Powerflex Water Heater Troubleshooting [9 Easy Solutions]

The common issues that Powerflex users face are no power, heater lights blinking, water leaks, pilot won’t stay lit, heater system in lockout, heater stuck on vacation mode, and yellow flame. 

Read our Powerflex water heater troubleshooting guide to fix your water heater ASAP.

Powerflex Water Heater Troubleshooting [9 Easy Solutions]

In this section, we will tell you how you can solve the common issues you face as a Powerflex user. Here you go!

1. Pilot Won’t Stay Lit

Powerflex water heater won’t stay lit?  The possible reasons behind this issue are air in the gas line, a malfunctioning thermocouple, a problematic gas supply, a bad igniter, and a tripped TCO.

Solution:

Try relighting your pilot light. In case, you are unable to do that or the pilot lights but then goes out again, you have a deeper problem to solve.

To fix this issue, you need to have some electrical knowledge. Otherwise, calling a professional to get your water heater serviced is the best option. Read our solution guide to learn how to fix a pilot light that won’t stay lit.  

2. Heater System Lockout

Powerflex water heater system lockout occurs when your water heater is facing a certain error. 

Solution:

Your water heater needs to be reset using the steps below.

1. Restart the water heater and wait 3 seconds for the system to do a self-diagnostic check.
2. The temperature dial must be turned back and forth at least six (6) times within the first 30 seconds, crossing the 120-degree mark. The control will be reset and a standard flash code will be shown (slow blinking).

3. Heater Stuck On Vacation Mode

Is your Powerflex water heater stuck in vacation mode? Or Your Powerflex water heater keeps going into vacation mode? Your heater’s flame rod sensor is the little culprit that’s causing this annoyance. 

Carbon build-up or corrosion of the flame sensor causes your heater to be stuck on vacation mode.

Solution:

Here’s how you fix this issue.

1. Unplug your water heater. 
2. Find your gas shut-off valve and turn off the gas supply.
3. Take off your access panel. Your model may have Torx screws. You’re going to need a Torx screwdriver to unscrew the panel.
4. You need to clean your flame rod sensor now. Get an emery cloth or SOS pad. Polish your flame rod till the carbon build-up is cleaned.
5. Assemble your heater and restart. 

Everything should run smoothly now and you’ll be able to get your heater out of vacation mode.

4. No Hot Water

The possible reasons behind your hot water heater not producing hot water are- the heater not getting power, a tripped limit switch, or one or more defective heating elements.

Solution:

First, check to see if the water heater’s circuit breaker in the service panel has tripped. Turn the breaker off and on again if it has tripped. Try resetting the heater’s high-temperature limit if the breaker did not trip (and it is still on).  Here are the steps to reset the heater’s high-limit switch. 

• Turn off the circuit breaker for the water heater in the service panel.
• Remove the access panel for the upper heating element of the water heater.
• Carefully remove the insulation and plastic safety cover, being careful not to damage any wires or electrical contacts.
• For Powerflex water heater reset, press the red button above the upper thermostat.
• The access panel, the safety guard, and the insulation should all be replaced.
• Your heater’s circuit breaker needs to be turned on at this point. 
• If your heater isn’t fixed yet, the heating elements are most likely the culprit. Examine them and replace them in case necessary. You can look for Powerflex water heater parts online. 

5. Discolored or Smelly Water

Corrosion inside a glass-lined tank or a malfunctioning sacrificial anode rod might generate rust-colored water. A rotten-egg odor can be caused by a decomposing sacrificial anode rod.

Solution:

Examine your anode rod. In case, it is failing, you’ll need to get it replaced. Make sure to get a magnesium anode rod. To get rid of the odor, do the following:

The water heater should be flushed first. Then, for two hours, soak the tank and pipes in a solution of 2 pints 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in 40 gallons of water. Replace the failed anode with a zinc-alloy anode if the odor persists. If the odor persists, replace the heater with one that is lined with plastic.

6. Unusual Noise

A low, rumbling sound may suggest boiling water which is caused by sediment build-up overheating. Scale buildup on electrical heating elements can generate a high-pitched whining noise.

Solution:

The first thing you should do is to give your water heater a thorough cleanse. The water heater tank and elements should next be cleaned of scale. Finally, for better heat-transfer efficiency, choose low-watt-density heating elements with a higher surface area. Contacting Powerflex water heater tech support is a good idea if the problem persists.

7. Heater Lights Blinking

The color of the light or the frequency with which it blinks can indicate which trouble you’re having. Each model, of course, is unique. However, the following are the four most typical issues:

• A Problem with the Thermostat
• The Pilot Light has gone out
• Tank is empty or won’t fill up
• Electrical or Power Issues

Solution:

You need to identify the meaning of the blinking light. Start by reading the little print on the control panel. The most common messages are usually printed directly on the control panel. Check the manual if it isn’t listed.

Once you’ve figured out the issue, take the appropriate measures to solve the problem.

8. Water Leaks

A faulty temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve, high pressure, overheating, a jammed valve, a leak from an above or adjacent plumbing connection, loose heating element bolts, a bad gasket, or a leaking water tank are all possible causes of water leaks.

Solution:

Here’s what you should do to fix any water leaks.

• Place a bucket beneath the above pipe to check the T&P valve, open it, and flush it clean of debris; if it still leaks, fix or replace it.
• Lower the thermostat setting to relieve excessive pressure or heat. 
• After that, look for any loose pipe connections and tighten them with a wrench, being cautious not to overtighten. 
• Inspect the heating element bolts and tighten them if necessary.
• Remove the heating element and replace the gasket if the leak persists. 
• Finally, inspect the storage tank for leaks. Corrosion or other concerns, like faulty o-rings, can cause storage tanks to leak. Keep a supply of spare o-rings on hand.

9. Yellow Flame

If the flame in your Powerflex water heater pilot light is yellowish, these are the possible reasons why-

1. Dirt in burner ports
2. Combustion air path restricted.
3. Not enough dilution of air for proper combustion. 

Solution:

Try the following for troubleshooting gas water heater.

• Turn off the heater and gas. 
• Clean the burner head.
• Inspect the intake venting arrangements for obstructions. 
• Check intake venting arrangements for obstructions. 

FAQ:

Why does my water heater keep turning off?

The thermocouple is most likely to blame if your gas water heater keeps shutting off. A defective thermocouple will turn off both the burner and the pilot light.

How long does it take a hot water heater to heat up?

Once the water is in the tank, the average gas tank water heater takes 30 to 40 minutes to heat it.

How long do water heaters really last?

It can last anywhere between 6-12 years.

Why is my water tank not filling up?

Leaks, air or pressure lock within the tank, constant filling, and draining of the tank’s water supply, or a clogged cold feed pipe or valve are the most typical causes of a water heater not filling up.

How often should you flush a water heater?

We recommend you do it at least once a year. Sediment buildup can cause a lot of issues. You’ll be saving yourself a lot of energy if you just flush once every year.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve gone through our Powerflex water heater troubleshooting guide, you know exactly what to do to fix your water heater.

Enjoy the hot showers! In case, you have any confusion, let us know in the comments below. We’d love to help you out.