How can I fix my Bradford White gas hot water heater?

Question

We have a Bradford White gas hot water heater that isn't working properly. We'torn it apart and cleaned everything and have seemingly figured out what is wrong with it but we aren't totally sure. What is happening is, a green control light comes on the pilot sparks and lights, then the pressure switch (TDI, Inc.) starts clicking and it shuts down. We have found that if we clamp off the pressure tube leading to the switch the pilot light will stay light and the water will heat, but then the vent gets really hot so we don't want to continue to do this because it's most likely not the safest thing. We are thinking that it is a bad pressure switch; but someone else told us that they rarely go bad and our vent could be blocked. We went outside and checked the vent and it appears clear. Should we replace the pressure switch or is it most likely something else? I don't want to hunt down a switch if that is not going to fix the problem. Also, is there any other way to check the vent?

I checked the parts list for the model here http://www.bradfordwhite.com/images/shared/pdfs/partslists/43726A.pdf
I see a flue baffle but not a flue damper. Would we see this if we remove the blower assembly from the top?

Problem fixed today, it was the pressure switch. Took the old one off, put the new one on, works like a charm. A simple call to the tech folks at Bradford White affirmed our beliefs...thanks to Rickster (from Yahoo!) who suggested this. No need for the Master Plumber or the $200 bill.

Just adding that I didn't mean to offend the Master Plumber that answered the question...wrote the details before I thought about it...anyways thanks for the reply and happy new year to you as well!

Answer 1

Your best bet is to contact Bradford white, and explain the situation to them. Please don't try and "fix" any controls, as this is very dangerous, with combustible gas appliances. They each have a specific job, and if one goes out, or malfunctions, it affects the rest of the heater. If your heater is more than 6 years old, I highly recommend purchasing a new model, with a warranty. Good luck, and Happy new year!

Answer 2

Bradford White Water Heater Problems

Answer 3

If the heater just started leaking, it needs to be replaced. No fixes or repairs are possible to a rusted out tank. Even if you could, would you want to worry when will it start leaking next? Replace it with a new energy efficient model. New heaters have an encapsulated burn chamber which makes them safer also. No need to hunt for a match, since they now have spark igniters installed on them. Make sure you measure the height and width, so you can purchase a replacement that will fit, with the least amount of trouble. If you do this yourself, just make sure you check all the connections. I recommend replacing the water connectors, when you replace a heater. Old waterflexes tend to harden, and they are hard to bend. They might break, so just replace them. The T&P drain line needs to be run so that it discharges outside the building, and the piping needs to slope downwards. If the old T&P line was higher than the new one, run a whole new line, and don't run the piping up at any point. The gas line should have a 1/2" male iron pipe thread adapter that screws into the control valve. If you use teflon tape, make sure you use the yellow teflon, as it is made specifically for gas pipe. Start to wind the tape about 1 thread from the end, and don't overdo the use of teflon tape. The other end of the adapter fitting is a 1/2" flare connection. You can identify it by the slight rounded edge. Do not put any teflon on this part! It is made to tighten up without any type of tape or lubricant. Good luck!

Answer 4

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How can I fix my Bradford White gas hot water heater?
We have a Bradford White gas hot water heater that isn't working properly. We'torn it apart and cleaned everything and have seemingly figured out what is wrong with it but we aren't totally sure. What is happening is, a green control light comes on the pilot sparks and lights, then the...