Water Heater Igniter Is Not Sparking

If you still can t see a spark turn the gas control knob off turn the gas supply valve off and click on more help below.

Water heater igniter is not sparking.

While continuing to hold down the pilot button press down on the igniter button three or four times. If the pilot does not light the water heater will not heat. If the pilot is restricted try removing it and clearing it with a stiff brush and or compressed air. Don t panic just because the piezo igniter has seized up and is no longer working there is still life to be had out of your hot water service providing the tank hasn t ruptured.

When trying to light the heater be sure to put the gas valve on the water heater in the pilot position and hold down on the pilot button. Sometimes carbon deposits can build up on the pilot and eventually create a restriction. The direct spark ignition water heater must have not only the correct gas pressure but a dc voltage range with power supplied to ignitor sparking should occur and the gas valve should open simultaneously. If sparking occurs but the valve does not open check the following.

The spark is small and the igniter is deep inside the base of the water heater. If the pilot cannot be cleaned replace it. The most common reason for replacing the igniter. You may have to dim the room lights to see the spark.

Published on feb 18 2014 this video provides step by step instructions for replacing the igniter and flame sensor on ao smith gas water heaters.