Your electronic ignition water heater won t light one day, and you may be confused as to what to do next. However, if you know how to fix an electronic ignition water heater that won’t light, the problem can be solved quickly and easily. While some problems with your water heater are best left to the professionals, this problem is easy enough that most homeowners can fix it themselves without too much trouble at all. Simply follow these five steps to get your water heater up and running again quickly and easily!
1) Check The Pilot Light
If your electronic ignition water heater won’t light, the first thing you should check is the pilot light. If it’s out, relight it following the instructions in your owner’s manual. If you can’t find the pilot light or relight it, there may be a problem with the gas supply to the unit. Check that the gas valve is turned on and that there isn’t a blockage in the gas line.
2) Replace The Thermocouple
If your water heater’s electronic ignition won’t light, the first thing you should do is check the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that senses when the pilot light is lit and tells the gas valve to open. If it’s not working, it could be because it’s dirty or needs to be replaced. Here’s how to do it turn off the power at the breaker box and remove the access panel on top of the water heater. Disconnect all wires from the igniter. Unscrew one screw on each side of the old thermocouple (you’ll need to use needle-nose pliers). Pull out any loose wire connections in there as well (be careful not to pull on any wires too hard). Take note of which terminal goes where before disconnecting anything.
3) Replace The Ignitor
If your electronic ignition water heater won’t light, the first thing you should do is check the ignitor. Over time, the ignitor can become corroded or damaged, and will need to be replaced. Here’s how to replace a defective or faulty ignitor: Turn off the power at the breaker box then use a screwdriver to remove all of the screws on top of the gas valve. You’ll see a metal housing containing two wires leading into it with another wire attached.
4) Clean Out The Gas Lines
If your electronic ignition water heater won’t light, the first thing you should do is clean out the gas lines. This is because dirt and debris can build up over time and clog the lines, preventing gas from flowing properly. To clean the gas lines, you’ll need a stiff wire brush and some compressed air. First, remove any dirt and debris from the outside of the gas line with the brush. Then, use the compressed air to blow out any remaining debris from inside the line.
5) Have a Professional Take A Look At It
It could be a number of things causing your electronic ignition water heater to fail to light. The best thing you can do is have a professional take a look at it. They will be able to diagnose the problem and find the best solution.
