Propane Water Heater Troubleshooting: When To Call a Pro
It’s easy to take your propane water heater for granted when it’s running smoothly, but when something happens, it only takes one cold shower for you to notice. Especially when it happens during a harsh Long Island winter.
Fortunately, there are some easy fixes for many common propane water heater issues that you can do yourself.
Keep reading to learn about common problems with propane water heaters and how to fix them.
Common Propane Water Heater Issues
The following are possible symptoms and causes of a faulty water heater. If you aren’t sure what’s wrong, a professional can diagnose and repair the issue for you.
I Have No Hot Water
If your propane water heater isn’t working at all, it could be an issue with the pilot light. The pilot light serves to ignite that burner that heats up the water in your propane water tank.
- If the problem is the pilot light, you can often reignite it yourself.
- Be sure to follow the specific manufacturer instructions for relighting the pilot light. These instructions can often be found on the heater itself.
- Some heaters require a match or lighter for reignition, while other models have a built-in ignitor and may just require a power reset or press of the button to ignite it.
Reoccurring issues with a pilot light could be due to poor ventilation, negative pressure, or issues with the thermocouple or release valve.
If you continue to have issues with your pilot light, it is best to consult a professional.
Only Part of the House Has No Hot Water
If one section of your home is not getting hot water, then something is wrong with the fixtures or the connection. Some reasons for this issue include:
- The heater is far away from the fixtures
- The pipes are frozen
- Mineral deposits are clogging the pipes
- The pipe valve is not opening
- There’s a cross-connection in the plumbing
My Water Isn’t Warm Enough
Is your water getting warm but not hot? It’s frustrating to be unable to get the water temperature that you need. There are several reasons you may experience this issue with your propane hot water heater.
Your Vent is Clogged
Propane water heaters need good airflow in order to properly heat the water. So, if you don’t have good ventilation, your water won’t get hot.
To check for this issue:
- If the air vent is clogged, it may prevent water from heating up.
- Disconnect the water heater and try to find a blockage.
- Remove the blockage and reconnect your water heater. Allow approximately 30 minutes for the water to heat up before testing.
Your Tank is Too Small
The second reason could be the size of your tank is not adequate for the size of your home. If your water heater is too small, it will not have the capacity to create enough hot water for your household. Many homes on Long Island including Montauk, Southampton, East Hampton, and more have undersized water tanks, resulting in lukewarm water or shortages of hot water.
Consult an expert at Propane Depot for advice on the correct propane water heater size to meet your needs.
An Issue with the Thermostat
- Ensure that your Water Heater’s thermostat is set at approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
- If updating the temperature setting does not help, it could indicate an issue with the gas valve itself.
The Water Heater Is Leaking
Seeing condensation drip from your water heater is normal. However, if there is flooding or spraying, you have a problem.
First, you need to assess whether the water leak is coming from the top or the bottom of your propane water heater.
Next, turn off your water to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
It’s Leaking from the Top
- A clogged valve: If the heater is leaking from the top, you may need to unclog the TPR valve. You can put a bucket underneath it and open the valve to release the buildup. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace it.
- Loose pipes: A leak can also happen if the water pipes are loose. You can tighten or seal these connections and see if that stops the leak.
It’s Leaking from the Bottom
For leaks coming from the bottom, you can assume it’s a drain valve issue. Consider calling a plumber to replace the old valve with a better one.
There is a Noise Problem
Your water heater will likely make some noise as the water heats up and is moved through the pipes. While noises can be annoying, it doesn’t normally indicate a serious issue. The type of noise you are hearing can indicate the issue and how to resolve it.
I Hear Pounding Noises
Pounding noises can indicate mineral buildup. The pounding noise will occur when the flow of water stops suddenly and then begins to flow again forcefully, an effect known as “water hammer.”
There are several possible solutions to this type of noise:
- You can install a water hammer stopper
- Flush your system to remove mineral buildup
- Use water softener to prevent future mineral buildup
I Hear Popping or Cracking
If you hear popping or crackling, you may have lime deposits that are trapping water. Lime comes from heating hard water (water containing certain dissolved minerals), and can be an issue with any type of water heater. As with other types of mineral deposits, you can do the following:
- Flush your system to remove mineral buildup
- Use water softener to prevent future mineral buildup
The Water is Discolored
You want to stay away from the water if it is black or rusty looking. Usually, the reason for discolored water is the anode rod. Anode rods get rusty, and they can dissolve into the water in your heater.
To solve this issue, you’ll need to replace the rod. If the anode rod is very rusted or otherwise decayed you’ll want to call in a professional.
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