Common gas water heater problems & how to fix them
Steven E / Thursday November 14, 2024
Gas water heaters are a reliable way to keep your home supplied with hot water, but like any appliance, they can encounter issues that may disrupt your household routine. If you’re dealing with gas water heater problems, you’re not alone. Many homeowners experience issues such as the gas water heater not turning on, insufficient heating, or strange noises. We’ll walk through some of the most common gas water heater issues, potential causes, and how to resolve them. If you’re looking to fix your gas water heater, this article is for you!
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Important: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.
Gas water heater not turning on
One of the most frustrating gas water heater problems is when the unit refuses to turn on. This issue can leave you without hot water and scrambling for a solution. Here are some potential reasons why your gas water heater is not turning on:
Possible causes:
- Pilot light is out: The pilot light in a gas water heater is responsible for igniting the gas burner that heats the water. If it’s out, the burner won’t ignite, and the water won’t heat.
- Thermocouple failure: The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. If it’s malfunctioning, it may cut off the gas supply even when the pilot light is functioning correctly.
- Faulty gas control valve: The gas control valve regulates the flow of gas to your water heater. If this valve is damaged or defective, it could prevent your water heater from turning on.
How to fix it:
- Relight the pilot: Follow your water heater’s manual to relight the pilot light. Make sure to turn off the gas supply before attempting to relight it.
- Check the thermocouple: If the pilot won’t stay lit, you may need to replace the thermocouple. It’s a relatively simple and inexpensive repair that can restore function quickly.
- Inspect the gas control valve: If the thermocouple and pilot light aren’t the issues, it might be time to replace the gas control valve.
Water not hot enough or inconsistent temperature
If your gas water heater is producing lukewarm water or fluctuating between hot and cold temperatures, there are a few things you should check.
Possible causes:
- Sediment buildup: Over time, minerals in the water can settle at the bottom of the tank, reducing its ability to heat water effectively.
- Faulty thermostat: The thermostat controls the temperature of the water. If it’s malfunctioning, you might experience inconsistent water temperatures.
- Undersized water heater: If your household’s demand for hot water exceeds your water heater’s capacity, it might not be able to keep up.
How to fix it:
- Flush the tank: Sediment buildup can be remedied by draining and flushing the tank. This should be done at least once a year to maintain efficiency.
- Replace the thermostat: If the thermostat is faulty, replace it to regain control of your water’s temperature.
- Upgrade your water heater: If your current unit is too small for your household’s needs, consider upgrading to a larger model or installing a second unit.
Strange noises coming from the water heater
Hearing strange noises, such as popping, cracking, or rumbling from your gas water heater? This is often a sign that something isn’t working as it should.
Possible causes:
- Sediment buildup: Just as sediment can affect water temperature, it can also cause loud popping or rumbling sounds as water heats up and forces steam through the mineral deposits.
- Loose heating element: In some cases, a loose heating element can cause rattling or banging sounds.
How to fix it:
- Flush the tank: If sediment is the issue, flushing the tank is the best solution.
- Tighten the heating element: If the heating element is loose, tighten it or consider replacing it if needed.
Gas water heater igniter problems
A malfunctioning igniter is one of the more common gas water heater issues. If the gas water heater igniter is not sparking, it can prevent the burner from lighting, leaving you with no hot water.
Possible causes:
- Worn-out igniter: Igniters wear out over time and may fail to produce the spark needed to light the burner.
- Improper gas flow: If the gas flow to the igniter is interrupted, it won’t be able to light the burner.
How to fix it:
- Replace the igniter: If the igniter is faulty, it will need to be replaced. You can find replacement gas water heater parts such as igniters at AppliancePartsPros.com.
- Check for gas flow issues: Ensure the gas valve is fully open and the gas line is free from obstructions.
Pilot light keeps going out
If your pilot light frequently goes out, this can be an indication of deeper gas water heater problems. This issue needs prompt attention, as it can leave you without hot water and potentially lead to safety concerns.
Possible causes:
- Faulty thermocouple: As mentioned earlier, a faulty thermocouple can cut off the gas supply, causing the pilot light to go out.
- Drafts or wind: If your water heater is located in a drafty area, strong air currents might blow out the pilot light.
How to fix it:
- Replace the thermocouple: This is the most common fix for a pilot light that won’t stay lit.
- Move or shield the water heater: If drafts are the issue, try to move the heater to a more sheltered location or install a draft shield.
People also ask
How do I fix a gas water heater that won’t turn on?
Check the pilot light, thermocouple, and gas control valve. Relighting the pilot or replacing a faulty thermocouple can often resolve this issue.
What causes a gas water heater to stop working?
Common causes include pilot light failure, thermocouple malfunction, or sediment buildup in the tank.
Why is my gas water heater not staying lit?
A faulty thermocouple or drafts can cause the pilot light to go out repeatedly.
How often should I flush my gas water heater?
It’s recommended to flush your gas water heater once a year to remove sediment buildup.
Why is my gas water heater making strange noises?
Noises such as popping or rumbling are often caused by sediment buildup or loose parts inside the tank.
Wrapping up
Thanks for reading! If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, you can find more resources including our DIY blog at AppliancePartsPros.com. There, you can enter your model number to order the exact parts you need. Most orders arrive in two business days.
You can also reach our award-winning customer service team at 1-877-477-7278, chat with a pro on our website and watch thousands of free video tutorials on our YouTube channel.
With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.