Often faced with malfunctions and problems in the operation of a gas boiler, users attribute them to marriage, poor-quality production. In fact, most people do not understand the features of the functioning of boilers. Meanwhile, many problems arise due to incorrect settings, unstable pressure or voltage. Consider which malfunctions will require repair, and which ones will only require your attention.
Signs and types of breakdowns
The problems of double-circuit and single-circuit boilers “Ariston”, “Ferroli”, “Lemax” can be different:
- intermittent faults. Occur when the external parameters do not match the operating settings of the device. For example, due to power surges in the network;
- Primary and secondary. When it appears on the screen for the first time, the code indicates a problem with the system. If the problem has not been fixed, the error will appear a second time;
- Obvious and non-obvious. Upon inspection, damage to the heat exchanger can be seen. But there are such problems – a leak, an increase in pressure – the causes of which can only be detected by a specialist;
- Sudden and gradual. In the first case, the technique may turn off without warning signs. The second reason is the wear of parts.
Consider the main signs of breakdowns, the causes of their occurrence and the possibility of recovery with your own hands.
Problems with gas boilers
The main problems arise at the beginning of work: the fire is missing or goes out too quickly, smoke appears.
The burner does not light well, the flame goes out
The Baxi boiler does not turn on after the burner goes out. Why is this happening?
Impaired traction. If there is no draft, then boilers with an open combustion chamber will not be able to maintain a stable flame. How to check its presence? Light a match and bring it to the control window. If the flame deviates to the side, there is thrust, if it burns evenly – no.
In case of problems with the air supply, it is necessary to clean the chimney. It is not always possible to do this on your own, so you should contact the utilities.
It happens that the air flow, on the contrary, is too strong, causing the flame to die out. Valves are installed to control the flow.
Icing of the chimney shaft interferes with air circulation. Remove frost and insulate external pipes.
Power surges in the network. In turbocharged boilers, the operation of the fan is interrupted, which drives air through the system. The installation of a voltage stabilizer is recommended.
Phase and zero connections reversed. Because of this, the fan does not work. Reconnect the elements correctly.
Igniter does not light. Check the location of the ignition electrode, the condition of the igniter, the contacts.
The piezo ignition button does not work. Inspect wiring, replace element.
Traction sensor defective. For this reason, the burner does not ignite for a long time. After ignition, the flame goes out, the technique does not re-ignite. You can understand why the device does not work by closing the terminals together. If it was possible to ignite, then the problem is in the sensor, which needs to be replaced.
Kettle smokes
Breakage can be observed in wall and floor models. When turned on, soot comes out of the ignition unit. This happens at a low concentration of air in the fuel, when not all the gas burns out at once. Troubleshooting is carried out by adjusting the air on the burner. How to do it:
- Locate the adjustment washer;
- Adjust the air supply up or down. This must be done with a lit burner;
- See how the burner burns. If there is too much air, a hum will be heard during combustion, vibration, flame failure from the burner. If it is not enough, then a red fire appears with yellow splashes. With normal supply, the flame is gray and even.
Also, the cause of soot is the combustion of dust in the air, for example, if the AOGV burner is clogged with it. Clean the air channels and other elements from dirt with a brush.
Burner flame break
When the device is started, the flame is unstable, the tongues come off the nozzles. The main problem is in the supply of traction. With any changes up or down, the heating will be unstable. This triggers the flame sensor and shuts down the system. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically check the chimney.
Nozzle distortion. Parts may have been damaged during cleaning. Due to the deformation of the holes, the gas enters in parts. Requires repair and replacement of damaged parts.
Breakdown of the gas valve, pressure sensor, diode bridge. Elements are diagnosed. In case of damage, serviceable components are installed.
High or low line pressure. If this happens often, it is better to contact the master. A low pressure on the pressure gauge can cause pops during ignition. In this case, the location of the igniter in relation to the gas pipeline changes.
Attenuation of the boiler in the hot season
It is noticed that many boilers begin to fail in the summer or hot weather. The point is the temperature difference in the street and in the chimney shaft. In warm weather, the equipment does not work constantly, it is turned on only to heat water. During the night, the pipe cools down, subsequently the draft worsens. To normalize the chimney warms up.
Another possible reason is a malfunction of the thrust sensor. Replacement is underway.
The coolant for heating and hot water supply (DHW) does not heat up
Common reasons for no heating:
- Problems with the gas valve. Check and adjust settings;
- The heat exchanger is clogged with scale. A thick layer of plaque impairs heat transfer, while a large amount of fuel is consumed. You can clean the tubes from scale with special reagents or home remedies;
- Thermal sensors malfunction. Automation doesn’t work. Diagnostics and installation of serviceable parts;
- Pump blocked. Customize its readings on the checkbox, unlock the work;
If the water is not heated for DHW only, check the three-way valve. It is responsible for switching the heating between heating and DHW. What to do and how to check the valve:
- Turn off the Proterm boiler;
- Wait for the coolant to cool;
- Light the burner and open the hot mixer;
- Touch the heating radiator. If it is hot, then the valve is broken and needs to be replaced.
The causes of such problems are also blockages in the system, leaking connections, fistulas in the heat exchanger.
The device works loudly, crackles, whistles
Noise and crackling noise from the operation of the equipment can cause scale. With a large accumulation of salts on the walls of the radiator, the water overheats and boils. Therefore, a noise is heard like from a boiling kettle.
Sometimes pieces of scale break off, so noise appears. This is fraught with blockage of the tubes and obstruction of the water. Cleaning is a must.
When air accumulates in the line, the nozzles begin to whistle. Let the excess air out and the noise will stop.
Rapid wear of parts
The main reason for the rapid wear of the device components is clocking. It’s automatic on and off. As soon as the water in the circuit cools down, the thermostat will report a decrease in temperature and the boiler will start. When the maximum heating is reached, the appliance will turn off again.
There is nothing wrong with this function, just the opposite – it is needed to save energy. But if the pipes cool down very quickly, then clocking occurs often. Because of this, the components of the device wear out. How to fix the situation:
- flame modulation. If it cannot be adjusted on your burner, install a new one;
- Adjusting the thermostat;
- Installation of a heat accumulator.
Heating equipment requires preventive maintenance and inspection. So you will avoid many problems in operation. Do not delay with repairs if signs of malfunction appear.