Pahlen Moisture Ingress / Water in Controls

Heater shuts down during heavy rain or after being sprayed by irrigation.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Leaking cabinet seals on Pahlen heater, Missing grommets around wiring entries, Sprinklers aimed at heater, Condensation inside control box

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn off power before opening the cabinet. Do not operate the heater with water inside the control compartment.

Step-by-step checks:

  • Inspect for water: Open the control compartment and look for water droplets, rust trails, or wet insulation. Dry all components with a clean cloth and allow to air dry.
  • Seal openings: Replace missing grommets and use appropriate weatherproofing around cable entries and panel joints, following Pahlen guidelines.
  • Redirect sprinklers: Adjust irrigation heads so they do not spray the heater.
  • Add cover (if allowed): Install a manufacturer-approved rain hood or shelter that does not restrict combustion air or flue exhaust.

When to stop: If water has entered the control board or gas valve, have a technician inspect for damage before restoring power.

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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Pahlen cabinet seals / control compartment
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