Electronic ignition on the water heater could cause some problems. The most common one is when it does not light appropriately. In my years of working with various water heater models, I’ve often encountered ignition issues that, though seemingly simple, can baffle homeowners.
Water heater problems such as this are usually caused by loose wires or voltage. However, they could also be caused by underpowered parts of the unit or trouble with the thermocouple. Nevertheless, you should know more about this problem to be able to fix it.
Electronic Ignition Water Heater Won’t Light
When an electronic ignition water heater doesn’t light, it could indicate a problem with the control valve or gas valve, which are essential for regulating and igniting the gas flow.
From my experience, issues with the pilot light not staying lit often involve dirty or misaligned thermocouples. Cleaning or adjusting this component usually resolves the issue.
If the heater pilot light doesn’t stay lit, inspecting these components to ensure they function correctly may be necessary. Sometimes, shutting off the gas and attempting to light the pilot again can resolve the issue.
There seem to be some reasons why the ignition won’t start. Here are some things you could understand from the problem:
- Igniter Problem
A defective igniter is a possible reason for this problem. Since it is crucial in every water heater unit, it must work correctly to turn it on. Check on your store to see if your igniter is not working as it should. The examination will be done by a professional to check whether the igniter is in okay condition. The one thing you could do is to change the component.
- Problem with the Spark Electrode
These components are used for the ignition process. They are also installed on the water heater. The spark electrode generates high-voltage sparks and sends out a signal. If it is appropriately received, the pilot light is on. If it’s broken, the ignition will not be done correctly.
- Problem with the Pressure Sensor
A faulty pressure sensor could cause the ignition process to fail. The process will not start if the sensor does not receive airflow.
- Problem on Thermocouple
A common problem I’ve encountered is a thermocouple that, over time, gathers dirt or becomes slightly displaced. When this happens, it no longer detects the flame, causing the gas supply to shut off, which prevents the pilot light from staying lit.
A simple cleaning or realignment often restores proper function. If the thermocouple is not working, the ignition process will not start. The thermocouple on the water heater is working as the pilot flame detector.
When gas pressure fluctuates, especially in older homes, I’ve found that relighting the pilot light often becomes challenging. If you experience ongoing issues, the problem may lie beyond your water heater, requiring a professional to inspect the external gas lines.
Hot Water Heater Igniter Replacement
Before considering replacing the igniter, verifying the water heater’s model number and assessing whether all components, including the thermocouple, are working properly is crucial. The standing pilot and electronic ignition systems have different requirements, so understanding your system is key.
If the igniter is faulty, refer to the heater’s model number to ensure you have the correct replacement part.
Understanding this matter will help prevent some uncomfortable mistakes in the future. Here are some igniters that are used on the water heater, but you need to know whether your water heater is using intermittent pilot or hot surface ignition:
- Condensing Water Heater
This type of water heater uses two heat exchangers. If the gas burns on one exchanger, the other draws heat from the exhaust component. As a result, the gas vapor is cooled and turned into water.
- Induced Draft Water Heater
This type uses a small fan to draw combustion gas. It uses an intermittent pilot on its ignition component.
Before trying to change or replace the igniter, fix the problem first to prevent the additional cost. With some simple steps, you could avoid any cost of repairing or replacing the component of the unit water heater. Here are some tips you could do:
- The first thing you could do is light the ignitor several times. Sometimes, it will take some tries for the pilot to lighten up. Remember to wait for the gas until it disappears before lighting it again.
- If it still isn’t working, check the wires. If there are any loose wires, the ignition will not proceed correctly, and the loose wires will also cause problems with the power supply. If you find loose wires, try resoldering them to their original place.
- If not, you could check the voltage. For example, if your water heater receives too much electricity, the igniter will not light.
| Common Issues | Symptoms | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Residual Gas | The pilot light won’t stay lit | Turn off gas and wait 10 minutes before retrying |
| Dirty Thermocouple | The pilot won’t ignite | Clean with fine sandpaper or replace |
| Clogged Pilot Tube | The pilot fails to light automatically | Clean tube with a needle or thin wire |
| Faulty Ignition System | Turn off the gas and wait 10 minutes before retrying | Contact a professional for replacement |
Conclusion
When the electronic ignition water heater won’t light appropriately, do not panic. This might be concerning, but you will feel relieved knowing the cause. Always seek professional help to fix the pilot light or igniter problem. Take precautions before trying to check the unit yourself. Be mindful of your well-being.
