Like any equipment, a gas water heater can fail. It is important to know what measures to take to restore the device. What to do if the Vector gas column does not light? Do not panic - better read our article. In it, we revealed the main problems of technology and ways to address them.
Why the column does not start
Vektor water heaters are one of the most popular in Russia. Buyers are attracted by the cost of the speakers, profitable compared to other models. The stores offer a wide range with an attractive design and compact body.
Convenient control pleases. There are regulators on the panel, the set temperature is reflected on the display. The ignition is automatic. The equipment is equipped with an overheat protection system, traction control.
Thanks to the wide distribution of the Vector columns, you can easily find a service center and a qualified craftsman. There are no problems with spare parts either.
Let us describe typical problems in which the device does not turn on or takes a long time to light.
There is no spark. The burner does not light
There could be several reasons for this malfunction. We will analyze each in more detail.
There is no draft in the chimney. The burner can only be ignited 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, he needs cleaning. The hole could become clogged with soot or debris from the street. If you cannot clean the walkway yourself, you must call the utility service.
Do not operate the device in the absence of traction. This is fraught with the accumulation of carbon monoxide in the room.
Low water pressure. High pressure in the system acts on the membrane, it presses on the gas valve. If the pressure is small and the pressure is low, the valve will not open. Why does this happen:
- If you have a constant or frequent decrease in pressure, it makes sense to install a circulation pump. It will restore pressure in the system and stable operation.
- Filter clogged. At the entrance to the water unit, a strainer is installed. It retains small debris, rust, not allowing clogging the holes of the device. Disassemble it and get it. It must be washed under running water, and in case of severe blockage, leave to soak in a solution of citric acid.
- The heat exchanger is clogged with scale. Repair can be done with your own hands. Remove the casing, unscrew the screws that secure the heat exchanger. To clean the internal system, you can start the descaling solution with a syringe. We wrote in more detail in the article: “How to clean a gas column”.
Membrane problems. Since the rubber element is constantly bending, it quickly stretches, deforms and loses shape. Damage, tears are possible. In this case, you need to change the membrane, since it can not be repaired.
For this:
- Remove the cover from the water block by first unscrewing the fixing screws.
- Replacing the membrane is necessary 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.
The battery does not work. Electronic ignition occurs when batteries are activated that create current for a spark. They need to be replaced periodically. The battery pack is located at the bottom of the chassis. Remove the panel, remove the items, and install new batteries.
Oxidized contacts. Perhaps the cause of the breakdown is not in the batteries - sometimes the wiring contacts are oxidized in the unit. Repairing is easy: clean your contacts and restore work.
Incorrect adjustment. If the piezo does not work, the column does not light, check the water unit regulator. For normal operation, water must constantly flow into the system, and the lever is installed in the far right position.
Water valve oil seal wear. If you notice that the valve is leaking, you must replace the stuffing box. How to repair the device if the replacement did not help? Check the microswitch rod. Sometimes it sour and he needs cleaning. As soon as he becomes mobile, work will resume.
If you replaced the batteries, but the spark does not appear, you should check and replace: microswitch, solenoid valve, control board, wiring between parts.
There is a spark, but the column does not light
What causes a similar outcome:
- Gas valve shut off. In this case, fuel does not enter the system. Unscrew the tap as far as it will go.
- Pressure problems also lead to a similar result. The reduced pressure can be not only in the main, but also at the entrance to the boiler. For example, due to a clogged filter, mixer.
- If the appliance does not heat water well, it is necessary clean the heat exchanger. Sometimes the radiator mounts boil so much that they cannot be unscrewed. Use the VD-40 to remove plaque and dismantle the part. Place the radiator in a large basin with a solution of citric acid. Warm on the stove for half an hour until all the scum comes off.
Experts do not recommend the use of aggressive cleaning agents for heat exchangers. Because they destroy metal.
- Burner clogged. Soot, soot accumulate over time in the holes (jets). You can clean them from soot with a thin wire.
Periodically check the burner for gas leaks. To do this, wash all compounds with a soapy solution. If the soap does not bubble, everything is fine.
Lights up and goes out
If a spark appears when you turn it on and the burner lights up, but after a while it goes out, do not rush to say that the column is broken. Here are some possible reasons:
- Insufficient traction. The passage of the chimney has narrowed, the draft appears or disappears and extinguishes the burner. Need a cleaning. If the room is disturbed by natural ventilation, open the vents or install the ventilation valve on the window frame.
- Slow press of the piezo ignition button or lack of retention. Hold the key for at least 20 seconds.
- Flue gas sensor broken. You can check the part with a multimeter. Attach its probes to the sensor contacts. If the item 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 along with hot. As a result, the burner goes out. Set the controller to a single comfortable temperature.
- Too high pressure in low-power models (Lux Eco) displaces the gas supply rod. Adjust the flow of water or fuel according to the column settings.
- Overheating sensor too sensitive, which constantly disables the operation of the device. Need a replacement.
- Igniter adjustment. Drive the electrode away from the igniter comb - so that the spark hits the very center of the burner.
- Depressurization of compounds. During operation, the heater may whistle or hum. Inspect the vent pipe connections and seal them.
Ignition is delayed
Perhaps the nozzles of the burner are clogged. It is necessary to disassemble and completely clean from soot and soot. Also check the microswitch. If a crack is heard, but a spark is not generated, do this:
- Remove the two screws securing the casing.
- Pull the handles towards you, pulling the casing towards you, remove it.
- There will be a switch in the bottom middle.
- If its button sticks, lubricate with oil, then the ignition should go steadily.
- If this does not help, install a new part.
If you find that a spark is generated 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 technique turn on and off itself? It is necessary to check and eliminate all the causes of possible overheating. Clean the chimney, check its tightness.
Experts believe that such breakdowns in the Vector gas column occur due to poor-quality parts, assembly. Improper installation of the device also leads to malfunctions: if you performed it yourself, the service center may refuse your warranty. Installation should 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 problems; for their accurate diagnosis, special equipment may be needed.