Gas burner operating defect & noise questions & answers:

Frequently-asked questions & answers about troubleshooting, fixing, or shutting off (for safety) gas appliances that are not working properly, giving gas burner noises or improper flame at the burner.

This article series gives descriptions and photographs of unsafe gas piping, indications of unsafe or improperly operating gas appliances, gas meters, and other gas installation defects are provided.

Gas Flame & Noise Defect Q&A

These questions & answers about troubleshooting gas burner flam noises and problems were posted originally

at GAS BURNER FLAME & NOISE DEFECTS - you will enjoy reading the diagnosis and cure advice there where you'll also see some important life-safety warnings.

On 2021-02-02 - by (mod) - flame heater gas makes a big bang

Santina

Watch out: what you describe can be dangerous; a loud BANG! at the ignition of a gas burner means that the ignition was delayed and that the igniting spark or pilot has found a large volume of un-burned combustible gas, making an explosion on ignition.

The risks include a more serious explosion, fire, or even asphyxiation by gas leak (though at that volume you ought to smell the gas in building air).

It would make sense to ask your heating service tech to find and fix the problem: a gas leak, or a problem with the gas valve, regulator, pilot, or igniter.

On 2021-02-02 by Santina

What happens when my flame heater gas makes a big bang and then I hear like it is releasing alot of gas into the air?

On 2020-11-21 - by (mod) - unsafe Amana Gas Furnace gas valve sticks and leaks

Watch out: Good grief that sounds incredibly dangerous

I trust you've replaced those parts.

On 2020-11-21 by Anonymous

it was the gas valve. Apparently the gas valves for those models either stuck closed or would stick open a small amount allowing a little excess gas to fill the cabin.

The gas would linger and upon ignition the flame would also ignite the gas in the cabin causing a whooshing sound from the quick expansion. Thank you for your help.

On 2020-11-17 - by (mod) -

Jerry

You're describing an Amana gas furnace model GUVA070bx40

That sounds like a delayed ignition that's allowing un-ignited gas to accumulate - which is obviously dangerous. Your service tech needs to inspect, clean, adjust the heater - could be dirty burner, poor igniter, or a gas leak in the piping; like you I don't rule out a gas valve problem - such as sticking and not opening fully;

The manual has a troubleshooting chart that begins on p. 80 of the manual.

If you don't have it the service manual for your Amana GU FURNACE SERVICE MANUAL [PDF] is at

https://inspectapedia.com/heat/Amana_guia_gcia_guib_gcib_guic_gcic_guid_guis_gcis_guiv_guca_gcca_guva_gus-Furnace-Manual.pdf

On 2020-11-17 by Jerry

Hi, I have an amana guva070bx40. Not everytime but sometime I here a whooshing noise when the burners come on. The flame rolls out a bit from the burner tubes almost like the gas valve is open too long before it ignites.

On 2020-10-30 by (mod) - BOOM like a shotgun blast from my gas water heater

Anon:

Good grief! I'm glad you and your home are intact.

Watch out: you are describing what I can but guess was a very dangerous gas leak at or in your propane-fueled wall heater.

When there is a gas leak, even a small one, the LP gas can accumulate in a pool around the heater. At that point a spark from any source, including the heater turning on, can ignite that pool or cloud of propane gas, setting off a dangerous explosion.

The repair might be something as simple as finding and tightening a loose gas connection, but

Watch out: this is an extremely dangerous situation, risking another fire or explosion. You should

1. Leave gas to the heater OFF,

2. Ventilate the home with fresh air,

3. IF YOU SMELL GAS AGAIN, that means the gas leak is perhaps ahead of the heater and its shutoff valve;

GO OUTSIDE IMMEDIATELY and call 911 for emergency assistance. In that case do NOT do anything indoors that could create even the smallest spark, such as operating a light switch or telephone. That's a reason we say to go outside if you smell gas.

4. Otherwise you can go ahead and call a repair technician at your heating company or an appliance repair person who has expertise in gas piping, controls, and heaters, to find and fix the leak.

Watch out: another dangerous sign with gas fired equipment is the production of soot: if you see sooting around the gas burner or at the chimney or anywhere around the heater it may also be producing dangerous, even fatal carbon monoxide. In that case, too, the heater needs to be left OFF to wait for repair.

On 2020-10-30 by Anonymous

I have a 5 brick propane wall heater. It was working just fine and then out of nowhere I heard a boom ( like a shotgun just went off) I looked over at the heater and an orange ball of flame was coming out of the heater

so I crawled along the floor and turned off the valve to the propane line. What could have caused this. I'm definitely scared to have it turned back on now!

On 2020-10-30 - by (mod) -

Anon:

Good grief! I'm glad you and your home are intact.

Watch out: you are describing what I can but guess was a very dangerous gas leak at or in your propane-fueled wall heater.

When there is a gas leak, even a small one, the LP gas can accumulate in a pool around the heater. At that point a spark from any source, including the heater turning on, can ignite that pool or cloud of propane gas, setting off a dangerous explosion.

The repair might be something as simple as finding and tightening a loose gas connection, but

Watch out: this is an extremely dangerous situation, risking another fire or explosion. You should

1. Watch out: Leave the LP gas supply to the heater turned OFF,

2. Ventilate the home with fresh air,

3. Watch out: IF YOU SMELL GAS AGAIN, that means the gas leak is perhaps ahead of the heater and its shutoff valve;

GO OUTSIDE IMMEDIATELY and call 911 for emergency assistance. In that case do NOT do anything indoors that could create even the smallest spark, such as operating a light switch or telephone. That's a reason we say to go outside if you smell gas.

4. Call fo repair: Otherwise you can go ahead and call your heating company or an appliance repair person who has expertise in gas piping, controls, and heaters, to find and fix the leak.

Watch out: another dangerous sign with gas fired equipment is the production of soot: if you see sooting around the gas burner or at the chimney or anywhere around the heater it may also be producing dangerous, even fatal carbon monoxide. In that case, too, the heater needs to be left OFF to wait for repair.

Besides a gas leak, other causes of poor ignition and the lighting of a collected pool of gas at your heater include a burner or ingiter that needs repair or replacement, combined with missing or failed gas flame controls that are intended to stop the flow of gas if a pilot is not lit (a bad themocouple).

On 2020-10-30 by Anonymous - boom at LP wall heater, orange ball of flame coming out!

I have a 5 brick propane wall heater. It was working just fine and then out of nowhere

I heard a boom ( like a shotgun just went off)

I looked over at the heater and an orange ball of flame was coming out of the heater so

I crawled along the floor and turned off the valve to the propane line. What could have caused this. I'm definitely scared to have it turned back on now!

On 2019-12-07 - by (mod) -

Todd

Watch out: this sounds dangerous to me, as if there is a gas leak in your system. I would turn it off and have it repaired. The repair may be as simple as cleaning a burner or finding and removing an obstruction. But the concern is that an improper gas burner flame can produce fatal carbon monoxide.

On 2019-12-07 by Todd

I have a wall mounted 3 brick wall heater. When I turn it up to three bricks and a slight breeze goes by it, it makes a loud whoosh noise and then instead of 3 glowing red bricks it's a flame all over them. It's not a huge flame but not burning clean and noisy. Was wondering if there's an issue with the third brick.

On 2017-12-12 by ValerieCRoberts

RE-posting without link to her advertisement

gas burner has the small flake but it is very harm full on sometimes So thanks for sharing this type of article.

On 2019-12-07 by (mod) - irregular gas flame with irregular flame - unsafe?

Todd please see your question and our reply already posted at

https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Gas_Flame_Noise_Defects.php

On 2019-12-07 by Todd

I have a 3 brick wall mounted propane heater. When I turn it to 3 bricks the slightest breeze cause the heater to make a loud whoosh and then the bricks have a flame instead of the red glow. Is there something that I can do to fix this?

On 2019-11-20 by (mod) -

MM

Thanks for an interesting noise question: pulsating at the has fireplace thermocouple;

If you are certain that the noise is from the thermocouple itself and not a variation in the gas burner flame, then

the most-likely explanation is that the thermocouple is not mounted securely against movement.

On 2019-11-20 by MM

The new thermocouple in my natural gas direct vent fireplace pulsates. I can see it pulsate at the bottom of the stove, and I can hear it (I have excellent hearing).

The old thermocouple was replaced a few weeks ago when it quit working and a gas appliance technician replaced it. What I do know is that the old thermocouple never made that pulsating sound. Otherwise everything else seems to be fine. Should I be concerned?

On 2019-10-17 by (mod) - irregular gas flame

Gary

A number of conditions can cause an irregular gas flame: contaminted or dirty burner or burner orifices, a bad gas control valve, combustion air defects, or perhaps other conditions I've not encountered.

Some of these can be unsafe.

On 2019-10-1 by Gary

I have a ng wall heater { plate type } flame has a flutter sound to t.

On 2019-10-06 by (mod) -

I'm not sure about but there could be a delayed ignition that is done igniting a large quantity of unburned gas in the combustion chamber. If that's what's going on it's on the safe and your system needs service or repair. It may be something as simple as cleaning in ignitor. Someone needs to take a closer look.

On 2019-10-06 by Bob

With Fall upon us, I turned on my Quadra-Fire propane stove heater. When the burner ignites, there is a often (but not always) a loud roar from within the stove. This has not happened in past years. I confirmed the orifice and air shutter are clear. What could be causing this?

On 2019-10-04 by (mod) -

Roy

Was that an LPG heater? Could you be low on fuel?

On 2019-09-24 by Roy Phillips

Hello. I have a direct vent Mirage natural gas heater. It has worked flawlessly since 1997. I tried to light the pilot light recently. The pilot lit up with short even blue flames like it always has, then the flame alternated back and forth to a yellow/orange colour with the flames increasing in size to about 3 inches.

I carefully removed the pilot light fixture, and cleaned it with a soft bristle brush. I tried to light the pilot after cleaning, and this time the flames were all yellow and orange and easily reached the top of the heater inside. I shut all gas and power off. Thank you

On 2019-03-06 by (mod) - When pilot cycles off what would cause burner to puff loosely after flame goes off?

Michael

I've seen that too and think there is a small leak downstream from the gas valve that perhaps left some un-burned gas.

But

Watch out: if that puffing continues the system has an ongoing leak and is unsafe and needs immediate eak detection and repair.

On 2019-03-06 by Michael

When pilot cycles off what would cause burner to puff loosely after flame goes off?

On 2019-03-06 by (mod) - what would cause burner to puff loosely after flame goes off?

Michael

I've seen that too and think there is a small leak downstream from the gas valve that perhaps left some un-burned gas.

But

Watch out: if that puffing continues the system has an ongoing leak and is unsafe and needs immediate eak detection and repair.

Also see GAS BURNER POPPING NOISES

On 2019-03-06 by Michael

When pilot cycles off what would cause burner to puff loosely after flame goes off?

On 2018-12-26 by (mod) - flame in my gas range burners is pulsing.

Watch out: that could be dangerous,

Please understand that it's impossible for us to make an accurate diagnosis of a fuel gas safety Problem by a brief e-text.

Pulsing gas pressure could be a problem with the regulator.

Also variations in combustion air or drafts around the heater an cause apparent gas flame pulsing.

On 2018-12-23 by Anonymous

The flame in my gas range burners is pulsing. All of the burners are doing this.

Any idea what might be causing it? The burners are still working, but are they dangerous?

On 2018-11-04 by (mod) - flame came out of bottom of gas-fueled wall heater

I'm sorry to say, because I know it's probably inconvenient, but

Watch out: you need to turn off the gas supply to that heater and leave the heater turned off until you can get a service technician to examine and repair it.

I'm concerned that there is either an ignition problem or a gas leak both of which risk of an explosion or fire.

On 2018-11-04 by Amber

I have a wall heater (gas) and at the bottom when I turned it on a flame came out?

On 2018-10-23 by Anonymous

@Alan,

Just switch the sink for the other. Keep switching them back and forth for each use.

Then when you can hire a professional to do the overly complicated work he is already skilled in doing or screw it up yourself now and pay double to have a pro come out to fix it on overtime

On 2018-10-23 by (mod) - cleaning the temperature sensor makes no difference

Dave

If cleaning the temperature sensor makes no difference, then I would first try replacing the sensor element.

On 2018-10-23 by Dave

Our Maytag gas oven is having temperature issues. When the oven operation dial was set at 400 degrees, the oven thermometer read 350 degrees. Do you have any recommendations on correcting the problem? Can the oven thermostat be adjusted in anyway or must it be replaced?

On 2018-04-04 by (mod) - gas heater got wet from wasaher leak

Your question and our reply were posted at https://inspectapedia.com/heat/Flood_Damaged_Heater_Repair.php#FAQ

Please check out that response.

On 2018-03-26 by Laurie

Our washing machine malfunctioned on our first floor. The hose disconnected and the rinse cycle stuck on and it ran ALL night pumping water onto the floor which ran into the heater vent. We have a gas heater.

When my husband woke up and saw what happened he shut the washer off and noticed it was down to 64 degrees in the house.

The heater shut off. All the water from the washer ran down the heater vent on the floor. it soaked into the heater pipes(?) and apparently ran into the gas heater eventually shutting it self off. He cleaned the water up in the wash room. What can or should we do with the heating system.

Do we have to call some one? Or can it dry out and then try to restart it?

He shut the gas off going to the heater. We have an axillary heater blower on the heater system (wiring) to dry it off. It’s still dripping with water. Any suggestions

On 2018-02-25 by (mod) - leave off leaky gas burner

Flora

Watch out: LEAVE IT OFF for safety - I agree that it's not safe.

I can't tell if your husband left a gas leak, damaged a control, or if simply the burner cap has been set askew on the base.

On 2018-02-25 by flora

Pls, I noticed that one of my gas burner was leaking when not in use, and after my husband took it to repair I immediately found out that the burner was making a loud noise when I on it and the gas seems to be coming out faster than it used to. Plus help am scared to use it

On 2018-02-09 by (mod) - center flame too high

JC

Center flame on what? One of the burner tubes in a home heating boiler or furnace?

Perhaps

• An adjustment problem at a gas regulator
• Arust-damaged (and so unsafe) burner tube
• Wrong gas fuel
  

Watch out: Ask your heating service tech to take a look, or if there is considerable flame or flames rolling out of the heater or any other fire risk the system is probably unsafe and should be shut off while you call for emergency repair.

See details at GAS BURNER FLAME & NOISE DEFECTS

On 2018-02-08 by jc

Center flame too high

On 2018-02-06 by (mod) - when some fixtures have hot water and others don't

Alan,

When we have hot water at some areas of a building or at some fixtures but not at others that's a clear diagnostic.

The problem is not at the water heater itself. That's assuming that only one water heater is being used in the building.

Instead the problem is most likely a closed valve or a problem inside of a faucet where the hot water is not being delivered.

On 2018-02-06 by Alan

I have recently had my boiler repaired and serviced ,but we have another problem,we have no hot water coming out of the bath tap but we have hot water coming out of bathroom sink.

On 2018-01-08 by (mod) - Sooting at the gas heater can mean dangerouis carbon monoxide gas formation and release

Anon

Possibly (since we have not a shred of information about your system) you could be seeing soot formation or discoloration from overheating - either of which would be unsafe.

Watch out: Sooting can mean dangerouis carbon monoxide gas formation and release; overheating can mean a cracked, damaged heat exchanger and unsafe gas leaks into the building. You want your heating company to check out the system.

On 2018-01-08 by Anonymous

Afternoon to all.
question for anyone who can help: why would the metal inside of a furnace, burner chamber, have a back and side wall in multiple colors; rainbow like?

On 2017-12-07 by Dan Farnsworth

We have a 1947 gas range that used natural gas, and we now use propane. I adjusted the air vents all the way open, and the flame looks good, but we get a build up of soot after a year or two. Should there be any soot with LPG? We have a 100 gallon tank with a regulator outside.

On 2017-08-06 1 by (mod) -

Anon
We have some nice diagnostic procedures you can follow;

Using the InspectApedia search box just above to look for "NO HOT WATER
we
find HOT WATER PRESSURE LOSS https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Hot_Water_Lost.php

and

WATER HEATER PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Heater_Diagnostics.php

On 2017-08-06 07:38:20.555936 by Anonymous

Water not heating

On 2017-08-06 by (mod) Water not heating

Anon
We have some nice diagnostic procedures you can follow;

Using the InspectApedia search box just above to look for "NO HOT WATER" we find

HOT WATER PRESSURE LOSS https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Hot_Water_Lost.php

and

WATER HEATER PROBLEM DIAGNOSIS https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Heater_Diagnostics.php

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2017-08-06 by Anonymous

Water not heating

On 2017-07-12 by (mod) embers around the Goodman natural gas furnace gas burner

Jamie,

To be safe you should shut off that heater completely and leave it off until you have had it in examined and repaired by your heating service tech and or certified Chimney Sweep.

My concern is that when a gas burner is producing soot, ts operation is extremely dangerous as it is likely to produce also fatal carbon monoxide gas. The problem could be a blocked chimney, inadequate combustion air, a burner adjustment, or something else.

On 2017-07-12 by Jamie

I have a large Goodman natural gas furnace located inside my home.

I went to vacuum out the area it is in and found what appeared to be embers all around the unit and it looked as if they were coming from the welds in the appliance as well.

I'm very confused on what this could be. I'm not sure it was embers.

They were black and hard and had what appeared to be ashes on them as well. I have completely shut the system off and have alternative heat sources but need to have this figured out.

On 2017-07-12 by (mod) is the burner set up for LP or natural gas?

Ron:

A service tech or other trained professional would be expected to both attach a label and mark clearly on a gas appliance near the burner and at the data tag when appliance has been converted from LP to Natural Gas or from Natural Gas to LP, particularly when changing the burner from how it was shipped at the factory.

But a brother of yours might not do that.

Watch out: a gas appliance that is not set up for the actual gas fuel it is using is unsafe, risking fire, explosion, gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning or simply improper operation.

IN that case you'd need to

1. observe that the gas flame and pressure are too weak or too strong
2. look for markings and device changes at the appliance gas regulator - some are converted by removing a cap and flipping a metering orifice over, but others may work differently
3. look at the gas orifice diameters and markings on the brass gas orifices themselves - typically stamped with a number and letter that decodes the size
4. check with the appliance manufacturer about what orifice numbers are specified for natural gas and LP
5. check the actual gas pressures being delivered

On 2017-06-15 by Ron Dacor ESG366 6 burner

I have a Dacor ESG366 6 burner. Was expensive when purchase years ago. My brother borrowed it for four years as i had it in storage.

I put it back in storage for another two years before i finally pulled it out and installed it.

All went great until i turned it on. The burners burned blue flame but the flames fluttered (flittered?). There was not a strong flame and it was not a steady flame.

All six burners operated the same. I changed the line (From main pipe) to the stove to a bigger line (3/8" to 1/2") and changed the regulator to a brand new one and still, same thing exactly.

Gas company test line from the main supply and was fine. They think the problem is that my stove is set up for LP and I have Natural Gas.

Is it possible my brother switched my range top over to LP? How could I tell? Everything looks "normal". Is it possible to test somehow?

I've had the appliance repair guy out and he tore the thing apart twice looking for bad connections, clogs, bends, etc..

On 2017-05-08 by (mod) Pilot light stays lighted until I turn the knob to run the furnace

I'm not sure, Donnie, perhaps a bad gas valve, air blowing out the pilot, or another safety control detecting an unsafe condition and shutting the system down. I'm unclear what "knob" you're turning.

On 2017-05-08 by Donnie

Pilot light stays lighted until I turn the knob to run the furnace then the pilot light goes out. What could the problem be ?

On 2017-04-21 by (mod) Our cooktop occasionally has a noise that sounds like gas rushing through

Jannie

Watch out: for gas leaks and sudden ignition of a bolus of leaked gas that can cause a gas explosion.

With that scare out of the way, I suspect

- improper gas regulator adjustment - unlikely as that'd affect all of the burners
or

- a gas burner cap that is askew - this is the most likely

On 2017-04-20 by Jannie

Our cooktop occasionally has a noise that sounds like gas rushing through, a more pronounced noise. If you turn burner down it stops. Only one burner does this.

On 2017-02-08 by (mod) pilot keeps blowing, tripping, burning yellow

Wade

I'm not sure what's going on, nor what is meant by the piglet, but a yellow gas flame is usually unsafe, meaning there's a combustion air or chimney or burner problem.

Watch out: The risk is the production of fatal carbon monoxide. BE SURE you have working Carbon monoxide and fire / smoke detectors, and shut off any suspicious gas-fired equipment, then call for repair by a trained service tech.

On 2017-02-08 by Wade

My burner closest to the piglet keep blowing yellow then tripping the reset

On 2017-01-03 by (mod) space heater has only one setting . it's too hot

Carol I'm unsure what the floor valve is. If that's a gas valve, adjusting it may be unsafe as an improper gas flame can produce fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

Let's find out the brand and model of your heater. Surely there's an instruction manual we can find that explains how to safely regulate its heat output.

On 2017-01-03 by carol

My space heater has only one setting . its to hot for our room. Is it safe for me to turn it down with floor valve

On 2016-12-31 3 by (mod) infra red ng space heater doesn't run right

Scott

Beware as the heater may be unsafe and could be producing fatal carbon monoxide - be SURE you have working CO detectors properly located.

This sounds like a control problem, perhaps a partly-clogged gas jet. I'd note the brand and model of the heater, then get my hands on the owners installation and repair manual to see what the manufacturer suggests. There will also be a technical support contact page in the manual.

On 2016-12-31 by Scott Marcrum

I installed a inferred ng space heater and the only way it runs smooth is if it's full blast at any lower settings it will start out ok but eventually start to flutter I'm not sure what to do

On 2016-12-05 by Alisha

I have an inferred 5 burner heater & the middle grate don't turn orange it burns a blue flame, I think because it has a very small chip on the grate. Is this safe????

On 2016-11-23 by shelly

Gas Propane single burner only heats up partley most of the time and some of the time it will not heat up turn on at all

On 2016-11-13 by (mod) mobile home gas flames are too low

Joy:

Watch out: I suspect as do you that cold weather is the problem, perhaps because the LP gas regulator (I'm guessing what you have installed) is either defective (which means UNSAFE) or needs adjustment.

Sorry but this is NOT something a homeowner can do herself. You need the proper measuring equipment as well as a bit of training to repair or replace the regulator. A mistake such as a leak can blow you to kingdom come.

On 2016-11-13 by Joy

Can I wrap the Regulator and tank -100lb tank?

Mobile home- During cold weather ( 20 d) my heater and kitchen stove flames are low.

How do I fix this? I read all about the temperature change on here and still How Do I Fix This.?

On 2016-11-02 by John

I have a gas boiler installed in my home for heating. Recently during the night it lit up and there was a burning smell.

I tryed to ignore it but I felt suffocating and rushed to the window. After that I closed it for the night. When I had it work again it did not create the same problem. Is there something wrong with the installation?

On 2016-10-14 by David

I recently had a gas stove installed in our kitchen. They had to convert to propane. The simmer burner flame is too high. Can we adjust it somehow? Is it possible the wrong orifice was installed?

On 2016-09-22 by Richard

I have been told mt home central heater is a fire hazard because the technician saw evidenc of a flame burn on the outside of the unit. He did not turn it on. Any thoughts?

On 2016-07-24 by (mod) buzzing noise that is coming from the combination gas valve.

Wily Coy

To have space and allow citations I've repeated your question and give a detailed reply now found at

GAS REGULATOR NOISES for details about the sorts of noises found at gas appliance regulators.

See https://inspectapedia.com/Appliances/Gas_Regulator_Humming.php

On 2016-07-24 by Wilycoyote

There is nothing in the troubleshooting manual about this problem.

I have a Wayne natural gas burner insert that replaced my oil fired Beckett burner in my furnace.

Occasionally there is a buzzing noise that is coming from the combination gas valve.

It is rare, intermittent, and stops after a minute or so, and usually does not reoccur this heat cycle.
The flame looks normal and the heater operates normally before/during/after each event.

What is this? Is it dangerous? Does it mean the gas valve is failing?

Question: One gas flame on my space heater is much higher and golden in colour than the others. Is this a problem ?

(Apr 28, 2015) kaye longman said:
One gas flame on my space heater is much higher and golden in colour than the others. Is this a problem ?

(July 19, 2015) ANDRIES said:
SPIT BRAAI BURNER SHOOTS

(Aug 4, 2015) Anonymous said:
my lpg firebow gas heater start making like a blurp blurp noise cant smell gas is this dangerous

Reply:

Yes. Cleaning or adjustment are needed for safety and function.

IF you smell gas the situation is DANGEROUS as there is risk of a fire or explosion. In that case get everyone out of the building, don't operate swtiches or anything else that could cause a spark, and call for emergency help from another location.

If you do not smell gas but the heater is making noises it might still be unsafe - it depends on what's wrong. Uneven flame, improper combustion air mix or similar problems need to be repaired.

Question:

(Oct 20, 2015) Neil. said:
Gas fire rusting behind radiants what is cause

Reply:

Moisture, perhaps from lack of use or lack of air circulation.

Question: high pressure, gas lifts off burners: unsafe

(Nov 5, 2015) prajakta said:

when I placed a new cylinder even after putting off the lower knob of cylinder the gas comes from the burners. when l approached to gas company the person told me that there is high pressure. l asked for replacement of cylinder. then he told me to replace burner and not cylinder. is he true ?

Reply:

I'm not sure, Prajakta, as I don't understand exactly wha't going on with your water cylinder.

But what you describe is VERY DANGEROUS risking a fire or explosion.,

You should

1. Turn off the gas supply immediately if you haven't done so - and if there is gas or gas leakage in your building go outside immediately - don't even keep reading this article. Call for help from away from the building.

2. Ask your plumber or installer to check the gas regulators on your system.

Whether you are using bottled gas (LP) or piped in natural gas, the system usually includes a first stage regulator at the source of gas supply - building or LP tank - and each appliance has its own individual pressure regulator.

I'm not sure what "pulling off the lower knob" means, but if your gas shut-off valve for the water heating cylinder does not shut off gas to that appliance then the shut-off is also defective and unsafe.

Question:

(Nov 14, 2015) Will Green said:
My house heater the last Burner is sparking flames it sounds like it has air in the burner what can I do to not have that happen so i can get heat

Reply:

Sounds like a dirty or failed gas jet or regulator ... unsafe, risks fire, explosion or fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. I would turn the system off and call for repair.
flag like

Question: banging noise at one gas burner

(Dec 1, 2015) Brad said:
About a week or so ago, we discovered a weird banging sound that sounds like metal on metal coming from our steam boiler. Sure, we get lots of small bangs in the pipes throughout the house, which we had always assumed to be just air in the pipes. But this sound is different.

It doesn't come from the pipes--it seems to be just in the unit in the basement. It only makes the noise when the boiler fires up and the flames turn on. The sound is always louder in the beginning, and it gets slightly quieter over the following minutes. The speed varies--sometimes it is an irregular rhythm, and sometimes it is very steady.

The banging goes off when the flames turn off. The banging appears to be coming from one specific corner of the unit. I'm worried that it is a pump or fan of some sort. I took a video in one of the quieter moments and uploaded it to Youtube just in case it helps

/// we're checking out the link, Brad

Reply: fixing banging pipe noise at radiators

Brad,

Please take a look at

BANGING HEATING PIPES RADIATORS and let me know what questions remain.

I'll post links to your sound recording there as that may invite further comment from some of our steam experts. We will, of course keep the identity given at the youtube video anonymous here.

Often steam boiler noises showing up as banging pipes or radiators are traced to a condensate return problem. Please take a look at the suggestions on this page.

If the boiler has at least a few years of previously soundless operation and the banging / clanking at the boiler is recent I suspect that the horizontal portion of the condensate return or steam supply line is debris-clogged. Ask your heating service technician to take a look at the system.

Watch out: ask your heating service technician to show you when and how to safely flush the steam boiler.

Question: plastic burning smell from DEO gas stsove

(Mar 4, 2016) ARUNYA DEVI P A said:
While we were using our deo gas stove in kitchen, we felt a plastic burning smell coming from it.then we saw a flame beneath the burner which was'on' mode.what was the complaint and how can solve dis?

Reply:

Turn off gas supply to the stove immediately.

When the stove is cool, follow the instruction manual procedure for lifting or accessing the stove top area around the burners and beneath the stove top for cleaning. Look for something that was dropped or spilled into that area. There should be no combustible plastic around the burners.

Use the page top or bottom CONTACT link to send me photos for further comment if you like.

Question: wok burner lights on Euromaid gas cooktop

(Mar 6, 2016) Vera said:

I have Euromaid gas cooktop. For some reason the wok burner lights up around the ring rather than outside. What can I do?

Reply:

Check for

- a mis-placed burner cap

- dirt or debris on the burner

Watch out: the situation you describe may be unsafe, risking fire or injury.

Question: bright orange flames in old wall heater

(Mar 28, 2016) bobby lema said:
I have an old wall heater that is now shooting out bright orange flames. what do I do?

Reply:

Watch out: Shut off the gas supply, leave the heater off: else there is risk of fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide hazard. If you cannot find the gas valve for the heater (it may be inside its cover) or cannot safely access it, go shut off the building's main gas valve. If you cannot do that, ask your fire department for help.

The problem may be a gas leak, damaged burner, or something else.

Question:

(May 18, 2016) Chris said:
A missing radiant off a gas fire. Is it ID or AR ?

Reply:

confused

Question: gas ring making an airy noise

(June 29, 2016) Roxy said:
Why is my gas ring making an airy noise

Reply:

Roxy:

Watch out: TURN OFF THE GAS RIGHT AWAY as your system could be unsafe.

Typical causes of the noise you describe at a gas burner include

1. the burner cap is askew and simply needs to be properly placed

2. The burner ring is a loose, set-in type that is askew and simply needs to be properly placed

3. The gas pressure is improperly set or the gas regulator is not working properly

4. An air adjustment, shutter, or orifice is incorrect for the type of gas you're using

5. the wrong gas regulator is installed, wrong gas orifices, or the appliance was not properly converted from natural gas to LP gas or from LP gas to natural gas.

Question: airy sound with flame

(July 17, 2016) ponni said:
while swith off the gas stove airy sound with flame is produced even though we bought a new gas stove we still facing the same problem why?

Reply:

Ponni
first check for a burner cap that is askew

Next, ask your service tech to check that the stove is properly set up for the type of gas you have : Natural gas vs LP gas.

The pressures, orifices, regulator settings are different. (Search InspectApedia for GAS APPLIANCE CONVERT LP-NATURAL GAS to read details)

On 2013-01-24 by Anonymous

I have steam heat a old furnace and radiators here's the problem if the temps outside go down below freezing my heat won't work if its above freezing it will work I have no clue why it's doing this my house is very old on order to get any heat in my apartment I have to go to the basement and connect the wires together to start the furnace however once I pull them apart the furnace shuts off

On 2012-12-29 by George

gas cook top flame turned oreang is it safe to use till service rep checks it out?

On 2012-12-27 by karen

My warm air heating system as a pulsating flame and ticking noise what doesthis mean

On 2012-12-20 by kelli

I have a forced hot water furnace. This morning, it started making popping noises. I opened the access door and the flames were about 7 inches tall and yellow.

On 2012-12-16 by Anonymous

all of sudden my radiators are not heating up and i have went around the house a bled them. The hot water heater seems to running fine and I can hear when i turn the gas on however my radiator are making loud clanking noises and im no getting any heat.

On 2012-12-03 by (mod) -

George,

Perhaps low gas or low gaspressure, orninadequate combustion air or dirty clogged burner or jet.

On 2012-12-02 by george taylor

cooking sunday dinner , noticed the flames instead of blue are pure pink.the weather outside is hard frost.

On 2012-10-30 by Chris

I have an old heater and the flames are colored greenish, is this normal, what does it mean?

On 2012-10-26 by ANITA HAIREL

i have a 3 brick wall gas heater, the brick on low does not get solid, just a flame, but when you trun it on med and low they get full, is this dangerous

On 2011-08-15 by (mod) -

Mike I've seen flames at the air intake too - some techs call it flame rollout. It is a sign of improper system adjustment, or more seriously it can be a sign of a blocked flue - very dangerous as that can produce lethal carbon monoxide. Investigate further and don't leave such a system running.

On 2011-08-14 by mike

flames come from wrong end of burner tube(air intake adjust openings).have seen this on gas grills also. ?

On 2011-06-16 by (mod) -

Daniel:

If your heater flame has changed from blue to orange that suggests a lack of combustion air or an improper adjustment.

When burning LP gas or natural gas, in perfect combustion the products produced are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor. But if there is not enough combustion air (not enough oxygen or "O"), then the products produced include also carbon MONoxide (CO) which can kill the building occupants.

So if vacuuming off dust doesn't restore the blue flame you need a service tech and you need to consider the area unsafe.

On 2011-06-15 by daniel

hello was just wondering the heater flame was blue before and then it was mainly orange is that carbon monoxide or is it air or dust just worried about it and is it safe to fun it now has blue at the bottom and alot more orange at the top

...

Continue reading  at GAS BURNER FLAME & NOISE DEFECTS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Gas Burner Troubleshooting Articles

• BANGING HEATING SYSTEM NOISES
• BLUE vs YELLOW COMBUSTION FLAMES
• COMPLETE COMBUSTION, STOICHIOMETRIC
• GAS APPLIANCE CONVERT LP-to-NATURAL GAS
• GAS BURNER FLAME & NOISE DEFECTS
• GAS BURNER SOOT CAUSE & CURE
• GAS BURNER PILOT LIGHT PROCEDURE
• GAS BURNER POPPING NOISES
• GAS FIRED WATER HEATERS
• GAS FIREPLACES & GAS LOGS
• GAS IGNITER DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
• GAS PRESSURES LP vs NATURAL GAS
• GAS REGULATORS & APPLIANCE / HEATER CONTROLS
• GAS REGULATOR NOISES - buzzing, humming, and other noises at gas appliance regulators
• WATER HEATER SCALE DE-LIMING PROCEDURE

Suggested citation for this web page

GAS BURNER FLAME NOISE & DEFECT FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to GAS APPLIANCES, PIPING, CONTROLS

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