Geyser lemax alpha 20m DIY repair

In detail: geyser lemax alpha 20m DIY repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Tell me, please, a Lemax Alpha 20M gas water heater, the wick ignites, but the device itself does not. What could be? The water pressure is good.

Most likely, the membrane of the water part is worn out. We need to replace it.

Gas column Lemax Turbo 24. The burner lights up the first time and goes out after 2 seconds. Then it lights up only the third time. The water heats up as usual. The spark is normal. The wick lights up immediately. What could be the problem?

Replacing the flame ionisation sensor will correct this problem.

Water heater Alpha Euro 20. During operation, a strong stream of hot air rushes upward from behind the back wall. The wall gets very hot and the plastic grill of the hood above it has melted. This was not the case before.

An annual maintenance is required. Column heat exchanger is clogged with soot.

Please tell me what is the cause of the malfunction? The Lemax Turbo 24 column operates only at the very minimum level of the water supply regulator.

There are two options: The membrane is worn out. Low water pressure.

Something incomprehensible is happening with the Alfa Euro 24 gas water heater, we do not understand what is the matter. In general, the water does not heat up properly, the maximum temperature is 30 degrees, with the maximum supply of hot water. If the water supply is reduced to the very minimum, then it can heat up to 37 maximum. There is enough pressure, the batteries were changed twice (energizer), also the strangest behavior, if the right knob is turned down clockwise by 2 hours, then the device ignites by itself, while we do not turn on hot water, there is no water anywhere, it just ignites, and the gas burns at idle, while the temperature sensor shows about 80 degrees. Also, if you turn the right knob to the minimum mark, the noise of water with high pressure appears in the water heater itself. How can this be?

Video (click to play).

You just need to contact a qualified service.

In my Lemax Turbo 24 gas water heater, the electric ignition sometimes does not work. The gas supply is present, the batteries are new, but when I open the hot water tap, the device does not turn on. What could it be?

There may be several reasons - Water pressure too low. There is a reverse thrust. Breakdown of the microswitch responsible for ignition. In general, if you are versed in electronics, I would advise you to remove the casing, and check the voltage on the batteries at the time of water supply. Perhaps even new batteries are giving too little signal. It is also necessary to check the serviceability of all sensors. Or call the master, since after all, the column belongs to gas equipment, and all manipulations on it must be carried out with extreme caution. Any unqualified intervention can lead to gas leakage, explosion and people may be injured. The membrane may also be damaged.

The gas water heater Alpha Euro 20 has broken down. And before it worked without problems, but a few days ago it stopped heating the water. The maximum temperature is 25 degrees, provided that the power lever is set to the extreme maximum position, and the flow is set to a minimum. I rinsed the radiator, cleaned the main burner, and sorted out the water unit. What could it be?

You may have lowered gas supply pressure. This is especially critical if the device is connected with a thin hose. The gas filter could also be clogged. There may still be many options for breakdowns.As I remember, this model allows you to regulate the gas pressure in front of the nozzles. Still, I would advise you to call a service specialist.

The device does not light up the first time - the way to solve the problem

First, you should check whether the gas tap is completely unscrewed, and whether there is a centralized cold water supply. The Lemax Alfa Euro 20/24 kW geyser may not immediately ignite as a result of the absence of a spark, in turn, the absence of a spark may be due to dead batteries or a weak contact on the power supply, if the power supply is connected from the electrical network. These models have a mixed type of power supply, they can operate both from the mains and from batteries. You will need to replace the batteries, check the contacts in the battery compartment for oxidation, in addition, you need to make sure that the contact on the control unit is in good condition.

A weak jet can also be one of the reasons for the incorrect operation of a gas water heater. If the pressure in the central system is weak all the time, you can solve the problem by installing a pump. The filter, which is located on the water supply pipe, or the mixer on the valve, can also clog. To solve this problem, you need to rinse the filter under high pressure, for this you need a brush with hard wool. If you can't do this because of the built-in scale, then place them in a solution with citric acid. The method for its preparation is as follows: 100 gr. for 1 liter. water. Or replace with new ones.

Poor traction or its complete absence can also cause the Lemax Alpha Euro gas column not to ignite. You start the water heater, but it immediately goes out, the reason for this is the actuation of the draft sensor. This happens when the air duct is clogged. The draft is checked with a match or a candle, for this, bring a candle to the chimney, if the flame does not deviate in the direction of the chimney, this indicates that it is clogged. The solution to the problem here is obvious, you just need to clean the channel. In addition, the draft sensor can work and turn off the device even in the absence of natural draft, if all windows are closed in the room where the device is located, open them for a while, thereby you can eliminate the problem.

The appearance of gaps in the gap between the air duct and the pipe, between the elbows of the pipe. It is necessary to seal the resulting gaps. Clogged gas unit - if this happens, then it is recommended to seek help from a qualified specialist. You can only clean the burner holes on your own, it is difficult to get rid of dust from the mixing chamber, because it is not enough just to get into the inside due to the complexity of the design. Dust can be removed with a soft brush or cloth, carbon deposits from holes with an iron bristle brush. After completing the cleaning, do not forget to check all the joints for leaks, for this you need soap suds. If bubbles appear, this indicates that there was a violation of the connections in this place. In order to clean the nozzles and the air duct of the ignition burner, call the appropriate service.

Low gas pressure can also cause the appliance not to ignite the first time. Probably, somewhere there was an emergency, but often, in such a situation, the cause of this problem is pipes of the wrong diameter, to which the gas main is connected to the water heater. In this case, it is necessary to contact the gas service in order for them to install pipes of suitable diameter.

Read also:  DIY VAZ steering gear repair

Excessive pressure can also cause non-ignition. Installing a reduction gearbox can solve the problem. In addition, if your device is set to a limit value at low water or gas pressure, attenuation will also occur.The problem is solved simply - it is necessary to adjust the control knobs.

Inadequacy of the rubber membrane in the water block, it can wear out, break. Remove the casing of the device, for this you will have to unscrew 2 screws from the bottom, after which the monitor and the temperature sensor are removed. Pull towards you and then up. In the water block, it is necessary to visually inspect the membrane, if it is deformed, then it should be replaced, it is recommended to purchase silicone ones, its service life is much longer.

Violation of connections at the point of connection of the electrical unit with the ionic flame sensor, EMC ignition burner. It is necessary to check the installation sites, clean the contacts if they are oxidized. If an EMC or an electronic unit breaks down, they need to be replaced, because these components are not repairable.

If the Lemax Alpha gas water heater does not turn on initially or after a long period of inactivity, air could accumulate in the pipes. To solve a similar problem, open the hot water supply valve for a few minutes, close it and open it again, it is necessary to repeat these steps until all the accumulated air comes out of the pipes and the ignition burner ignites.

Another possible cause is stock oxidation. In order to eliminate oxidation, you will need to turn off the microswitch, dismantle, clean and lubricate the stem. Incorrect setting of the igniter for the gas pressure in the gas pipeline. The electrode in the apparatus is positioned so that the spark hits the comb, it is fixed on the edge of the gas burner. If the flow is adjusted for low pressure, the gas flows in a small volume and at a low speed. As a result of the reverse thrust, the gas is directed downward without reaching the spark. The problem can be solved by bending the electrode to a level so that the spark does not fall on the comb, but in the middle of the burner.

Those who read my reviews on gas water heaters probably read the comments to the same reviews. And more and more people ask me about Lemax gas water heaters. Up to this point, of all Lemax gas water heaters, I came across only one model - Alpha 20M, on the basis of which I told everyone that this is pure China, with the exception of the Taganrog assembly. Just the other day, all 3 currently produced models went on sale to us - Lemax Alpha 20M, Lemax Euro 20 and Lemax Euro 24. And I had the opportunity to study the last 2 models in more detail and finally make sure that I was right on all points, because all 3 models are the most cherished China, of which there is already a lot on the Russian market of heating technology.

In this review, we will talk about the Lemax Alpha 20M gas water heater, which I literally hated almost from the very moment I met.

Traditionally, let's start with general information “for housewives”.

The Lemax Alpha 20M geyser is automatic, that is, it ignites on its own every time hot water is opened and goes out on its own every time it is closed. I have already talked about whether this is a plus or a minus in reviews of other gas water heaters, so we will not dwell on this issue.

The column is quite simple to operate, it has only 2 knobs - adjusting the gas supply to the burner (on the left) and adjusting the water flow (on the right), above which there is an electronic thermometer display.

This column is 10-liter, that is, it is capable of warming up a pressure of 10 l / min by 25 degrees. In terms of power (precisely in terms of PERFORMANCE, and not in terms of quality), this is an ideal option for a pressure of 6-7 l / min (then there will be no boiling water in summer and in winter you will not be left without hot water).

Another nice touch for housewives is the decorative casing that hides half-inch outlets for gas and cold / hot water connections.

He also hides some of the jambs admitted by the collectors. For example, when assembling this particular column, the frame was deformed in this place.

Yes, I agree, it will not be visible behind the casing, but an unpleasant sediment will still remain with me (as a master) and with the customer.

At this stage, we finish the review "for housewives", we pass from a gentle, well-groomed, manicured female hand to a stern male jackhammer. We open the column.

My regular readers are probably now thinking either “ugh you! I thought there was something new here, but here. “, Or“ somewhere I've already seen it ”. Both of them will be 100% right. But let's take a closer look at the column. This time we will not start with the water-gas unit, but with the burner. More precisely, not even from the burner itself, but from how it is installed. You don't need to be a professional to see that it is installed skewed.

Let's take a closer look. This is where the burner section is completely hidden under the heat exchanger.

but with this one - did not go at all (well, maybe by 1-2mm)

I hope now it is clear why you CANNOT just punch holes in the wall, hang a column on them, connect the hoses and chimney and hand over the work to the customer. IT IS FORBIDDEN. As you understand, the flame will go with a slope to the left and it is in this place that the heat exchanger will burn out quickly enough. Perhaps even the warranty juice will not work.

Of course, as a gas worker, I fix such jambs right on the site - sometimes I bend the mount with a hammer and a screwdriver, sometimes I drill a new hole and screw it to it, listening at the same time that this is a new gas water heater, and here I will spoil it, that I such a handyman ** th master, then they write complaints against me, and then I take the rap in front of the authorities. Of course, I play it safe and take photographs of the horror that I am correcting, and only then begin to correct. That is why I am still working, and customers receive refusals for their claims.

But this is all the lyrics, back to the column. More precisely - to the burner. Despite the fact that the burner is Chinese, I do not harbor any dislike for it - it is serviced normally, it can be examined normally.

The sections are T-shaped

that is, the gas is supplied here from the bottom up. So far, I have come across such a solution only in Chinese gas water heaters (even if the assembly is Russian). Nevertheless, the burner is designed quite acceptable, does not require acrobat skills to dismantle it, and it is also fully serviceable - there are no problems with cleaning from dust and soot.

Jets, from which the gas “shoots”, within sight,

that is, it is quite realistic to assess how dusty they are without removing the burner from the column. To the burner itself, I repeat, I have no special complaints.

With mixing chambers - the same, they are also in sight.

Read also:  Do-it-yourself pump repair 2ct

It would seem that this is nonsense, but in fact, this is where the first thing the master should look at, if he came at the request of the “yellow flame”. It happens in two cases - low quality gas has gone, or the burner is clogged with dust, which does not allow the gas to mix with air in the prescribed proportions. So this is, albeit a trifle, but ultra-important.

But, again, very handy guys installed it on the device. Minus them in karma.

The second minus in karma (but this time the developers) is the gas-water unit.

From the reviews on the Neva 4510M, Vector JSD 20-2 and Atlan 1-10 LT, you already know that this water unit in itself is a reason to refuse to buy at all. As for the gas unit, there are no problems as such (as a rule, the heat exchanger fails much earlier than the problems with the gas unit begin), but the water unit is problematic. Sometimes so problematic that even replacing the membrane becomes hellish torture. That is why I always unscrew all the screws (except these ones)

and I grease them with lithol (or grease for drills) so that they do not sour, and then I screw them back in. This makes it easier to further disassemble the unit if it requires repair.

This unit is not designed for high pressure.For 3 years of work as a gas worker, I have already had 5 cases when the water unit could not stand it and cracked. As a result, the customer was left without hot water and received an invoice for repairs. um. Let's just say - not for one thousand rubles, but as a bonus, I also received a knock on the door and insults from neighbors flooded from below. Therefore, I would never recommend purchasing gas water heaters with such water nodes to anyone.

To the left of the GVU is the electronic control unit.

I was upset by the fact that the wires coming from the control unit at the plant were decided to be wrapped with a clamp like this. I guess they did it so that the wires did not hang down. WHY? The bottom is still closed, where will the wires hang down from? For me, as a gas worker, this clamp will cause a lot of inconvenience during repairs, since access to these terminal blocks is difficult.

One of them goes to the display, and the second goes to the solenoid valve of the gas unit. It is for these reasons that I simply cut these clamps on Lemax, they are not needed here.

The control unit itself is absolutely standard for 95% of Chinese gas water heaters. So getting it will not be difficult.

The heat exchanger here is also typical for Chinese gas water heaters.

It is a tin-lead-coated copper heat exchanger. You have already seen the same heat exchanger in reviews on Neva 4610, Atlan 1-10 LT, Vector JSD 20-2 and JSD 20-W. I don’t argue that in comparison with Atlan it is made much more accurately, but it didn’t get any better quality. It makes sense to install such a heat exchanger ONLY on three-lever Chinese designed to operate at a very low water pressure (2.5-3-4 l / min), then the heat exchanger will not experience high temperature loads and will last 5-7 years. That is, it is quite appropriate on the Neva 4610 and ANY three-link Chinese. But not on Atlan and not on this Lemax.

The smoke exhaust structure is also typically Chinese here.

Its disadvantage is that in the absence of traction, the combustion products are simply “scattered” to the right and left, that is, there is no clear trajectory of movement. As a result, the traction sensor (by the way, also a standard "snot" for 95% of Chinese speakers) heats up for a long time. As you understand, all combustion products are thrown into the room at this time, and this is deadly. In other words, the faster the traction sensor turns off, the more whole you will be. As a rule, a thermal relay for 90-110 degrees is installed as a draft sensor. But I have not used a thermostat of such a high rating for several months. On the traction sensor I set a maximum of 70 degrees, and for overheating - usually no more than 60. But in this case, the overheating sensor is located exactly in the place where the peak temperature will be approximately, that is, at the very top at the outlet of hot water from heat exchanger.

Therefore, the sensor can also be placed here at the same 70 degrees as for traction.

Those who have read the otkhyv on the Atlan 1-10 LT gas water heater will probably ask “wait a minute. so this is an exact clone of Atlan or what? " If we talk about the filling - yes, these are twin columns. But Lemax Alpha 20M still has a difference:
1) design
2) more curved build quality (assembly, not components)
3) higher price.

Speaking of the price. Atlan currently costs 6400r. And Lemax Alpha 20M - 9600r (.). At the same time, there are no technical differences here. That is, buying Lemax Alpha 20M you are buying the most dimpled China + you have to overpay more than 3000r just for the fact that it was collected in Taganrog. Too much overpayment for the Lemax nameplate. agree, the better the column from this did not. For comparison, for the same money you can buy:
- Neva Lux 5111 (we have it now costs 8450r)
-Neva 4610 (the last price was 7400), while it has a winter / summer switch, a more competent chimney and a better quality water unit.
- Neva 5611 (we do not fit into 9600, but you will have to pay a little extra for it)
- Neva 4510M (current price - 7600) + if you add 3-4 hundreds, then there will also be enough for a spare gas-water unit (this is the weakest point in 4510M).
- the same Atlan 1-10 LT and save about 3000r

I hope now you understand why the Lemax Alfa 20M gas water heater is FORBIDDEN to consider for purchase, because the Taganrog plant has set too high a price for a Chinese gas water heater, which is not distinguished by quality and reliability.Without exaggeration, I can say that this is the worst automatic water heater in this price segment.

Put your fingers on, if you are also crazy about how much its customers overpay for this column, add as a friend to follow my new reviews, add a review to your bookmarks so as not to lose, and see you soon!

When buying a household gas running water heater, check
completeness and presentation, as well as require filling out the trading organization
her coupons for warranty repairs.

Before installation and operation, you must carefully read the rules
the requirements and requirements set forth in this operating manual are
observance of which will ensure the trouble-free long-term and safe operation of the water
heater.

Failure to install and operate properly may result in an accident
or damage the device.

Read also:  DIY generator repair volkswagen b3

The household gas flow-through water heater meets all the requirements
safety and environmental requirements established for this type of product,
GOST 19910 and TU 4858-001-24181354-2009.

1.1. Household gas flow-through water heater (model 20M), referred to as

hereinafter "apparatus" is intended for heating water used for fast
goods needs. The device can be used for multi-point water intake.

1.2. The device is designed to operate on natural gas in accordance with GOST 5542-96.
1.3. Installation, assembly, owner briefing, preventive maintenance, re-

equipment, troubleshooting and repairs are carried out in operational
gas industry organizations or other organizations that have
censorship for this type of activity. Section 13 should be marked and stamped with or-
organization that installs the apparatus.

1.4. Repair and monitoring of the system of water supply and gas communications of production

are given by specialized services.

1.5. Responsibility for the safe operation of the device and for its maintenance

Image - Gas water heater lemax alpha 20m DIY repair

Unfortunately, at present, not all the settlements of the country are sufficiently supplied with hot water. Even in cities where there are no interruptions in hot water supply in winter, it is constantly turned off in summer, and this creates great inconvenience in everyday life. Therefore, it is worth considering the varieties of gas columns "Lemax" and the advantages of choosing this particular product.

Image - Gas water heater lemax alpha 20m DIY repair

The Lemax company was established in Taganrog in 1992. At the first steps of its long journey, the company was a small handicraft factory, however, the high quality of the products produced allowed the company not only to survive those difficult years, but also to develop successfully. Having started with the production and repair of simple heating equipment, Lemax has gradually grown to the launch of its own boiler production, launched in 2003. Already in 2007, Lemax household gas heaters took first place in sales in Russia. Since then, the Taganrog company has been confidently leading the domestic market and has been steadily expanding its production capacity.

Currently, the factories of the company produce almost the entire range of household and industrial boilers for heating systems and for heating water. The range of the company includes both natural gas systems and solid fuel options.

Image - Gas water heater lemax alpha 20m DIY repair

The entire model range of Lemax gas water heaters is characterized by the high quality of materials used in their production, the use of the most modern technological lines and extensive automation of all gas water heater systems. Thanks to this, the entire range of the company's columns works in automatic mode most of the time, requiring almost no external maintenance, including the first ignition. All models work stably with the simultaneous inclusion of two or three points of water sampling.

Image - Gas water heater lemax alpha 20m DIY repair

The main advantages of Lemax flow-through gas water heaters:

  • autonomy, ensured by the use of an electronic gas ignition system;
  • efficiency achieved due to a significant reduction in the volume of consumed gas in comparison with less progressive counterparts;
  • safety ensured by the installation of systems for protection against idle combustion, systems for monitoring gas leaks (ion control), protection against freezing (drain valve) and protection against high pressures;
  • ease of use, ensured by the use of a thermostat that maintains a constant set water temperature;
  • possibility of stable operation at reduced water pressure (minimum allowable pressure - ¼ atmosphere).

Image - Gas water heater lemax alpha 20m DIY repair

Such a complex device as a gas water heater serves for quite a long time, care and operation is carried out according to the instructions attached to this unit. But all things deteriorate and sometimes minor or major repairs of gas water heaters or their prevention are necessary. As well as replacing some of the components of the gas column.

The internal structure of flow-through gas water heaters is of the same type and almost does not differ from different manufacturers. The main difference may be in additional options (display, automatic gas ignition, second temperature sensor, etc.), in the appearance of the device or in the design.

This is a gas column heat exchanger, it may look different from different manufacturers, but the principle of operation is the same.

A heat exchanger is installed inside - a finned copper tube through which a water flow moves. The burner standing under the heat exchanger heats up the tube and the water passing inside it heats up. With a low water pressure or its absence, the incoming flow is blocked by a valve (curtain), to which a spark ignition switch is attached. This is for fire safety.

To repair a faulty gas water heater or prevent a gas leak (if you smell), you need to call a gas water heater repairman. But if you decide to call the workers of Gorgaz, then do not think that they will immediately come, sometimes they refuse to come, explaining that the repair should be carried out by the company (or store) that installed the gas water heater.

Now a lot of "left" firms have divorced. and calling the workers of such organizations to their homes brings a number of other problems. Many craftsmen, seeing your incompetence in this area, find non-existent faults in the gas column or deliberately raise prices.

To increase the safety of the population, it is prescribed that malfunctions associated with gas equipment be eliminated by employees of the relevant service. But there are some problems that you can fix yourself. If you know how to hold the tool in your hands, you can repair the gas water heater with your own hands.

It is not very difficult if you know the typical problems of these water heaters. Below we will tell you about the most common of them and show you how to fix this or that breakdown. And let's start by setting up the unit.

Adjusting the height of the burner flame - the closer to the maximum the hot water is.
Adjusting the water flow - the closer to the maximum, the greater the flow, therefore, the water is colder.
Winter / Summer - the mode of using the speaker at different times of the year. In winter, the power is greater than in summer.

Not all masters know how to properly set up a gas water heater and simply don’t do it, leaving it as it is (by default). But we do not recommend leaving the factory settings and making adjustments yourself.

  • Set the gas and water knob on the heater to minimum.
  • Open the gas and water supply valves on the pipelines.
  • Open a hot water tap and adjust the water pressure you need using the knob on the gas water heater.
  • Wait 1-2 minutes and measure the temperature. Use the gas knob on the column to increase the flame, thereby increasing the temperature of the water to the one you need.
  • When the water temperature is comfortable, you can leave all adjustments alone and use the water.

In the future, you can adjust the temperature with another knob (supply of heated water).

This is a membrane in the gas column, if it fails, then the unit stops responding to the pressure of water.

When adjusting the speaker, sometimes unpleasant moments arise. The new column either turns on at a very low pressure, or does not want to start at all. It depends on the increased or decreased water pressure in the pipeline and is eliminated in the following ways.

With our water quality, the heat exchangers in the gas columns are clogged with scale quite quickly and very much, which reduces their thermal conductivity and increases gas consumption.

The longest, in time, process - cleaning the main tube (radiator) from deposits arising from heating tap water. If you turn the gas knob all the way, and the outgoing water is barely warm, then this indicates that the heat exchanger is clogged with ordinary scale, which does not transfer heat well.

Read also:  DIY kamaz 5320 starter repair

This happens quite often in the case of a gas water heater without auto-ignition (with an igniter). Scale also forms if you set the water heating temperature too high. The unit overheats, the tube (radiator) heats up to 80-850, which contributes to the rapid (a little over an hour) the appearance of scale. Isn't it better to just turn off the speaker in time? Then there will be no problems, because 40-600 are enough for all washing and washing processes.

Check the inlet cock or valve before starting work on the heat exchanger. Maybe the whole reason is their clogging. But if they are in good condition, it is necessary to get rid of the deposits in the tube.

There are two ways to deal with the scale problem. We'll look at both options.

The Cillit KalkEx cleaning system does its job pretty well. With its help, you can quickly clean any boilers from scale. Unfortunately, it is not very accessible for ordinary users of gas water heaters.

This is an expensive method using a special device. (Cillit KalkEx) and a set of special preparations for flushing. Your speaker does not even need to be removed from the wall. You just need to disconnect the water hoses (inlet / outlet).

The purification device is connected to the column, and it runs the heated reagents in a closed loop (in a circle). Scale under their action decomposes, is washed out and drained.

Cheap but time consuming and laborious process... For its implementation, it is necessary to disassemble the water heater almost completely and then rinse it manually.

The following materials and tools will help us with this:

  • open-end wrenches (set);
  • screwdrivers (Phillips and regular);
  • paronite gaskets (set);
  • rubber hose;
  • vinegar essence or anti-scale agent.

To remove the heat exchanger, proceed as follows:

  • first, we block the access of cold water;
  • then we remove the external elements that prevent disassembly (knobs of switches, regulators);
  • remove the casing, and for this we unscrew the screws located on the rear wall of the unit, lift and remove the cover;
  • we open the "hot" tap;
  • unscrew the supply pipe from the heat exchanger and move it aside;

After the water has completely disappeared, we put the hose on the heat exchanger tube and raise it above the column level. Slowly, pour the solution prepared by us into the hose and leave the column for 4-6 hours.

Next, you need to slightly open the water supply tap and watch the water that will come out of the column, if you saw a lot of scale, then our work was not in vain - we got rid of it... If there is no scale in the outgoing water, then we repeat the whole process again.

  1. The failure of a water heater can occur for many reasons. We will list the most likely ones:
  2. The simplest reason for this trouble is the lack of normal draft in the chimney. If the chimney is clogged and there is no "draft" in it, then the column may not ignite.
  3. To check for a malfunction, you can bring a piece of newspaper, a napkin or a lighted match to the chimney. If they flutter, then the cravings are in order. Otherwise, you will need to clean the chimney.
  4. If the device (only in units with auto-ignition from batteries or an electrical network) does not ignite, then it is all the fault of the discharge of the batteries or the malfunction of the wires, the igniter unit. Eliminated by inserting batteries or checking the electric ignition system.

Failure of the igniter system can occur from poor pressure water. Open any tap with cold water and check the pressure, if it is weak, you can call the ZhEK and find out what the problem is.

If the column does not ignite when water is supplied or only turns on at a very high pressure, then the problem is most likely in the membrane, which, due to wear, reacts poorly to the water passing through it. In this case, it must be replaced.

This is a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the gas column during operation, preventing it from overheating.

A temperature sensor is installed on each gas column, which makes sure that the column does not overheat in the event of a failure the column may turn off spontaneously during operation... It usually looks like this:

After normal operation, for some time, the heater “stalls” for 20 minutes. After this time, it can be turned on for the same period of time. The malfunction, as a rule, is seasonal and appears only in summer or winter with closed windows.

The device turns off when it wants and then does not light up... This can happen when the sensor wire is shorted to the body. Check wires are intact and well insulated.

In order to check the sensor itself for operability, two contacts should be removed from it and short-circuited with a needle, a paper clip, a piece of tin. If the gas appliance turns on and works, the sensor must be changed.

If you see similar spots on your column, then be sure that it is leaking and needs repair.

This malfunction can occur mainly in gas water heaters that have been operating for a long time. The two main reasons for the leak are:

Tubes (bends) or gaskets in the joints are cracked.
Replacing a radiator or taps is quite expensive. Therefore, there is a reason to repair the gas column on your own. For repairs you need:

  • screwdrivers (cross and regular);
  • open-end wrenches (set);
  • solder with rosin;
  • a vacuum cleaner;
  • solvent;
  • "Skin".

Due to the harsh operating conditions, the radiator or bends can burn out and holes appear on them. If you have determined where the leak is, then you can repair the small hole with an ordinary soldering iron.

Preparing the gas water heater for repair

  • Drain all liquid from the system - open only the hot water tap, unscrew the nut on the cold water inlet pipe, and most of the water will flow out;
  • Remove the radiator completely;
  • Examine the entire tube. - if you see "greenery" - clean and inspect these places for cracks.

Soldering a heat exchanger does not always give good results, here a lot depends on your skill. If the soldering is poor, the heat exchanger will quickly flow again.

When you have found the leaks, you need to do the following:

  • clean the holes found with a "sandpaper" and immediately wipe it with a cloth and solvent (this will remove the remaining grease, carbon deposits and dirt);
  • using rosin with solder, tin this place with a 100 watt iron (in the absence of rosin, use aspirin);
  • rub the crack or hole with solder, and after it cools down, add more tin (the layer should be 1-2 mm).

Replacing flexible hoses of this type does not require special skills; anyone can do it with a wrench.

Very often, leaks are formed in the places where the outlets are connected to the heater from the outside or to the internal assemblies of the column. All connections are made by "American" with gaskets inside.

Due to constant heating / cooling, the rubberized liners either melt or lose their properties and harden. Cracks appear in them, along which water flows.
If you notice a gas column leak in such connections, then replace the gaskets. Using a wrench (mostly 24), unscrew the nut and replace.

Read also:  DIY air conditioner tube repair

It also happens that the flanges on the pipes crack over time - in this case, you need to replace the entire pipes.

Be sure to change the batteries in the gas water heater in time, because if they are dead, your column will start to emit pops when it is turned on. Also, due to dead batteries, the column may turn off spontaneously.

These startup and operating sounds indicate the following:

  • a little air got into the system (into the burner) due to the low gas pressure, which generated a microexplosion;
  • the flame breaks down due to the high pressure of the gas;
  • nozzle blockage;
  • low draft of ventilation;
  • the batteries are dead.

On your own, you can only eliminate the malfunctions described in the last two points.

This can happen for several reasons.

  • The simplest reason is incorrectly selected gas water heater... You have saved money and bought a low power heater that is unable to meet your hot water needs.
  • The second reason is the low gas pressure in the pipes (in the apartment). Call gas workers to check the system.
  • The third reason is the usual blockage (jet, filters, scale, hoses, etc.), some types of which are described above. You can check this by the color of the fire, which changes from time to time. This is evidenced by the presence of soot.

You can only adjust the temperature and clean the column yourself.

There are many reasons for this problem. We will consider the most common of them in this article.

First of all, you should check if the gas valve is fully open and if there is cold water in the water main. The LEMAX geyser may not ignite due to the fact that there is no spark for ignition due to the fact that the batteries are dead, if you use them, or poor contact on the power supply if you connected the power supply from the mains.

Lemax speakers have a combined power source, they work both from the mains and from batteries. Replace the batteries, check if the contacts in the battery compartment are oxidized, and if the contact on the power supply is good.

Low water pressure is also the reason for the inoperability of the hot water pump. If the line pressure is constantly low, the installation of a pump will save. The filter on the water inlet pipe or the mixer on the tap may clog up with scale.

To remove, wash the filters with a coarse-bristled brush under a strong stream of water. If you cannot do this due to the boiling of scale, you should place them in a citric acid solution, it is prepared at the rate of 100 grams per liter of water, or change them to new ones.

The lack of traction can also be an explanation why the Lemax gas column does not light up. You turn on the column, but it immediately fades out, due to the fact that the traction sensor is triggered. This happens if the air duct is clogged with soot or a foreign object has fallen into it.

Check the draft by holding a lighted match, a candle to the chimney, if the fire does not deviate towards the chimney, then it is clogged. Clearing the channel will help get rid of the problem. In addition, the draft sensor can work and turn off your unit and in the absence of natural draft, if the windows and doors are tightly closed, opening them will eliminate the problem.

The appearance of gaps between the duct pipe and the branch pipe, between the pipe elbows. Seal the resulting gaps. The gas unit is clogged - if this happens, it is better to invite a gas service specialist. You can only clean the burner nozzles on your own, removing dust from the mixing chamber in Lemax is problematic, since it is difficult to get inside it due to its not very successful design.

Dust is removed with a soft brush or cloth, carbon deposits from the nozzles - with a brush with metal bristles. After cleaning, all joints should be checked for leaks using soap suds and soap. If it bubbles, then the connection is broken. Call the Gorgaz service to clean the nozzles and the air duct of the pilot burner.

Low gas pressure also becomes the reason why the DHW does not turn on the first time. Perhaps there was an accident somewhere, but more often than not, in this case, the pipes of small diameter, which connect the gas main to the GVN, are to blame. Gas specialists should be called in to install pipes of the appropriate diameter.

High pressure is also the reason why the column does not ignite. Installing a reduction gearbox will solve this problem. In addition, if your DHW is adjusted to maximum values ​​with insufficiently high water or gas pressure, attenuation will also occur. This can be corrected by adjusting the control knobs.

The rubber membrane in the water block is worn out, it can tear, stretch. Remove the instrument case by unscrewing the two screws at the bottom of the unit, then remove the display and temperature sensor. Pull towards you and up. In the water block, inspect the membrane, if it is damaged, you need to replace it, it is better to buy a silicone one, it will last longer.

Image - Gas water heater lemax alpha 20m DIY repair

Gas column membrane

The connection is broken at the connection point of the electronic unit with the ionic flame sensor, the solenoid valve of the ignition burner. Check the mounting locations, clean the contacts if they are acidic. If the solenoid valve or electronic unit is out of order, they will have to be replaced, since they cannot be repaired.

If the DHW is started for the first time or after a long break in operation, air may accumulate in the pipes. To eliminate the problem, open the hot water tap for a minute, close it, open it again, and so on until the pipes are free of air and the pilot burner lights up.

Oxidation of the stock is often the cause. To eliminate oxidation, disconnect the microswitch, remove, clean and lubricate the stem.

Incorrect adjustment of the igniter for the gas pressure in the gas pipeline. The electrode in the device is installed in such a way that the spark hits the comb; it is attached to the edge of the gas burner at a distance of about 11 mm from its edge.

Image - Gas water heater lemax alpha 20m DIY repair

Gas column ignition electrode
Video (click to play).

In the case when the supply is set to a reduced pressure, the gas is supplied in a small amount and at a low speed. Due to the presence of reverse thrust, the gas goes down without reaching the spark. The problem is eliminated by bending the electrode to a level so that the spark does not hit the comb, but exactly in the middle of the burner.

Image - Gas water heater lemax alpha 20m DIY repair photo-for-site
Rate the article:
Grade 3.2 who voted: 85