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"Installer" installed a gas stove - years, it blows.

marek.nosal 5175 11
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  • #1 16828625
    marek.nosal
    Level 4  
    Posts: 54
    Rate: 5
    A licensed fitter installed a gas stove in my bathroom today.
    The effect below.
    He wrote down PLN 150.
    He installed the same model of the furnace in place of the old, damaged one. For the PLN 150, he screwed in two water hoses and a gas pipe, plus its mounting to the wall with a clamp.

    In order not to disassemble the stove in order to tighten the hooks, the poxilina went in motion. Maybe it sounds weak, but in this way I eliminated the gap between the wall and the stove housing.
    It's just blowing.
    The stove fires up after a few seconds.
    Previously, I had the same stove and after 7 years it did not blow, and it fired very quickly after 1.5 seconds.
    I omit the fact that he probably inserted the casing with his foot.
    In six months it will rust.

    "Installer" installed a gas stove - years, it blows.

    In my opinion, this is a badly adjusted stove. What's next? Call a service technician is it under warranty or what's next, etc.? Maybe just some professional fitter? (this one was also professional)

    [movie: 0788e326f3] https://filmy.elektroda.pl/92_1510865722.mp4 [/ movie: 0788e326f3]


    [movie: 0788e326f3] https://filmy.elektroda.pl/41_1510865457.mp4 [/ movie: 0788e326f3]
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  • Helpful post
    #2 16828660
    kz61
    Level 27  
    Posts: 590
    Help: 108
    Rate: 314
    And it is a big problem to write what device it is.
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    #4 16829239
    dobroslaw

    Level 22  
    Posts: 307
    Help: 57
    Rate: 155
    The question is whether there is air supply in this bathroom (there is to be), or is there a mechanical exhaust, i.e. a fan (there is no right to be), because it looks like there is a small backwater at the start, see if it repeats with the window open, it can also be too large gap between ionization electrode and burner, or gas pressure not adjusted. By the way, what did you expect for PLN 150, a good installer for such an amount, especially in the middle of the heating season, would not even talk to you, and the more he would risk and sign up to start such a stove.
    Company Account:
    Term Klima serwis De Dietrich Białystok
    białystok słowackiego 7, Białystok, 15-229 | Tel.: 500XXXXXX (Show)
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  • #5 16829625
    marek.nosal
    Level 4  
    Posts: 54
    Rate: 5
    Airflow? Or an ordinary chimney vent? There is a string, it works. There is no mechanical lift. The window is 30 cm from the stove and the effect is the same even with an open, aired bathroom.
    I bet on that electrode or the pressure.
    If someone says he will, would you not agree? Assembling the stove of the same type. The question of screwing the hoses from the water and the pipe from the gas. With the latter, a bit of filming, but no exaggeration.
    I arranged a service with Vaillant.
  • #6 16830335
    kz61
    Level 27  
    Posts: 590
    Help: 108
    Rate: 314
    It's a pity this Opalia, it's a successful model.
    MAGa check without housing. If there is no improvement, it will be a servo motor under a magnifying glass.
    I assume that the water supply and discharge are not kicked in, choked, not changed, filters clean.
  • #7 16831062
    marek.nosal
    Level 4  
    Posts: 54
    Rate: 5
    It is the same as with Opalia. Water, gas etc.
    Well, we can just ask. It will appear after the site visit.

    ps. I remember how Opalie advised me not to buy it. :)
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  • #8 16839073
    marek.nosal
    Level 4  
    Posts: 54
    Rate: 5
    I am after a visit from a service technician from Vaillant.

    It describes:
    The service technician enters the room, measures the sensor to see if there is any gas leakage from the valve to the stove.
    After a while I release the hot water tap in the sink.
    Same effect as in the video above.
    The service technician takes out a screwdriver and bends the ignition electrodes hard.
    I fire up again. Same effect.
    The service technician puts the screwdriver in an unspecified place and after a while says that it should be like this and that it is correct.

    I explain that sometimes the flame escapes behind the furnace casing. My translations for nothing.
    I ask why did he bend the electrodes if now he says everything is fine? It is a roundabout route from Krakow to Warsaw via Budapest.

    I see an "olewka" of a service technician here. ... "because this stove has that and it doesn't start for a long time".

    What do you advise?
  • #9 16839166
    ^ToM^
    Level 42  
    Posts: 9048
    Help: 495
    Rate: 2932
    marek.nosal wrote:

    The service technician puts the screwdriver in an unspecified place and after a while says that it should be like this and that it is correct.

    I explain that sometimes the flame escapes behind the furnace casing. My translations for nothing.
    I ask why did he bend the electrodes if now he says everything is fine? It is a roundabout route from Krakow to Warsaw via Budapest.

    I see an "olewka" of a service technician here. ... "because this stove has that and it doesn't start for a long time".

    What do you advise?


    I think this man does not understand exactly how it all works and how it is arranged and is trying to make things happen by trial and error.
    I would not call him a professional.
    I would try to find a different person, more knowledgeable about heating devices.

    Greetings!
  • #10 16839666
    marek.nosal
    Level 4  
    Posts: 54
    Rate: 5
    ... well, but now there is probably only an appraiser, because how can I get something in terms of warranty / warranty repair, if the Vaillant service technician found that the stove is working properly.
  • Helpful post
    #11 16840044
    dobroslaw

    Level 22  
    Posts: 307
    Help: 57
    Rate: 155
    If everything is installed in accordance with the art, an unobstructed chimney, regulated maximum and minimum pressures, air supply to the room (air supply from the outside, i.e. grille, gravity exhaust is to be additionally), the boiler should work well, I put on a chimney path or too little fresh air. If an authorized service technician determines that it is good, you will not do anything with an expert, you will not do anything but just cost yourself. You will only have the opinion of another service technician, so call him sometimes someone else comes up with a solution.
    Company Account:
    Term Klima serwis De Dietrich Białystok
    białystok słowackiego 7, Białystok, 15-229 | Tel.: 500XXXXXX (Show)
  • #12 16850564
    krzsboj
    Level 13  
    Posts: 81
    Help: 3
    Rate: 32
    Hello, just before unscrewing the hot water tap, in the place of the ignition electrode of the magneto, apply a lit match or a lighter, turn on the water and check if the problem persists.
    Does the flame burn evenly on all sections of the burner during heater operation?
    The position of the left knob for the heating power and the right temperature selector.

Topic summary

✨ A licensed installer replaced an old gas stove with a Vaillant Heater atmoMAG mini 11-0 XI H in a bathroom for PLN 150. The user reports issues with the stove blowing and slow ignition, contrasting with their previous Saunier Duval Opalia C11E, which functioned well for seven years. Concerns were raised about air supply, gas pressure, and the installation quality, especially given the low installation cost. A service technician from Vaillant inspected the stove but did not resolve the issues, leading to frustration over the perceived lack of professionalism. The user is considering further action regarding warranty and service.
Generated by the language model.

FAQ

TL;DR: After a swap to a Vaillant atmoMAG, ignition delay grew from ~1.5 s to several seconds; “It’s just blowing.” [Elektroda, marek.nosal, post #16828625]

Why it matters: Slow ignition or blowback on a gas water heater can signal airflow, electrode, or pressure setup faults that risk damage and safety; this FAQ helps DIYers and homeowners ask the right questions and tests before calling service.

Quick Facts

What does “it blows” on a gas water heater actually mean?

In this thread, “it blows” describes flame blowback or escape, including reports of flame going behind the casing. That points to delayed ignition or disturbed combustion. Do not ignore visible flame outside intended ports. Pause use and have a qualified technician inspect combustion and sealing immediately to avoid damage. Document the behavior with video for service records. “Flame escapes behind the furnace casing” is a key symptom to report during service calls. [Elektroda, marek.nosal, post #16839073]

Why is my Vaillant atmoMAG lighting slowly compared to my old Opalia?

Slow ignition can follow poor air supply, a prohibited mechanical exhaust fan, an oversized ionization/ignition electrode gap, or unadjusted gas pressure. A small backflow at start can also delay lighting. Open a window to test airflow influence. Technicians should verify electrode spacing and set pressures to the appliance spec. “Check air supply and chimney path” is the first recommendation. [Elektroda, dobroslaw, post #16829239]

How can I safely quick-test whether delayed ignition is an ignition issue?

Use this simple check suggested by a contributor. 1) Hold a lit match or lighter at the ignition electrode area. 2) Open the hot-water tap to start the heater. 3) Watch whether the burner lights promptly and burns evenly. If it lights faster with a helper flame, the ignition path or timing needs adjustment. Verify burn uniformity across all burner sections and note knob positions for power and temperature. [Elektroda, krzsboj, post #16850564]

Can a bathroom fan cause blowback or slow starts?

Yes. For open-flue water heaters, a mechanical exhaust in the bathroom is not permitted because it can pull combustion gases and disrupt draft. The device needs room air supply and a gravity exhaust path. A start-up backflow creates ignition delay and rough lighting. Test with the window open and any fans off. If performance improves, fix ventilation compliance before adjusting the heater. [Elektroda, dobroslaw, post #16829239]

What should a proper post-installation check include?

Confirm correct installation per trade practice, an unobstructed chimney, and verified maximum and minimum gas pressures. Ensure permanent air supply to the room plus a gravity exhaust. If these pass, the heater should operate cleanly without blowback. When an authorized tech says it is “good,” but symptoms persist, seek a second authorized opinion to identify setup gaps. [Elektroda, dobroslaw, post #16840044]

How do I document issues if the authorized service says “it’s fine”?

Record videos showing ignition delay and any flame escaping the casing. Note window position, fan status, and knob settings. Keep timestamps and model details. Then request another authorized technician; an additional service opinion can propose a solution even if the first visit found no fault. Independent experts add cost without warranty leverage, so try a second authorized visit first. [Elektroda, dobroslaw, post #16840044]

What ignition time is typical for a working unit like this?

In the case described, the prior Opalia lit in about 1.5 seconds, while the replacement often takes several seconds. That change signals a setup or condition difference worth investigating. Use the old performance as a practical benchmark for your piping and draft conditions. Significant deviation under similar conditions justifies adjustment and venting checks. [Elektroda, marek.nosal, post #16828625]

Could the ignition or ionization electrode gap be wrong?

Yes. A too-large gap can delay spark transfer and flame detection. One tech bent electrodes during a visit, but the issue remained, indicating the need for precise adjustment and verification. Have an experienced technician set the gap per the appliance spec and confirm stable ignition at low and high flow. “Too large gap” was specifically flagged. [Elektroda, dobroslaw, post #16829239]

Could incorrect gas pressure settings be the culprit?

Yes. Incorrect minimum or maximum gas pressures can cause delayed ignition, lift-off, or uneven burner lighting. An authorized technician should measure and adjust both settings during commissioning. Without confirmed pressures, other tweaks mask the root cause. After pressures are set and airflow assured, reassess ignition. This is a standard commissioning step. [Elektroda, dobroslaw, post #16840044]

What ventilation should a bathroom with an open-flue heater have?

Provide a permanent air supply from outside and a gravity (non-mechanical) exhaust path. Do not use a powered exhaust fan with an open-flue water heater in the room. Start-up backflow hints at inadequate draft or supply. Test with the window open; if behavior improves, correct ventilation before adjusting the heater. [Elektroda, dobroslaw, post #16829239]

What if flame escapes behind the casing during startup?

Stop using the appliance until inspected. Flame outside intended areas indicates delayed ignition or leakage paths that can scorch components and risk corrosion. Report this exact symptom to the technician and include video evidence. If dismissed, request a second authorized service visit and reference your recordings. This edge case was noted by the owner. [Elektroda, marek.nosal, post #16839073]

Should I remove the housing to diagnose, and what else to check?

A contributor advised checking operation without the housing to observe ignition. If no improvement, examine the servo mechanism closely. Also confirm water supply and discharge are not restricted and that filters are clean. These steps help separate airflow effects from control or flow faults. Reassemble safely after inspection. [Elektroda, kz61, post #16830335]

Was PLN 150 a reasonable installation price?

The thread notes PLN 150 for swapping the same type unit. Another user said a good installer would not accept such a job for that price, especially during the heating season. Underpricing can correlate with rushed commissioning and missed adjustments. Budget for proper setup and verification. [Elektroda, dobroslaw, post #16829239]

What details should I include when asking for help online?

Always state the exact device model and version in your first post. Missing model info delays diagnosis. Include symptoms, videos, venting type, any fans, and the distance to windows or grilles. Add prior unit behavior for comparison. “Write what device it is” was the first moderation nudge here. [Elektroda, kz61, post #16828660]
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