Water Heater (Aquamax 390) Not Working

Ameowzon on 11/06/2020 - 19:15

Is this the right forum? ;)

I have a water heater (AquaMax 390) that isn't working. It doesn't seem to be getting any gas, or that I just can't seem to light it. I've been pressing down PILOT and pressing the ignition for the last 30 mins, and nothing. I don't hear any sound when PILOT is down. I don't smell anything either. All valves are open, from street to meter, from meter to heater. When I turn on the hot water tap, it's just all cold water. Seems that the piping is blocked? Or the ignition is not working?

Thoughts before I pay $140+ for call out + 30 mins of investigating, and any additional 15 mins is $30+. I guess I'm looking for a bargain to solve my issue. It is after all the right forum!

Home & Garden

Comments

  • trex on 11/06/2020 - 19:57

    Is it a new heater or existing one? Check your gas meter to see if there's any gas flow when it is set to Pilot?

    Instructions for my Dux gas heater says:-

    • Turn the control knob to the pilot position.
    • Depress the control knob fully (until disappears below housing) and after thirty (30) seconds, whilst keeping the control knob depressed, repeatedly press the igniter button (for up to 40 seconds) until the pilot flame ignites.
    • Ameowzon on 11/06/2020 - 19:59

      Existing one, came with the house, must be more than 6 years old…

      I did set to PILOT. I did press the knob down for 30 seconds. I did press the igniter but only 5 seconds, not 40 seconds, all that while the knob is down at PILOT. I guess I'll give it a try tomorrow morning.

      Anyone else have any ideas?

      • trex on 11/06/2020 - 20:04

        Per my Dux, it says press igniter button for up to 40 seconds.

        Since it is an existing heater, gas line won't suddenly get blocked. Do you know why the pilot light went out in the first place? Did someone turn off the gas main or turned off the gas heater? Might be same problem causing re-lighting issue.

        • trex on 11/06/2020 - 20:07
          +1

          Manual for your Aquamax 390. Re-lighting instructions is in page 47.

      • capslock janitor on 11/06/2020 - 20:08

        You could try turning everything (gas/water?maybe elec too lmao) off and on again.. Give it 5 minutes each Off/on

        • trex on 11/06/2020 - 20:10

          You forgot to include turning off the internet :D

  • capslock janitor on 11/06/2020 - 20:03

    Possible to find a free call out?

  • Nutrino on 11/06/2020 - 20:13
    +2

    Its a faulty thermalcouple

  • capslock janitor on 11/06/2020 - 20:14
    -1

    We have an Aquamax as well, don't remember the model

    I remember fiddling with the igniter a few times (rage/cool down/rage/fixed) took a few tries - also did the Gas off-on trick for peace of mind - Open the panel and blast the bottom with a leaf blower for good measure (I'm no expert lmfao)

    Gas hot water takes Time to Heat up y'know, before it gets to yo tap

  • RandomNinja on 12/06/2020 - 00:26
    +1

    Aquamax are owned by Rheem now and when my tank sprung a leak, their technical dept were happy to have a quick review of the situation via email. They got back to me in the same day so pretty quick, but sadly it was a writeoff.

    Try emailing them at [email protected]

  • AnDyStYLe on 12/06/2020 - 00:43

    As mentioned by Nutrino, and as per some of the symptoms that the you've described, I'd be first looking at the thermalcouple.

    Best bet is to spend $20 to get a replacement thermalcouple at Bunnings and replace it. It's not very hard to do yourself (check out YouTube videos).

    I had a faulty HWS about a month ago (10+ year old unit). The pilot light would go out as soon as I turn the dial away from the pilot position. After doing a bit of research, I ruled it down to being the thermalcouple, and for $20 and about 30 minutes of my time swapping it, I was willing to take the gamble before needing to go the direction of spending bigger bucks to call out a plumber or replace the unit.

    Unfortunately for me, this didn't solve the issue, but it did give me validation that it wasn't just the thermalcouple. The gas controller valve was likely fk'd and that's about $250 for the part plus plumber labor.

    Given that it was a 10+ year old unit, I bit the bullet and replaced the whole unit ($1650) :(

    Hopefully you're in a better position than I was… But I'd recommended to give the thermalcouple swap a go if you're handy… If it's just that, it'll cost you $20 and your time.

    Edit: Disclaimer… Apparently even touching the thermalcouple requires a licenced plumber to do the work, so my post is hypothetical and perform at your own risk lol

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