Lochinvar Water Heater Troubleshooting

Lochinvar makes some of the most efficient water heaters in the market. It is an American brand with headquarters in Tennessee, and branches in Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. If you have one at home, and are encountering problems with your Lochinvar residential water heater unit, here are troubleshooting tips you can apply.

Important: Do DIY Troubleshooting Only When Necessary
First off, it’s always recommended to consult with a qualified service agent so as not to void the warranty and to ensure proper repair of the unit. Troubleshoot your Lochinvar water heater on your own only when necessary and when in doubt of what to do.

1. Water Leaks
Improper sealing of connections, valves, or thermostat threads, or leaks in interconnected appliances and waterlines, may cause water leaks. Tighten connections and valves or fix leaks in other units.

Note: Condensation is normal, and doesn’t necessarily indicate leak, especially when the water in the tank hasn’t warmed up. Excessive condensation may cause pilot outage when water runs down to the main burner.

2. Leaking T&P Valve
Check for proper operation or install thermal expansion tank. Do Not plug T&P valve while executing these steps.

3. Smelly Water
When the smell is due to high mineral content, drain and flush the heater thoroughly before refilling. When it’s due to bacteria, chlorinate or aerate water supply.

4. Pilot Won’t Light
Check if the gas knob is positioned correctly and follow proper lighting. Turn on main gas shutoff valve. Replace pilot assembly and thermocouple. If match is not close to pilot, move it closer.

5. Burner Dies Down
Replace faulty pilot assembly and thermocouple. Replace defective gas control.

6. Pilot Outage
Clean pilot assembly. Replace faulty pilot assembly and thermocouple. Replace defective gas control. When thermocouple tip is not in contact with pilot flame, insert it properly.

7. Insufficient Hot Water
Follow lighting instructions correctly – lit heater and turn on the thermostat. Regulate the temperature to desired heat. Allow more time to heat water. When the heater is undersized, reduce hot water consumption or buy a properly sized heater. Contact gas supplier for low gas pressure issues. Hire a plumber to repair leaking hot water pipes and fixtures. Contact service agent when high-temperature limit switch is activated.

8. Water Too Hot
Check if your thermostat is set to high. Regulate it to the desired temperature.

9. Noise or Disturbing Sounds
It is likely that some condensation dripped on the burner, causing sizzling sounds. That’s normal. Refer to Note above. When sediment or calcium residues collect at the bottom of the tank, drain and clean it according to the manual.

10. Sooting
Sooting indicates improper combustion. Contact service agent immediately to determine cause.

11. Vent Gas Odors
Vent gas odors are caused by lack of supply air, improper installation of vent, downdraft and poor combustion. Contact service agent immediately.

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