Pentair Master Temp 125 gas valve "sticking"

[jorgefb]

I have a Pentair Master Temp 125 gas heater for my spa. It's been working good for a year, but recently it will not fire up.
I hear a "buzz" sound 3 times then the "service heater" light comes on. I followed the troubleshooting guide, which determined the gas valve needs to be replaced.
This is a pain because the valve is $300, plus I'll need a plumber to install it because of all the fixed pipe.
I found that a way to make it temporarily work again:

1. shut off the gas
2. take the cap off the solenoid on the valve (after removing the 2 security screws)
3. manually pull up the valve plunger
4. reassemble and turn gas on

After that the valve will work for a few more cycles before it gets into the "stuck" state again. I am wondering if this is some sort of gas pressure problem, or something besides the valve.
It's only a year old, so it seems premature for the valve to be worn out.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[mknauss]

It's only a year old,

Have you filed a warranty claim?

Welcome to the forum!

 

[jorgefb]

I double checked and actually I bought it just over 2 years ago. But it has only has about 12 months of operating time on it. thanks for your reply

 

[mknauss]

Depending on whom installed it, I would still file a warranty claim.

 

[1poolman1]

Do NOT use the heater the way you have described. Likely, you have never seen the results of "runaway" heater that continues to fire after the water-flow stops, but I have seen it three times and it is not pretty (one burned a garage with over a million dollars of custom and antique cars along with it.). A common thing, many, many years ago, was to "tap" on a gas valve to make it open if it appeared stuck. Every heater school I have attended since 1991 has included, "don't force a stuck valve to open" in the class curriculum. The reason is that they might not close again. Bite the bullet and get a new valve installed for your and your family's safety.

You can try a warranty claim, but, at least here, Pentair is pretty strict about not going beyond the stated warranty.