Hot water heater not working

[swimmer_spe]

My hot water heater is being a pain.

I bought the trailer 2 years ago. First season, I left the hot water heater isolated. This season, I decided to bring it back in service.

First issue, the isolation valve was seized. It is now replaced and water flows through the system.

New issue - The pilot light will ignite. However, when the burner is turned to on, it does not light the main burner. However, if I take my good ole BBQ lighter and light the burner, it will light, but it is a small flame, and may even go out.

Before bringing it into a propane tech, what can I look for that may be causing it?

[Blackdiamond]

That's because there is no reason to heat hot water. I myself just have a water heater.

[swimmer_spe]

No spiders, just rust and dust and dirt collecting where it shouldn't.

[wa8yxm]

Sounds like your system is Buggy. and by Buggy I specifically mean a spider. This spider likes the smell of Propane and/or natural gas and will build its nest in the burner oriface. Cleaning same often fixes the problem you describe.

THERE ARE.. HOWEVER.. .OTHER CAUSES

One is the excess flow valve on your tank.> Does the Furnace work. Stove top work (All burners lit) if so then this valve is likely NOT your problem .. If not. then it likely IS.. To reset make yourelf a cup of coffee (May need to use and electric or campfire pot for that) turn off gas at the tank. Enjoy the coffee. SLOWLY turn the gas back on If you hear gas flowing STOP when you no longer hear it continue. till the valve is full open.

[swimmer_spe]

So, I fixed my hot water heater.

It is becoming a common issue with my trailer.... It needed a cleaning. After blowing out the outside area, I turned the gas on, lit the pilot, and turned it to on and the main burner lit.

So, next problem... I will just try cleaning it.

[Old-Biscuit]

Pilot flame MUST engulf thermocouple so it heats up
Thermocouple when heated generates millivolts (12mv minimum) to hold gas control magnet OPEN so gas can flow

Dirty gas orifice...unscrew from gas control and soak in alcohol then blow dry (just blow on it ...no poking/no high air pressure)
Burner tube not 'aligned'...gas needs to flow thru center of tube/not bouncing down sidewall otherwise gas will not mix properly with air
Weak magnet.....replace gas control

[enblethen]

Clogged orifice in main burner. Remove and soak in alcohol. Very small hole, do not use anything to clear it, except air pressure.
Burner tube clogged, remove and clean.
Bad thermal couple will not allow pilot to remain lit.

[donn0128]

Pressure regulator can create low gas flow. Bad thermalcouple can cause no burn. What brand and model water heater?