Gas Water Heater Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Check Click on underlined items for further information
No hot water	Pilot light out Gas supply shut off Gas valve needs replacement
Not enough hot water	Thermostat set too low, increase temperature. Caution: Too hot can lead to scalding and burns Sediment or lime in tank, drain sediment Water heater too small, replace with larger capacity model Dip tube may be damaged Cold water supply may be connected to the wrong side of the water heater Low gas pressure, check with utility company
Takes too long to reheat water	Thermostat set too low, increase temperature. Caution: Too hot can lead to scalding and burns Sediment or lime in tank, drain sediment Heater too small, replace with larger capacity model
Pressure relief valve is leaking	Water temperature too high, turn down thermostat Water pressure too high, use a pressure reducing valve in supply line Valve has failed, requires replacement
Drain valve is leaking	Many water heaters use a low quality valve which can be difficult to close tightly. Use slip joint pliers to turn the valve all the way closed. Caution: Too much force may snap the valve off Valve has failed, requires replacement
Condensation on tank	Cold water entering the tank can result in external condensation. Ventilation may be inadequate Eventual replacement with a larger tank may help
Tank is leaking	Determine if the leak is from pipes or valves Determine if it is the result of condensation If the tank is leaking, the water heater must be replaced
Hot water heater is noisy	Noise can occur for many reasons and most do not signify a problem Lime scale on the element results in steam pockets in the scale Sediment in the tank Low water pressure results in spot boiling Sizzling may result from condensation dripping on the burner. Check for adequate ventilation
Hot water has an odor	The an alternative anode may be available to resolve the problem. Contact the manufacturer
Pilot light will not stay lit	Check that the thermocouple is securely screwed into the thermostat assembly Check that the thermocouple is properly secured near the pilot light flame Thermocouple may have failed and requires replacement Condensation may be extinguishing the pilot light Make sure gas line is turned on Gas pressure may be low, check with the utility company There may be air or dirt in the gas line Pilot line or orifice may be clogged Are other gas appliance working, if not, check with the utility company Thermostat may have failed and requires replacement Inadequate combustion air may cause a water heater to shut down for safety reasons

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