What to do if a gas water heater is leaking: an overview of the main causes and recommendations for eliminating them
Using a gas water heater is one of the best options for heating water in a house when there is no centralized water supply or the ability to obtain hot water. The technology is very useful and independent of public utilities. It provides residents with uninterrupted hot water. However, these devices also fail for unknown reasons.
Undoubtedly, problems with such equipment should be resolved by gas service employees with special permission, because this is a requirement of safe operation rules. But there are some problems that you can easily fix yourself. Today we will look at one of the common ones, which is associated with a leaking gas water heater. Let's talk about what to do if a gas water heater is leaking, how to identify the cause of the breakdown and what actions can be taken. We will also analyze the features of breakdowns that are inherent in various brands of gas water heaters.
The content of the article:
The main causes of geyser leaks
A geyser is a complex piece of equipment that, with proper care, will provide long-term, uninterrupted operation. But, like all such devices, it has its own service life.Thus, if you do not pay attention to the first malfunctions and problems in operation, you can reduce the service life of the equipment.
Leaking and dripping from the column is nothing new. Many consumers face this problem. But only timely elimination helps to keep the device in good condition. Guided by our article, you will be able to eliminate dripping or leaking from the gas water heater, if this is not related to the need to completely replace the equipment.
To know which method to solve the problem to use (and there will be several of them), you need to determine the cause of the malfunction.
Similar problems are possible in devices of any brand. Some models have a very vulnerable radiator, others have contact areas, others have a membrane, etc.
And, if you find a leak in your gas water heater, then perhaps the cause is one of the following:
- Wear of water flow connecting elements. Most likely, it is necessary to change the rubber seals and gaskets that are located between the hose and the pipe.
- The heat exchanger has leaked and is now leaking water. Constant exposure to fire on the metal surface of the coil causes microcracks. The result is pipe burning. And then the first sign of a radiator failure is the accumulation of condensation. Water appears on the body and on the column components located inside the device.
- Worn rod or diaphragm o-ring. Often it is from the gas-water unit that water begins to ooze.The cause is often damage to the o-ring or membrane. The part (both) can be easily replaced with a new one.
- Long-term lack of preventative checks. Typically, unexpected leaks are the result of a lack of preventive maintenance.
When the water heater starts to leak, the first thing you need to do is check the pipe connections. To determine the root cause, you need to remove the casing from the column and inspect it visually - the location of the leak indicates the location of the breakdown. Only after determining the specific location and intensity of the leak can you begin to attempt to eliminate the defect.
The casing is easily dismantled, since it is attached only with bolts, and sometimes with latches. If you notice that water flows only when the boiler is on, you will need to start the heater at the time of checking, then turn it off again.
Before carrying out repair work, it is imperative to turn off not only the water supply, but also the gas supply.
Causes of breakdowns and ways to eliminate them
When you have determined why your gas water heater is leaking, you can begin to fix the problem. There are several basic methods, and they all depend on what part or element is causing the leak. Next we’ll talk about everything in more detail.
Reason #1 - leaks at joints
In this case, leaks are eliminated quite simply.The main thing is to change the gaskets and restore the connection again. Gaskets can last from 2 to 4 years. Therefore, they will need to be changed periodically.
Let's take a closer look at the process of replacing gaskets, which will help get rid of leaks if the gas water heater leaks water at the threaded connections. As a rule, pstarts to leak in the left tube of the column where water is supplied.
To fix this, you need to:
- Shut off the water supply to the gas water heater.
- Carefully disassemble the problem joint using a regular wrench. You should immediately remove the gasket that has become worn.
- Clean the connection components from rust and dirt. Be sure to degrease the threads and other elements of the connecting assembly and then dry them.
- Replace the gasket with a new one.
- Assemble the connection.
You should carefully inspect all connections for leaks. When searching, a visual inspection is enough - such problems are noticeable even to a beginner.
Reason #2 - wear of the diaphragm and rod gasket
To eliminate leaks in the area of the water reducer, it will be necessary to change the gaskets (seals) on the rod.
Don't forget about the spring. It should be checked for functionality. Often these elements wear out, causing leaks.
The oil seal can be easily changed as follows:
- The water unit is secured with screws; they should be unscrewed at the beginning of the work process.
- Separate the two parts of the water unit housing.
- Remove the membrane, spring and plate with rod (round disk with a metal pin).
- Removing the pin, you can see the rubber ring. This is the seal. It must be removed by installing a new oil seal in place.
Next, a new membrane is installed. Its service life is often 5 years, sometimes 8.
The required spare part is being replaced - replacing the worn-out one membranes a new one is installed.
The internal cavity of the gearbox needs to be cleaned. Therefore, accumulated sand and other debris are removed. After that, all that remains is to assemble the gearbox in reverse order and install it in place.
Reason #3 - heat exchanger leaks
Sometimes, to understand why water is flowing from your geyser, it is enough to identify the accumulation of condensate. The liquid collects on the body and internal parts of the gas water heater. The so-called perspiration.
However, everything is much more serious than it seems at first glance. Such signs indicate problems with the heat exchanger (radiator, coil) - drops of water form in its individual sections. The main cause of leakage is the presence of cracks or holes. Fire acts on the metal for a long time, burning it gradually and rather slowly.
This will definitely involve replacing the heat exchanger or soldering the damaged area.
The solution to the problem is as follows:
- The water supply pipes must be shut off so that water no longer enters the column.
- Disconnect the hoses that supply water from the equipment. All water must be drained from the radiator. To dry it completely, it is better to use a compressor or vacuum cleaner.
- Clean damaged areas with sandpaper. Degrease and dry the prepared areas.
- Solder.
For soldering you will need a soldering iron and solder, which can be used at temperatures above 180 degrees. Note that the soldering iron must be quite powerful - from 100 W.
Can also be used for soldering gas burner.
When soldering, not a single crack, even a minor one, should be overlooked. Because every slightest deformation and microcrack will cause the formation of condensation, which means the column will leak.
We have more detailed information on our website. heat exchanger repair instructions with your own hands.
Reason #4 - lack of service
In this case, we are talking about carrying out regular preventive measures to maintain gas-using equipment, for which you should involve qualified specialists from the gas company with which you have contract signed.
If you do not carry out maintenance on time, the column will fail much earlier. So, for example, the abundance of scale will reduce the efficiency of water heating, and cracks will form on copper tubes.And then you will need to change the heat exchanger, which will be quite expensive. Or do soldering.
But a number of activities service (cleaning individual elements of the column from carbon deposits, scale and dirt) can be done with your own hands.
Difficulties in repairing different speaker models
If we take into account geysers of all brands and models, then the causes of leakage are almost the same. However, if we consider the brands of devices separately, we can point out certain breakdowns that more often occur in the gas water heater of a particular manufacturer.
Let's look at the example of brands popular among buyers. If you are using one of the columns discussed below and it is leaking, then it will be easier for you to find the cause of the leak.
Causes of leakage of Neva columns
If the Neva geyser is flooded with water, the leak is caused by the following defects:
- membrane malfunction;
- the stem seal is leaking;
- The integrity of the rod plate is compromised.
Speaking about this brand of gas boilers, it should be noted that it is very problematic to eliminate a leak in the stem seal. The difficulty is caused by the connecting bolts of the two compartments - gas and water. They are quite difficult to unscrew. Often, when trying to carry out repairs, the bolts break.
Leak in Junkers geysers
Liquid leakage in a Junkers heater occurs more often for the following reasons:
- radiator failure;
- damage to the sealing rings - in older models they dry out, which leads to the formation of a leak from the column;
- formation of cracks in the flow regulator (place of attachment of the “frog”);
- natural wear of the membrane.
In the first case, it will be necessary to carry out soldering work; in the second and possibly the third, it will be necessary to replace the O-rings.
Problems with Ariston water heaters
Those who have a company column "Ariston", they talk about leaks in the lower part of the device. The problem lies in wear of the flange gasket. The problem is solved by replacing it. To do this, disconnect the column from the network and drain all the water. Afterwards the cover is removed, the flange is removed and the same gasket is replaced.
Another problem with these speakers is depressurization of connection areas. The best solution is to cover the joints with sealant.
Reasons for leaking speakers of other brands
Service centers more often encounter clients who own the company's dispenser "Bosch". And, almost always, the leakage is caused membrane wear. For this reason, experts recommend keeping this part in stock. And promptly clean the device from scale and dirt.
Geysers «Oasis" leaking due to a faulty rod seal, which needs to be replaced. We discussed more about this process, as well as a review of other breakdowns of speakers of this brand and methods for repairing them in our other article.
Speakers from Astra» they begin to leak most often for two reasons - defects in the joints and a leaky heat exchanger. Temporary solution to the problem - soldering copper tubes, more effective and lasting – replacing the radiator.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Often the problem of geyser heat exchanger leakage is eliminated by soldering tubes. However, not everyone will have the necessary tools and materials in their home. There is an alternative way to solve the problem - without soldering. How to do this, see the following video:
Fixing a leak in a water heater of any brand is not a complicated procedure - all the work can be done independently, having a standard set of tools in the house. To do this, it is not necessary to have special skills and knowledge, but rather use the instructions given above and do not forget about safety rules when using gas equipment.
And if during the process of carrying out repairs with your own hands you discover a gas leak, you should immediately call the gas specialists.
Would you like to tell us about your own experience of eliminating a gas water heater leak? Or do you have your own opinion about the advisability of independently searching for the cause of the leak and further repairs on your own? Express your opinion, share your experience, participate in discussions - the comment form is located below.
