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What causes a water heater not to ignite?

What causes a water heater not to ignite?

The water heater pilot light is a small flame that ignites the gas burner on your water heater. If the pilot doesn’t relight, if it goes out right after lighting or if it goes out repeatedly, by far the most common cause is a bad thermocouple.

How do you test a water heater burner?

How to inspect the burner flames. A soft blue flame is the sign of the correct gas combustion. Use the viewport at the bottom of the water heater to examine the burner flames at least twice a year. If you see blue tips with the yellow inner cones, it is still OK.

Why would pilot light go out?

Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.

How do you tell if the thermocouple is bad on a water heater?

A worn out thermocouple is one of the most common gas water heater problems. When thermocouples wear out, the pilot light goes out, the burner won’t light, and you will have no hot water.

Why is my water heater not igniting?

Try lighting it more than once

  • Check for loose wires
  • Not getting the proper power
  • A damaged thermocouple
  • Bad control valve. Start with the easiest thing first,and work your way down the list.
  • Why would a water heater not light?

    Thermocouple. If the pilot light does not relight,or if it goes out again right after lighting,the most common cause is a bad thermocouple.

  • Pilot Tube. If there is nothing wrong with the thermocouple,then another potential cause for a heater failing to light is a dirty pilot tube.
  • Flex Tubing.
  • Main Control Valve.
  • How do you fix an electric water heater?

    Turn off the breaker to the water heater’s circuit in the service panel.

  • Remove the access panel for the upper heating element on the water heater.
  • Remove the insulation and the plastic safety guard,being careful not to touch any wires or electrical terminals.
  • How does electronic ignition work on water heater?

    Defective igniter. Most of these units are equipped with igniting units.

  • Bad spark electrode. A good number of electronic ignition water heaters come with spark electrodes that trigger the authentic ignition.
  • Faulty pressure sensor. Sometimes the pressure sensor can be faulty as well,making your heater water to stop lighting.
  • Problematic thermocouple.
  • Posted in Blog