Instantaneous water heaters are simple and at the same time reliable device, preventing the occurrence of emergency situations. There are various sensors and regulators inside the structure. Gas pressure and thrust intensity are controlled.
One of important nodes the water unit of the gas water heater or “frog” remains. The regulation and safety module is installed in semi-automatic and automatic flow-through gas boilers. A gearbox malfunction is reflected in failures to start the burner, refusal to turn on, and other disturbances.
Operating principle of the column water block
Instantaneous water heaters turn on immediately after the water supply tap is opened and turn off after it is closed. The working process is regulated by the water block of the geyser.The hollow frog device is divided into two parts using a rubber membrane. One half of the reducer is connected to the cold water supply, the second has a rod connected to the gas valve. On metal rod Automatic water heaters have “wings” connected to an electric ignition unit.
The operating principle of the gas water heater unit is as follows:
- when the cold water tap is opened, one of the cavities is filled with water;
- under the pressure of water, pressure is exerted on the membrane of the water unit;
- the diaphragm bends under pressure and presses on the rod located in the second cavity;
- a metal rod presses on the valve, opening the gas supply;
- in automatic dispensers, there are ears on the stem connected to the ignition unit;
- a spark is supplied to the burner, igniting the flame;
- after closing the DHW tap, the structure and internal parts of the unit begin to move in reverse;
- the rod returns to its original position thanks to the spring and closes the gas supply.
Possible malfunctions of the water unit
There are malfunctions and malfunctions in the operation of a flow-through water heater, which clearly indicate failure of the structural elements of the gearbox. These include:- refusal to turn on the column;
- the flame does not light up the first time;
- there is a water leak from the gearbox;
- after closing the DHW tap the flame does not go out.
- Membrane broke- the average service life of the diaphragm is 5-7 years. Over time, due to constant mechanical stress and hard water, the rubber breaks through. A sign of membrane failure is that water drips from the gearbox.
- The membrane has become rough- depends on the elasticity of the diaphragm quality work water unit of the gas water heater. To operate, it is important that the membrane responds sensitively to any changes in water pressure. If the gasket is roughened, the column will operate with a delay. After turning off the DHW tap, the gas burner continues to work for some time.
- The rod is clogged - when the membrane breaks, water enters the metal surface rod, causing it to corrode. Rust prevents the needle from moving properly. Signs of malfunction: starting the column is difficult. The flame ignites only with strong water pressure. After closing the DHW tap, the burner does not go out.
- The filter is clogged rough cleaning - at the entrance to the gearbox there is a mesh that quickly becomes clogged, especially if the connection conditions were violated and the piping diagram was made with errors. Symptom of malfunction: difference in pressure at the inlet and outlet of the water heater.
If described below technological process will cause difficulties, it is better to call a specialist from the gas service to your home for a professional service instantaneous boiler.
Repair and maintenance of gas-water unit
Hard water, constant thermal load and other factors destroy the structural components of the column over time. Any gas consuming equipment requires regular maintenance. And if defects are identified, carry out immediate repairs.The design of the gas water heater water reducer is simple internal organization. Everything is easy to understand. If desired, you can repair the geyser frog or carry out preventive maintenance without calling a technician.
How to remove a frog from a gas water heater
First you need to turn off the water and gas supplies. After this, work is carried out in the following order:- drain the water from the heat exchanger - for this purpose it is better to use a tap or mixer located significantly below the water heater;
- disconnect the gas and water supply pipelines (an adjustable wrench will be required);
- Now you can remove the water unit of the gas water heater; if everything is done correctly, the frog should be easily dismantled.
Cleaning the water unit of a gas water heater
Held at least every year. There are several fixation bolts on the frog cover. When unscrewing, care must be taken not to damage the folds. After removing the cover or disassembling the gearbox into two parts (depending on the column model), cleaning is carried out internal space and maintenance of structural parts:- when cleaning the gearbox, scale and solid residues settled at the bottom of the unit are removed, and at the same time the coarse mesh on the inlet pipe is cleaned;
- the rod can be lubricated with castor oil or grease;
- The gasket can also be coated if it feels rough to the touch and has lost its elasticity.
Which components should be replaced?
The gearbox contains several elements that are constantly exposed to mechanical pressure and poor quality water. At each service, the functionality of the following components is checked and replaced:- rod seal- oil seal replacement is necessary on average every 3 years to protect gas valve from moisture;
- membrane - replacement of the gasket is necessary when it ruptures, as well as when microcracks appear;
Instantaneous water heaters have long term operation and easy to use. Over time, preventive or major renovation geysers, which is necessary to restore the uninterrupted operation of equipment and supply hot water to the house. The editors of the site today decided to devote a separate article to this issue. We will tell you about the main faults household speakers and ways to eliminate them.
Read in the article:
Features of the gas water heater and the principle of its operation
Surely many users have wondered why a gas water heater does not heat water well, does not ignite, or works intermittently. Before you begin troubleshooting, you should understand design features household speakers. All instantaneous domestic water heaters have a heat exchanger inside, gas-burners and operating temperature sensors. In addition, pipelines are connected to the dispenser structure through which gas is supplied to the system, cold water is supplied, and hot water is also supplied to the consumer.
The principle of operation of the gas water heater is as follows: after opening the water tap, the valve is activated, gas enters the burner, and the candle ignites. As it burns, heat is generated, the temperature of which is regulated by a built-in sensor. Thus, water is heated using a coolant. The columns are equipped with a ventilation system, through which exhaust gas and steam are removed. The operating temperature of the water is controlled by a built-in switch located outside the flow equipment.
How to turn on the gas water heater and adjust the temperature and pressure
Let's look at the features of enabling and adjusting parameters household appliance, if the column was dismantled for major repairs, or it was replaced with new model. After installing and connecting all structural components of the equipment, turn on the burner and open the hot water. Next, you need to measure the outgoing temperature and compare it with the incoming temperature (supply cold water) – the difference between the indicators should be about 25°C. If the outgoing liquid is heated for a long time or is completely absent, you should adjust the temperature using the gas supply knob (toggle switch).
Get hot water flowing desired temperature possible by adjusting the fluid pressure in the pipeline. If the water pressure is too weak, the temperature will become too high, or it will not be enough to turn on the column. High pressure, on the contrary, will lead to the fact that the liquid will not have time to heat up. The problem of poor water pressure can be solved in several ways.
A leaky membrane is quite common cause lack of hot water in the house. After replacing it, the device will cope with a large volume of incoming liquid without any problems.
How to check draft in a gas water heater: practical recommendations
IN mandatory Before starting the column, it is necessary to check the draft, since the quality of operation of the equipment will depend on the speed of movement of the exhaust gases in the chimney. In addition, this procedure is carried out to eliminate the possibility of poisoning carbon monoxide. To check the intensity of draft, gas service representatives use an anemometer. You can also use a fire flame brought to the ventilation shaft. To do this, you need to light a sheet of paper or hold a match to it: if the flame quickly rushes into the chimney, it means the draft is good and you can use the column.
Important! Weak traction instantaneous water heaters may form due to blockages structural elements columns This is easy to see if there is an uncharacteristic (deep orange or green) color of the flame in the burner. To remove soot, you need to clean the ventilation shaft and remove dirt from the device components.
Tools needed to repair a geyser with your own hands
If the gas water heater does not work, and you have to do-it-yourself repair faulty equipment, you should prepare the appropriate tools. To work, you will need adjustable and open-end wrenches, which are needed to unscrew and crimp the pipes and threaded connections.
You also need to prepare a set of simple and Phillips screwdrivers. Before starting work, you should purchase paronite gaskets to replace worn seals. Please note that tow should be used to seal the seams. If you need to troubleshoot electrical equipment, you will need a multimeter to measure a number of parameters. If a leak is detected in the heat exchanger and pipeline, you should prepare sandpaper, a soldering iron, rosin and solder.
Ways to eliminate common geyser malfunctions
Problem #1. Repair of a geyser heat exchanger due to scale formation
One of the reasons why the geyser does not turn on when the water is turned on is the formation of scale on the heat exchanger during operation. Its design consists of a pipeline and a metal casing. Water enters the pipes, where it is heated. Due to the high rigidity and high temperature limestone and salt deposits form, which interfere with the normal operation of the column.
Expert opinion
VK design engineer (water supply and sewerage) LLC "ASP North-West"
Ask a specialist“If cold water flows under good pressure when opened, and hot water flows in a thin stream, this indicates a clogged heat exchanger pipeline that needs to be flushed.”
Recovery normal operation equipment, it is not at all necessary to dismantle the heat exchanger. Before starting repair work, turn off the gas and water supplies. Then you need to remove the union nut and drain the water from it.
You also need to unscrew the nuts on the outlet and inlet pipes of the device. Next, anti-scale agent is poured inside using a rubber hose. For these purposes you can also use citric acid or vinegar solution.
After 3 hours, connect the pipes to the heat exchanger and check the tightness of the threaded connections. Then you need to open the water supply tap (hot). This must be done slowly so that the pressure does not splash the dirt all over the kitchen. When the scale and blockages melt away, the hot water pressure will increase. If necessary, the cleaning procedure is repeated several times. The problem of scale formation can be solved quite simply by installing filtration equipment.
Problem #2. The gas heater does not light up or lights up and immediately goes out
Now let's look at what to do if the gas water heater does not light. The main cause of this malfunction may be the lack of traction. This often happens due to a clogged ventilation shaft. The problem is eliminated by cleaning the chimney channel using a brush with metal bristles.
Also, the column will not light if the membrane is damaged. It is often deformed, which is why the burner trigger does not work when opening the tap with hot water.
Membrane failure is determined as follows: it is necessary to maximize the water pressure by opening the valve all the way. If the heater turns on, the membrane must be replaced. To do this, the water assembly mechanism must be disassembled and the deformed membrane replaced.
note that silicone seals They last much longer than rubber membranes, so to ensure long-term operation of the column, you should choose them. Also, the equipment may not turn on if the water inlet filter is clogged. Cleaning is simple: you need to unscrew the nut on the pressure supply side, remove and wash the mesh, then reinstall and check the device.
Problem #3. Why does a gas water heater go out spontaneously, and how to fix the problem?
If the column goes out, a common cause of this failure is the failure of the temperature sensor. The bimetallic device protects it from overheating. Over time, the sensor insulation wears out, and the device often shorts to the housing, causing the safety valve to turn on.
This leads to chaotic operation of the gas water heater. In such cases, the temperature sensor needs urgent replacement. To avoid complex hardware failures, the device must be replaced by a qualified specialist, so it is not recommended to change it yourself.
Problem #4. Geyser does not heat water
Often users have to deal with the fact that the pressure is good, but the gas water heater does not heat the water well. This malfunction may be caused by insufficient power of the device. In addition, the heating of the water pressure may be too weak due to simple clogging of the system. It is also worth paying attention to the pressure in the gas pipeline - if it is too weak, the liquid entering the heat exchanger will practically not heat up. This problem can be solved by adjusting the hot water tap, cleaning the structural elements of the system, or complete replacement speakers per model required power. Before you begin troubleshooting this problem, you should invite a gas appliance service technician.
Problem #5. Weak pressure of hot water from the gas water heater
We have already talked about the need to clean the heat exchanger from scale. It is its presence that causes certain difficulties for the normal operation of the device, since a clogged pipeline does not allow water to flow with good pressure. In addition to clogging of this device, the likely reason for the column not turning on may be the igniter operating in the idle move. When it burns for a long time, the heat exchanger body heats up, causing the liquid in it to evaporate.
This leads to the fact that there is no water flow in the pipeline, and the blockage is not washed out. Over time, the heat exchanger becomes unsuitable for further use. If cleaning is not possible, the unit should be replaced.
Problem #6. What to do if the gas water heater radiator is leaking
Long-term use of geysers leads to damage to the gaskets and the formation of cracks in the pipes and radiator. In practice, replacing it is quite expensive, because its cost is almost a third of the price of new equipment. Let's figure out how you can repair this unit yourself with minimal costs.
Table 1. Sequence of repair work on the geyser radiator
| Work stage | Description |
| Before starting repair work, it is necessary to drain the existing fluid from the system. To do this, the hot water supply tap opens (the cold water supply is closed). Then the nut on the inlet pipe is unscrewed, after which almost the entire volume of water will flow out of the device. |
| Unscrew the fasteners. Remove the leaking radiator. |
| You should carefully inspect the pipes and radiator housing for damage (cracks, holes). As a rule, they are present in places of formation of green or gray-yellow oxide. |
| Damaged areas must be thoroughly cleaned of oxide and dirt using sandpaper. Lubricate the treated areas with solvent to remove traces of carbon deposits and other contaminants. |
| To eliminate cracks and holes, use a soldering iron, solder and rosin. Tin the defect and then treat it with a layer of tin. Its thickness should not exceed 2 mm. |
Problem #7. Replacing geyser gaskets
Due to exposure to high temperatures, over time, in the places where the pipes are connected, the gaskets harden or become deformed, resulting in a leak. It can be eliminated by simply replacing sealing elements.
To unscrew and tighten the nuts, you will need a 24mm open-end wrench or an adjustable equivalent. After installing the new gasket, do not forget to wind 4-5 turns of FUM tape onto the pipe threads.
Problem #8. Popping noises are heard when the gas burner is turned on
The main reason for the formation of pops during operation of instantaneous water heating equipment is too high or low pressure in the gas pipeline. If the pressure is low, the mixture supplied to the column contains oxygen, which creates pops when ignited. At high blood pressure the flame, escaping from the igniter, also produces similar sounds. This problem is solved by adjusting the pressure of the gas flow. It is better to entrust this work to representatives of the gas service.
Problem #9. There is a smell of gas during operation
Often a problem arises in the operation of equipment such as a gas leak, which is accompanied by a persistent characteristic odor. If it is present, you should not operate the column to avoid an emergency. In this case, you need to call a gas service repair team.
Repair of geysers of popular brands at home
Features of repair of Bosch geysers
The high quality of assembly of Bosch geysers ensures long-term uninterrupted operation of water heating equipment. Thus, heat exchangers of the Therm 4000 and 6000 series models can last 6-10 years without the need for cleaning. To carry out prevention of the node, the column does not need to be removed.
Usually, questions about how to light a Bosch gas water heater do not arise. If there are interruptions in the operation of the equipment, the first step is to check the integrity of the gaskets and membrane. The water block or flow regulator may also fail. Basically, the repair consists of replacing the sealing elements.
How to repair a Junkers geyser yourself
Repair of Junkers speakers in most cases comes down to preventive measures. They consist of cleaning the pipes, replacing the membrane, removing accumulated carbon deposits, and adjusting the operation of the burner and valves. TO complex types repairs should include setting up the control unit and restoring the water-gas system.
Repair of the Oasis geyser: brief instructions
Brief instructions for repairing the Oasis geyser (the equipment diagram is shown in the photo) is to identify typical faults and their elimination. So, if it doesn't work automatic system ignition, you need to clean the contacts and replace the batteries.
If there is no traction, the column will not turn on. The problem can be resolved by cleaning the ventilation shaft. The same will happen if the water pressure regulator is set to the minimum level, since in this case the membrane will not work and the gas valve will not open. To fix the problem, just set the regulator to maximum.
Quite often, clogging is observed in gas water heaters. mesh filter, into which small particles enter, reducing the intensity of the pressure. The problem is solved by flushing.
Features of repair of the geyser "Vector"
The design and principle of operation of Vector devices is not much different from other models. If the cold water pressure is low, it is recommended to install a booster pump, which will ensure uninterrupted hot water supply. If the Vector gas water heater does not ignite, you should check the condition of the filter and the heat exchanger for the presence of scale.
Dear readers of the online magazine site! Leave it in the comments useful tips on repair and maintenance of geysers, and also share with other visitors your experience in setting up instantaneous water heaters.
To satisfy consumer needs for hot water, many water heating devices, both electric and gas, have been developed. For reliable operation they are equipped with new control and protection systems for safe and long-term operation. But no matter how reliable water heaters are, over time they also fail. Repair of geysers, as a rule, should be carried out by professionals, but in some cases it is possible self-removal problems.
The geyser is a fairly unpretentious device to operate and can operate for a long time without breakdowns. But if they happen, then diagnose the gas water heater for proper repair the device can be based on the following characteristics:
- power problems;
- water unit malfunction;
- problems with the gas block;
- incorrect installation.
If problems are discovered in the gas block, then you cannot repair the Ariston gas water heater or repair the Junkers gas water heater, as well as any other water heater yourself.
The breakdown must be corrected by a qualified technician. In other cases, you can try to cope on your own.
Power problems For normal operation of most components inside the unit, a stable power supply is required. Therefore, if malfunctions of the geyser appear in the form of malfunctions, which are characterized by the fact that the flame does not ignite or goes out during operation of the device, then possible reason there could be such a problem lack of current power
supplied from batteries.
Often, when repairing an Oasis gas water heater, as well as a Junkers gas water heater, users are misled by the fact that the LCD display lights up and there seem to be no problems with power supply. But it should be borne in mind that ignition requires a sufficient charge to form a spark in the spark plug. Besides, electronic unit also requires power to transmit it to solenoid valve so that it is in the “open” state. Therefore, if the batteries are already low, then there may not be enough power to ensure the operation of these modules.
In the instructions for the water heater, the manufacturer indicates the operating time of one set of batteries. As you might guess, this value is approximate, and it depends on the quality of the batteries used. When purchasing batteries, you should pay attention to the markings on them. For long-term operation of the gas water heater, it is recommended to choose batteries marked LR20. This means that they are alkaline, that is, alkaline.
Cheaper ones, labeled R20, fail very quickly and cannot cope with a constant load. Ideal option it could be considered lithium batteries CR20. Their main difference from alkaline ones is their high capacity, stable current generated, long work, exceeding several times the service life of LR20 batteries. The only drawback of batteries marked CR20 is their high price . So, buying LR20 alkaline batteries will be the right choice in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Remember: never buy batteries from street kiosks, much less from trays in the market. This recommendation especially applies to winter period, since the batteries lose their charge due to cold.
Removing the column lining
Repairing a geyser with your own hands, such as replacing batteries, is the only way to troubleshoot problems that does not require removing the outer casing of the unit. To repair geysers Vector, Oasis and any other malfunctions, you will need to open the device. To begin removing the casing from the water heater, you need to turn off all the water and gas supply valves, and then do the following (for example, we take the Neva 5611 water heater, which we will disassemble on the table).
Water unit malfunction
Most often, geyser repairs are made due to a faulty water block. Its work is that under the influence of liquid pressure, the membrane located inside it, arching, transmits movement to the rod, and it then moves the pusher gas unit. As a result, the spring valve opens and the supply is turned on. electrical supply to the control module. Therefore, if the water unit is faulty, the device will not start.
A broken water block can be determined by external signs.
If you notice even one sign, the unit will need to be removed and repaired. The water unit can only be removed together with the gas module, since they are a single structure.
- You can do this in the following way:
- after you have made sure that the gas valve on the pipe is in the closed state, you can disconnect the supply hose (a);
- similarly, when the water supply is turned off, the nut on the water block pipe (b) is unscrewed; further using wrench
- it is necessary to unscrew the nut that connects the water block to the heat exchanger (c);
- disconnect the terminal block (d) on the conductors connecting the solenoid valve to the control module;
- wires (d) going to the switch are disconnected in the same way;
- using a screwdriver, you need to unscrew the 2 screws (e) attaching the pipe to the water-gas unit, through which fuel is supplied to the burner manifold;
After unscrewing the fasteners, the entire assembly can be easily removed from the device. Repairing a Neva 3208 gas water heater due to a faulty “frog” is similar and intuitive, although internal view
the unit is slightly different. The Neva 4511 gas water heater can be disassembled in the same way, and repairing it yourself is quite feasible. When repairs are made Chinese gas water heater
, the size of the water node is always surprising. It is quite small in size, and to disassemble the “frog” you only need to unscrew 4 screws.
Heat exchanger repair
- Repair of the geyser heat exchanger will be required in the following cases:
- if insufficient water pressure is noticed at the outlet of the gas water heater;
- low heating of the liquid;
Noises are heard when the unit is operating. The reason for all this could be scale , formed on the inner surface copper tubes . Therefore, heat transfer is reduced and throughput the latter. In addition, if the unit has not been serviced for a long time, fluid may accumulate between the heat exchanger plates. dust and soot
Repair of heat exchangers of any geysers begins with washing them under strong flow water to remove dust and other contaminants. After which it is recommended to immerse it in water for half an hour with the addition of detergent
, for example, for dishes. Cleaning of the unit continues with a small, soft brush, after which it is washed again under running water. Water heater tubes clogged with scale are cleaned with a strong flow of water in the opposite direction. If the scale is not completely removed, you will have to pour it into the tubes special acid solution
. To prepare it, you can use regular citric acid. You need to take 100 g of acid and dilute it in 1 liter of water heated to 40C. This solution is poured into the heat exchanger pipe until it emerges from the other. The reaction will be immediately visible in the form of escaping foam. The poured solution is left for 15 minutes, after which all channels of the unit are thoroughly washed under water pressure.
If you are not satisfied with the result, dissolving the scale can be repeated.
In this way, the heat exchanger of the gas water heater Neva Lux, Dion, KGI, Selena, as well as the gas water heater Neva Transit is washed.
Incorrect installation
The reason that the water heater turns off after starting may be due to its incorrect installation. The diagram below shows how the unit should be installed.
The following pictures show common mistakes when installing a water heater.
Such installation methods disrupt normal draft, as a result of which the operation of the water heater becomes incorrect, and in some cases, impossible.
Since sooner or later there will definitely come a time when a home hot water heater begins to act up or refuse to work altogether, it would not hurt for users to know what to do in this or that case. Depending on the malfunction, you can carry out some repairs of geysers yourself or call a specialist. The last action is most preferable, since the heater belongs to gas-using installations, and therefore is a source of increased danger. This article will outline what problems you can fix yourself and how to do it correctly.
Let’s immediately make a reservation that we will consider the problems of flow-through heaters with an open combustion chamber, of which there are a great many installed in apartments and houses. We will bypass the repair of fully automated turbocharged dispensers with power supply from the mains and ignition from a hydrogen generator. These devices are quite complex and intervention in their design by an ignorant person is contraindicated. Troubleshooting of supercharging units should be carried out by service or gas services.
The list of malfunctions inherent in geysers after several years of operation is as follows:
- smell of gas;
- problems with ignition and starting of the main burner;
- turning off the heater during operation;
- various leaks.
If you smell gas, whether constantly or periodically, you must immediately turn off the appropriate tap, open the windows and call the emergency service. Explain to the dispatcher the nature of the problem, and he will make a decision - to urgently send a team to your home or simply send a technician on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no other options; fixing methane leaks on your own is strictly prohibited.
Problems with ignition
There are two types of ignition systems for atmospheric heaters; we will analyze them separately:
- manual, with a spark from a piezoelectric element;
- automatic, battery powered.
For reference. The most modern models of dispensers are ignited automatically from the energy generated by a hydrogenerator. Everything here is relatively simple: if the ignition does not work, then the culprit is weak pressure in the water supply, or the generator itself has failed.
At manual way ignition, sometimes there is a malfunction of the geyser such as failure of the thermocouple. Then, when the regulator or button is released during ignition, the wick that was just burning goes out again. The fact is that the temperature-sensitive element must heat up from the igniter while you hold the handle and apply current to the solenoid valve. The latter will hold the mechanism for you when you release it. If this does not happen, then the contact in the circuit is broken or the thermocouple must be replaced. To perform this operation, it is better to invite a specialist.
As for automatic ignition systems, malfunctions of geysers during the ignition process are not limited to low batteries, as is written on many Internet resources. Moreover, any more or less modern model heater, even Russian production, equipped with an electronic low battery indicator. So the user knows when it is time to change them.
The device will not even begin the process of igniting the igniter until the hot water tap opens and the required pressure appears in the network. When there is not enough of it, the column will not show any signs of life. The same thing will happen if there is insufficient gas pressure or after a shutdown as a result of the draft sensor being triggered (until it cools down). It is better for a specialist from the relevant service to deal with poor gas pressure; you will not be able to do this yourself.
Since we are considering internal malfunctions of the column, we can name a clogged mesh at the entrance to the water unit as the culprit of low water pressure. If the battery charge is normal, the water and gas pressure is sufficient, and the heater makes clicking sounds. spark discharge, but things don’t go any further, then move on to the next section.
The main burner does not start
One of the main devices guarding the safety of the unit is the water unit (in simple terms - “frog”). If there is sufficient water pressure, the frog presses with its rod actuating mechanism gas valve and it supplies fuel to the main burner (in conventional columns). In automatic heaters, the water unit allows access of fuel to the igniter, and the supply of gas to the main nozzles is already a function of the gas unit.
When the water unit is faulty, fuel will not be supplied to the burner, and in the case of automatic heaters, to the igniter. It happens that when the hot water valve is opened to maximum, the frog still works, but this only indicates the presence of small cracks in the working diaphragm. You can bring the device back to life with your own hands; to do this, you need to purchase a repair kit and change the membrane, which will be discussed below.
There are often situations in which the wick ignites, but burns poorly and weakly. If you look closely, you will notice that the color of the fire is yellow rather than blue. When fuel is supplied to the main burner, popping noises are heard due to the fact that it does not flare up immediately and has time to fill the combustion chamber. Here, to repair the column, you need to clean the tube and igniter nozzle. The latter in many models can be easily removed and cleaned, as shown in the video:
Important! You cannot insert steel wire into it to clean the wick. It is necessary to use only thread and thin wooden stick, moistened with kerosene.
Burner switches off during operation
A malfunction of the same water unit can also lead to a cessation of gas supply during the combustion process. With high pressure, a frog with a worn membrane can still cope somehow, but if you open cold water, the pressure drops and the gas water heater goes out. The same consequences occur when the traction sensor fails. The temperature-sensitive element is designed to break the electrical circuit when its surface reaches a certain temperature. The sensor is installed near the exit flue gases and connected to the solenoid valve by wires.
As soon as the draft in the chimney disappears, the temperature of the flue before leaving the duct will increase sharply, the sensor will heat up and break the circuit. The electric valve, in turn, will shut off the fuel supply. The described element does not last forever, sometimes it also needs to be changed. It’s easy to check the functionality of the part: you need to unscrew it from the body and, without disconnecting the wires, hang it outside. Stable operation of the burner indicates that the sensor is working, and the reason lies in the chimney pipe, where for some reason the draft has disappeared.
Deterioration in draft may occur when the fins of the heat exchanger are clogged with soot, and water pressure can drop if its tubes are covered from the inside with a thick layer of scale. The heat exchanger must be periodically cleaned and washed.
In addition to the water unit and the draft sensor, popping noises and unstable operation of the burner can be caused by a malfunction of the temperature sensor, and it cannot be repaired, only replaced. True, it is difficult to detect a malfunction in this case. We will advise you to contact a specialist in a situation where the frog and traction sensor are fully operational, and the symptoms do not disappear.
Water leaks
Inside the flow-through heater, water tubes are connected to various components using union nuts and rubber O-rings. Homeowners who have not maintained their units for years may find water dripping under the unit. If this is discovered, then repairing the gas water heater consists of checking all connections and replacing seals.
There are other places where water can leak, for example through the operating rod of the water unit. This suggests that, at a minimum, the seal on the frog rod needs to be replaced, which will require its removal and disassembly. On models equipped safety valve, the latter can also leak, especially if it has had to release pressure several times. Finally, the most unpleasant situation is a damaged heat exchanger in which a fistula has formed. Buying a new one is very expensive; it’s easier to repair the old one, which is discussed in the next section.
Heat exchanger repair
Important! Do not forget to shut off the gas line during any repair work!
It is quite possible to repair a crack or fistula in the heat exchanger yourself when the damage to the tube is located with front side or from the side. Otherwise, the part will have to be removed, which will require disassembling almost the entire column. Problems with soldering the heat exchanger, when the leak is in the rear part or between the fins of the radiator, should be entrusted to a specialist from service center. To complete the work you will need:
- powerful soldering iron (at least 100 W);
- fine sandpaper;
- white spirit or other solvent;
- solder and rosin.
To repair a geyser heat exchanger, you must first drain the water from it. To do this, close the common valve, open the nearest hot water tap and slightly unscrew the union nut at the entrance to the water unit. When the water has escaped, the nut is completely unscrewed and the faucet on the mixer remains open.
The next step is to thoroughly clean the damaged area. sandpaper until no oxide film remains. Then, using a rag moistened with white spirit, the area is degreased. Using rosin as a flux, the fistula is tinned with solder so that its layer is smooth and even. It is necessary to ensure that the solder on the copper surface is not loose, this means that the area is not heated enough. The final stage is building up the tin layer to a thickness of 1-2 mm.
After soldering is completed, open the common valve and inspect the repair site for leaks. If everything is in order, close the mixer tap and test the column in operating mode.
A self-repaired heat exchanger will still serve for some time, since the environment in it does not heat up above 100 ºС, and the soldering temperature is 200 ºС.
How to replace the membrane in a geyser
As mentioned above, to carry out an inspection of the water unit, you will need a repair kit designed for this heater model. As a rule, it includes a membrane, a spring and a set of seals. The tool you will need is an open-end wrench and a regular screwdriver. Before starting work, you need to drain the water from the frog, as was described in the case of the heat exchanger.
Now you need to remove the water unit itself. The nut at the water inlet has already been unscrewed, all that remains is to unscrew the second one and disconnect the frog from the gas valve. The type of connection depends on the model and manufacturer of the unit; the tool necessary for this purpose must be prepared in advance. Then the screws connecting the two halves of the assembly are unscrewed, and the membrane in the gas column is replaced. It is important to install the diaphragm correctly; its position is best remembered during disassembly.
Before installing a new membrane, you should clean the rod (if there is no new one in the repair kit) and replace all o-rings. When the operation is completed, the parts are connected to each other and fastened with screws. They must be tightened in a star pattern, where one screw is followed by the opposite one, and so on. Starting water and carrying out tests are described in the previous section. Details of the process are shown in the video:
Conclusion
It is possible to repair the column yourself if you correctly identify the fault and make sure that you can do it. The types of work described in the article are available to many users, but if you are unsure of success, then it is better to simply invite a specialist and you will sleep easier.
By historical standards, centralized provision of hot water is a relatively recent development. The issue of heating water at home could be solved with several options, but the most popular were storage and solid fuel, that is, titanium.
It was heated with coal, and much less often they resorted to using firewood or fuel oil. The liquid in the boiler had to be heated in advance. For example, in order to take a bath, it was necessary to spend at least one hour. Of course, the use of such equipment was not very comfortable. The issue of heating water was resolved in a short time with the arrival of gas-powered water heaters.
The principle of operation of a geyser is to heat water from the water supply using gas available in the residential main. To speed up the heating procedure, a heat exchanger is used, where the liquid current is redistributed through a complex of thin tubes that are located immediately above the gas burner.
Thanks to this, it becomes possible to heat the liquid in a short time, immediately during operation, so there is no need to accumulate heated liquid in a container.
This is the main mechanism for the functioning of heating equipment; all remaining elements are designed to ignite gas, the ability to regulate water heating and ensure the safe operation of all equipment.
Possible problems
Doesn't light up
The most likely reason that the column does not ignite may be a simple lack of draft in the ventilation well. There is also a possibility that a foreign element got into the chimney, or after a certain period of time it became clogged with soot. In this situation, the protective mechanism located inside the equipment is activated, and the gas is automatically blocked in the column.
The draft in the chimney should be controlled. This is not difficult to implement - you just need to bring a burning match to the well. If the flame tilts to one side, this will mean that everything is functioning well and there is draft.
Here you simply need to eliminate the cause of the incorrect operation, and the column will begin to function normally. It is possible to do this yourself or seek the help of specialists.
Another probable and potential reason that the device does not ignite is the possible discharge of batteries, but this only applies to heating systems with automatic ignition mechanism.
Solutions:
- Monitor the “on” and “off” buttons of the device.
- Replace batteries.
Insufficient fluid pressure
A potential reason could also be insufficient pressure liquids. This can be checked quickly and effectively by opening the cold water tap. If the pressure is too weak, then there is a possibility that the reason for the incorrect operation is not in the system, but in the water supply or a specific section of it.
If the flow of liquid in a cold water tap is stronger than in a hot one, there is a possibility that the cause is hidden in the water unit heating device, this means that there is a blockage in the filter or the membrane is deformed.
Solutions:
It is also possible that the column lights up and then goes out. In such circumstances, it is necessary to adjust both taps supplying water.
Solutions:
Reduce the pressure of water supply to the tap responsible for cold water supply.
There is a smell of gas
It is important to keep in mind that when you turn on the heating device, under no circumstances should you smell gas. If you still feel it, you should immediately turn off the gas valve, ventilate the room, and call gas service representatives. Under such conditions it is prohibited to produce repair actions speakers with your own hands.
Solutions:
Contact gas service representatives.
The water doesn't heat up well
There are several possible reasons for this. This may be due to the low power of the equipment. To check, you should carefully read the technical documentation supplied with the device.
Also, the liquid may not warm up properly due to standard equipment clogging. A sign will be a changed color of the fire, and the formation of soot under the heating equipment during its operating activity.
If the pressure level of the supplied gas is low, the water will also be poorly heated.
Solutions:
goes out
If, when connected, the column first lights up and then goes out, then the likely cause may be a bimetallic temperature sensor, which is designed to prevent overheating of the equipment.
There are two possible manifestations of this incorrect operation:
- The burner lights up, the equipment operates in standard mode for a certain period, after which it goes out and certain time does not function, attempts to ignite it do not give positive results. Solutions: After about twenty minutes, the gas water heater can be reconnected, the burner lights up, but after approximately the same amount of time it goes out. This occurs due to the natural increased susceptibility of the mechanism. In fact, this case is considered a guarantee, but in reality this trouble is seasonal and happens during periods of heat or cold, when the windows in the kitchen are kept closed. In both versions temperature regime air is elevated, therefore the equipment is not cooled properly. It is possible that this problem will appear after the warranty period has expired. Unfortunately, in these circumstances renovation work
- The owner of the gas water heater will have to pay personally. The column turns off randomly or does not light up at all. Solutions: This may indicate deterioration of the sensor conductor insulation. There is no point in calling a specialist from the gas service, since this problem is not in his field of activity. It is also not recommended to carry out repair work yourself. Here will seek help from the company that produces the specific model or from a service center.
Weak output pressure
If fuel is supplied, it means that the liquid pressure in the water intake mechanism is sufficient, and the difficulty is hidden in the clogging of the heat exchanger with scale. The probable cause may be idle burning of the igniter for long period time.
The igniter manages to warm up the heat exchanger to a sufficient level, thereby causing the remaining liquid to actively evaporate. As a result, the resulting scale is not washed off due to the lack of liquid flow and has time to “grab” before the next connection of the equipment, which ultimately leads to the non-operational condition of the equipment.
Solutions:
Repair measures consist of cleaning or completely replacing the heat exchanger.
Extraneous noise
Noise from small explosions or pops accompanying the connection process can be triggered by several factors: insufficient draft in the ventilation shaft or duct; due to discharge of heating equipment ignition batteries; possible clogging of equipment parts, as well as excessive gas pressure.
Solutions:
- Clean the chimney, call a representative of the housing department or professional chimney sweeps.
- Replace batteries.
- In all remaining options to eliminate incorrect operation rational decision will turn to professionals for help.
Leaks
Owners of dispensers who do not maintain their devices for a long period may find dripping water under the equipment.
Solutions:
If such faults are detected, it is necessary to check all existing connections and replace the seals.
In fact, many are able to independently carry out repair work related to troubleshooting a geyser, if the user can correctly identify the malfunction and is confident in his own capabilities and strengths. However, if you are not confident that you can properly troubleshoot your equipment, it is best to turn to professionals.