Why the geyser goes out: typical reasons and a guide to eliminating them

Any household appliance breaks down periodically, and the gas water heater is no exception.With timely cleaning and compliance with operating rules, such a device works properly. But if the device does not turn on, or the flame goes out immediately, a serious breakdown may occur.

To understand why a geyser goes out, let’s look at the features of its design and operation. Also in this article we will consider the popular reasons for the fading of the speaker and ways to restore its performance. We supplemented the presented material with visual photos and informative videos.

Design and principle of operation of the column

Inside the column there are two main elements: a gas burner and a heat exchanger, which looks like a long narrow pipe, usually made of copper, rolled into a snake or spiral. Cold water flows from the water supply to the coil, is heated above the burner and leaves the device in a hot state.

Of course, everything is not so simple, since the safe and efficient operation of the device is ensured by a number of important components, such as:

• ignition device or igniter;
• water-gas unit;
• solenoid valve with a set of sensors.

The ignition device often looks like a so-called pilot burner: a small tongue of flame that burns constantly.With the electronic version of this unit, immediately before turning on the column, a spark occurs, which ignites the igniter. This is a more modern version that even allows for some gas savings.

You need to start repairing a geyser by studying the design of the device, the location of the main components, as well as the order of their functioning.

To produce a spark, a piezoelectric element is most often used, which can also be started manually. In models of previous years, such conveniences are not provided: the igniter is lit with an ordinary match. In order for the gas to turn on automatically, a water-gas unit is needed when starting water. It consists of a membrane, which is mounted in the water supply, and a valve in the gas path.

When the tap is opened, the water begins to move, the membrane changes position under the influence of the flow and transmits a signal to the valve. It opens and releases a stream of gas to the burner, which ignites. When the water is turned off, the membrane returns to its original position, the valve shuts off the gas flow, and the burner goes out.

If gas does not flow to the main burner of the column, it is most likely blocked by one of the safety elements that has responded to some kind of malfunction

Thanks to the water-gas unit, you don’t have to manually open the gas every time you turn on the water. The solenoid valve also regulates the gas supply in accordance with the readings of various sensors that detect the presence of flame, draft, dangerous overheating, etc.

This node is required to increase system security. Sensors react to system failures, and the valve shuts off the gas flow if serious problems arise in the operation of the device.

In addition to the sensors, a thermocouple is connected to the valve.This element reacts to the presence or absence of a pilot burner flame. If there is no fire, the gas entering the column will not ignite, but will accumulate, which is very dangerous.

If the column needs to be disassembled, you must first decide on the water and gas connections in order to shut off these pipes with the appropriate valves

Reasons for column fading

Any of the nodes described above can cause the speaker to attenuate. The flame goes out if the security system detects a violation of normal operation. To start the device, you will need to determine and eliminate the cause of this violation.

Here are the most common possible problems:

• there is no draft in the chimney;
• the main burner has gone out;
• there is a dangerous increase in the water temperature in the heat exchanger;
• Some elements are worn out and require replacement.

If the column does not produce a flame, you first need to make sure that its operating conditions have not been violated and check the manufacturer’s warranty periods. The necessary information is contained in the technical data sheet of the product and the instructions for its use.

Reason #1 - lack of draft in the chimney

Checking the draft is the easiest way to diagnose the condition of the device. You just need to bring a strip of thin paper or the flame of a lighter, match, etc. to the viewing hole of the column. But if there is even a slight suspicion of a gas leak, it is better to avoid using open fire.

Backdraft is a dangerous phenomenon; it can blow out the flame of the pilot burner, after which the flow of gas to the device will be stopped

If the paper or flame is pulled inward, everything is in order, there is a draft.The absence of changes in their position indicates the absence of traction, and deviation in the opposite direction indicates that reverse thrust.

To verify the causes of the problem, you need to disconnect the column and check the draft in the same way only in the chimney. After this, it will become clear whether there are faults in the chimney duct or inside the column too.

When the chimney structure is in order, the “culprit” for the lack of draft is the heat exchanger, or rather, the soot particles that clog it and interfere with normal air exchange. You need to remove the protective casing from the column and clean the heat exchanger with a stiff brush.

Improper installation of a geyser chimney can lead to decreased or absent draft, rapid clogging with soot and soot, as well as other dangerous problems

If the chimney is dirty, all that remains is to simply clean it and reconnect it to the device. If there is no positive reaction, you need to make sure that the chimney structure is assembled correctly from suitable materials. Sometimes the reason for the lack of traction can be flaws in the installation of this section of the system.

Often problems of this type arise for external reasons, such as lack of normal ventilation of the room. Plastic windows and a tightly closed door practically seal the room in which the speaker is located. There is no influx of fresh air flows, so there is no movement in the chimney duct.

It doesn’t hurt to check the ventilation system in the entire house or apartment.

Checking draft is an important safety point when using a gas water heater. This procedure should be carried out regularly, without waiting for problems to appear.

You need to make sure that there is enough fresh air entering the room.If it is not possible to organize ventilation naturally, you can install a supply valve on the windows or into the wall.

Then you should make sure that air flows not only enter the house, but also move freely throughout all rooms. To do this, you need to install ventilation grilles on the doors or make a small gap at the bottom.

Reason #2 - regular burner extinguishing

The absence of a pilot burner flame is detected by a sensor, after which the gas supply is immediately shut off. This situation can occur if a small light was knocked down by a strong gust of wind. There is no need to create a draft in the room while working, especially if it is very windy outside.

Strong air currents can penetrate not only through windows and doors, but also through the chimney duct. The result may be the same - the burner goes out, the automation shuts off the gas flow.

To restore normal operation of the device, you need to turn off the column, check the condition of the pilot burner (a flame should appear here), and turn on the device again.

Reason #3 - significant overheating of water

This occurs when the pressure of the water flow passing through the heat exchanger decreases, but the heating intensity remains unchanged. In some cases, water may even boil, which is dangerous for the integrity of the device.

The pressure decreases when cold water is opened to dilute the flow to a comfortable temperature, and cold water displaces hot water. It is better to regulate the heating using the column settings.

Another reason for this phenomenon is limescale deposits accumulated inside the narrow heat exchanger pipe.To restore normal pressure, you need to regularly descale the device and ensure that the water is not too hot. For domestic needs, it is enough to warm the water to 45-50 degrees.

This mode helps reduce the formation of solid sediment. If the water in the system is too hard and you have to frequently clean the heat exchanger, it makes sense to think about installing a special filter that will remove salt from the flow. The heat exchanger is cleaned using special products or household chemicals: soda, vinegar, etc.

You will have to remove the protective casing from the column, and also turn off the gas and water. Then the heat exchanger is disconnected from the water supply and dismantled. A cleaning compound is poured into the coil pipe and left for a while. After this, the heat exchanger is washed, replaced and the column is reassembled.

Inside the water-gas unit there is an elastic membrane that wears out over time. In this case, it needs to be replaced, although sometimes simple washing helps.

The mesh filter installed at the tap water inlet into the heat exchanger periodically becomes clogged with contaminants. It also needs to be cleaned. To remove ordinary contaminants, it is enough to simply rinse the mesh in water, but sometimes you have to use chemicals. If damage is found on the filter, it is better to replace it immediately.

Reason #4 - insufficient water pressure

Lack of normal water pressure in the system and without overheating, it can cause the valve to block the gas flow and the burner to go out.

In this situation, you should check the condition of the water supply system; perhaps you just need to install circulation pump. When purchasing a speaker, you should also inquire about the minimum pressure values ​​for a specific model.

To get a spark and light the pilot burner, on most modern models you need to press the electric or piezo ignition button. If the flame immediately goes out, you should check the condition of the igniter

Reason #5 - lack of timely maintenance

Following the manufacturer's recommendations, you should regularly clean the column. Late maintenance does not improve the situation. Let's look at the main problems that arise for this reason.

Dead batteries

If the column has electric ignition, it is carried out using batteries. Dead batteries need to be replaced, and the problem will be solved.

And when a piezoelectric element with a turbine is used to produce a spark, it will not start with low water pressure, this point will need to be taken into account.

If a spark does not form in the igniter, you need to immediately check and replace the batteries, and also clean the contacts if they are oxidized

Significantly clogged igniter

The absence of a pilot burner flame often occurs when the igniter becomes clogged. There is simply not enough gas coming in to light the burner. The igniter must be cleaned with metal wire for the column to start working.

It is better to clean it in advance, without waiting until the hole becomes clogged. Blockages accumulate gradually.

If the igniter in the gas column is clogged, the burner will not receive enough gas for a flame to appear, you will have to clean it

If the flame has noticeably decreased, it’s time to check the condition of the igniter. Another sign of such a problem is a popping sound that is heard when the burner is turned on.A weak flame is not able to immediately ignite the gas entering the device. It gradually accumulates and ignites with a pop that resembles a small explosion.

Contaminated or worn membrane

As mentioned earlier, there is a membrane in the water-gas unit. This is a polymer element that, with constant contact with water, gradually loses its elasticity. Sometimes cracks even appear on it, limescale deposits, etc. The membrane stops responding to the flow of water, and as a result, gas does not flow to the burner.

It is necessary to disassemble the water-gas unit, remove the worn element and replace with a new membrane.

If upon inspection it turns out that the contamination is not too large and the element remains elastic, you can simply wash the membrane and install it in its original place.

In modern models with a large number of electronics, the control board may burn out, after which the column, of course, will not light up.

Coarse filter clogged

The reason for this breakdown is the low quality of power supply, for which foreign devices are not designed. In addition, some electronically controlled models should not be turned off at night, but must be turned on at all times. To solve the problem of voltage drops in the network, you can use a stabilizer.

A clogged coarse filter can lead to a dangerous decrease in the pressure of water flowing to the gas water heater. This element must be cleaned regularly and replaced if necessary.

Specific problems for individual models

Even speakers from well-known companies can break down over time for a variety of reasons. During operation, device owners noticed breakdowns that most often occur with specific models.

Junkers Bosch thermocouple problems

For example, the weak point of the Junkers WR 13-P device manufactured by Bosch is the thermocouple.

Two to three years after the start of operation, it stops responding normally to heat from the pilot burner. As a result, the igniter flame constantly fades, and over time it will simply stop lighting normally.

Sometimes carefully cleaning the thermocouple with fine sandpaper helps, but when this method no longer brings the desired effect, the element will have to be replaced.

In some models of geysers, the thermocouple breaks down over time, which is easy to replace with a new element

Displacement of the igniter tube, which in such models is not secured too tightly, can also lead to similar problems. The tube can be moved accidentally, even just by touching it with a match during ignition. There is a gap between the gas tube nozzle and the burner through which air flows.

When displaced, this gap decreases, and the air required for normal combustion becomes insufficient. The flame does not reach the thermocouple, it does not heat up, and gas does not flow to the main burner. If you restore the normal position of the tube, the column will work properly again.

Practical recommendations for cleaning and eliminating breakdowns of the JUNKERS column:

Oxidation of contacts on Vector speakers

For Vector speakers, a typical problem is oxidation of the contacts in the power supply. If this is the case, then replacing dead batteries with new elements will not give the desired result; a spark will not appear until the contacts are cleaned. Sometimes in such columns the microswitch rod on the water valve becomes sour.

If the column hisses or whistles a little during operation, the fastenings of the coil tubes may be loose, you need to check them and solder them

After cleaning, normal operation of the device is usually restored. If a characteristic whistle appears soon after turning on the column, you need to check the condition of the gas outlet tube connections; they may need to be resealed.

Problems with the rod in Neva models

In Neva brand dispensers, sometimes the rod jams in the gas valve. As a result, this element stops working normally.

To eliminate such a malfunction, you need to remove and disassemble the water-gas unit, and then move the rod with a regular screwdriver. If the part cannot be mechanically affected, the element should be completely replaced.

This video demonstrates troubleshooting for a NEVA speaker:

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Finding the cause and ways to eliminate the problem of speaker attenuation can be found here:

Column attenuation is a symptom of an internal malfunction or violation of the operating conditions of the device. You need to correctly find out the cause of the problem, after which a significant part of the described breakdowns can be eliminated yourself. But to solve complex problems you will have to contact a service center.

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