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Like any technique, a gas water heater can fail. It is important to know what measures to take to restore the device to work. What to do if the gas column “Vector” does not ignite? Don’t panic – read our article instead. In it, we revealed the main problems of technology and ways to eliminate them.
Why column does not start
Vektor water heaters are among the most popular in Russia. Buyers are attracted by the cost of the speakers, which is advantageous compared to other models. The stores offer a wide range with attractive design and compact body.
Pleased with convenient control. On the panel there are regulators, the set temperature is reflected on the display. Ignition takes place automatically. The equipment is equipped with a system of protection against overheating, traction control.
Due to the wide distribution of the Vector speakers, you can easily find a service center and a qualified craftsman. There are no problems with spare parts either.
We will describe typical problems due to which the device does not turn on or lights up for a long time.
No spark. The burner does not ignite
There could be several reasons for this failure. Let’s take a closer look at each.
There is no draft in the chimney. The burner can only ignite if there is ventilation. Waste products are discharged through the chimney to the street. A special sensor monitors the presence of traction, if it is not there, then the equipment will not start. Most likely, the chimney is clogged, it needs cleaning. The hole could be clogged with soot or debris from the street. If you cannot clear the passage yourself, you need to call the utility service.
It is forbidden to operate the device in the absence of draft. This is fraught with the accumulation of carbon monoxide in the room.
Weak water pressure. High pressure in the system acts on the membrane, it presses on the gas valve. If the head is small and the pressure is low, the valve will not open. Why does this happen:
- If your pressure is constantly or often reduced, it makes sense to install a circulation pump. It will restore the pressure in the system and stable operation.
- Filter blockage. A mesh filter is installed at the inlet to the water unit. It traps small debris, rust, preventing clogging of the device openings. Take it apart and take it out. It must be rinsed under running water, and in case of severe blockage, leave it to soak in a solution of citric acid.
- The heat exchanger is clogged with scale. Repairs can be done by hand. Remove the casing, unscrew the screws securing the heat exchanger. To clean the internal system, you can run a descaling solution with a syringe. We wrote more in the article:How to clean a gas column».
Membrane problems. Since the rubber element is constantly bent, it quickly stretches, deforms and loses its shape. Damage or breaks are possible. In this case, you need to change the membrane, since it cannot be repaired.
To do this:
- Remove the cover from the water block by first unscrewing the fixing screws.
- The membrane needs to be replaced if it is damaged or deformed.
- Remove the old part from the seat.
- After installing a new element (it is better to take a silicone membrane), carefully tighten the screws.
Battery does not work. Electronic ignition occurs when batteries are fired, which create a current for a spark. They need to be replaced periodically. The battery pack is located at the bottom of the case. Remove the panel, remove the cells and install new batteries.
Contacts oxidized. Perhaps the cause of the breakdown is not in the batteries – sometimes the wiring contacts are oxidized in the block. The repair is not difficult: clean the contacts and restore work.
Incorrect adjustment. If the piezo does not work, the column does not light up, check the water unit regulator. For normal operation, water must constantly flow into the system, and the lever is set to the extreme right position.
Wear of the water valve seal. If you notice that the valve is leaking, you need to replace the stuffing box. How to repair the device if the replacement did not help? Check the microswitch stem. Sometimes it turns sour and needs cleaning. As soon as it becomes mobile, work will resume.
If you have replaced the batteries, but there is no spark, you should check and replace: microswitch, solenoid valve, control board, wiring between parts.
There is a spark, but the column does not ignite
What reasons lead to such an outcome:
- Gas valve closed. In this case, no fuel enters the system. Turn off the valve until it stops.
- pressure problems also lead to the same result. Reduced pressure can be not only in the line, but also at the inlet to the boiler. For example, due to a clogged filter, mixer.
- If the appliance does not heat water well, it is necessary to clean the heat exchanger. Sometimes the radiator mounts boil so much that they cannot be unscrewed. Use WD-40 to remove plaque and dismantle the part. Place the radiator itself in a large basin with a solution of citric acid. Warm up on the stove for half an hour until all the scale has come off.
Experts do not recommend the use of aggressive products for cleaning the heat exchanger. Because they destroy metal.
- Burner clogged. Soot, carbon deposits accumulate in the holes (jets) over time. You can clean them from soot with a thin wire.
Periodically check the burner for gas leakage. To do this, coat all connections with soapy water. If the soap doesn’t bubble, you’re good.
Lights up and dims
If, when turned on, a spark appears and the burner ignites, but after a while it goes out, do not rush to say that the column is broken. Here are the possible reasons:
- Insufficient traction. The chimney passage has narrowed, the draft appears and then disappears and extinguishes the burner. Needs cleaning. If natural ventilation is disturbed in the room, open the windows or install a ventilation valve on the window frame.
- Weak pressing of the piezo ignition button or insufficient retention. Hold down the key for at least 20 seconds.
- Broken exhaust gas sensor. You can check the part with a multimeter. Attach its probes to the sensor contacts. If the element is working, there will be an infinity icon on the screen.
- Mixing streams. Trying to normalize the temperature in the mixer, you open cold water in parallel with hot water. As a result, the burner goes out. Set the controller to a single comfort temperature.
- Too high pressure in low-power models (Lux Eco) leads to displacement of the gas supply rod. Adjust the supply of water or fuel in accordance with the parameters of the dispenser.
- Too sensitive overheating sensor, which permanently disables the device. Need a replacement.
- Pilot adjustment. Pull the electrode away from the igniter comb so that the spark hits the very center of the burner.
- Depressurization of connections. During operation, the heater may whistle or hum. Inspect the gas outlet pipe connections, seal them.
Ignition is delayed
Perhaps the burner jets are clogged. It is necessary to carry out disassembly and complete cleaning of soot and soot. Also check the microswitch. If a crackling sound is heard, but no spark is produced, do this:
- Loosen the two cover screws.
- Pull the handles towards you, pulling the casing towards you, remove it.
- There will be a switch in the middle at the bottom.
- If its button sinks, lubricate with oil, then the ignition should be stable.
- If this does not help, install a new part.
If you find that a spark is produced and a click is heard, but the burner does not ignite, check the solenoid valve. Lastly, the ignition unit itself is inspected. In the event of a malfunction, all parts must be replaced.
Does the device turn on and off by itself? It is necessary to check and eliminate all causes of possible overheating. Clean the chimney, check its tightness.
Experts believe that such breakdowns in the Vector geyser occur due to poor-quality parts and assembly. Incorrect installation of the device also leads to malfunctions: if you did it yourself, the service center may refuse to guarantee you. Installation must only be carried out by a specialist.
If you do not have experience in repairing such equipment, it is better to contact a service center. There are many causes of malfunctions, and special equipment may be required to accurately diagnose them.