Gas water heaters are a reliable and cost-effective way to heat water for your home. However, when they break down, dealing with combustible gas and venting systems requires a high level of expertise and safety awareness. At Newark Water Heater Pros, our experienced technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing all types of gas water heater issues promptly and safely.
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: GAS LEAKS
If you smell gas (a distinct rotten egg odor) near your water heater or in your home, DO NOT attempt to inspect it yourself. Evacuate the building immediately. Do not use electrical switches, light matches, or use your phone indoors. Once you are safely outside, call your local gas company or 911 immediately.
Pilot Light Problems
One of the most common issues with older gas water heaters is a pilot light that refuses to stay lit. Without the pilot light, the main burner cannot ignite, leaving you with cold water. Common reasons for pilot light failure include:
- Faulty Thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device that senses the pilot flame and signals the gas valve to stay open. If it fails, the gas valve shuts off, extinguishing the pilot.
- Drafts: A strong draft in the basement or utility room can blow out the pilot flame.
- Dirty Pilot Tube: Debris or dust can clog the pilot orifice, restricting gas flow and resulting in a weak or non-existent flame.
- Defective Gas Control Valve: The main valve that supplies gas to the burner and pilot may be malfunctioning and failing to deliver gas.
Our technicians can clean the pilot assembly, test and replace faulty thermocouples, and ensure your gas valve is operating correctly.
Burner Problems
The burner is the heart of a gas water heater, responsible for generating the heat that warms the water in the tank. If the burner is struggling, your water heater will not perform efficiently.
- Dirty Burner: Over time, dust, soot, and rust can accumulate on the burner, causing incomplete combustion, yellow flames, or delayed ignition (a small "poof" sound when it finally lights).
- Flame Issues: A healthy gas flame should be mostly blue. A yellow or orange flame indicates improper combustion, which can lead to carbon monoxide production and soot buildup.
- Ignition Failure: Modern gas water heaters often use electronic ignition instead of a standing pilot light. If the igniter or the control module fails, the burner won't fire.
Thermocouple Issues
The thermocouple (or thermopile in some models) is an essential safety sensor located next to the pilot light. It generates a small electrical current when heated by the pilot flame, which keeps the main gas valve open. If the pilot goes out, the thermocouple cools down, stopping the electrical current and causing the gas valve to snap shut, preventing gas from filling your home.
Signs of a failing thermocouple include a pilot light that goes out repeatedly, or a pilot light that you can light manually but goes out as soon as you release the gas control knob. We carry replacement thermocouples for most major brands and can quickly swap out a defective unit.
No Hot Water from Gas Heater
If you're getting zero hot water from your gas water heater, several gas-specific components could be the culprit. Aside from a blown out pilot light or a failed thermocouple, the issue could be a broken gas control valve. The gas valve is a complex component containing the thermostat and safety shutoffs. If it fails, it will not send gas to the burner, regardless of what the thermostat is demanding. Replacing a gas valve is a delicate procedure that requires professional tools and leak testing equipment.
Temperature Problems
Inconsistent water temperatures can be frustrating. If the water is not hot enough, the thermostat on the gas valve may be set too low, or sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank could be acting as insulation, preventing the burner's heat from reaching the water effectively. If the water is too hot, the thermostat might be malfunctioning and failing to shut the burner off when the set temperature is reached, posing a scalding risk and a danger of pressure buildup.
Gas Water Heater Leaks
Leaks on a gas water heater should be addressed urgently. While a water leak from the tank itself usually means the unit needs replacing, leaks can occur in other areas that are repairable, such as the cold water inlet valve, the hot water outlet, or the temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve. More importantly, gas leaks from the supply line, gas shutoff valve, or control valve are extreme emergencies. If you suspect a gas leak, follow the emergency procedures outlined at the top of this page.
Venting Concerns
Gas water heaters produce combustion byproducts, including dangerous carbon monoxide (CO), which must be safely vented to the outdoors. Venting issues are serious health hazards.
- Draft Issues: If the vent pipe is not drafting properly (backdrafting), exhaust gases can spill back into your home.
- Blockages: Bird nests, debris, or collapsed vent pipes can block the exhaust path.
- Corrosion: Over time, the exhaust gases can corrode the vent piping, leading to holes and leaks.
Our technicians always inspect the venting system during a gas water heater repair to ensure it is intact, properly sloped, and drafting correctly.
Gas Water Heater Safety
Working with natural gas or propane requires strict adherence to safety protocols. Do not attempt to repair gas lines, gas valves, or venting systems yourself. Incorrect repairs can result in gas leaks, fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Always rely on licensed and experienced professionals like Newark Water Heater Pros for any gas water heater issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my gas water heater pilot light keep going out?
A pilot light that keeps going out is often caused by a faulty or dirty thermocouple. The thermocouple senses the flame and keeps the gas valve open; if it fails, the gas is shut off for safety. Other potential reasons include a blocked vent, a drafty environment, or a defective gas control valve.
Is it safe to fix my gas water heater myself?
Due to the inherent risks of working with natural gas and carbon monoxide, we strongly advise against DIY repairs on gas water heaters. Incorrect repairs can lead to severe safety hazards, including gas leaks, fires, or explosions. Always hire a professional.
What should I do if I smell gas near my water heater?
If you smell gas (a rotten egg odor), evacuate the premises immediately. Do not use electrical switches, phones, or open flames, as a spark could ignite the gas. Once safely outside, call your local gas utility company or 911 immediately.
How long does a gas water heater typically last?
A standard tank-style gas water heater typically lasts between 8 and 12 years with proper maintenance. Regular flushing and anode rod replacement can help extend its lifespan. If your heater is over 10 years old and requiring frequent repairs, replacement may be the more cost-effective option.
Why is my gas water heater not producing enough hot water?
Insufficient hot water from a gas heater could be due to a faulty thermostat, a malfunctioning gas valve, a broken dip tube (which sends cold water to the bottom of the tank to be heated), or significant sediment buildup insulating the water from the burner.