Why does the gas column not work and what to do about it

The gas column is a simple and familiar box in the kitchen that provides our apartments with hot water. It can be large or small, old or new, can be lit with matches or a button. But sooner or later it will start to mess up.

Possible malfunctions of the gas column

1. The gas column does not light up: it clicks or does not react at all to switching on.
2. The speaker lights up, but goes out during operation.
3. The device works with claps.
4. The water does not heat up well.
5. The gas column is leaking.
6. The smell of gas is felt.

The gas column is not lit

Reason 1. Insufficient traction

The problem may be caused by a foreign object or soot in the chimney. At the same time, the thrust decreases, and the protection system is triggered in the water heater: the gas is automatically blocked.

It is easy to check the assumption: open the window, put your palm to the opening of the chimney or light a match near it. If the thrust is good, there will be a noticeable breeze, and the light will noticeably deviate to the side.

Solution: the ventilation duct needs cleaning. You won't be able to do it yourself. You should call the management company and call the chimney sweeps.

Reason 2. The supply elements are discharged

This happens with gas columns with automatic ignition from batteries: batteries or generators. As a rule, this happens 8-16 months after the start of operation.

Decision:

1. Check the power button of the speaker.
2. Replace the dead batteries with new ones.

Reason 3. Weak water pressure

You can check the pressure by opening the tap with cold water. If cold water flows as badly as hot water, then it's a matter of plumbing. If the pressure of cold water is much stronger than hot, then it's a matter of the water node of the column. It may have clogged filters or deformed membrane. Or maybe the hot water pipes themselves or filters in the installed deep cleaning system are clogged.

Decision:

1. Call the utility service: they can give an answer if problems have arisen in the entire water supply network.
2. Rinse the water purification filters or change the filter in the mixer.
3. Clean the column from soot and soot.
4. Replace the membrane of the column water node.
5. Leave a request to the municipal service for flushing hot water pipes.

Reason 4. No gas supply

Usually, when the speaker is ignited, you can hear a characteristic sound and feel a slight smell of incoming gas. If there is no sound or smell, then the gas is not coming.

Decision:

1. Call the utility service to find out if repairs are being carried out on your site: gas could be turned off centrally.
2. Check whether the gas bills have been paid: it could have been turned off for non-payment.
3. Call a gas specialist.

The gas column goes out during operation

Possible reasons:

1. Most likely, there were malfunctions with the temperature sensor installed to protect the column from overheating.
2. If the column works normally for a short time, and then turns off itself, and it turns on again only after 15-20 minutes, it means that the sensor is too sensitive to temperature. The original malfunction of the part or stuffiness in the room may be to blame for this.
3. If the speaker works intermittently (sometimes without complaints, and sometimes turns off for no reason): probably, the insulation of the conductor of the temperature sensor was worn out.

Decision:

1. Ventilate the room in which the column is located. Maybe the kitchen is just too hot.
2. Replace the temperature sensor (this can be done under warranty if the speaker was purchased recently).
3. Contact the service center about the malfunction.

The gas column works with pops

Possible reasons:

1. The gas pressure is too strong.
2. The gas pressure is too weak.

Solution: the burner must be cleaned and adjusted. It's not difficult if you know the theory. But it is better to call a specialist.

The water is poorly heated

Reason 1. Insufficient column power

Perhaps you often need simultaneous water supply to the kitchen and bathroom, and the column does not have time to warm up such a volume.

Decision:

1. Pick up a larger power unit.
2. Turn on the hot water in different rooms alternately.

Reason 2. The column is clogged

Blockage may occur in the burner or heat exchanger due to excess soot. It will be signaled by the red-white color of the flame at normal water pressure.

The solution is to clean the column, preferably with the help of a specialist.

Reason 3. The membrane of the water node of the column is damaged

If at first there is water of an acceptable temperature, but gradually it becomes colder, the flame of the column is blue, and the light is weak, then the problem is in the integrity of the membrane. Cold water is wedged into the hot stream, and the outlet temperature decreases.

The solution is to replace the membrane.

Reason 4. The water inlet-outlet hoses are incorrectly installed

If you have just turned on a new column, and there was no hot water, there probably were mistakes during installation.

The solution is to switch hoses.

Water drips from the column

Possible reasons:

1. Loose connection of the supply hoses.
2. Wear of the water part or heat exchanger.

Decision:

1. Replace the rubber gaskets on the hoses.
2. If this does not help, the internal parts of the speaker may be damaged. If they are expensive enough, it may be more profitable to buy a new heating unit. Contact a specialist.

When the speaker is turned on, the smell of gas is felt

If a strong smell of gas is felt when the speaker is ignited, this is not a joke. It is necessary to immediately turn off the column, turn off the gas supply tap, open all windows (sometimes doors) to ensure ventilation of the room and call the emergency service.

And how do you cope with breakdowns of household appliances? Are you trying to solve problems on your own or are you relying on specialists? Share your experience in the comments.