failing water heater

[peter driessen]

Recently my water heater has begun producing a lazy flame when heating. By this I mean that it appears to have inadequate air mixture and hence the flame doesnt come out of all gas jet holes and perodically only ignites as it comes out the rectangular peep whole where you stick a match in to ignite the pilot. In addition the smell of gas is present when it is on. The flame appears to get better (and hisses more) after it has been on a while. Lastly, the pilot doesnt stay lit after the heater is in heat mode (with flame as discribed above), though it does stay lit before I turn knob from pilot to on. At end of cycle the flame goes out and the pilot goes out. Any ideas what is going on? Is there an air intake that may be clogged? Thanks in advance. steve

[steven padgittParticipant]

steve; Might be a plugged vent, but more than likely your gas valve is failing. Or your supply gas pressure is too low, if you have a manometer you can check out the gas presure, I would suggest you get a pro to look at it…Lou

[steven padgittParticipant]

: Recently my water heater has begun producing a lazy flame when heating. By this I mean that it appears to have inadequate air mixture and hence the flame doesnt come out of all gas jet holes and perodically only ignites as it comes out the rectangular peep whole where you stick a match in to ignite the pilot. In addition the smell of gas is present when it is on. The flame appears to get better (and hisses more) after it has been on a while. Lastly, the pilot doesnt stay lit after the heater is in heat mode (with flame as discribed above), though it does stay lit before I turn knob from pilot to on. At end of cycle the flame goes out and the pilot goes out. Any ideas what is going on? Is there an air intake that may be clogged? Thanks in advance. : steve

[steven padgittParticipant]

: Recently my water heater has begun producing a lazy flame when heating. By this I mean that it appears to have inadequate air mixture and hence the flame doesnt come out of all gas jet holes and perodically only ignites as it comes out the rectangular peep whole where you stick a match in to ignite the pilot. In addition the smell of gas is present when it is on. The flame appears to get better (and hisses more) after it has been on a while. Lastly, the pilot doesnt stay lit after the heater is in heat mode (with flame as discribed above), though it does stay lit before I turn knob from pilot to on. At end of cycle the flame goes out and the pilot goes out. Any ideas what is going on? Is there an air intake that may be clogged? Thanks in advance. : steveIf I were you steve, I would check the venting system and the flue inside the unit for blockage which would be causing what I see is Flame roll out. There is also a recall on some white rodgers valves due to sooting of the burner which also causes the conditions you are describing. Your problem is serious so I would get someone to check it out immediately.

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