How to Clean a Takagi Flame Sensor

If you are having problems with your Takagi water heater, the problem could very well be a clogged flame sensor. Flame sensors are metal cylinders that touch the flame of the water heater and tells the control board if the flame is on or off. It is a metal cylinder with an approximate width of ¼-inch and length of 1 to 2 inches. The exterior of the flame sensor gets covered with deposits and needs to be cleaned in order for it to work properly.

Step 1

Turn off the main gas valve connected to the Takagi water heater. Unplug the water heater from the electrical outlet.

Step 2

Turn the screws in the case in a counterclockwise direction and remove the screws from the case, using a screwdriver.

Step 3

Locate the manifold of the water heater. The manifold is the rectangular piece that covers the combustion chamber. Turn the screws in the case in a counterclockwise direction and remove the screws from the manifold. Place the manifold in a safe place.

Step 4

Locate the damper of the water heater. The damper is the thin rectangular piece with multiple holes. It is located behind the manifold. Turn the screws in a counterclockwise direction and remove the screws from the damper. Place the damper in a safe place.

Step 5

Locate the flame sensor. The flame sensor is located in the center of the combustion chamber. Turn the flame sensor in a counterclockwise direction to remove it from the combustion chamber. Pull the flame sensor backwards to remove it.

Step 6

Rub the exterior surface of the flame sensor gently with steel wool to remove the deposit around the sensor.

Step 7

Insert the flame sensor back into the combustion chamber. Repeat Steps 1 to 4 in reverse order to reassemble the water heater.

Check out this related video from Homesteady on Youtube.