This guide will walk you through the process of replacing a solenoid (also called a "gas valve") in a gas hot water heater.
*Note: Shut off the gas supply and water supply before beginning any work. Turn the temperature control down on the water heater to the lowest setting.*
Step 1 - Diagnose the Problem
First, turn off the gas supply to your water heater. The gas valve is usually located near your thermostat, and it's usually a lever that you turn perpendicular to the pipe to shut off the gas.
Once the gas is turned off, remove the cover of your water heater. This is usually held in place by a few screws.
Inside the water heater, you'll see several components. The solenoid valve is the part that controls the flow of gas into the water heater. It's usually located near the bottom of the tank.
If the solenoid valve is bad, you may see water leaking from it or you may hear a buzzing noise coming from it.
Step 2 - Remove the Old Solenoid
To remove the old solenoid, first disconnect the electrical wires that are attached to it. There will usually be two wires, one black and one white.
Once the electrical wires are disconnected, you can use a wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the solenoid in place.
Once the nuts are loose, you can remove the old solenoid from the water heater.
Step 3 - Install the New Solenoid
Place the new solenoid in the opening where the old solenoid was located.
Hand-tighten the nuts that hold the solenoid in place.
Connect the electrical wires to the new solenoid. The black wire should go to the hot terminal and the white wire should go to the neutral terminal.
Step 4 - Test the New Solenoid
Once the new solenoid is installed, turn on the water supply to the water heater.
Turn on the gas supply to the water heater.
Turn on the power to the water heater.
The water heater should start to heat up. If the water heater doesn't heat up, the solenoid is not working properly.
