What to do if a gas water heater is flowing: causes of malfunctions and features of their elimination

The use of 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 receive hot water. The technique is quite useful and independent of utilities. It provides residents with hot water without interruption. However, these devices also fail for unknown reasons.

Undoubtedly, problems with such equipment should be solved by employees of the gas service with a special permit, because this is a requirement of the rules of safe operation. But there are malfunctions that you can easily fix yourself. Today we will analyze one of the frequent ones, which is associated with the flow of a gas column. Let's talk about what to do if a gas water heater is flowing, 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 main reasons for a gas column leak

A gas water heater is a complex piece of equipment that, with proper care, will delight you with long-term trouble-free operation. But, like all similar devices, it has its own lifespan. So, if you do not pay attention to the first malfunctions and problems in operation, you can reduce the operating life of the equipment.

Leaking and dripping from the column is not new. Many consumers face this problem. But only its timely elimination helps to keep the device in good condition. Guided by our article, you can eliminate dripping or leakage from the gas column, if this is not associated with the need for a complete replacement of equipment.

To know which way to fix the problem to apply (and there will be several of them), you need to determine the cause of the malfunction.

Such malfunctions are possible in devices of any brand. Some models have a too vulnerable radiator, others have contact areas, others have a membrane, etc.

And, if you find a leak in your gas column, then perhaps the reason is one of the following:

1. 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 pipe.
2. The heat exchanger is leaking and is now leaking water. The constant impact of fire on the surface of the coil metal causes microcracks. As a result, pipes burn out. And then the first sign of a radiator breakdown is the accumulation of condensate. Water appears on the body and on the column assemblies that are inside the device.
3. Worn stem o-ring or diaphragm. Often, it is from the gas-water unit that water begins to ooze. This is often caused by damage to the O-ring or diaphragm. The part (both) can be easily changed to a new one.
4. Long-term lack of preventive checks. Typically, unexpected leaks are the result of a lack of preventive maintenance.

When the water heater starts to leak, the first step is to 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, you can start trying to eliminate the defect.

The casing can be easily dismantled, since it is fastened only with bolts, and sometimes with latches. If you notice that water flows only when the boiler is on, then you will need to start the heater at the time of the check, 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.

Causes of breakdowns and ways to eliminate them

When you have determined why your gas water heater is leaking, you can start fixing the problem. There are several basic ways, and they all depend on which part or element is causing the leak. Next, let's talk about everything in more detail.

Reason # 1 - leaks at the joints

In this case, leaks can be eliminated quite simply. The main thing is to change the gaskets and re-establish the connection. The 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 column at the threaded joints leaks water. As a rule, nbegins to flow in the left tube of the column where the water is supplied.

To fix this, you need to:

• Shut off the water supply to the gas column.
• Carefully disassemble the problematic joint with a regular wrench. Immediately remove the gasket that has undergone wear.
• Clean the components of the connection from rust and dirt. Be sure to degrease the threads and other elements of the connecting unit, and then dry.
• Replace the gasket with a new one.
• Collect the connection.

All joints should be carefully inspected for leaks. When searching, a visual inspection is enough - such problems are noticeable even to a beginner.

Reason # 2 - diaphragm and stem gasket wear

To eliminate leaks in the area of ​​the water reducer, it will be necessary to change the gaskets (oil seals) on the stem.

Do not forget about the spring. It should be checked for functionality. Often these elements will wear out causing leaks.

The oil seal can be easily changed as follows:

1. The water unit is secured with screws, which should be unscrewed at the beginning of the work process.
2. Separate the two parts of the water unit housing.
3. Remove the diaphragm, spring and plate with stem (round disc with metal pin).
4. 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 more often 5 years, sometimes 8.

The required spare part is being replaced - instead of the worn one membranes a new one is installed.

The inner cavity of the gearbox needs to be cleaned. Therefore, the accumulated sand and other debris is removed. After that, it remains to assemble the gearbox in the reverse order and install it in place.

Reason # 3 - heat exchanger leaks

Sometimes, to understand why water is flowing from your gas column, it is enough to identify the accumulation of condensate. The liquid collects on the body and the inner parts of the gas column. 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) - water droplets are formed in some of its areas. The main cause of a leak is the presence of cracks or holes. Fire affects the metal for a long time, burning it out gradually and rather slowly.

This will definitely be the replacement of the heat exchanger or the soldering of the damaged area.

The problem solving scheme is as follows:

• The water pipes must be shut off so that water no longer flows into the column.
• Disconnect the hoses that supply water from the equipment. All water must be drained from the radiator. To completely dry it, it is better to use a compressor or vacuum cleaner.
• Sand the damaged areas with sandpaper. Degrease and dry prepared places.
• Solder.

For soldering, you 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 watts.

Also for soldering you can use gas burner.

When soldering, not a single crack, even a minor one, should be overlooked. Because every slightest deformation and microcrack will cause condensation, which means the column will leak.

On our website there is a more detailed heat exchanger repair instruction do it yourself.

Reason # 4 - lack of service

In this case, we are talking about carrying out regular preventive maintenance measures gas-using equipment, for which it is necessary to attract qualified specialists from the gas company, with which you have contract signed.

If maintenance is not carried out on time, then the column will fail much earlier. So, for example, from the abundance of scale, the efficiency of water heating will decrease, and cracks form on the copper pipes. And then you will need to change the heat exchanger, which will be quite expensive. Or soldering.

But a number of activities for maintenance (cleaning the individual elements of the column from carbon deposits, scale and dirt) can be done by hand.

Difficulties in repairing different speaker models

If we take into account gas water heaters of all brands and models, then the reasons for the leak are almost the same. However, if we consider the brands of devices separately, you can point to certain breakdowns that more often occur in the gas water heater of a particular manufacturer.

Let's take a look at the example of brands popular among buyers. If you use one of the columns discussed below and it is leaking, then it will be easier for you to find the cause of the leak.

Reasons for the leakage of columns "Neva"

If the gas column "Neva" is flooded with water, then the leak is caused by the following defects:

• membrane failure;
• stem oil seal leaks;
• the integrity of the stem plate is broken.

Speaking about this brand of gas boilers, it should be noted that it is very problematic to eliminate the stem oil seal leak. The complexity is caused by the connecting bolts of the two compartments - gas and water. They are quite difficult to unscrew. Often, when trying to make repairs, the bolts break.

Leaks in gas water heaters "Junkers"

Leakage of liquid in a Junkers heater occurs more often for the following reasons:

• failure of the radiator;
• damage to the O-rings - in older models they dry out, which leads to the formation of a leak from the column;
• the formation of cracks in the flow regulator (the place where the "frog" is attached);
• 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 water heaters "Ariston"

Those who have a column of the firm "Ariston ", talk about leaks at the bottom of the device. The problem lies in flange gasket wear. The problem is solved by replacing it. To do this, the column is disconnected from the network and all the water is drained. After the cover is removed, the flange is removed and the same gasket is replaced.

Another problem with these columns is depressurization of connection sections. The best solution is to cover the joints with sealant.

Reasons for leaks of speakers of other brands

Service centers are more likely to encounter customers who own the company's column "Bosch ". And, almost always, the leak is caused by diaphragm wear. For this reason, experts recommend keeping this part in stock. And promptly clean the device from scale and dirt.

Gas water heaters "Oasis" flow due to a faulty stem oil seal that needs to be replaced. For more information about this process, as well as an overview of other breakdowns of speakers of this brand and how to repair them, we considered in our other article.

Columns of the firm "Astra» begin to leak most often for two reasons - defects in the joints and a leaky heat exchanger. To fix the problem temporarily - soldering copper pipes, more efficient and longer - replacing the radiator.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Often, the problem of a gas column heat exchanger leak is eliminated by soldering the tubes. However, not everyone in the house will have the right tools and materials. There is an alternative way to solve the problem - no soldering. How to do this, see the following video:

Eliminating a leak in a water heater of any brand is not a complicated procedure - all 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 it is enough to use the above instructions and do not forget about safety rules when using gas equipment.

And if in the process of doing repairs with your own hands you find a gas leak, you should immediately call the gas workers.

Do you want to tell about your own experience in fixing a gas column leak? Or do you have your own opinion about the advisability of an independent search for the cause of the leak and further repair on your own? Express your opinion, share your experience, participate in discussions - the comment form is located below.