Water heater problem?

[restez]

The water heater on our unit will not light all the time. Sometimes it gives a little pop and you can hear the igniter trying to light but it won't. Have tried switching tanks and even had them topped off to check if it is a tank problem. The stove, fridge and furnace seem to work ok
Thanks

[indy roadrunner]

You might try a pipe cleaner stem or a clothes hanger with a small piece of cloth on the end and run into the heater burner area to see if a spider or another creature has set up house keeping in there. Sometimes wasp will build nest in there so be careful they get an attitude about these things when you try to evict them.

[simonsrf]

Rick,
The pipe cleaner is a good idea if there is an obstruction in the tube.

If that doesn't work, you might have an OPD valve stuck on the tank. First make sure all gas appliances are off. If you turn the propane valve on, and there is a NEED for gas, the OPD valve will sometimes get stuck in the closed position.

To get it unstuck, turn off the hot water heater, make sure the furnace isn't requiring propane....Remove the propane tank from the shelf and drop it hard on the ground several times. Just let the tank fall a foot or so. I've had great luck with the OPD getting unstuck then. Reconnect the bottle, and slowly crack the valve open, you should hear a hiss as the gas fills.

Go to the stove and light several burners to confirm you have good gas flow....Then turn your hot water heater on.

I've had both of my bottles do this at the same time, not sure how it happens and if it might be something to do with the filling process, but this has worked for me several times. Good Luck!

[GaryM]

Take the wires off the solenoid's on the gas valve and using an ohm meter check the continuity of each solenoid.
You may find that the closest solenoid to you has lost continuity. I have replaced two so far.

Anyone know where a person can buy just the solenoids? I would like to keep about 4 spares around.

Gary

[HOOK]

There is a bimetal strip in the fire of the pilot lite to sense the heat. Follow the stiff wire from it back to where it screws into the gas control valve . Unscrew it and clean the contact surfaces between wire and control.