Do plumbers fix gas heaters

Gas Heater Repair

Gas heaters are one of the cheapest space heaters of this time. Nowadays, people love to use gas heaters more than electric space heaters. However, before you can invest in a gas heater, you have to know all about gas heating to be sure that you are making an informed decision based on facts and not just popularity.

This article will cover essential details that you need to know about gas heaters, general issues that can arise, how they are fixed, who fixes them, and the cost of repairing them. After reading this, you will understand whether plumbers fix gas heaters and know the difference between a plumber and a gas fitter. So, if you are interested in knowing all about gas heater repair, this article will guide you in the right direction.

What Is A Gas Heater?

A gas heater is a space heater. Gas heaters are used to keep your indoor or outdoor spaces warm by burning natural gas, butane, propane, or liquefied petroleum gas, which is commonly referred to as LPG. They are installed to avoid the formation of hydrates, liquid hydrocarbons, and water as a result of pressure reduction.

At operating conditions and maximum flow, the gas heater is designed to raise the temperature of the gas to the point wherein, after pressure reduction, the temperature of the gas is above the dew point temperature. It provides a temperature range of 70 to 80 degrees Celsius.

Common Problems Associated With Gas Heaters

Every machine is bound to become weaker with its regular use, and a gas heater is not an exception to this reality. Therefore, you are bound to face some problems in the course of using this heating appliance. It is common knowledge that dealing with gas is a risky undertaking that can lead to severe problems.

Therefore, you should ensure that you are extra careful while trying to deal with any issues with your gas heater. Here are some typical problems associated with a gas heater and some possible solutions:

Clogged or Dirty Air Filter

Sometimes the air filters become dirty and clogged and reduce airflow, making a furnace work harder to circulate heat. A clogged filter may likely damage the limit switch, which operates and controls the fan. You should keep cleaning the thermostat. Lack of proper cleaning causes clogging, which can cause huge damage. To keep it clean, open the thermostat and gently blow the dust that may have accumulated.

Faulty Ignition or Pilot Light

A faulty ignition or pilot light could make it difficult to heat a home or ample commercial space. Thermocouple problems or clogs in the appliance may result in the pilot light not working. You should try to contact a professional to fix your ignition or pilot light.

Heater Won’t Turn On

Suppose your gas heater is not turning on automatically to produce heat when it gets the signal from the thermostat. This happens because of clogged filters. Cleaning the clogs can be useful. Otherwise, there is no other likely alternative but to call for a professional.

Thermostat Issues

When the furnace does not perform its primary task, you should presume that your gas heater has a problem with its thermostat setting, power, gas, or the pilot light. To deal with this, call a professional to fix the thermostat.

If you are having problems running your thermostat or your thermostat is becoming faulty, check the thermostat battery. Ensure that you are changing the batteries on time if your home’s thermostat unit runs on batteries. It’s better to use a battery with a low battery symbol, which will help you know when to replace them.

Noisy Furnace or Ductwork

Sometimes, your gas heater may be running well but loudly. If the noise results from the air running through the ductwork, you should insulate your ductwork to cut down the noise. However, if the existing furnace system is making odd noises, it may be a sign of an improperly adjusted pilot light. The blower motor lubrication ports may also need oiling. However, if that does not work, those are signs that demand that you get your gas heater repaired.

Not Producing Enough Heat

If your heater is not producing enough heat for your space, you should select the perfect size for the ideal space. You can consult a professional to inform you of the proper heater size for your area.

Cycling Between ‘On’ and ‘Off’

Cycling between the ‘On’ and ‘Off’ functions may indicate a clog inside the filter, improper airflow, or a wrong thermostat setting. Contact an experienced person to fix the problem.

Blower Issues

Blower issues may likely indicate a problem with the switch. It may need professionals to fix it.

Rumbling, Squeaking, or Rattling

Rumbles, squeaks, and rattles are not normal at all. The sounds may indicate a technical problem, airflow reductions, or a clogged burner. One of the most common reasons for your filters not working is clogged filters and burners. So, if your gas heater is also having the same problem, you should check your filter or burner and replace it.

Regular Wear and Tear

Normal wear and tear can typically cause airflow problems, heat control-related problems, or sometimes even overheating. Try to maintain the machine properly and keep checking it regularly.

Blower Running Continuously

If your gas furnace blower runs continuously, you have to take enough steps to fix it. The blower is located just between the return ductwork and the furnace. A constantly running furnace that does not shut off can be a sign of damage. It also indicates a problem with a faulty limit control switch.

Existing Damage

That damage needs repair. However, before making a service call, ensure that your thermostat is not set to ‘continuous fan.’ You can turn the temperature down to see if this measure solves the problem.

Carbon Monoxide Leak

A carbon monoxide leak can prove to be very harmful to your health. If you maintain and service your gas heater regularly, you can easily control the production of this gas.

Gas Odours

If you smell any gas odour around your heater, you should immediately turn off the heater because it is a sign of gas leakage. Gas leakage can cause severe problems to your life and assets. If you suspect a gas leak and the odour is quite strong, you should immediately turn the switch off and leave the house. Then, contact your gas utility company. These leaks sometimes cause significant accidents. To prevent this type of accident, keep checking your gas lines and pipes.

Heating Issues

If your furnace is not producing adequate enough heat, you need to ensure that the air filter is clean and in good condition. If not, you have to replace the filter. It will be better to take proper cautions before replacing the filter and hire a professional.

Appliance Not Running Correctly

First of all, you have to inspect the thermostat to ensure that it is set on ‘heat’ and that it is set at least five degrees above the room temperature. You will be surprised that most service calls are made without checking this.

Do You Need A Professional To Fix Your Gas Heater?

A gas heater is a complex and risky appliance. It is not easy to handle. When it comes to gas-related issues, you must think about your safety first. So, you will need a professional to fix complex gas heater issues. Below are some of the reasons why you should hire a professional to get your heater repaired:

• A professional plumber should install and repair a gas heater because it’s risky to do the work yourself. Experience is needed to do this, and the gas fitters have enough experience and training on this ground.
• You should always think about your safety first. You can never take a chance of experimenting with the gas line. So, it’s a better option not to take the risk.
• A gas heater is an expensive machine. Though it is cheaper than an electrical heater, you might damage your machine by servicing as you are inexperienced. Hiring a specialised licensed gas fitter will protect your gas heater and guarantee its longevity.
• A professional gas fitter will have all the necessary tools which will be needed to fix your gas heater. It will be stupid to try to fix a machine without the required tools.
• A professional fitter will quickly identify the problem with your gas heater. So, it will take less time to fix it.
• Calling a professional plumber will also save your money because if you try to fix it without any experience, it may cause more damage to your gas heater in the long run. This will force you to replace your appliance. Servicing the heater on a regular basis will prevent it from significant issues.
• Your gas heater might produce carbon monoxide, which is dangerous for your health and that of your family. Therefore, immediately get in touch with a professional gas fitter or gas plumber to test for carbon monoxide in case you suspect a leak.

Can Every Plumber Fix Gas Heaters?

If this question is roaming around your mind, then the answer is a big ‘No.’ To fix your gas heater, you have to call a licensed gas fitter. A plumber cannot work with a gas heater or any other gas appliances without that particular licence. It is highly imperative to understand the difference between a plumber and a gas fitter. If you are facing a problem of water drainage or pipe-related issues, you should call your plumber. However, it will be risky to contact a plumber when a gas-related issue arises. In this case, you must contact a licensed gas fitter.

A plumber can fix all water-related problems, but he will be unfit for servicing gas heaters. Gas pipes are more dangerous than water pipes. Choosing an experienced and trained gas fitter to fix your gas line makes more sense than a plumber. You should reconsider any thoughts of gas fitting on your own because it is risky for your appliance, personal health, and life.

When Should You Call A Gas Fitter/Gas Plumber?

Many gas-related projects around your house require the specialised training and experience of a licensed gas plumber. A licensed gas fitter usually deals with:

• Gas space heaters or furnaces
• Water heaters
• Gas stoves
• Fireplaces
• Gas leakage
• Hot water systems
• Cooktop and stove repairs

From the above, you can see that your house has many appliances that require the services of a specialised and licensed gas plumber. It might be tempting to call a regular plumber and get all your work done, including water and gas leakage. However, don’t dare to do that because it can turn out to be very dangerous and threatening to your life.

Helpful Tips While Hiring A Licensed Gas Fitter

It is not hard to find a gas fitter near you, but you must check their licence before hiring them to fix your gas heater. A gas fitter is not entitled to work with gas-related problems without a licence. Here are some valuable tips that you can use while hiring a licensed gas fitter:

• Find a licensed local gas fitter. It is not a complex task to find a licensed gas fitter. All you need to do is look around you for a reputed plumbing company with skilled gas fitters. Nowadays, many plumbing companies will provide you with both plumbers and licensed gas fitters. Then, contact them and state your problem. The gas fitters will serve you according to your schedule and on time.
• Every licensed gas fitter has a licence card. You should carefully check the licence number and verify it. Do not hire anyone without checking their licence.
• After fixing your issue, the licensed gas fitter will provide you with a compliance certificate. That certificate mentions that if the issue is not resolved after their services, they will come back to you and fix the problem without charging any extra cost. This certificate is a kind of warranty card that will save you from further hassle. So, don’t forget to receive a compliance certificate.
• If you are thinking about the cost, you will be glad to know that the cost is not that high. In Sydney, you can repair your gas heater for about $100 to $120. The price actually depends on the issue you have.
• If you need any emergency gas plumbing service, you should inform the plumbing company about it, and they will provide you with their service as soon as possible.
• Another important suggestion is to prevent damage through maintenance. If you want to save your gas heater from more significant damage, it is an excellent initiative to service it every two years. It’s better to discover a problem at its very first stage and deal with it before it is too advanced.

When you experience any issues with your gas heater, reach out to a reliable and licensed gas plumber to help fix your problem quickly. So, that was all about repairing gas heaters. In this article, we have covered all things about a gas heater. In Sydney, you will find a lot of gas plumbing companies near you.

You Can Find A Reliable Gas Plumber Near You

If your gas heater has any issues or needs maintenance, do not worry. You will find a lot of reliable plumbing companies in Sydney that you can contact to hire a licensed gas fitter or plumber for all your gas heater needs. They are equipped with the required skills and knowledge and invest in high-end tools to effectively deal with your gas heater issues.

As mentioned above, you have to ensure that you check the gas fitter’s licence before they can proceed to fix any problems with your gas heater.