What Is A Gas Control Valve?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

A gas control valve can be found on any appliance that utilizes gas. These valves are vital for the operation and safety of any gas appliance. The valve does exactly what it sounds like, it

controls the amount of gas flowing to create a steady flow without allowing

any gas to leak.

How does a gas control valve work?

The furnace gas valve operates by

electromagnets

. The primary valve — also known as the safety valve — supplies gas to the pilot light. … Without adequate heating of the thermocouple or thermopile, the furnace gas valve closes. As a result, this cuts off the supply of gas to the pilot light.

How do I know if my gas control valve is bad?

If

the burner stays on, turn the gas supply off and replace the gas valve

. If the pilot is lit, you have a tank of cold water, the thermostat turned up and the burner does not fire up, either the burner orifice is clogged or the water heater gas valve is bad.

What is a gas valve control used for?

Gas valves are flow control devices used

to handle and control the flow of gases such as liquefied petroleum, oxygen, and sour and

. They are available in a variety of metal or plastic materials that are compatible with the media controlled and pressure requirements.

Where is the gas control valve?

On a gas water heater, the gas control valve contains the thermostat and pilot light controls. Unlike components of an electric water heater, the gas control valve is

entirely outside the water heater

, and mounted near the bottom of the unit.

Why does a gas valve fail?

Gas valves

control the flow of gas from the gas supply line into the heating unit

. The valve itself may have simply worn out or may be damaged due to basement seepage or submersion. … Alternately, one of the electronic gas ignition components or a glitch in the safety circuit may be to blame.

What happens when gas valve goes bad?

If the gas valve is stuck or otherwise malfunctioning,

your furnace may shut down completely or just stop delivering warm air

. … The problem may go beyond your gas valve, so multiple parts or repairs could be needed.

Can you fix a gas valve?

The gas valve cannot be repaired in the field.

Only the gas valve manufacturer or someone certified by the manufacturer of the gas valve can make repairs

. Then re-certifying the safety of the gas valve.

How do I know if my gas valve is open?

Gas shutoff valves


When the long side of the nub or handle is parallel to the incoming gas line, it's open and the gas is flowing

. When it's turned a quarter turn, perpendicular to the incoming pipe, it's closed.

How do you turn off a gas valve?

There is a shut-off valve running parallel with the pipe, usually located about 6 to 8 inches above the ground.

Take a 12-inch or larger adjustable wrench

, and turn the valve 1/4 turn in either direction, until the valve is crosswise to the pipe. (See Diagram B)

What type of valve is used for natural gas?


A butterfly valve

is employed to regulate, stop, and start the flow. This quarter-turn rotary motion valve rotates the handle at 90°, which can completely close as well as a start. It makes it able to use in the oil and gas industry.

Are gas control valves interchangeable?

Gas Water Heater Parts – Control Valves

Natural and propane water heater gas

valves are not interchangeable

, so, be sure to order a valve for your type of gas.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.