Water Heater Piezo Igniter Not Working

Ao smith promax water heater igniter not sparking.

Water heater piezo igniter not working.

Check the igniter for any visible cracks or breaks. The piezo igniter is still intact and hooked up but just won t spark. The most common reason for replacing. Sometimes carbon deposits can build up on the pilot and eventually create a restriction.

This video provides step by step instructions for replacing the igniter and flame sensor on ao smith gas water heaters. You should be able to see it above or next to the gas supply line for the pilot light. If the pilot is restricted try removing it and clearing it with a stiff brush and or compressed air. There are two options either have a new piezo igniter installed by a licensed plumber or have a licensed plumber attend your home or office and re light the burner with a barbeque lighter as seen in the image below.

Connect the piezo igniter to the electrode figure 3 holding the electrode about to away from the shell of the heater with the insulated pliers depress the piezo igniter. Make sure the wire is connected at the bottom of the push button that makes the igniter spark. This was two days of work and back and forth to home depot. If the pilot cannot be cleaned replace it.

If the pilot does not light the water heater will not heat. Check if the wire connection is tightened correctly. Most water heaters do not have any wires attached to the gas valve. The pilot ignites the water heater s gas burner.

If a spark is present every time the igniter is pressed the piezo igniter is fine if no spark is seen replace the piezo igniter. I can t get to the pilot because it s a sealed chamber. Turn the gas off to the water heater and press the piezo igniter. 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. Make sure the electrode is not broken and replace it if it is. If any visible cracks or breaks are present replace the piezo igniter. Once pressed the electrode should release the spark.

And one damaged cord that the drum sander ate because it was just that kinda day.