Gas water heater problems

Common symptoms

• Pilot won't stay lit — can relate to the thermocouple or flame sensor, the gas control, a draft or the air supply.
• No ignition on a newer unit — many modern gas heaters use electronic ignition with status lights that flash codes. Write down the pattern.
• Lukewarm water or short supply — burner, sediment buildup, a dip-tube problem or simply undersizing.
• Popping or rumbling — often sediment on the tank bottom.
• Soot, scorch marks or a yellow, lazy flame — combustion or venting problem; stop using it and get it checked.

What's safe for you to do

If the pilot is out and there's no gas odor, you can follow the lighting instructions printed on the heater's label once. If it won't light or won't stay lit, stop. Repeatedly relighting can mask a safety fault. Don't remove the burner cover, gas valve or vent connector — gas-train and venting work requires a qualified technician.

Venting matters

Atmospheric gas heaters rely on a draft through the vent pipe and chimney. In older Meriden homes a heater may share a chimney with a boiler or furnace; if one of those appliances is replaced, the chimney may need a liner or other change. Power-vent heaters use a fan and plastic vent piping and need electricity to run. Tell the contractor which type you have.

What the technician typically checks

• Gas supply, pressure and shutoff valve
• Pilot assembly, thermocouple or flame sensor, igniter
• Gas control valve and thermostat
• Draft, venting, combustion air and carbon monoxide
• Tank condition and relief valve

If the tank is aging or leaking, the visit may become a replacement conversation — see repair or replace.

Questions

Planning prices for this job