Water heater won’t light: causes and fixes
Pilot won’t light, goes out or there is no spark: common reasons a gas water heater won’t start in Baja homes and when to call a plumber.
Gas safety: if you smell gas, close the gas valve, open doors and windows, do not switch anything on or off, and leave. Never look for a leak with a flame.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot won’t light | No gas in the tank or air in the line | Check the tank and valve |
| Pilot goes out when you let go | Worn thermocouple | Replace thermocouple |
| No spark on tankless heater | Dead battery or igniter | Replace battery or igniter |
| Lights but water stays cold | Scale buildup or thermostat | Flush tank or replace thermostat |
| Safe to do yourself | Call a plumber |
|---|---|
| Check the propane tank level and valve | Any smell of gas |
| Follow the lighting steps on the label | Replacing gas parts or connections |
| Change the igniter battery | Tank leaking water |
Heaters in homes that sit empty part of the year often need flushing. See our plumbing service.
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