What should you do when your water heater igniter won’t spark? This can cause a serious headache because you have this heater, yet you can’t run it. If you have tried turning it on but haven’t seen any spark, there are several possibilities and methods to troubleshoot the issue. Make sure that you understand the concept so you can provide the proper solution.
Hot Water Heater Igniter Won’t Spark
What actually happens when the igniter won’t spark? Different water heaters use different construction and frames. But generally, your heater may implement an igniter to ignite (or light up) the gas.
When you hold the water heater pilot igniter switch down and then click the (igniter) button repeatedly, you should see a small spark lighting up the pilot.
However, nothing may happen even after you click the igniter repeatedly. This means that something is wrong with the system. In short, if there is no spark, your gas water heater is not lighting or running. In the end, your heater will be useless.
First-hand knowledge: “From my experience as a plumber, a small spark should be visible when the igniter button is pressed. If not, the igniter or the pilot light system could be faulty. Regular maintenance often prevents these issues, as sediment buildup or dirt can obstruct the pilot light, causing ignition problems.”
Read also: Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
Water Heater Piezo Igniter Won’t Spark
Now that you already know about igniter and how it works, it’s time to get into the details of the system. Piezo igniter, also called the push-button igniter, produces a spark. It is then transferred to the (ignition) source so your heater can turn on and operate.
Personal Experience: “I had a client who experienced a similar issue where the Piezo igniter wouldn’t produce a spark. Upon inspection, we found that the electrode was dirty. After cleaning it with a fine sandpaper, the igniter worked perfectly. It’s a simple fix that can save time and money.”
Make sure that you have (and use) a pair of insulated pliers and other tools required to remove the igniter and separate it from your heater. Remember, insulated pliers, not regular ones. Turn off the gas supply and remove the igniter. Check for any (visible) breaks or cracks.
If there is any, you need to replace the igniter. But if you can’t find any, try to connect it to the electrode. If you press the igniter and there is a spark, the issue isn’t on the igniter. But if you don’t see any spark, then the culprit is the igniter, and you need to replace it.
Aside from the igniter, there are also some reasons why there is no spark or the electrode is having an issue:
| Potential Issue | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Clogged Pilot Line | Common when debris or dirt obstructs the line | Clean or replace the pilot line |
| Loose Wire Connection | Wires may not be tightened properly | Check and tighten the connections |
| Broken Electrode | If damaged, it won’t produce a spark | Replace the electrode |
Final Words
If you have doubts about checking your own heater or are completely clueless about the unit, don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s always better to ask for assistance instead of forcing yourself to repair it but end up with more damage. At least you know the facts and solution for the igniter won’t spark, so you know what to do.
