A water heater is a crucial part of any home, especially during the winter months when you really need it most. Without hot water, daily tasks such as washing clothes, showering, cooking and cleaning become more challenging. If your water heater runs out of hot water too quickly, or if the temperature is not consistent throughout the day, there may be something wrong with your gas valve. A faulty gas valve will lead to inadequate water flow and reduced hot water production. If you notice that your water pressure is lower than normal, your water heater may be the cause.A faulty gas valve will fail to shut off when you turn the water off at the main supply line. This will result in gas flowing continuously past the control device, causing significant damage to the water heater unit that could result in CO poisoning and a fire hazard. Fortunately, replacing the water heater gas valve is an easy DIY project if you know what you’re doing. There are also gas valve repair kits available that can help you identify and fix the problem without having to replace the whole unit altogether.
Confirm the Problem First
Before you begin replacing the water heater gas valve, confirm that it is, in fact, the source of your problem. The first step in repairing or replacing a faulty water heater gas valve will be to shut off the power supply to the unit. You will need either a circuit breaker box or a main service panel near the water heater. Depending on where you live, you may have a combination of switches for both electricity and natural gas. Once you have shut off the power supply, you will be able to visually inspect the control device. If the water has stopped flowing from the faucet, you know that something may be wrong with the control device. If so, you can either replace the faulty device or repair it with a repair kit.
Replacement Basics
When replacing a water heater gas valve, always use the same size as the old one. When replacing both the water flow and pressure control devices, use the same size as the old flow control device. You can find the manufacturer of your water heater’s control devices and determine which size to use by locating the model number in the installation instructions or on a label attached to the device. Make sure to use the same fitting that the manufacturer recommends. You may also find a diagram that shows the control device and its fittings in relation to the water heater’s main water valve. The diagram will help you identify which fittings you need to replace in order to replace the control device.
Step 1: Shut Off the Power and Disconnect the Electrical Connections
Before you begin, shut off the power to the water heater. You will need a circuit breaker box, or a main service panel near the water heater, to turn off the power. Once you have shut off the power, you will need to disconnect the electrical connections from the water heater. There will be a red or black wire connected to the water heater, and a black or red wire connected to the control device. Cut the wires to disconnect them from the control device.
Step 2: Attach the New Fittings to the Control Device
Attach the new fittings to the control device, following the instructions for your device. For example, if you are replacing the flow control device, attach the new flow control fittings to the device, following the instructions for how to install the fittings. For the pressure control device, attach the new pressure control fittings to the device. Once you have attached the new fittings, turn the water back on and test the water flow and pressure to make sure they are working properly.
Step 3: Attach the New Fittings to the Water Heater
Next, attach the new fittings to the water heater. For the flow control device, attach the new water flow control fittings to the water heater. For the pressure control device, attach the new water pressure control fittings to the water heater. Once you have attached the new fittings to the water heater, turn the water back on and test the water flow and pressure to make sure they are working properly.
Step 4: Reassemble the Control Devices and Reconnect the Wiring
Once you have attached the new fittings to the water heater and control device, reassemble the control devices and reconnect the wiring. For the flow control device, reattach the flow control fittings to the water heater. For the pressure control device, reattach the pressure control fittings to the water heater. Once you have reattached the control devices and reconnected the wiring, test the water flow and pressure to make sure they are working properly.
Conclusion
Replacing a water heater gas valve is a simple but important DIY project that can help you resolve a variety of water issues. When you replace the control device, you will be able to regain full control over your water supply and improve the flow of water throughout your home. If you encounter problems along the way, contact a water heater repair company to help you identify and repair the issue.