Symptoms
- Pilot light is completely out
- No spark or click heard when attempting to light it
- Gas valve knob may not be turning smoothly
- No hot water anywhere in the house
Likely causes
- CommonGas supply interrupted or shutoff valve closedA closed valve, empty propane tank, or utility issue can cut gas entirely.
- CommonFailed piezo igniter or spark igniterThe small igniter that sparks the pilot can wear out over years of use.
- PossibleAir in the gas line after a recent shutoffAfter the gas has been off, air needs to be purged from the line before it will light.
- PossibleFailed gas control valveThe valve itself can fail, preventing gas from reaching the pilot at all.
What to do
- Confirm the gas shutoff valve to the water heater is fully open.
- If you use propane, check the tank level, since an empty tank stops all gas appliances.
- Follow the printed lighting instructions exactly, including any wait time to clear air from the line if gas was recently shut off.
- Listen for a click or spark from the igniter when you press the ignition button; if there's no click at all, the igniter itself may be dead.
- If you can smell gas at the pilot opening but get no spark, the igniter is likely the problem, not the gas supply.
- If there's no gas smell at all even with the valve open, suspect a supply issue or failed control valve.
Tools and parts
- Flashlight
Piezo igniter for water heaterSearch: “water heater piezo igniter replacement”
When to call a pro
If there's no spark, no gas smell, or the pilot won't light after following instructions carefully, call a licensed plumber or gas technician rather than repeatedly attempting to light it.
Safety
Use caution
If you smell gas at any point, stop, do not attempt to light the pilot, leave the area, and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.