Well, your video is very interesting. Starting a few days ago, our hot water began to run cold especially when we had a lot of relatives that slept over. My first thought was that the control assembly was bad and identified a replacement on amazon. Then I began to think maybe it could be the thermopile. After sleeping on that last one over night, thought maybe I should order the entire ignition kit that included the thermopile, the igniter, etc. After one additional night of sleep, I decided to also order that little resettable thermal switch. Then I stumbled across your video pointing out the need to clean these water heater filters on a reqular basis. Our home was built in mid-2021 and never had the wh cleaned. After seeing the video I put my entire order on hold pending a cleaning upon returning home from a 2 week trip. Everything you point out in video makes me think that cleaning might do the trick. Symptoms are as follows: a) cold water when lots of usage; b) when out in the garage where the wh is located (I smoke), on occasion I hear a "wheesh" sound like the burner is trying to come on but the sound disappears in like a couple of seconds; c) still have not noticed the burner being lit but water seemed hot when both my wife and I showered earlier today - separately, we been married today makes 56 years; d) when problem started, i thought pilot was not lit but after putting the phone camera down at the sight window, I saw that it was in fact lit. I'm guessing the cleaning will do the trick but will appreciate any thoughts or suggestions any of you might have. And yes, at 80 yo, I am still a DIY'er.
Thank you so much for this video. My water heater is now working like a champ!!! This video was very helpful and saved me alot of time and aggravation. Saved me alot of money too!!!
Great video. I watched, learned and cleaned, now my pilot light stays lit and the hot water is great. Thank you so much. Ps. I did not have a compressor but a leaf blower worked just fine.
Excellent thanks. Very helpful. I have the same Bradford White as in this video. Question...How would you know if the gasket has to be changed on the combustion panel?
Good video. The shots of cleaning the filter from inside the water heater were ideal. Nicely done. My one question is why the flame was so yellow? That indicates a rich mixture. Don’t you have to adjust the mixture so the flame is blue?
Great job! I LOVE Steve Lav! I have a suggestion, can you make a fitting that goes over the end of your vacuum and you can add a clear hose that will go through that adapter? That way you can see the dirt and muck go through the hose into the vacuum canister.
I seen all those paint cans and plastic next to WH. One of my pet peeves. I have red tape square 24x24 around my WH. Everyone knows nothing goes inside that tape other than WH. Like that vac CB. Thanks for posting.
Thanks sir for your video. Its gonna help me tremendously. My paint guy smother wrapped my Bradford Water Heater to prevent paint slather. Now the pilot light is out and pilot won’t ignite. I am also get a seven blink error light indictor which supposedly means there is Gas Valve electronic fault detected. House is eleven yrs old and I been owner for a year. I going try cleaning the filter it out like you suggested. Hope nothing is needing replaced. Is there a reset button on the Bradford somewhere? Thanks great video.
@@ChuckBarron I followed step by step like your video...cleaned out all the dust webs and brush cleaned the heater element assembly. Put it back and it water heater now works again. Thank you so much . I would have never attempted this without seeing your video. Saved me $$$ and my wife thinks I can fix something around here other than a Bologna sandwich!
that pvc vent pipe looks brown/discolored, is there some other bad issue causing low exhaust flow? failing inducer? it sounded awfully rough/noisy too. (the 50 gallon one) I'd have suggested replacing the whole unit and checking the vent pipe.....
I have a 40 gallon tank that runs out of hot water after 20 or so gallons, about 10 minutes worth of showering in the house I bought (no dishwasher or washing machine hooked up yet either) until it turns completely cold. The tank was flushed, with very little sediment built up on the inside. I'm still having the problem, would this solve it? I haven't had my pilot light go out at all, I just run out of water very fast.
I have a Bradford White Defender 1 yr old. Pilot lights instantly and stays on. Green light blinking every second which seems to mean the burner is on however the burner won’t light, no hot water. Could the thermo coupler need cleaning maybe, any ideas?
Chuck, I have a similar Bradford heater. Power vented also. No codes but it seems to run forever and take along time to get the H20 hot. I pulled it apart and did the same as in this video. Thinking was that because I had a real yellow/orange and weak looking flame that maybe it was starving for air. Thought the burner flame should have been nice and blue, like the open chamber unit you showed. Initially after cleaning it, it was blue and tight but that only lasted a minute or two and has since reverted to its original look. Is that the normal burner flame condition for these? However, it does look just like the one you did. Thanks, Kerry Y Montana
May I ask a dumb question? Do I have to turn the gas off before cleaning the filter, that and the pilot light off (obviously). Or can I just turn the pilot light off?
a new vac? sweet!! have to ask, how do you get the dust from under? I know you blown it down, maybe vac a bit up, but the majority will still get sucked up once combustion starts. I always thought that mesh was just a air difusser to prevent large gusts of air like a door opening from putting out the flame.
so tight.....the plan is blow it and vacuum the same time. no way to access heater bottom unless removed..A larger bottom be nice so it could be accessed easier. Maybe next gen water heaters....lol
CB did you consider turning up the thermostats a little bit more on each one. We all know the older they get, the more sediment on the bottom. Enjoyed the video as usual.
This water heater was on second floor but I like to use nut drivers anyway. get the feel especially if they are stripped out. I did have a stripped one so i was glad i used nut driver. good eye plumber.
how u liking the m18 vac, im waiting for it to go on sale and gonna buy it eventually. good to see more red and less yellow in your van you wont be disappointed
@@ChuckBarron well i was trying to get vents clear so i did not put mat back in and mow it lights up fast and hard but after about a minute it sounds like its going to blow humming vibrating sound i push held the burner in with hand and held all parts to see whats vibrating or humming louder and louder but nothing was loose so when i turned off gas it stopped humming
I don't see too many water heaters stuck in closets...so I rarely see hair and dust all over the water heater. Btw Chuck, I forgot to ask you in the urinal video, what name brand awl were you using? Nice job as always!
ya heaters love closets down here. no basements can you imagine all the tight spots for water heaters. I used american standard brookdales i believe. the awe is from home depot i believe. that joker is nice.
@@@ChuckBarron Thanks Chuck, I've been needing a new awl for years, as the Malco one I have, I broke the tip off years ago. The one you have seems more heavy duty.
I have been watching your videos a lot! Keep up the good work love them. I do have a question that you probably get asked a lot. I have been working with retail in many departments for a year now. Plumbing interests me the most. I have the knowledge, yet I have no connections. How do I get into a apprenticeship with no connections or even a plumbers helper.
Matty _PB I have a friend who’s in Canada his name is Roy Coneybeare. The name of his business in Custom Gas, give him a call and ask what is needed in Canada to be an apprentice.
speaking of water heaters...i have galvanized plumbing. i put 1 male union on the 90 elbow and another union on the water heater nipple . between those 2 unions i have like 6 places to solder including ball valve. after i run water i got pin hole leak on one joint ...what do u do, just put some more solder in that spot or you have to torch it out, clean it and start over ? would you reuse the same material after u clean it good ? once I cleaned it some solder was still on the pipe, now cannot fit that shit back together ..what a shit show ..
Use all again, make sure water off and drained lower than leak... including upstairs fixtures. Open them... you may be able to reheat and solder.. if it’s me I’m retrying. Just as long as you cleaned all well. You may of had a steam leak. Make sure water is drained off...good luck
1) I don't like those type of water heater desing bcz take air from inside property so in this case are 2 monsters same basement so mean no enough air for combustion and taking air from everywhere even small wall or ceiling opening that is reason this failure after some time 2) I know hot water lines is tie together to increase hot water storage bad move bcz that create a water presuse sandwich huge water noise flow every time someone open water to take a shower 🥵
Sup wit Lee? He plumbing too? 😂😂😂😂.... rip them beasts out install 2 navien tankless call it day... 🤑💰🤑💰🤑💰.... ay we are heading to the Bahamas 🇧🇸 next week... how’s the weather up there? 🏄🏝🇧🇸😎🤙☀️
Legend Lee! My #1 fan. he is an all pro from california. yes on the naviens, its coming. oh snap enjoy. CB2 is in cancun....what is he doing today?lol. well its 35 degrees. not bad but i did get me some sure yesterday. lol
Thanks for sharing the work of cleaning the combustion chamber, including the re-seating of the burner.
Every year or so I have to search for this video to relight the pilot. This time I wrote down the instruction, lol. Thanks!
Well, your video is very interesting. Starting a few days ago, our hot water began to run cold especially when we had a lot of relatives that slept over. My first thought was that the control assembly was bad and identified a replacement on amazon. Then I began to think maybe it could be the thermopile. After sleeping on that last one over night, thought maybe I should order the entire ignition kit that included the thermopile, the igniter, etc. After one additional night of sleep, I decided to also order that little resettable thermal switch. Then I stumbled across your video pointing out the need to clean these water heater filters on a reqular basis. Our home was built in mid-2021 and never had the wh cleaned. After seeing the video I put my entire order on hold pending a cleaning upon returning home from a 2 week trip. Everything you point out in video makes me think that cleaning might do the trick. Symptoms are as follows: a) cold water when lots of usage; b) when out in the garage where the wh is located (I smoke), on occasion I hear a "wheesh" sound like the burner is trying to come on but the sound disappears in like a couple of seconds; c) still have not noticed the burner being lit but water seemed hot when both my wife and I showered earlier today - separately, we been married today makes 56 years; d) when problem started, i thought pilot was not lit but after putting the phone camera down at the sight window, I saw that it was in fact lit. I'm guessing the cleaning will do the trick but will appreciate any thoughts or suggestions any of you might have. And yes, at 80 yo, I am still a DIY'er.
Awesome demonstration, great camera work too. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this video. My water heater is now working like a champ!!! This video was very helpful and saved me alot of time and aggravation. Saved me alot of money too!!!
Great video. I watched, learned and cleaned, now my pilot light stays lit and the hot water is great. Thank you so much. Ps. I did not have a compressor but a leaf blower worked just fine.
Glad to help..love the leaf blower....lol
Great idea Chuck to clean the burning gas chamber, with compress air and the vacuum cleaner same time. You are AWESOME PLUMBER !!! 😀🔧👍👍
Thanks Carmelo. We trying out here in the real world.
Excellent thanks. Very helpful. I have the same Bradford White as in this video. Question...How would you know if the gasket has to be changed on the combustion panel?
you can replace if she breaks down....usually entire assembly comes in a kit.
Good video. The shots of cleaning the filter from inside the water heater were ideal. Nicely done. My one question is why the flame was so yellow? That indicates a rich mixture. Don’t you have to adjust the mixture so the flame is blue?
Great job! I LOVE Steve Lav! I have a suggestion, can you make a fitting that goes over the end of your vacuum and you can add a clear hose that will go through that adapter? That way you can see the dirt and muck go through the hose into the vacuum canister.
Stevie baby.....Good idea on hose...I will get the shot of dirt ect...
Chuck Barron I’m not Stevie, but it’s all good! But you and Steve Lav are the only two plumbers I subscribe to here.
Awesome channel Chuck. I enjoy your Plumbing repairs.
thanks Harry appreciate that.
Thanks Chuck. I’ve been off grid for awhile. I have the same unit. How often should my plumber clean it?
I seen all those paint cans and plastic next to WH. One of my pet peeves. I have red tape square 24x24 around my WH. Everyone knows nothing goes inside that tape other than WH. Like that vac CB. Thanks for posting.
and we wonder why water heaters are vapor proof now.
Love how neat you work, ❤ just like I'm with customers 😀
If the water heater is over 10 years old, do you recommend replacing entire unit?
Much better video work . I like that contraption how much pressure do you use ?
my pex homemade tip....lol...i used 100psi.
Thanks sir for your video. Its gonna help me tremendously. My paint guy smother wrapped my Bradford Water Heater to prevent paint slather. Now the pilot light is out and pilot won’t ignite. I am also get a seven blink error light indictor which supposedly means there is Gas Valve electronic fault detected. House is eleven yrs old and I been owner for a year.
I going try cleaning the filter it out like you suggested. Hope nothing is needing replaced.
Is there a reset button on the Bradford somewhere?
Thanks great video.
how did you make out?
@@ChuckBarron I followed step by step like your video...cleaned out all the dust webs and brush cleaned the heater element assembly. Put it back and it water heater now works again. Thank you so much . I would have never attempted this without seeing your video. Saved me $$$ and my wife thinks I can fix something around here other than a Bologna sandwich!
that pvc vent pipe looks brown/discolored, is there some other bad issue causing low exhaust flow? failing inducer?
it sounded awfully rough/noisy too. (the 50 gallon one) I'd have suggested replacing the whole unit and checking the vent pipe.....
replacing is on the horizon. These folks are not playing. Replace them both is coming. Im sure of it.
I have a 40 gallon tank that runs out of hot water after 20 or so gallons, about 10 minutes worth of showering in the house I bought (no dishwasher or washing machine hooked up yet either) until it turns completely cold. The tank was flushed, with very little sediment built up on the inside. I'm still having the problem, would this solve it? I haven't had my pilot light go out at all, I just run out of water very fast.
I have a Bradford White Defender 1 yr old. Pilot lights instantly and stays on. Green light blinking every second which seems to mean the burner is on however the burner won’t light, no hot water. Could the thermo coupler need cleaning maybe, any ideas?
Chuck,
I have a similar Bradford heater. Power vented also. No codes but it seems to run forever and take along time to get the H20 hot. I pulled it apart and did the same as in this video. Thinking was that because I had a real yellow/orange and weak looking flame that maybe it was starving for air. Thought the burner flame should have been nice and blue, like the open chamber unit you showed. Initially after cleaning it, it was blue and tight but that only lasted a minute or two and has since reverted to its original look.
Is that the normal burner flame condition for these?
However, it does look just like the one you did.
Thanks,
Kerry Y
Montana
sounds like a problem. May want to call tech support.
May I ask a dumb question? Do I have to turn the gas off before cleaning the filter, that and the pilot light off (obviously). Or can I just turn the pilot light off?
Sure. you can just turn water heater to off position. Gas to house can stay on.
@@ChuckBarron Thanks ever so much!!!
another cool educational video, thanks CB, how do you like that milwaukee shop vac?
I have the same with 5ah battery and it last only 20min, you need the 9ah, also it's pretty noisy. But it's a good vacuum, decent power
I like it. I just used it once though.. i like how it packs up like a tool box.
yes Syl, i need some juicer batteries. thats coming for sure.
I'm gonna go with the rigid pro...I'm not a big fan of vacuums running off of batteries.
@@anthonys.5653 I have a Ridgid vacuum and it Sucks! I love it
What is that piece with a long white handle - looks home made
yes...my pex/compressor/mess making 90
@@ChuckBarron Any help in how to make one.. thx !
a new vac? sweet!! have to ask, how do you get the dust from under? I know you blown it down, maybe vac a bit up, but the majority will still get sucked up once combustion starts. I always thought that mesh was just a air difusser to prevent large gusts of air like a door opening from putting out the flame.
so tight.....the plan is blow it and vacuum the same time. no way to access heater bottom unless removed..A larger bottom be nice so it could be accessed easier. Maybe next gen water heaters....lol
ya I dunno. Unless you see a high nox or something, .. is it worth it? I gotta start doing it if it is
CB did you consider turning up the thermostats a little bit more on each one. We all know the older they get, the more sediment on the bottom. Enjoyed the video as usual.
thanks Mark...actaully had em up and brought em down a bit. the water was like lava so i put em back to where they had them.
Great video. What camera do you use for your vids
Hi Leonel, here is the gear i use for all my vids. thanks for tuning in.
kit.com/ChuckBarron/film-gear-tool-box
Nice job. Keep the videos coming.
thanks robert. we rolling into 2019 strong god willing.
also appeared to be laundry room, make sure dryer is properly vented to outdoors!!!!
Yes. The dryer is the fatal shot heard round the world on water heater filters.
No tape on threaded gas fittings?
not needed but you can
Chuck, should you not use power drivers for nuts and screws?
This water heater was on second floor but I like to use nut drivers anyway. get the feel especially if they are stripped out. I did have a stripped one so i was glad i used nut driver. good eye plumber.
Gotcha
Very thorough, thanks.
thank you
Yon cant beat a little bit of LDF CB BUT HERE IN THE UK WE CARRY OUT A SOUNDNESS TEST
LDF? not sure what ya mean Keith.
@@ChuckBarron Leak Detection Fluid Bro
roger that K..i busted out the windex window cleaner. ha.
Just saved me $$$$ , water is getting hot 😊
Sweet!
how u liking the m18 vac, im waiting for it to go on sale and gonna buy it eventually. good to see more red and less yellow in your van you wont be disappointed
oh out with old yeller and in with red...love it. it was 89.00 no battery at home depot. i needed it asap so i bought it there.
why does mine have a thick mat covering vents under burner?
its a filter...remove and clean and place back in....to prevent lint ect from getting in.
@@ChuckBarron well i was trying to get vents clear so i did not put mat back in and mow it lights up fast and hard but after about a minute it sounds like its going to blow humming vibrating sound i push held the burner in with hand and held all parts
to see whats vibrating or humming louder and louder but nothing was loose so when i turned off gas it stopped humming
You should patin that extension.
lol
nice job cb!!!!!
Thank Rich...got er done. More to come because these folks are not playing. I believe new water heaters this year.
Chuck Barron those water heaters didn’t look that old, how old were they?
Great Job! Another satisfied viewer here! lol.
Yes Donnie......Got er done. thanks
I don't see too many water heaters stuck in closets...so I rarely see hair and dust all over the water heater. Btw Chuck, I forgot to ask you in the urinal video, what name brand awl were you using? Nice job as always!
ya heaters love closets down here. no basements can you imagine all the tight spots for water heaters. I used american standard brookdales i believe. the awe is from home depot i believe. that joker is nice.
@@@ChuckBarron Thanks Chuck, I've been needing a new awl for years, as the Malco one I have, I broke the tip off years ago. The one you have seems more heavy duty.
Any good hard center punch with a sharp point is good for breaking the glaze on tile.
Except the one I currently have...it's terrible@@johnkrim8377
I have been watching your videos a lot! Keep up the good work love them. I do have a question that you probably get asked a lot. I have been working with retail in many departments for a year now. Plumbing interests me the most. I have the knowledge, yet I have no connections. How do I get into a apprenticeship with no connections or even a plumbers helper.
Im gonna give you link to my vid....check this out.
ua-cam.com/video/CP20I-KQbDs/v-deo.html&list=PLJlDLptUo_F8-iZcjIZ9ndDCJoH1il56n
good luck...where ya from Matty
Chuck Barron Ontario, Canada, and thank you!
Matty _PB I have a friend who’s in Canada his name is Roy Coneybeare. The name of his business in Custom Gas, give him a call and ask what is needed in Canada to be an apprentice.
good vid. thank you.
speaking of water heaters...i have galvanized plumbing. i put 1 male union on the 90 elbow and another union on the water heater nipple . between those 2 unions i have like 6 places to solder including ball valve. after i run water i got pin hole leak on one joint ...what do u do, just put some more solder in that spot or you have to torch it out, clean it and start over ? would you reuse the same material after u clean it good ? once I cleaned it some solder was still on the pipe, now cannot fit that shit back together ..what a shit show ..
Pablo hold on daddio
Let’s do this
Use all again, make sure water off and drained lower than leak... including upstairs fixtures. Open them... you may be able to reheat and solder.. if it’s me I’m retrying. Just as long as you cleaned all well. You may of had a steam leak. Make sure water is drained off...good luck
@@ChuckBarron thanks. will try again.
You need ear protection with that vac.
I wonder how this guy feels about being charged hourly while you’re making UA-cam videos LOL
1) I don't like those type of water heater desing bcz take air from inside property so in this case are 2 monsters same basement so mean no enough air for combustion and taking air from everywhere even small wall or ceiling opening that is reason this failure after some time
2) I know hot water lines is tie together to increase hot water storage bad move bcz that create a water presuse sandwich huge water noise flow every time someone open water to take a shower 🥵
Sup wit Lee? He plumbing too? 😂😂😂😂.... rip them beasts out install 2 navien tankless call it day... 🤑💰🤑💰🤑💰.... ay we are heading to the Bahamas 🇧🇸 next week... how’s the weather up there? 🏄🏝🇧🇸😎🤙☀️
Legend Lee! My #1 fan. he is an all pro from california. yes on the naviens, its coming. oh snap enjoy. CB2 is in cancun....what is he doing today?lol. well its 35 degrees. not bad but i did get me some sure yesterday. lol
Chuck my fellow turd-herder! First to smash the thumbs up!!!!
stevie....thanks my brother....turds r us. lol
good greif chucky get your bunny suit on kleen the frickin hose my god tell cust kleen up mess b4 u get there
James I shouted you out dog.....see you missed it.....lol....gotta listen when Im firing her up. ha