot light lit, you should see a reading of around 25-30 millivolts. If the reading is significantly lower or zero, it is likely that the thermocouple is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Replacing a faulty thermocouple
If the thermocouple has been determined to be faulty, it is relatively easy to replace. Start by turning off the gas supply to the water heater and allowing it to cool down. Remove the old thermocouple by unscrewing it from the control valve.
Take note of its positioning and length to ensure the new thermocouple is installed correctly. Attach the new thermocouple to the control valve and tighten it securely. Finally, relight the pilot light and test the water heater to ensure it is functioning properly.
For more detailed instructions on testing and replacing a thermocouple, you can visit thisoldhouse.com for step-by-step guidance.
Check the Gas Control Valve
If your gas water heater is not working, one of the first things you should check is the gas control valve. The gas control valve is responsible for regulating the flow of gas to the burner, and if it is not functioning properly, it can prevent the water heater from heating up.
Test the gas control valve
To test the gas control valve, start by turning off the gas supply to the water heater. Locate the gas control valve, which is usually located near the bottom of the heater, and make sure it is in the “on” position. If it is not, turn it on and wait a few minutes to see if the pilot light ignites.
If the pilot light does not ignite, you may need to clean the gas control valve or replace it altogether. Use a soft brush to clean any debris or dust that may be blocking the valve. If this does not solve the issue, it is best to call a professional plumber to inspect the valve and determine if it needs to be replaced.
Replace gas control valve if needed
If the gas control valve is faulty and needs to be replaced, it is important to hire a licensed plumber or HVAC technician to do the job. Gas appliances can be dangerous if not handled properly, so it is best to leave this task to the professionals.
When replacing the gas control valve, the technician will shut off the gas supply, disconnect the old valve, and install a new one. They will then test the new valve to ensure it is working correctly and safely.
Remember, attempting to replace the gas control valve yourself can be hazardous and may void the warranty on your water heater. It is always better to seek professional help to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
Examine the Heating Elements
When troubleshooting a gas water heater that’s not working, one of the first things to check is the heating elements. These elements are responsible for heating the water in the tank and if they are damaged or not functioning properly, it can lead to a lack of hot water or no hot water at all.
Inspect heating elements for damage
Start by visually inspecting the heating elements for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, rust, or other visible signs of wear and tear. If you notice any damage, it’s likely that the heating element needs to be replaced.
In some cases, the element might also be covered in sediment or mineral buildup, which can affect its performance. If this is the case, try cleaning the element to see if that resolves the issue.
In addition to visual inspection, you can also use a multimeter to test the continuity of the heating elements. This will help determine if they are functioning properly or if there is an electrical issue.
If the multimeter readings indicate a lack of continuity, it’s a clear sign that the heating element needs to be replaced.
Replace damaged heating elements
If you have determined that the heating elements are indeed damaged and need to be replaced, it’s important to proceed with caution. Gas water heaters can be dangerous if not handled properly, so it’s recommended to hire a professional to do the replacement.
They have the expertise and knowledge to safely replace the heating elements and ensure that the water heater is functioning correctly.
When replacing the heating elements, make sure to use the correct part that is compatible with your specific model of water heater. The manufacturer’s website or the user manual should provide information on the appropriate replacement part.
It’s also a good idea to turn off the gas supply and disconnect the power before starting the replacement process.
Note: This is just a general guide to troubleshooting a gas water heater that’s not working. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with any of the steps mentioned, it’s always best to consult a professional plumber or contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Conclusion
With some basic troubleshooting, you can usually get a gas water heater working again in no time. Start by checking the pilot light, gas line, thermocouple, gas valve, and heating elements. Replace any faulty parts as needed. If problems persist, contact a professional for service.
With the right repairs, you’ll be enjoying hot showers again in no time!
