Hot water heater won't light

[mharrel]

I'm here in Nova Scotia and my hot water heater won't start. Moreover, there are explosions out of the HWH grill on the outside. I can hear the auto starter going, but it doesn't light. I've tried recycling by turning off the gas and electric for five mins and restarting. That has worked for the last several weeks, but not now. Any advice.

[Bama Rambler]

Spiders and mud daubers love propane for some reason and love to build in the burner tube and near the orifice outlet.

Have you checked the burner tube and orifice to make sure they are clean and clear of any debris, nests, webs, etc.?

Since you hear 'explosions' I'd bet there's something clogging the burner tube.

[mharrel]

That is not the problem. We have been traveling for three weeks and this problem is recent. It works perfectly, or not at all. I did get it going. I, stupidly, was pressing the reset button while the power was off. I pressed it while the power was on and it works. I have had to reset several times recently. I wonder why I have to keep doing that.