A.O. Smith
Insufficient Burner Operation or Thermostat Misadjustment
Water is warm but not hot enough from A.O. Smith gas water heater
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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
Thermostat set too low, Partially clogged burner orifice, Sediment reducing effective capacity, Dip tube damage causing mixing
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Turn gas control to PILOT or OFF before removing burner components.
- 1. Adjust thermostat: Increase the temperature setting slightly on the gas control (do not exceed manufacturer recommendations to avoid scalding).
- 2. Check burner flame: Observe through the sight glass. Flame should be mostly blue and steady. Yellow or small flames may indicate a dirty burner or orifice.
- 3. Flush tank: Drain several gallons from the drain valve to remove sediment. For heavy buildup, perform a full flush.
- 4. Dip tube inspection: If hot water runs out quickly, the cold inlet dip tube may be broken, allowing cold water to mix at the top. This requires removing the cold inlet nipple and replacing the dip tube.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
Required Part
Cold Water Dip Tube
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