Water heater won't light with gas?

[MagnoliaTom]

Been trying to get water heater to light using propane....clicks on but doesn't light. Used a lighter to get it started... Flames go out after a couple of seconds. What should I be looking for? It's an Atwood. Works on electric but with extra guests, wanted to have both on for faster recovery.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by MagnoliaTom

Been trying to get water heater to light using propane....clicks on but doesn't light. Used a lighter to get it started... Flames go out after a couple of seconds. What should I be looking for? It's an Atwood. Works on electric but with extra guests, wanted to have both on for faster recovery.

Its not reading flame established and goes into fault as it should. I can think of two reasons A: the sensing rod is not aligned properly in the flame or B:the heater electronic board is faulty and does not accept flame is established. There are help guides on the forum for both problems, maybe you can find find something simple in there.

[MagnoliaTom]

Originally Posted by VinceU

Its not reading flame established and goes into fault as it should. I can think of two reasons A: the sensing rod is not aligned properly in the flame or B:the heater electronic board is faulty and does not accept flame is established. There are help guides on the forum for both problems, maybe you can find find something simple in there.

Where do I find it? I'm on the mobile app

[wmtire]

Starting with the simple things:

Have you recently changed propane tanks, verified they have fuel, or could have air in the lines?

I would advise closing (turn clockwise) the propane tanks valves, then s-l-o-w-l-y opening them back up (turn counter clockwise) to make sure the OPD doesn't trip (which sometimes happens when you turn open the valves too quickly).

Go inside and light the burners on the stove to help purge any possible trapped air out of the gas lines.

Then turn on the water heaters gas/Direct Spark Ignitor inside switch.....and now see if the water heater lights up.

Also, if the water is already hot in the tank from the electric heating element, the thermostat for the propane side is not going to let it turn on.

[MagnoliaTom]

Originally Posted by wmtire

Starting with the simple things:

Have you recently changed propane tanks, verified they have fuel, or could have air in the lines?

I would advise closing (turn clockwise) the propane tanks valves, then s-l-o-w-l-y opening them back up (turn counter clockwise) to make sure the OPD doesn't trip (which sometimes happens when you turn open the valves too quickly).

Go inside and light the burners on the stove to help purge any possible trapped air out of the gas lines.

Then turn on the water heaters gas/Direct Spark Ignitor inside switch.....and now see if the water heater lights up.

Also, if the water is already hot in the tank from the electric heating element, the thermostat for the propane side is not going to let it turn on.

No new tanks, but I will try to close and re open the valve. Thanks. The other thing I noticed was when it clicks, there is no spark. I lit it with a lighter and it came on but went out after a second or two.

[MagnoliaTom]

Tried closing valve and reopening. Didn't work. Guess I'll be on electric only

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by MagnoliaTom

Didn't work. Guess I'll be on electric only

Is the electric on currently?

Did you light up your stove to make sure you don't have a propane delivery problem?

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by MagnoliaTom

The other thing I noticed was when it clicks, there is no spark.

This sounds like the crux of the problem.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by MagnoliaTom

Where do I find it? I'm on the mobile app

Don't give up so easy! On the mobile app- iphone at least, select main menue, 3/4's way down is the cat. "search" type it key words Water heater won't light or WH lights and goes out.

[MagnoliaTom]

Originally Posted by wmtire

Is the electric on currently?

Did you light up your stove to make sure you don't have a propane delivery problem?

Yes, electric is on. Yes stove was lit

[MagnoliaTom]

I got it to light using a lighter but it doesn't stay lit

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by MagnoliaTom

No new tanks, but I will try to close and re open the valve. Thanks. The other thing I noticed was when it clicks, there is no spark. I lit it with a lighter and it came on but went out after a second or two.

If I remember right, the rod that acts as igniter is the same that heats up and actsas a proof of flame. Sounds as though there is something wrong with this part of the circuit.

[RSchleder]

Some/most water heaters have a couple of black reset buttons on them. They typically have a rubber cover over the buttons. Might try pushing them IF you have them on your unit.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by RSchleder

Some/most water heaters have a couple of black reset buttons on them. They typically have a rubber cover over the buttons. Might try pushing them IF you have them on your unit.

Good point, however the gas valve would never open if button is tripped, op is getting enough gas for trial lite off although the trial fails.

[jeeplj8]

keep in mind the water heater is at the back, and the tank is at the front, so at least 40 ft or hose the gas has to travel through. May not be your problem, but I know after mine ran dry and I replaced a bottle it took a while to get stove, the fridge and finally water heater to light.

However if you don't hear it sparking to ignite, then that is a problem all by itself.

[garbonz]

on mine, the clicking is the spark.

[MagnoliaTom]

Originally Posted by jeeplj8

keep in mind the water heater is at the back, and the tank is at the front, so at least 40 ft or hose the gas has to travel through. May not be your problem, but I know after mine ran dry and I replaced a bottle it took a while to get stove, the fridge and finally water heater to light.

However if you don't hear it sparking to ignite, then that is a problem all by itself.

I think the air has been bled out of the line...stove lights and fridge works on gas. I can hear the water heater click as it tries to light, just can't see any spark. Taking it to the dealer to check out

[jeeplj8]

if it clicks there should be spark. sounds like a dealer problem to me too.

[OldCoot]

Sounds more like a thermocouple/sparker alignment problem. Get your manual and carefully re-position the tc/sparker with the burner. If it is too far away, it will not spark nor will it stay hot to allow gas to flow.

[marc7]

Have you tried shutting the electric side off so that it's only on propane?

Cheers!