How to Fix Gas Heaters

If your water heater isn't heating your water, you may wonder how to fix gas heater. If the actual water heater itself is leaking, then you will most likely need to replace it. If this is the case, it is best to work with a licensed plumber who understands all of the intricacies of gas water heaters so that you don't accidentally create a hazardous situation by trying to replace it yourself. However, if it is not leaking, here are some tips on how to fix gas heater yourself.

The first thing to do if your water heater is not working is to actually check the gas. It is very possible that the gas got turned off somehow. One way to check to see if your gas is on is to turn on your gas stove and see if it works. If you don't have a gas stove, you can check your gas meter on the outside of your house to see if it is running.

Once you have determined that the gas is actually on, the next step how to fix gas heater is to check the pilot light and light it if it is out. You can generally find instructions on how to light the pilot light right on the water heater. If the gas was off and you turned it back on, there may be some air that must escape before the gas can get to the pilot, so it may take a little time. If the pilot light won't stay lit or won't light at all, you may have an issue with the thermocouple.

If you want to know how to fix gas heater when the thermocouple is the problem, you first have to know that the thermocouple looks like a copper wire that goes from the control box on the front of the heater down to where the pilot light is. The tip by the pilot light is larger than the rest of the wire and is actually positioned in the flame from the pilot light. The heat makes an electrical signal go to the control valve to let it know that it can let the gas go to the main burner. If the thermocouple is bad, it is fairly easy to replace using a small adjustable wrench.

If that doesn't do it, the last thing to check on how to fix gas heater is the gas control valve. If you are not sure about what to do with this valve or anything else, it is best to call a professional.