Turning Hot Water Heater On (Gas)

Spark Igniter SHOULD be firing (Click, Click, Click) BEFORE gas flows to end of burner tube

A spider web is enough to disrupt the gas flow and proper mixing with air

Just needs a routine clean up....burner tube and set spark electrode gap (1/8")


What is the BRAND/MODEL of your water heater?
Atwood has a 'air shutter'----Suburban doesn't

We got the new 5er in September and for the first 4 weeks had on-going problems with the water heater on gas. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it did not. Sometimes it would explode and still not light.

After what seemed like a long journey with it, it turned out to be bugs in the orifice tube. I simply cupped my hand behind the hole in front from behind, and blew real hard. A couple of those dang stink bugs blew out the other end. And that took care of the problem.

Now, if you are talking about that sudden "poof" that happens with it first ignites, that's pretty common. Gas will build a second and then the spark with hit, causing an immediate "poof" sound. However, it's its an explosion sound, well, it's building up with gas before the spark or fire hits it, causing it to literally explode. More than likely, something is blocking that orifice tube. Try blowing it out. It's the first easy step that costs nothing. If that does not work, we'll go to step 2.

Slow/difficult ignition. Gas is building up a bit before the igniter can light it off. Possibly a dirty orifice or dirty igniter. Possibly the oxygen baffle needs adjustment. Possibly the igniter gap needs adjustment.