The winter months can be tough on a water heater. It has to work harder to produce the same amount of hot water as it does during the warmer months. The constant cycle of heating and cooling can take its toll on even the best water heaters in the market. One of the most common issues that homeowners experience with their water heaters during the winter is sputtering on startup. This can be a frustrating issue to deal with, but it is usually easy to fix with a little bit of know-how.
In this article, we will look at Lochinvar Armor sputters on startup and what you can do about it. We will explore the reasons why this happens and what preventive measures you can take to avoid this problem in the first place. We will also look at some troubleshooting methods that you can use if your Lochinvar Armor water heater is sputtering on startup.
What causes sputtering on startup?
There are several reasons why your Lochinvar Armor water heater may sputter on startup. One of the most common reasons is air in the lines. When the water heater sits idle for a period of time, air can become trapped in the lines. This air can prevent water from flowing smoothly through the system, resulting in a sputtering sound when you turn on the hot water tap.
Another reason why your water heater may sputter on startup is a clogged pilot or gas valve. If the pilot or gas valve is dirty or clogged, it can prevent the water heater from starting up properly. This can cause it to sputter or even fail to start altogether.
Finally, the most common reason for a sputtering water heater is sediment buildup inside the tank. Sediment is a natural byproduct of heated water and can accumulate in the tank over time. This sediment can cause problems with the heating elements and gas valve, resulting in sputtering on startup.
Preventive measures to avoid sputtering on startup
The best way to avoid sputtering on startup is to take preventive measures. Regular maintenance of your Lochinvar Armor water heater can prevent many common problems from developing. Some of the preventive measures you can take include:
1. Flushing the tank regularly
One of the most effective ways to prevent sediment buildup is to flush the tank regularly. This involves draining the tank to remove any sediment that has accumulated inside. This will help to keep the heating elements and gas valve clean, preventing them from malfunctioning.
2. Regular inspection
Schedule regular inspections with a plumbing expert to ensure that your water heater is in good working order. During these inspections, the plumbers can look for any signs of wear and tear, leaks, or other issues that could lead to sputtering on startup.
3. Regular cleaning of the pilot and gas valve
Cleaning the pilot and gas valve regularly can prevent them from becoming clogged or dirty, which can cause sputtering on startup. This involves removing the pilot and gas valve and cleaning them with a soft brush or cloth.
Troubleshooting sputtering on startup
If your Lochinvar Armor water heater is sputtering on startup, there are several troubleshooting methods that you can use to fix the problem. Some of the most effective methods include:
1. Bleeding air from the lines
If air is trapped in the lines, you can bleed it out by opening the hot water tap and letting the air escape. This will allow the water to flow smoothly through the system, eliminating the sputtering sound.
2. Cleaning the pilot and gas valve
If the pilot or gas valve is dirty or clogged, cleaning them can help to fix the problem. This involves removing the pilot and gas valve and cleaning them with a soft brush or cloth.
3. Flushing the tank
If sediment buildup is the cause of the sputtering on startup, flushing the tank can help to fix the problem. This involves draining the tank to remove any sediment that has accumulated inside.
Conclusion
Sputtering on startup is a common issue that Lochinvar Armor water heaters can experience during the winter months. The most common reasons for this problem include air in the lines, clogged pilot or gas valve, and sediment buildup inside the tank. Preventive measures, such as regular maintenance and inspections, can help to avoid this problem. However, if your water heater is already sputtering on startup, you can use troubleshooting methods such as bleeding air from the lines, cleaning the pilot and gas valve, and flushing the tank to fix the problem. By taking proper care of your Lochinvar Armor water heater, you can ensure that it performs optimally and provides you with hot water whenever you need it. For professional plumbing services, contact aceplumbingrepair.com at (844) 711-1590.
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