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spicer12 · Jan 31, 2011, 10:03 AM

This is so frustrating. We started noticing about a month ago that the blower on our hot water tank wasn't shutting off. The water was heating up just fine and the burner would shut off when it was hot but the blower would continue to run. Had someone out to look at it and he said it could be several things so he suggested my husband replace the hose in case there was moisture or dirt in it, which he did. The blower seemed to work fine for a couple of weeks and then it didn't shut off again, so my husband then replaced the pressure switch. But periodically the blower is still continuing to run unless my husband manually makes it stop, which he's found he can do if he either turns the water temp. down, or taps on the box where the pressure switch is. He's confused as to why the blower would shut off if he hits the pressure switch box seeing as how he just replaced it. What else could it be? The plumber was nice enough to suggest the least expensive things first to see if that would fix it, which was the hose and the pressure switch, but about once every week or so, the blower will again stick and not shut. Does anyone have any suggestions on what could be causing it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

massplumber2008 · Jan 31, 2011, 10:19 AM

Hi Spicer...

Instead of me guessing at this for you, why not call the manufacturer of the water heater and speak with the guys in the technical department? The number should be available online or even on the heater itself. Have a model number and a serial number handy as they will ask for it.

Not only will they have an answer for you, but the parts needed may even be under warranty... :)

Let me know what happens, OK?

Mark

spicer12 · Jan 31, 2011, 10:47 AM

We're going to guess that nothing is under warranty any longer as the tank is a few years old. I did look and it's an 'American' gas water tank, maybe about 8 years old? Have never had a problem with it until now and it's very frustrating when even a plumber can't narrow it down and say 'this is what's causing it'. Saying it can be one of 3 or 4 different things simply makes us lose faith in their knowledge as my husband can narrow it down to 3 or 4 things himself, you know? And being told it's a process of elimination sounds somewhat feeble to me. Seems all they want to do is sell you a new tank - at a bargain price of $1200. Hubby doesn't think we need a new tank, or rather isn't willing to invest in one unless he's sure that's what's needed. So this is why I posted the question here in the hopes that someone like you or others who know more about this than my husband does could at least offer some advice or suggestions if you know what's already been replaced and what exactly it's doing.

massplumber2008 · Jan 31, 2011, 10:56 AM

Hi again...

I'm telling you from experience that the only way to resolve this is going to be to call the manufacturer and speak with the technical department.

Heck, even I call tech. services when in doubt as I don't like guessing with my customer's money, right?

Also, being only 8 years old definitely tells me that you DO NOT have to replace the heater.

Check out this link to american water heaters... even has a trouble shooting guide:

American Water Heaters - Home

Do NOT use the online tech. help. Call tech. services....they'll have the answer you need! 1-800 999-9515

Mark

spicer12 · Jan 31, 2011, 11:07 AM

Oh! Well thank-you so much, I will forward this to my husband :)