The reason why gas water heaters are so common around the world is that they provide hot water very efficiently. But do you know what makes the water heater safe to use? How is the gas supplied in a meticulous manner? And why is there no gas spreading around? Well, there is a component known as the water heater gas valve, and it plays a crucial role.

Whether you have a gas water heater installed at your home or you plan to get one, it is important to understand what a water heater gas valve is and what function it plays.

What is a water heater gas valve, and how does it work?

A gas valve is a component that ensures the safety of the appliance and its operation. In the case of a water heater, the job of the gas valve is to control the pressure and amount of gas that flows into the heater. It permits a steady flow of the gas so that it can light the burner at a constant speed and prevents gas leaks.

So, we can say that the gas valve has two main operations, and that is to control the pilot light or the gas flow and the water temperature.

Pilot lights are ignited by pressing the button on the valve, which sends a minuscule amount of gas to the pilot head. Once the pilot light is on, the functionality of the thermocouple starts. The thermocouple will ensure the pilot continues to light as long as the gas is supplied.

The gas valve is connected to several other important parts of the water heater, such as the TRP valve, thermocouple, and the pilot tube.

Considering the functionality of the gas valve, it is necessary to ensure that it works properly at all times. If the gas valve does not operate correctly, it can cause issues like the water heater not heating, the pilot light won’t work, and several other similar problems.

But how will you find out if it’s working well or not? Let’s find it out below.

How to troubleshoot a water heater gas valve?

When you notice any problem in the functionality of the water heater, examining the gas valve should be the top priority. Troubleshooting it will allow you to determine where the issue lies, whether it is the valve creating the problem or any other part of the water heater connected to it.

Although the gas valve does not malfunction usually, you should check it just to be on the safer side.

We will be lighting the pilot to see if the gas valve works or not. Remember not to try this if you smell gas around. If it smells, there might be gas leaks, and you should call a professional for an inspection.

Anyways, light the pilot, release the button, and see if it continues to light. It is likely that the thermocouple is faulty if the pilot light goes out.

The problem is with the gas control valve if the pilot does not stay lit after you replace the thermocouple.

It might not be feasible to repair the gas valve, and you may have to go for the replacement. The preferred option is to replace it anyway.

If you don’t know how to do it, continue to read, and you will know about it all.

How to replace a water heater gas valve?

Replacing a water heater gas valve is easy only if you know how to do it the right way. Before we move forward, when you do any kind of repair or replacement work, make sure to shut off the gas supply. Do not take the risk, as working with natural gas can turn out to be dangerous.

Aside from shutting off the gas, it is also advised to disconnect water lines connected to the heater and also drain the tank.

Replacing the gas valve involves removing the fault one. An adjustable wrench is what can be really helpful to complete the job. Start detaching the components attached to the gas valve one by one.

Do it with care so that no other element is compromised during the course. Once all attached parts are disconnected, remove the gas valve. Install the new valve by reversing the procedure.

After you are done, check the pilot light again and make sure it’s working the way it should be.

Remember that if you keep up the maintenance, you can prolong the water heater life. Aside from the gas valve, other parts of the water heater are equally important for the heater to function.

Conclusion

It won’t be a pun to say that you need a gas valve for a water heater to work effectively. Of course, if you aren’t going for the electric water heater. The electric heater doesn’t need a gas valve, and it will have its own components and working.

In case you have a water heater, do check out the gas valve and ensure it’s working so that you are supplied with hot water uninterruptedly and safely.