Water heater flameout: cleaning the electrode
My five-year-old Suburban water heater started to act up: it would light, and then go out, and relight, and go out, several times, until it would finally start to burn steadily. I did the usual Googl...
Forum Discussion
Flame out is often an altitude associated problem. At high altitude the flame can be lazy, sooty and quiet due to insuffiecient air, so adjusting the air tube open allows for correct air with the propane orifice.
In low altitudes, overly open air inlet to burner tubes can cause a too lean burner giving a roaring, jet engine sound to the flame.
In case of flame out with the burner air supply correctly adjusted for the altitude, then the culprit is burner fan supply. ( high or low barometric pressure)
Try restricting burner fan supply air with a finger or 2 until flame is quiet, lights on the burner every time. Then block that amount of burner air intake with a bit of electrical tape. At very high altitude propane pressure may have to be reduced.
In low altitudes, overly open air inlet to burner tubes can cause a too lean burner giving a roaring, jet engine sound to the flame.
In case of flame out with the burner air supply correctly adjusted for the altitude, then the culprit is burner fan supply. ( high or low barometric pressure)
Try restricting burner fan supply air with a finger or 2 until flame is quiet, lights on the burner every time. Then block that amount of burner air intake with a bit of electrical tape. At very high altitude propane pressure may have to be reduced.
