Sep 05
Les c asked:
I took out a propane water heater and I have a gas water heater. I need to convert the new gas water heater to the existing propane.
I took out a propane water heater and I have a gas water heater. I need to convert the new gas water heater to the existing propane.
4 Responses to “How do you switch a gas water heater to propane?”
September 6th, 2007 at 12:27 am
Check the installation instructions, your gas control valve may already be set up for both. If it is you just need to follow the instructions. If not then you need a new gas control valve set for propane. If your W/H is new then you may be able to take it back an exchange it for one that’s set up for propane.
September 7th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
You have to make sure you have the correct orfice for propane.Some of the newer water heaters come with an orfice that can be used for either.However if this is not a new one you will have to go to a propane place or some sort of warehouse where guys go buy stuff they can’t get anywhere else and order one .You may be able to get one from Lowe’s or Home Depot I’m not sure.Be sure to clean the orfice 2x yearly you and do this by GENTLY sliding an emory board and this will remove any carbon build up on the thing.Not to sound motherly make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector they are lifesavers.Hope this helps and you have the beast fuel it’s the warmest heat I think even more than natural but I have almost forgot I’m total electric w/ propane gas logs.I grew up in a home with everything gas it was great.
September 8th, 2007 at 2:53 am
There may be, but I’ve never heard of a combination gas valve. I’ve done a lot of these conversions and the two gases require different springs in the main valve, different burner orifice sizes, and the pilot orifices are different as well. Kits are available. Start with your propane provider.
September 8th, 2007 at 5:22 am
Contact the manufacturer. The gas valve is going to be the problem. You are going to have to get a smaller burner orifice to go to LP . LP gas pressure is around 11w.c and natural gas is 3.5w.c. Usually you have to either change a spring in the valve itself or change the entire valve. I think on water heaters its the entire valve. There are only three major water heater manufactures. State, Ruud, A.O. Smith. You might have to do some cross referencing to see who manufactured yours. Good luck