Kitchen Gas Appliances - Propane Hot Water Heater
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05-31-00, 01:20 PM
I need to know how to repair a propane hot water heater. It was spewing black smoke from the vent pipe, and burning underneath the heater. Any ideas would be appreciated, thanks!
05-31-00, 09:48 PM
Hi:missy35
From the discription you posted and that I invision here, best bet is to toss the appliance and replace it with a new one.
My assumption here is this is an older tank <no mention of it's age> and has been using propane all a long. If so, based on the symptoms, it sounds like it is overgassed.
It may also be the flue, which could be restricted/clogged or totally plugged. If so, there isn't anything you can do with it to clear it.
What is dangerous here is the fact that the flames are coming out the bottom. This indicates smothering conditions to the burner flames, which is very hazardous.
Best suggestion I could make is turn it off until a licsensed plummer corrects the condition or the rep from your local propane dealer.
Good Luck,
TomBartco
Natural Gas Energy Technician and Consultant
From the discription you posted and that I invision here, best bet is to toss the appliance and replace it with a new one.
My assumption here is this is an older tank <no mention of it's age> and has been using propane all a long. If so, based on the symptoms, it sounds like it is overgassed.
It may also be the flue, which could be restricted/clogged or totally plugged. If so, there isn't anything you can do with it to clear it.
What is dangerous here is the fact that the flames are coming out the bottom. This indicates smothering conditions to the burner flames, which is very hazardous.
Best suggestion I could make is turn it off until a licsensed plummer corrects the condition or the rep from your local propane dealer.
Good Luck,
TomBartco
Natural Gas Energy Technician and Consultant
06-07-00, 12:54 PM
Just a note; this hot water heater was installed about a year ago, and is brand new! I will have a plumber check to see if it is getting too much gas. Thanks!