Gas and propane water heater troubleshooting
Quick answer
A gas heater that will not heat may have a pilot, ignition, control, fuel supply or venting fault. Natural gas and propane equipment must use the correct parts and settings. Never bypass a safety device or test for leaks with a flame.
Gas odor or a carbon monoxide alarm
Leave the area and contact your gas supplier or emergency services from outside if you smell gas or a carbon monoxide alarm sounds. Do not operate switches, relight the pilot or try to find the leak yourself.
A pilot that will not stay lit
On a standing pilot heater, the thermocouple or thermopile proves that the flame is present. A pilot that repeatedly goes out may indicate a failed part, a burner problem or another safety shutdown. Modern electronic ignition models use different controls.
Use only the lighting instructions printed on your model. If it will not light as instructed or goes out again, stop and request diagnosis. Repeated attempts do not repair the underlying fault.
What to tell the technician
- The model and fuel type, plus any flashing light pattern or displayed error code.
- Whether the pilot or burner is lit, observed without opening sealed combustion parts.
- Whether the heater starts and stops, makes a new noise or produces inconsistent temperatures.
- Any recent gas work, construction, service or change to the venting.
Repair parts, manuals and videos
Gas control valves, igniters and flame sensing parts must match the model and fuel. A natural gas part cannot simply be substituted into a propane heater. Conversion is only possible where the manufacturer explicitly provides for it.
A qualified technician checks combustion, fuel connections and venting as required after a repair. A generic DIY video cannot confirm that your particular installation is safe to return to use.
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