| |
Troubleshooting Model 125X
NO SPARK AT PILOT
- Be sure the ON/OFF switch located behind the flipdown cover plate is set to position ( I
). Also note if the LED indicator light is flashing while hot water tap is on, it flashes
when the batteries are less than 1.2 volts. If flashing while water is running, replace
batteries with two D cell (1.5v) long life alkaline batteries.
- An adequate water flow is required to operate this heater. Be sure that the plumbing is
piped with cold in on the right and hot out on the left.
- Confirm that the flow of water from the Aquastar is not being reduced by a plumbing
crossover (easy test which is explained in steps A, B and C of burner activation
bulletin).
- If steps 1,2, & 3 check out properly then confirm that there is an adequate flow
rate. With the flow/temperature dial on the unit positioned all the way clockwise, a 1/2
gallon per minute (gpm) flow rate is required, but when the dial is turned counter
clockwise a flow of 1 gpm is required.
- If flow is low, clean the water inlet filter screen at Aquastar and the flow restrictor
at the hot outlet taps (this may require removing the flow restrictor in a faucet or
shower head, test with restrictor out).
- If water flow rate is adequate, either the water valve in Aquastar needs to be
cleaned/replaced or Microswitch underneath water valve needs to be adjusted/replaced.
Check Microswitch first. Then clean water valve if Microswitch proves to work
correctly.
- Confirm that the two blue push on wires at the overheat shut-off sensor (ECO), located
on the outlet tube (left side) below the copper heat exchanger, are secure.
SPARK APPEARS WHEN HOT WATER IS TURNED ON, BUT PILOT AND BURNERS WILL NOT IGNITE
- Air in the gas line. (Normally this is a problem at time of initial installation or
after a gas supply line has been shut off for a while, worked on, or allowed to empty).
Bleed the air trapped in the gas line by turning the hot water faucet on and off until the
pilot flame/burners ignite.
- No gas to the Aquastar. Gas cock on line or valve at the gases source is shut off. Or
the gas appliance regulator, which was supplied with the heater and typically installed at
the inlet of the Aquastars gas stem, is jammed or positioned upside down. Confirm the
directional arrow on regulator is pointing in the direction of gas flow. NOTE: this
regulator is exclusively designed for low gas pressure. Excessive pressure will lock it
up, this will typically occur when the unit is connected to a high pressure LP (propane)
tank or Natural gas line.
- Clogged/dirty pilot orifice. Remove pilot assembly to access and clean pilot orifice.
PILOT SPARKS CONTINUOUSLY WITH NO WATER RUNNING
- If no water is running, but the pilot electrode continuously sparks, then the
microswitch screw under the water valve needs adjustment.
PILOT LIGHTS BUT BURNERS WILL NOT COME ON
- Confirm the pilot flame sensor is in its proper position and being heated by the pilot
flame.
- Clean inlet filter screen and water valve.
- Confirm the burner electrovalve switch and its electronic control box function properly.
MAIN BURNERS GO OUT DURING HOT WATER USE
- Hot water flow rate diminished below activation rate.
- Unbalanced pressure in the water lines. The added restriction caused by the Aquastar in
the hot water system can result in uneven pressures between the cold and the hot. In such
cases when mixing cold water at tap, the lower hot water pressure will be overpowered by a
much higher cold water pressure, which can cause the Aquastar burners to shut down. Make
sure faucet aerators and showerheads are free of minerals and dirt. Do not add any flow
restrictor to a shower head. Also clean the Aquastars inlet filter screen.
- If on a well system confirm the minimum pressure setting is near 30 p.s.i. Confirm that
the pressure tank is not water-logged.
- Overheat shut-off sensor (ECO) has tripped due to overheating. Can happen if the water
supply to the unit is preheated. Use the Aquastar model 125BS (solar) for this
application.
HOT WATER TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATES AT TAP
- Hot water flow rate diminished below activation rate and has caused the unit to
deactivate---see next step.
- Unbalanced pressure in the water lines. The added restriction caused by the Aquastar in
the hot water system can result in uneven pressures between the cold and the hot. In such
cases when mixing cold water at tap, the lower hot water pressure will be overpowered by a
much higher cold water pressure, which can cause the Aquastar burners to shut down. Make
sure faucet aerators and showerheads are free of minerals and dirt. Do not add any flow
restrictor to a shower head. Also clean the Aquastars inlet filter screen.
- If the Aquastar's burners remain on with hot water flow but the temperatures fluctuate
then the water pressure or gas pressure may be unstable. The Aquastar 125X is designed to
modulate gas flow to the burners when water flow varies, however if the water pressure in
the home is erratic and the water flow is not consistent while a tap is opened, then the
temperature of hot water will swing. The gas pressure also must be stable and adequate.
Check gas line size in the specification table. Check gas pressure at inlet tap on
unit.
- If the inlet water temperature is not steady then the hot water temperature from the
Aquastar will fluctuate. The 125X modulates its burners when the flow rate is changed. It
does not have a thermostat and so will not adjust to changes in inlet water temperature.
WATER IS TOO HOT
- Temperature dial on Aquastar is set too high (located on base of heater). Lower the
setting and test water temperature. This dial turns counter clockwise for lower
temperatures and clockwise for higher temperatures.
- Inlet water is preheated, feel inlet water pipe to verify. This model does not have a
thermostat and thus will not modulate the flames to prevent over heating. For these
applications we recommend the model 125BS (solar).
WATER IS NOT HOT ENOUGH
- Temperature dial on Aquastar is set too low (located on base of heater). Raise the
setting and test water temperature. This dial turns counter-clockwise for lower
temperatures and clockwise for higher temperatures.
- Flow at tap is too great. Lower flow to stay within heater's specifications.
- A dirty inlet water filter screen can restrict the flow to the water valve enough
to prevent it from fully opening the gas valve. Clean the screen to remedy this.
- Gas pressure is too low, because gas line is undersized or constricted. Check gas line
size in the specification table to ensure it is adequate. Check
gas pressure at inlet tap on unit.
- If water is mineral laden and unit is fairly old the heat exchanger may be scaled
internally. This prevents efficient heat transfer.
BURNERS DO NOT BURN CLEANLY; YELLOW FLAMES WHEN OPERATING
- Be certain unit is operating on proper gas type. Look on right side of cover to locate
rating plate. NG (Natural Gas) LP (Liquified Petroleum)
- Gas pressure may be inadequate. Check gas line size in the specification table to ensure
it is adequate. Check gas pressure at inlet tap on unit to ensure it is adequate.
- For proper combustion at high elevations the inlet gas pressure should be set at
installation to the value shown below.
Altitude |
Natural Gas Inches W.C. |
Liquid Propane W.C. |
0' - 2,000 ft |
5.7" |
10.5" |
2,000 ft - 4,500 ft |
4.6" |
8.4" |
Above 4,500 ft consult your local gas provider |
- Ventilation is not adequate. Make sure the Aquastar vents properly and the vent is sized
properly.
- The Aquastar has burners much like a furnace. It is essential that they remain clean and
are supplied with adequate air for combustion. If the flames burn yellow or orange it is
strongly recommended that the burners be removed from the unit and cleaned. Once removed
the heat exchanger fins above the burners can also be wiped or vacuumed clean.
|