Problems with the butane gas heater
Butane gas heater problems are usually less complicated than they seem. Therefore, it is worthwhile to have an idea of what kind of problems can arise and how they could be solved so that, in the event that they do occur, you know how to act.
The market for water heaters is full of multiple options, from different brands and various designs to suit all tastes and needs. Electric heaters, for some years now, have become the most sought after alternatives. However, there are people who, perhaps because they do not want to add more expenses to their electricity bill, prefer to purchase a model that runs on gas.
Gas heaters are divided into three: those that work with propane gas , those that work with butane gas and those that are compatible with both . These artifacts are quite useful and practical; In addition, the cost of these is lower compared to electric ones and, as if this were not enough, the cost they generate is also lower in the long term.
However, despite their great qualities, these devices, like any other product, can deteriorate over time and require maintenance or replacement. Repairing a gas heater should be done by a professional, however, to avoid being scammed by overcharging or making you change a part that is in good condition, it is a good idea to at least have an idea of what could be wrong, depending on the situation presented by the heater.
For example, a heater that does not light the burners , but does light the flame, may have a perforated water body membrane, therefore, in this specific case, only the heater membrane may need to be changed to return it to normal. new. Therefore, having this information, you can request that this part be verified first before having to buy a large number of spare parts to be able to fix the artifact.
Likewise, there are common faults that it is worth being aware of in order to know what you can expect from your butane gas heater after years of use. These failures are some of the most common:
Heater sparks but won’t turn on:
Batteries:
Although the heaters work with gas, many of them have an ignition mechanism that is electric and this usually uses batteries.
If your heater fails to spark or does spark but fails to ignite the flame, the batteries may be dead or about to die.
Lack of gas:
Something simple that could be causing this problem is that there is not enough gas. Therefore, check that the cylinder is not exhausted. If you don’t, then you know what to do.
Dirty gum:
The jet is a very important piece in the gas heater, since the gas is conducted from this small device, if you have an appliance that works with a pilot flame.
In the event that it is very dirty, it is possible that the heater sparks, but cannot ignite the flame, since the gas is not conducted as it should.
In these cases, it may be enough to remove the piece, clean it with water and put it back in its place.
Gas tap:
Many times, when the gas heater does not turn on when the tap is turned on, the problem is that the gas tap is closed. Please check this before calling a technician.
Water pressure: It is possible that your heater does not turn on due to lack of water pressure, as this causes the membrane to not function properly. In these cases, you should check that the pipes are not clogged.
Gas heater does not spark
Piezoelectric igniter:
Many ignition systems rely on a small piezoelectric igniter that is responsible for making the spark and then igniting the flame.
If it has been damaged, then you just have to buy the spare part and change it. That way the heater should work.
thermocouple:
The thermocouple is a part attached to the pilot burner and gas control valve, and its function is to monitor the flow of gas from the heater. If this doesn’t work, then it’s almost impossible for the engine to spark. In these cases, it is worth buying a new part.
Heater turns off mid shower
Security system:
Like all modern heaters, gas-powered models, most of the time, have a safety system that prevents the appliance from overheating due to excessive power.
Therefore, if your heater has too much power and, in the middle of the shower, it reaches a temperature that could be considered dangerous, the security system can turn off the device to avoid accidents.
Obstruction:
Many times the outlet pipe can be clogged, therefore it is necessary to check this part of the gas heater and clean it, if necessary, to allow the appliance to work properly again.
The gas heater does not heat the water enough
Membrane: If the flames are very small and the water does not heat enough, it is possible that the membrane is deteriorated and needs to be changed. It is necessary to check its operation.
Regulator: If the cylinder regulator is damaged or very deteriorated, then it will not be able to supply the adequate gas pressure, which will cause the heater to fail to heat the water to the correct temperature.
Cleaning: Many times if the flame is weak or irregular, and the water does not heat as it should, then the jet may be dirty and need cleaning. Cleaning your gas heater on an occasional basis can prevent dirt from building up, which, in turn, will keep the appliance working properly.
As you can see, the gas water heater is a fairly complex system that needs regular maintenance in order to always work like new. Many times the problems that appear are easy to solve and do not require a heater replacement, or a large number of parts to repair. Check frequently that everything is in good condition and extend the useful life of your device.
