Just a heads up for those intrested, if you happen to have a water leak or flood (inlet lines leaking) your electric Ignition will no longer work. Simply remove the cover where the window is located and set switch to pilot mode and push down while using a torch or barbecue lighter to light the pilot. Once lit, set to HOT, your heater will light and it will dry out the electronic piezo igniter for next time.
Thank you! My husband had already called for a plumber while I was searching for a solution. It was late at night and the plumber was to come early the next day. I found this video and the solution in the comments. I asked for one last try. IT WORKED! (Caps for cheers!) It took me about 15 or so clicks, and then things started working again. It helped to know to be extra patient and even to expect 15-30 clicks. THANK YOU! No plumber needed.
Same model, same problem. Patience was the key. I followed the instructions but it didn't start until the 45th (!) press of the ignition button. Note: heard and saw nothing until the green light began blinking. Saved a lot of grief by not giving up too soon.
they most likely didnt even read the heater instructions in the first place to know how the pilot procedure and him showing that alone helped out a lot of people. His problem is more in depth than the heater instructions detail. He is hoping someone will comment with the correct fix. My pilot went out the other day and i had to re light it. I am still having running issues with the two blink three second pause light on the controller.
How I fixed it: 1. Removed pipe and validated I was gas (smelling). 2. Turned off all sound in the house, held the pilot button and could slightly hear a hissing sound. 3. Checked the wires with a voltage meter. 4. Disconnected pilot metal tube, and gas metal tube on the bottom, then unscrewed 5 bolts and pulled the entire bottom drawer out. 5. Analyzed the ignition ("spark") area by pressing the button and looking for a spark. My problem was that the white tube that leads to the spark was disconnected. I slightly drilled the wire and forced the tube back into it and validated I was receiving a spark. I JB Welded the plastic tube into place. Re assembled everything, turned the gas on, and had a pilot instantly. I only needed hold down the pilot for about 10 seconds before it was ready to be cranked up. Note to anyone reading: If you are not seeing any LED lights it's because the pilot or spark at not generating the current to show it. Hope this helped.
The piezo-electric igniter is, like the entire Honeywell control box, a cheap piece of shit, so try lighting the pilot using a kitchen match. To do this, you must first remove the inner cover plate, the one which has the glass port which allows you to see that there is no flame - which you already know. This inner cover is held in place by six screws two of which join the two halves of the cover around the gas supply tube. Do not be alarmed. *There is no danger and nothing will explode,* because your problem is that no gas is being delivered to the main burner. Once you have the inner cover removed, feel around inside for moisture. If your basement has flooded, you must wait until everything is _completely dry_ before proceeding. The pilot flame is supposed to appear at the terminus of all the wires and cables just in front of the burner (which looks like a large black round plate). I have no kitchen matches, so I used a lighter to burn the end of a strand I broke off from a common broom, but whatever you use, hold your flame where the pilot is supposed to appear, and press and hold the red PILOT button or dial. If the pilot ignites, keep holding the button for a _lonnnnng_ time. If the pilot flame stays lit after you release the button, turn the control to WARM (HOT is a waste of gas). If the large flame of the burner ignites, congratulations! You have succeeded, and you can proceed to replace the inner cover and outer cover. . As it turned out, I eventually succeeded in manually keeping the pilot flame lit by pressing the red dial/button long enough to dry the thermal-couple, and I canceled my order for a replacement igniter. The igniter lights the burner by creating a small electric arc, but no arc will appear if the wires or anything is wet. So the solution is to dry everything by manually lighting the pilot with a match. Once again, you must keep the pilot lit by pressing the button for a _very long_ time after lighting it with a match.
@@randyu8688 How far did you get, and what is not working for you? If you succeeded in getting a flame at the end of the pilot tube when you hold a match to it and press the red PILOT button on the control box, you are on your way to success. Just keep the pilot lit long enough until it stays on by itself. You will have to press and hold the PILOT button down for a _very long time_ to keep the flame lit.. Keep trying this.
@@KeithOtisEdwards I can't manually light the pilot from inside with a match because everything is sealed. Unless I take the 2 screws off and try that way but I really have no spark even after getting a new igniter and thermapile
@@randyu8688 As I wrote originally, you must first take the outer and inner covers off to expose the burner (which looks like a dark flat pan) and the end of the pilot tube. Everything should be easily visible. Hold a match to the end of the tube near the burner, and simultaneously press the red dial on the control box to PILOT. When this is pressed in, gas should come out of the pilot tube, and it will be lit by your match. Once it is lit, it is important that you keep pressing the PILOT control in for _a long time._ Eventually, the pilot flame will stay lit after you release the red control knob.
I solved my problem after I watched this video. I have a similar setup and the trick is after Pilot switch is pressed and ignitor is on, the GREEN Light will flash. When it flashes, put the switch back to Position between A&B after the hold-down pilot position. This solved my problem and save me some bucks for calling someone to tell me something I already know.
Not all pilot lights are directly behind the sight window. My pilot light was actually in a 9 o'clock position as I was looking in. While going through the steps other people have outlined below, LOOK AROUND through the window while holding in on the dial and pushing the ignitor several times. Once the pilot is lit, s-l-o-w-l-y release the pressure off the dial. If the pilot starts to go out, apply pressure again. Keep doing that until the pilot stays lit and set it to the desired temperature.
Open the bottom cover with the round glass window. Check if the igniter is producing any spark. The dial can stay in OFF position while you press on the igniter button. If there's no spark, use a grill lighter or a long match to light the pilot light. Put the dial in PILOT position, light the lighter, point it to the pilot light and press the dial. Pilot light should light up. Keep pressing on the dial for maybe 10 seconds. Repeat if necessary. If it doesn't stay lit, then the thermo coupling is busted. Don't worry about the green light staying on. Mine just blinks. As long as the pilot light stays lit, you're good to go. Don't forget to place back the bottom cover.
Dude you e the man i was working in my water heater all theough christmas n was bout to give up then i eead ur shit n lite my pilot with a long lighter and lept the pilot down n kept press the igniter button about 90 timrles and after the the flame changed colors n my status lite went on and i turned on the burner n nows its working thank you so much u r the man cant say thank you enough you saved me 800 dollars on christmad time
Thanks for the video and encouraging comments. I did everything right multiple times, and due to the comments went with brute force eventually. After following all instructions from the manual and as highlighted in the video but clicking the ignite button over 100 times (literally) I finally have hot water!
I have the same kind of water heater and I followed the process to light up the pilot successfully. But the status light never flicker. Can someone help. Thanks in advance.
I know this is an old thread/video, but the gas supply valve being turned off might have something to do with why it won't light, at least while shooting this video. Check out the 0:15 mark in the video, and look at the yellow supply valve in the bottom left of the video. It's in the off position.
Looking through the circular window on my bradford i saw no flame, or spark for that matter. I thought lighting it was my issue. However looking into the window from various angles (until i saw the flame) revealed that the pilot light was working all along. However i held the button down for 90 seconds as the manual says, but no status light came on. Just to be clear, the spark lit and the flame stayed on as long as i held it down. So i went back to the manual and there on Page 9. It states "the thermal switch may need to be reset".To do this Remove the outer door (you should already have it off if you see flame window). Press the reset button on the thermal switch (TCO switch). Pause video at 1:40 it's that red switch on the left had side (press it). It's location may vary depending on model. Then just hold pilot down, spark it with the spark button, status light should blink, let go and set to desired heat.
+Navarro Base - THANK YOU!!! I was having this same problem, and after reading your post, I was able to get my water heater working again. Thanks for taking the time. Much appreciated!
thanks!! I didn't know about the thermal switch. I followed your instructions pausing the video at 1:40 and found the switch on my heater. after pressing in the red marked knob to reset the thermal switch I followed the rest of the steps by turning the gas control knob to pilot and pressing it in, then pressing the igniter button four times. my pilot light came on, and 10 seconds later the green status light came on!!! then I turned the gas control knob to hot and the water heater works!! again thanks for the video and the extra post!
The comments on this video were valuable. In my case I simply had to hold the pilot button down long enough before it would light. Mine was virtually straight forward or maybe a tad higher which requires you to bend down more to see it. Then continue to hold until you hear a small faint click from the relay. If your hearing isn't that good then you might not hear the click but I heard mine and then was able to let go without it going out. Select your desired heat setting and soon you will have hot water. What I don't like about this unit is the there is no status light telling you there is even any power going to the unit or not. I thought there was no power to it but it turns out the status light has nothing to do with input power so it appears to do nothing at first. As far as pilot gas, I could easily hear the gas was on when depressing so it was definitely getting gas, I was just a little impatient and had to hold it down longer prior to trying to ignite it.
Here's the problem in a nutshell. I do construction and maintenance now for 30+ years and when these electronic gas valve/thermostats came out, they have been a steady and consistent pain in the ass. They are crap. Having said that, I've had some success taking the cover off of the electronic unit (make sure you turn the gas off) and unplug the wire from the little circuit board and let it sit for about an hour. There is some kind of reset stored in the capacitor memory rather than having a reset button. This is Honeywell's great idea. Great idea for ripping off the consumer that is. These units have become a pain in my ass for sure.
Unplugging the wires for a little while, and then plugging them back in worked for me! The plumber wanted to replace my whole tank for $1700. Thanks for the advice!
Randy, you da man! You suggestion did not work for me, but I just ordered a new thermal-couple, igniter kit on-line for $57. The neighborhood hardware sells old-fashioned Robertshaw t/couples for $7. I had two inches of water in my basement and the B-W heater has no legs and sits directly on the floor. So every time I get water in the basement, I must spend $800 for a new heater? I don’t _think_ so!
This is the one that finally worked for me (8 years after your reply, saulgoodnow). My issue (on my 11 year old unit) was not with the igniter spark, it was sparking fine. It just would not light the pilot now matter how long I depressed the button or how many times i clicked the igniter... and I tried a lot. I tried pretty much all the suggestions in this thread and was convinced that maybe I had a clog in the pilot line preventing gas from getting through to the spark. But I tried this suggestion of unplugging the wire from the circuit board for an hour, and it worked. After reconnecting and turning the gas back on, the pilot lit almost immediately on my first igniter click. Thank you so much!
In my case the piezo igniter isn't working. I was able to smell faint gas, indicating that the pilot light was supplying gas. I looked through the small window and did not see a spark when I pressed the button. I took off the inner panel with the window (4 screws) and looked directly at the igniter while pressing the button, still no spark. So I held down the pilot button and lit the pilot with a long lighter and it immediately started. 10 seconds later, the status light was green. Then I sealed up the panel before turning the heat to my desired setting. I then left a note explaining this with a sharpie on the Honeywell cover for any future users or myself when I've forgotten in a few years.
My igniter wasn't working so I pried the glass window out, lighted it with a lighter and replaced the window. I tried to remove the panel but the pilot line went through it such that it was difficult to move. My glass window was just being held in place with small aluminum fingers.
Thank you everyone, I was just desperate of loosing my hot water after my son accidentally switch off the heater. Now after holding the pilot for ten min while pressing the ignition button I got my green light flashing. The video and the comments under this video save me! Thank you guys. Just be patient and don't panic when you don't see any thing at the beginning. Just keep pressing the ignition button while pressing down the pilot knob. It will work after a long time.
I had this exact same problem. The fix was simple: make sure you are pushing the red button down hard enough to allow the gas to reach the pilot. If you don’t hear the gas hissing, push the button down harder.
I tried what exactly others had been suggesting in the comments section and mine started up. Though the video was not useful, the comments were. Basically, once you depress the knob in pilot position, keep pressing the ignite button again and again until you're status light starts flickering. Some were successful after multiple times. But I was able to start mine in the first attempt itself. I was clicking away the ignite button to glory for at least 10 -15 secs.
+Mahima Gopalakrishnan i did this until the status light started blinking..... does the status like blinking mean the pilot is lit? mine is posistioned in a way an i can no see if the pilot is on or not
I agree this should be titled “please help me fix my heater”. Instead of asking for help with a video check out the enormous number of videos on water heater problems.
The key is to 1st turn the dial to off. Wait the Full Five Minutes before turning the dial to pilot. Push in the knob, hold it in, and start pushing the little square igniter switch. You should hear the pilot light and see the little indicator light start blinking. Release the knob and the pilot should remain lit. Then turn the dial to the desired temperature. The water heater should fire within seconds. In summary: Turn dial to off. Wait Five Minutes ! Turn dial to pilot. Depress dial and keep it depressed. Push square igniter button repeatedly until the indicator light flashes steadily and you hear the pilot light. Once light flashes release the dial and turn it to the desired temperature. The water heater should fire within seconds. This works if there is no indicator light flashing whatsoever. If it is flashing a code then there should be a list of codes on the tank that states what its indicating. Please don't attempt a repair if you don't feel qualified. Want everyone to stay safe. Hope this helps.
19 igniter presses worked for me! Amazing. I guess “press down the pilot button in the pilot position and keep it pressed down, then hit the igniter switch until you hear a click” means “press down the pilot button in the pilot position and keep it pressed down, then hit the igniter button until you hear a click, and keep hitting the igniter button until the green light flickers”. Then, the rest of releasing the pilot button and move the red knob to the heating level you want, then swoosh the gas 🔥 is on. Thank you!! Hot water in the morning instead of sometime 2 days from now. Namaste!
I had the same issue. Make sure you take the cover off so you can see the small round glass window. Now lay down on the floor and look into that window until you can see the spark arc. Once you have found that by clicking the red "ignite" button - you know where to look for the pilot light to be lit. Now you can set the red dial to "Pilot" position and depress it while you click the small square red ignite button until you see the pilot light. The trick is to remember you need to keep the pilot dial depressed for at least 90 seconds. This primes the pilot light to keep it light so when you move that dial out of the "Pilot" position back to the heating position - it will stay lit. If you let go of the "Pilot" dial too soon - the pilot light may go out.
You are a genius! I followed your instructions after making several failed attempts following the instructions in the manual. Laying down on the floor to observe the spark in the glass window and then holding the ignite button for the full 90 seconds were the key to a successful ignition. Thank goodness for TH-cam.
I had the same problem after our hot water heater (Whirlpool) was turned off during kitchen renovation. I think a lot of people are simply impatient and expect it t start up right away. It took me THREE attempts of 90 seconds each until it would light. I turned the dial to "OFF". And let it sit for 10 minutes to clear out any gas in the line. Then I turned it SLIGHTLY to the left until it was in the "PILOT" position. Then I depressed the "PILOT" button at 1/4 of an inch and started clicking the igniter button. Click-click-click repeatedly as fast as I could for 90 seconds. Nothing. I repeated the procedure. Turned off...waited ten minutes...turned back on to pilot and clicked again for 90 seconds. Nothing. The third time I tried it, it started up after about fifteen seconds of clicking. So I probably clicked the igniter about 240 times before it started. So be patient and keep clicking. It takes a LOT longer than one would anticipate.
THANK YOU STEVE. I assumed something was broken because it didn't light up immed. when i pressed down and clicked switch. Like steve said, you may need to hold for a little bit before clicking. I held it down for about 15-20 sec and clicked at it worked. TYVM Key take away from steve's comment was "it took me three attempts"
Hitting the reset switch worked for us! Thank you Navarro, Daniel, Randy, and everybody else! Red button at 1:40 in the video, small click when pressed.
I struggled to get my pilot light going. This video was helpful, but the KEY for me was: get your head low enough to the ground when looking through the looking glass. If you don't see flashes (sparks) when clicking the igniter, then get lower until you see it. You MUST see that spark so that you know when/if the pilot light takes hold. Once you see the flame (don't bother progressing if you don't see a flame) then let the flame sit for awhile while continue to hold the Red Button down. Then slowly let the red button out, then move to ON, then adjust your temperature. KEY: Make sure you see the spark and later the flame.
Mr. Gupta: Thank you for this! I had the same problem yesterday after the gas co shut the gas of to install a new meter. When they turned it back on, I could not get the pilot lit despite repeated clicking. I saw your video, went back and unscrewed those two screws and gently pulled the flap back. It still took some work but the pilot finally lit. Since I am not a scientist I cannot explain why that worked, only that it did. So, thank you again, you saved me the aggravation and cost of a service call. - JRP
Same problem, but I did get ignition (blu light). You must hold that pilot red knob in for a good 30sec to a min. That will establish a good flame. My ROOT CAUSE was/is, there was about a 1/2 inch to inch of clear water at the bottom of my water heater. That water was blocking the “Jacket Air Inlet Slots” locates at the front bottom of the water heater. My blockage was water, I would suggest other may have dust, dirt, or debris cause the same-thing. Good luck.
Read the description: The issue has now been resolved. The problem was the pilot was not lighting for however long i pressed the red button. There is a chamber at the bottom of the heater that has some screws and encloses the lighting electronics inside. I opened the cmanber and tried to light again. I saw the spark this time, and the pilot lit.
Thanksgiving Eve 2022. I couldn’t hear gas (I’m 76) but tried again and held the red button down longer. “Whoosh”, it turned on. Thanks guys for the hints and encouragement.
I had the same problem. I fixed it by holding down the gas knob for about 2 minutes to release air in the gas line or possibly to release enough gas to light a spark. After two minutes of holding the gas knob in, I pressed the igniter button about ten times and finally the green light went on.
i have same honey well control system and it shuts off by itself any help. i turn pilot on green light blinks then day or two goes by and its off. any help
What works for me is that hold the knob at PILOT position and keep pressing IGNITE, until the STATUS light is blinking every 3 seconds. It takes about 30 seconds for the status light started to blink (from completely off). IMPORTANT, you won’t be able to see the flame at this time, but have faith and turn the knob to normal heating position, then I heard a puff and saw the flame.
Worked for me after I took everything apart to expose where the spark was, and i held the pilot button in for about 30 seconds after it was lit. Thanks!
Hold the pilot AND the igniter down together. Do not let go of the igniter. This should give you a green 1 blink 3 second delay led light. If that happens, you are now working and can just turn the switch to whatever setting you need.
Fixed! I left it in the off position for ten minutes. Then moved the red knob to PILOT, pressed down that knob also, and clicked the red igniter about 20 times. After the 20th or so time I saw the LED blink and let go of the red knob. Then turned the red knob to my setting. It then lit up with a "whoosh" like normal. My problem was I was only hitting the igniter once or twice. I expected it to be instant like my propane grill.
Patience is the key! I'd been holding down the pilot button and clicking the igniter button just once and waiting a minute or so between tries. Once I started repeatedly clicking the igniter while holding the pilot button in it only took about 7 clicks. The light started blinking and I heard the whoosh. Now it's running just fine and already I can feel the side of the heater warming up. No more cold water sponge baths!
Am sure by this time you got to fix your water heater, but anyhow, I have that exact type of heater with that Icon= Inteligent control, 4 years old with the pilot off, I watched your video but to my surprise you did not offer a solution, hahahha, I found instructions on you tube from another person and wanted to share them with you for the next time this same problem happens to you. Here they go. 1) turn the red knob to off, wait 5 minutes. 2) turn the red knob to pilot and press down, (in) at the same time that you are pressing down push the red square button below 3 times, keep pressing the pilot button until you see the green LED light flicker intermittently, once you see the green LED light release and turn the knob from pilot clockwise to B, and it will work. Once the green LED light turns on it means the pilot is lit. It worked for me so I hope it works for you as well. It saved me $ 125.00 my gas company wanted to charge me. Namaste!!!
+kajova Tried this method several times and it didn't work. No recourse now other than to call for service. I miss the old days when all you needed was a long match.
BINGO!!!! The key thing you said was looking for that green status light flickering. Once that started flickering I moved the red knob to the B position like you said and within a few seconds "poof", I heard the heater ignite and saw the flame in the window. THANK YOU THANK YOU. So can't wait to take a hot shower now. Namaste.
Who ever did this video thank you so much You saved me I haven't showered in ( ) days because hurricane IDA killed the flame on my heater in the basement I watched your video In ten minutes I was taking a shower Yaaaaaaaaay.
thanks!! I didn't know about the thermal switch. I followed your instructions pausing the video at 1:40 and found the switch on my heater. after pressing in the red marked knob to reset the thermal switch I followed the rest of the steps by turning the gas control knob to pilot and pressing it in, then pressing the igniter button four times. my pilot light came on, and 10 seconds later the green status light came on!!! then I turned the gas control knob to hot and the water heater works!! again thanks for the video and the extra post!! :) Merry Christmas.
Thank you for all your comments! In my case, I removed the bottom plate and noticed that my pilot cable had melted so I proceeded to ignite the pilot with a long match and after a few seconds I released the red button and was able to turn the water heater on. I will be replacing the cable in a few days but this is a temporarily solution.
Bradford White model. I had to unscrew the plate with the pilot light window to get it to work. I only had to remove two screws (not all four) and left the plate partially open allowing air in. Then pressed firmly on the pilot button and hit ignite several times, before hearing it light and seeing the status light flash green. Pressing pilot and hitting ignite without the unscrewing the pilot window plate did not work for me as it did for others below. It clearly needed a source of oxygen and was not getting it when sealed behind the plate.
Nice, the comments in this vid solved my problem. I was not holding the red button down long enough. after you push the red button in along with the igniter and see the red flash through the sight glass, you have to continue holding down the red button until you hear a click and/or see the yellow status light blinking. Then i cranked up the red button to HOT and it started heating and the flame turned up.
If flooded, depending on the height of the flood line your lines in the ignition assembly may have water so take out blow it and clean the thermopile may need to replace the pill.
Video comments gave me info needed to get this thing working! Yes it's been an aweful water heater. The last one was same brand and no problems for 30 years! This thing lots of problems in the past 7 years!
If the water heater pilot light is not igniting, it may be the spark is not strong enough. There is a wire coming from the igniter. Disconnect this wire and spray contact cleaner on it and reconnect it. Then turn the dial to pilot. Wait at least 5 minutes. While the dial is pointing to pilot, press and hold the dial, and click the igniter every 10 seconds until you hear a subtle dull pop (which is an indication the pilot is lit). Keep holding the dial in and keep clicking every 15 seconds until you see the light start flashing every 3 seconds or so. If not lit within 3 minutes, stop and try again after 15 minutes.
Thank you Jesus it works here's the step process I took I first turned off my gas valve then I disconnected the gas line then I turn the gas valve back on to make sure the gas line worked you can hear it and smell it the second thing I did was turn the gas valve back off reconnect the gas line and then turn the gas line on the third thing I did was turn the red button 2 pilot hold it in for 10 seconds and then at the same time I'm holding it in Click the ignite button and then I seen through the glass bottom it ignited save me a lot of time and money God bless you all
Thank you for the video which led to the comments below that ultimately got me to see the light (ignite) and get some heat...Quick question, how long should it take to get the water back to normal heat (I am assuming "B")? Is it instant or will it be a few minutes/hours for the water to be normal "hot" again?
Mine is a POS. This time it's piezo striker fail. No sparks. Save yourself some time. Remove the outer service cover by sliding up and prying out. Remove the POS viewing glass cover. The two white insulators in there hold the Piezo contacts at a set distance apart. That is where the gas will be flowing in a minute. Turn the red knob to pilot and push it in. Hold the button in for a few seconds. Strike a match and stick it in there where you spotted the piezo contacts. The pilot will light. It won't explode. It won't whoosh. But it will light. Keep holding the red button in. Once the thermo couple is hot enough the gas flow to the heater will turn on. You'll hear it. It will whoosh a little. Then and only then release the red knob and turn it to High. Then replace the POS viewing glass cover before everything heats up. Now replace the outer cover. Once the heater us up to temp adjust the heat to taste. That'll be $80 please.
Thanks for the help. I had to manually light mine as you suggested. Removed the four cover screws and used a long fireplace match. Simple like the older water heaters :)
@@Goztepe-uf6si You obviously haven't worked on gas burners. The advice he gave was good and perfectly safe unless you do something really stupid. In fact, all he is saying is that you light the pilot the way all pilots were lit until recently. That is, with a match or lighter. He just bypassed a faulty piezo igniter, that's all. You should know what you're talking about before you criticize someone who does know what they're talking about. You just made a complete fool of yourself.
Thank you! No status light... no flash on the ignitor switch. I smelled the gas - opened the glass door - reached in and lit it with a long match. Done and done. Green light on. Sheesh!!! @@bmfilmnut I feel like I saved 500$ easy!!!
I had to make about 9 attempts spaced out 5 or more minutes apart with some 90 or so strikes of the igniter per attempt before my pilot light ignited. Ridiculous.
Let me help EVERYONE with this...there's a small button under the cover at the bottom. Press that button, that resets the pilot. These heaters are Notorious for this issue. If the pilot keeps going out, then you have to replace it. I replaced everything in mine with no luck. That reset button is your problem though. Remove the metal part that covers the glass window, and you'll see the very small, black ignitor button. Hope this helps someone...mine kept going out a couple days after resetting it. Plumber replaced 5 parts under warranty, then finally replaced the entire heater.
Mark, I want to let you know that this was exactly the problem on our water heater too. Thanks for your comment! We were ready to go out and drop $800 for a new one.
Mark, is the reset button on the thermalpile connection? I pushed that but it won't bulge in. Other than that, I cannot find small black ignitor button. Where is it exactly?
Yes I need a answer as soon as possible please that little red button popped out of mine while trying to lite it and we can not put it back in can u please help me. Thank you and please respond as soon as possible. Thank you.
I had the same problem it wasn't turning on. The light wouldn't flicker but I tried it again and held the knob down for longer then all of a sudden the light flickering red. Then I turned the knob to B and it turned on after a few seconds. I had no blue light that I could see through the glass window but when I looked different angle the whole thing was lit. Thanks you !
He needs to turn on the gas, you can see in the beginning of the video that the gas line shut off valve is in the closed position. However I am having a hard time getting the pilot light lite, and I'm confuse as to why the status light is not blinking. Going to try some of the comments below.
Well, it has been 6 years since someone posted the solution - after you know how to push the pilot button and press the igniter (forget the rest does nothing). There are two screws to the right of the circular glass window top & bottom. Unscrew them. Don't waste time with a screwdriver. if you can use a small ratchet and they come right out. Pull the cover out gently. It bends nicely at the center so you can pull it about halfway and you should be able to get a very good look inside. Push the pilot button in and the igniter and it will light right up. My theory is that by opening up the flap, you are providing oxygen for the flame. When it is fully lit, the large flame is big enough to draw the needed oxygen in. Seriously try this. I read this advice far below in the thread and ignored it following instead all the other silly comments. Learn from me, just open the flap and light it up.
I think Angela Stacey's synopsis was pretty accurate. There are so many videos on TH-cam of people lighting the pilot where it lights after pressing the igniter once or maybe 1-5 times. And when you try it at home and it doesn't happen like those examples you think you've done something wrong. After reading her comment I went back upstairs and just kept pressing that damn igniter...over 100 times...and then finally...I heard that hiss...music to my ears! Can't wait to take a hot shower. Thanks Angela...and Rahul!
Pretty disconcerting that a company like Bradford White or any hot water heater company would make a product where you have to keep trying and trying. Why can't they make it so that it starts after the first try? Ridiculous we pay so much $$ for a product and the technology behind it stinks.
Try the reset button on the thermocouple, Follow the red and white wires down to the switch between the 2 wires you will see a small button, push it in and see if it clicks. This is just one of two problems it could be.
Your comment saved the day. Our water heater goes out every 4 weeks and our apartment has to call a technician out every time and depending on when it goes out (if during weekend) our family is without hot water. Your suggestion solved the problem. So thankful to have come across your comment. Thank you, thank you.
The key if you've been doing work on the line is to push the pilot down for several minutes. Someone else mentioned that in the comments and it worked for me. Be patient!
I also have a Bradford White (12 yrs old) with a Honeywell controller and was up last night until 2 am trying to get the pilot light to stay lit - the igniter button worked sporadically and when it did ignite the blinking indicator light would not come on even if I held the pilot knob for 3 min. Called the plumber today... he came and got the water heater working in 3 min flat and told me not to waste money on parts, just get a new hot water heater installed for $1500. I am dumbfounded!
Holy shit it worked.!! Yes i removed 2 of th acrews by th round view window and pried my screw driver in between the heater and the metal panel to allow air to come in for about 5 mins.. Then i closed it up (because i was afraid of gas leaking out) And went back at it with the knob in pilot position and kept trying rhe ignitor button and then the green light started flashing.!!! I set it to B and am standing here listening to it come back to life..but it worked.!!
Wow!!!.. Thanks you guys for this great educative smart video. I had the same problem and for the past 3 days now. I was panicking and confused but browsing through You tube I saw this video and followed the steps. It WORKS!!! Great job and thanks for saving me hundreds.
This is a brand new propane AO Smith water heater (propane conversion from natural gas) I can see a spark everytime I depress the igniter. I am depressing the pilot bottom the whole time, with the gas valves open, and still it doesn't ignite. I've done it 3-4 times at 90 seconds each time, waiting 10 minutes in between. What's left that might not be working?
Have the same water heater and was able to get the water heater on by holding the pilot button until the status light started blinking and instead of pressing in the small red button several times I just turned it to hot and it fired right up. Another thing I ran into was that the faucet I had turned on inside to relive the pressure had low water pressure after it was lit and I had to remove the filter on the faucet cause it was blocked with debris. Thanks for your video
My one year old Bradford White water heater (M440T6FBN) had this issue. After reading the comment from Paul I held down the pilot button for much longer and that was the difference. Thank you Rahul and Paul.
I was trying to light mine and it wouldn't light at first. The trick was to hold down the pilot button for 90 seconds first and then push the red button. It took a few times pushing the button before green started flashing.
Thank you thank you thank you!!!!! I've been resetting my pilot for years because it kept going off but always was able to reset the pilot. This time it wouldn't reset after many attempts until I read your post to hold it down for 90 seconds then press the igniter. I was all stressed out until you helped me fix it!! Thank you thank you!!
Had exactly the same problem, tried a couple of things suggested in the comments (reset, pushing ignite 100 times, etc.) - what seemed to have worked is to unscrew the plate that covers the flame (as simple as that), then follow instructions to ignite, worked the first time around
The problem turned out to be the piezo-electric igniter on my 3-year old B&W water heater. I removed the cover plate adjacent to the view port and used a long match to light the pilot. Viola! FWIW... with the pilot depressed, I could NOT hear any gas hiss. I have mild tinnitus which may have masked it, but don't necessarily expect to hear gas.
I have the same unit and problem. the gas company sent a lady out and she pressed the sparker quickly many times and the pilot light turned on. I have done the same since.
I have the same water heater and am having the very same problem. I think gas is getting through my line but the heat sensor (not sure if that is what it is called), it sits right beside the line that takes the gas in to the burner, I believe it is bad, but can't seem to find that part online. I have had cold water for a week now and am ready to get it fixed
Dude I have the same problem I did the step but the status light didn’t turn on. What do I do help I’m stuck with cold water in the house. Can anyone help me!
This video will confirm model & type- but comments will solve your problem. I would tell you how I lit mine but I honestly don't know which of the suggestions worked. I think turning it off and then to pilot did the trick. Good luck.
make sure your gas is on i had the same problem when I went to light up my pilot on water heater I thought I had gas on and I didn't soon as I turned the knob the other way on gas then went back and tried to light the pilot it worked the pilot lighted up and the light started flashing on water heater just make sure your gas is on then try and light your pilot again
The igniter went out, had to call Bradford service to replace igniter and vacuum out the chamber because the flame had some yellow in it. The flame should be blue. I also, had a 8 inch pipe put in front of the vent of the water heater for venting. I may need a water softener it is making a snap and crackling sound when heating up. I have a very small space 2-1\2 x 3" foot area.The only place it can go.
It took me about 15 clicks but it worked. Thank you all who helped at this. Saved a lot of money for a lot of people. Hats off to the community.
Just a heads up for those intrested, if you happen to have a water leak or flood (inlet lines leaking) your electric Ignition will no longer work. Simply remove the cover where the window is located and set switch to pilot mode and push down while using a torch or barbecue lighter to light the pilot. Once lit, set to HOT, your heater will light and it will dry out the electronic piezo igniter for next time.
Thank you! My husband had already called for a plumber while I was searching for a solution. It was late at night and the plumber was to come early the next day. I found this video and the solution in the comments. I asked for one last try. IT WORKED! (Caps for cheers!) It took me about 15 or so clicks, and then things started working again. It helped to know to be extra patient and even to expect 15-30 clicks. THANK YOU! No plumber needed.
Same model, same problem. Patience was the key.
I followed the instructions but it didn't start until the 45th (!) press of the ignition button.
Note: heard and saw nothing until the green light began blinking.
Saved a lot of grief by not giving up too soon.
lots of comments here thanking others for helping them - not a single person is saying WHAT THE ADVICE WAS THAT HELPED THEM!
they most likely didnt even read the heater instructions in the first place to know how the pilot procedure and him showing that alone helped out a lot of people. His problem is more in depth than the heater instructions detail. He is hoping someone will comment with the correct fix. My pilot went out the other day and i had to re light it. I am still having running issues with the two blink three second pause light on the controller.
You tube is hard. Click/tap the "Read More" button.
How I fixed it:
1. Removed pipe and validated I was gas (smelling).
2. Turned off all sound in the house, held the pilot button and could slightly hear a hissing sound.
3. Checked the wires with a voltage meter.
4. Disconnected pilot metal tube, and gas metal tube on the bottom, then unscrewed 5 bolts and pulled the entire bottom drawer out.
5. Analyzed the ignition ("spark") area by pressing the button and looking for a spark.
My problem was that the white tube that leads to the spark was disconnected. I slightly drilled the wire and forced the tube back into it and validated I was receiving a spark. I JB Welded the plastic tube into place.
Re assembled everything, turned the gas on, and had a pilot instantly. I only needed hold down the pilot for about 10 seconds before it was ready to be cranked up.
Note to anyone reading:
If you are not seeing any LED lights it's because the pilot or spark at not generating the current to show it.
Hope this helped.
Is it ok to light it manually?
The piezo-electric igniter is, like the entire Honeywell control box, a cheap piece of shit, so try lighting the pilot using a kitchen match. To do this, you must first remove the inner cover plate, the one which has the glass port which allows you to see that there is no flame - which you already know. This inner cover is held in place by six screws two of which join the two halves of the cover around the gas supply tube.
Do not be alarmed. *There is no danger and nothing will explode,* because your problem is that no gas is being delivered to the main burner.
Once you have the inner cover removed, feel around inside for moisture. If your basement has flooded, you must wait until everything is _completely dry_ before proceeding. The pilot flame is supposed to appear at the terminus of all the wires and cables just in front of the burner (which looks like a large black round plate).
I have no kitchen matches, so I used a lighter to burn the end of a strand I broke off from a common broom, but whatever you use, hold your flame where the pilot is supposed to appear, and press and hold the red PILOT button or dial. If the pilot ignites, keep holding the button for a _lonnnnng_ time. If the pilot flame stays lit after you release the button, turn the control to WARM (HOT is a waste of gas). If the large flame of the burner ignites, congratulations! You have succeeded, and you can proceed to replace the inner cover and outer cover.
.
As it turned out, I eventually succeeded in manually keeping the pilot flame lit by pressing the red dial/button long enough to dry the thermal-couple, and I canceled my order for a replacement igniter. The igniter lights the burner by creating a small electric arc, but no arc will appear if the wires or anything is wet. So the solution is to dry everything by manually lighting the pilot with a match. Once again, you must keep the pilot lit by pressing the button for a _very long_ time after lighting it with a match.
Thank you for the advice that’s what I did I took out the panel and I did it and now it works thank you very much
How did you do this?
@@randyu8688 How far did you get, and what is not working for you?
If you succeeded in getting a flame at the end of the pilot tube when you hold a match to it and press the red PILOT button on the control box, you are on your way to success. Just keep the pilot lit long enough until it stays on by itself. You will have to press and hold the PILOT button down for a _very long time_ to keep the flame lit..
Keep trying this.
@@KeithOtisEdwards I can't manually light the pilot from inside with a match because everything is sealed. Unless I take the 2 screws off and try that way but I really have no spark even after getting a new igniter and thermapile
@@randyu8688 As I wrote originally, you must first take the outer and inner covers off to expose the burner (which looks like a dark flat pan) and the end of the pilot tube. Everything should be easily visible. Hold a match to the end of the tube near the burner, and simultaneously press the red dial on the control box to PILOT. When this is pressed in, gas should come out of the pilot tube, and it will be lit by your match.
Once it is lit, it is important that you keep pressing the PILOT control in for _a long time._
Eventually, the pilot flame will stay lit after you release the red control knob.
I solved my problem after I watched this video. I have a similar setup and the trick is after Pilot switch is pressed and ignitor is on, the GREEN Light will flash. When it flashes, put the switch back to Position between A&B after the hold-down pilot position. This solved my problem and save me some bucks for calling someone to tell me something I already know.
Thank you so much
Holding the pilot button long enough is the key. It's a great product. Up to 90 seconds.
Paul is on the money here.. Just hold it in longer.
Thank you Paul that was it for me
they key is making sure the igniter is actually sparking. everything else being mentioned is simple instructions that people are just not following.
Your advice just got mine working. Thank you Sir.
3 years later! Thanx Paul!
Not all pilot lights are directly behind the sight window. My pilot light was actually in a 9 o'clock position as I was looking in. While going through the steps other people have outlined below, LOOK AROUND through the window while holding in on the dial and pushing the ignitor several times. Once the pilot is lit, s-l-o-w-l-y release the pressure off the dial. If the pilot starts to go out, apply pressure again. Keep doing that until the pilot stays lit and set it to the desired temperature.
Yes I had to look at the 3 o’clock position because I didn’t see it right away.
Open the bottom cover with the round glass window. Check if the igniter is producing any spark. The dial can stay in OFF position while you press on the igniter button. If there's no spark, use a grill lighter or a long match to light the pilot light. Put the dial in PILOT position, light the lighter, point it to the pilot light and press the dial. Pilot light should light up. Keep pressing on the dial for maybe 10 seconds. Repeat if necessary. If it doesn't stay lit, then the thermo coupling is busted. Don't worry about the green light staying on. Mine just blinks. As long as the pilot light stays lit, you're good to go. Don't forget to place back the bottom cover.
Dude you e the man i was working in my water heater all theough christmas n was bout to give up then i eead ur shit n lite my pilot with a long lighter and lept the pilot down n kept press the igniter button about 90 timrles and after the the flame changed colors n my status lite went on and i turned on the burner n nows its working thank you so much u r the man cant say thank you enough you saved me 800 dollars on christmad time
Thank You 🔥🔥🔥
Thanks for the video and encouraging comments. I did everything right multiple times, and due to the comments went with brute force eventually. After following all instructions from the manual and as highlighted in the video but clicking the ignite button over 100 times (literally) I finally have hot water!
Followed instructions for holding down pilot light firmly and it worked. Thank you YT community.
I have the same kind of water heater and I followed the process to light up the pilot successfully. But the status light never flicker. Can someone help. Thanks in advance.
I know this is an old thread/video, but the gas supply valve being turned off might have something to do with
why it won't light, at least while shooting this video. Check out the 0:15 mark in the video, and look at the yellow
supply valve in the bottom left of the video. It's in the off position.
Sharp Eye :)
Good observation... you're spot on...lol!
Looking through the circular window on my bradford i saw no flame, or spark for that matter. I thought lighting it was my issue. However looking into the window from various angles (until i saw the flame) revealed that the pilot light was working all along. However i held the button down for 90 seconds as the manual says, but no status light came on. Just to be clear, the spark lit and the flame stayed on as long as i held it down. So i went back to the manual and there on Page 9. It states "the
thermal switch may need to be reset".To do this Remove the outer door (you should already have it off if you see flame window). Press the reset button on the thermal switch (TCO switch). Pause video at 1:40 it's that red switch on the left had side (press it). It's location may vary depending on model. Then just hold pilot down, spark it with the spark button, status light should blink, let go and set to desired heat.
+Navarro Base - THANK YOU!!! I was having this same problem, and after reading your post, I was able to get my water heater working again. Thanks for taking the time. Much appreciated!
Awesome!!!! I'm happy it helped. I was hoping to spare everyone of those hypothermia inducing showers lol
You just saved me big $$$$ with the reset TCO tip. Thanks
thanks!! I didn't know about the thermal switch. I followed your instructions pausing the video at 1:40 and found the switch on my heater. after pressing in the red marked knob to reset the thermal switch I followed the rest of the steps by turning the gas control knob to pilot and pressing it in, then pressing the igniter button four times. my pilot light came on, and 10 seconds later the green status light came on!!! then I turned the gas control knob to hot and the water heater works!! again thanks for the video and the extra post!
Thank you!!!!!
The comments on this video were valuable. In my case I simply had to hold the pilot button down long enough before it would light. Mine was virtually straight forward or maybe a tad higher which requires you to bend down more to see it. Then continue to hold until you hear a small faint click from the relay. If your hearing isn't that good then you might not hear the click but I heard mine and then was able to let go without it going out. Select your desired heat setting and soon you will have hot water. What I don't like about this unit is the there is no status light telling you there is even any power going to the unit or not. I thought there was no power to it but it turns out the status light has nothing to do with input power so it appears to do nothing at first. As far as pilot gas, I could easily hear the gas was on when depressing so it was definitely getting gas, I was just a little impatient and had to hold it down longer prior to trying to ignite it.
Here's the problem in a nutshell. I do construction and maintenance now for 30+ years and when these electronic gas valve/thermostats came out, they have been a steady and consistent pain in the ass. They are crap. Having said that, I've had some success taking the cover off of the electronic unit (make sure you turn the gas off) and unplug the wire from the little circuit board and let it sit for about an hour. There is some kind of reset stored in the capacitor memory rather than having a reset button. This is Honeywell's great idea. Great idea for ripping off the consumer that is. These units have become a pain in my ass for sure.
+Randy M. Do I need to disconnect the gas line before taking the cover off? Looks like there is only 1 screw; anything else needed to be done?
Unplugging the wires for a little while, and then plugging them back in worked for me! The plumber wanted to replace my whole tank for $1700. Thanks for the advice!
Randy, you da man! You suggestion did not work for me, but I just ordered a new thermal-couple, igniter kit on-line for $57.
The neighborhood hardware sells old-fashioned Robertshaw t/couples for $7.
I had two inches of water in my basement and the B-W heater has no legs and sits directly on the floor. So every time I get water in the basement, I must spend $800 for a new heater?
I don’t _think_ so!
This is exactly the process that worked for me without having the reset button!
This is the one that finally worked for me (8 years after your reply, saulgoodnow). My issue (on my 11 year old unit) was not with the igniter spark, it was sparking fine. It just would not light the pilot now matter how long I depressed the button or how many times i clicked the igniter... and I tried a lot. I tried pretty much all the suggestions in this thread and was convinced that maybe I had a clog in the pilot line preventing gas from getting through to the spark. But I tried this suggestion of unplugging the wire from the circuit board for an hour, and it worked. After reconnecting and turning the gas back on, the pilot lit almost immediately on my first igniter click. Thank you so much!
In my case the piezo igniter isn't working. I was able to smell faint gas, indicating that the pilot light was supplying gas. I looked through the small window and did not see a spark when I pressed the button. I took off the inner panel with the window (4 screws) and looked directly at the igniter while pressing the button, still no spark. So I held down the pilot button and lit the pilot with a long lighter and it immediately started. 10 seconds later, the status light was green. Then I sealed up the panel before turning the heat to my desired setting. I then left a note explaining this with a sharpie on the Honeywell cover for any future users or myself when I've forgotten in a few years.
My igniter wasn't working so I pried the glass window out, lighted it with a lighter and replaced the window. I tried to remove the panel but the pilot line went through it such that it was difficult to move. My glass window was just being held in place with small aluminum fingers.
That's what I think I got to do. The spark is not connected properly.
I looked this up today, my son-n-law's advice, which helped me re-light my pilot, thank you You Tube and all of your comments
Thank you everyone, I was just desperate of loosing my hot water after my son accidentally switch off the heater. Now after holding the pilot for ten min while pressing the ignition button I got my green light flashing. The video and the comments under this video save me! Thank you guys. Just be patient and don't panic when you don't see any thing at the beginning. Just keep pressing the ignition button while pressing down the pilot knob. It will work after a long time.
I had this exact same problem. The fix was simple: make sure you are pushing the red button down hard enough to allow the gas to reach the pilot. If you don’t hear the gas hissing, push the button down harder.
I tried what exactly others had been suggesting in the comments section and mine started up. Though the video was not useful, the comments were.
Basically, once you depress the knob in pilot position, keep pressing the ignite button again and again until you're status light starts flickering. Some were successful after multiple times. But I was able to start mine in the first attempt itself. I was clicking away the ignite button to glory for at least 10 -15 secs.
+Mahima Gopalakrishnan i did this until the status light started blinking..... does the status like blinking mean the pilot is lit? mine is posistioned in a way an i can no see if the pilot is on or not
g t. g! !
I did exactly as you described “to glory” LOL , and it worked! Thank you so much !!!! 😊
I agree this should be titled “please help me fix my heater”. Instead of asking for help with a video check out the enormous number of videos on water heater problems.
The key is to 1st turn the dial to off. Wait the Full Five Minutes before turning the dial to pilot. Push in the knob, hold it in, and start pushing the little square igniter switch. You should hear the pilot light and see the little indicator light start blinking. Release the knob and the pilot should remain lit. Then turn the dial to the desired temperature. The water heater should fire within seconds. In summary:
Turn dial to off.
Wait Five Minutes !
Turn dial to pilot.
Depress dial and keep it depressed.
Push square igniter button repeatedly until the indicator light flashes steadily and you hear the pilot light.
Once light flashes release the dial and turn it to the desired temperature. The water heater should fire within seconds.
This works if there is no indicator light flashing whatsoever. If it is flashing a code then there should be a list of codes on the tank that states what its indicating. Please don't attempt a repair if you don't feel qualified. Want everyone to stay safe. Hope this helps.
19 igniter presses worked for me! Amazing. I guess “press down the pilot button in the pilot position and keep it pressed down, then hit the igniter switch until you hear a click” means “press down the pilot button in the pilot position and keep it pressed down, then hit the igniter button until you hear a click, and keep hitting the igniter button until the green light flickers”. Then, the rest of releasing the pilot button and move the red knob to the heating level you want, then swoosh the gas 🔥 is on. Thank you!! Hot water in the morning instead of sometime 2 days from now. Namaste!
I had the same issue. Make sure you take the cover off so you can see the small round glass window. Now lay down on the floor and look into that window until you can see the spark arc. Once you have found that by clicking the red "ignite" button - you know where to look for the pilot light to be lit. Now you can set the red dial to "Pilot" position and depress it while you click the small square red ignite button until you see the pilot light.
The trick is to remember you need to keep the pilot dial depressed for at least 90 seconds. This primes the pilot light to keep it light so when you move that dial out of the "Pilot" position back to the heating position - it will stay lit.
If you let go of the "Pilot" dial too soon - the pilot light may go out.
Ryan II thanks for your comment.....I was able to get my hot water heater back on after reading your instructions.
Ryan II you are awesome.
thank you
You are a genius! I followed your instructions after making several failed attempts following the instructions in the manual. Laying down on the floor to observe the spark in the glass window and then holding the ignite button for the full 90 seconds were the key to a successful ignition. Thank goodness for TH-cam.
No luck for me with my Honeywell!
I had the same problem after our hot water heater (Whirlpool) was turned off during kitchen renovation. I think a lot of people are simply impatient and expect it t start up right away. It took me THREE attempts of 90 seconds each until it would light. I turned the dial to "OFF". And let it sit for 10 minutes to clear out any gas in the line. Then I turned it SLIGHTLY to the left until it was in the "PILOT" position. Then I depressed the "PILOT" button at 1/4 of an inch and started clicking the igniter button. Click-click-click repeatedly as fast as I could for 90 seconds.
Nothing.
I repeated the procedure. Turned off...waited ten minutes...turned back on to pilot and clicked again for 90 seconds.
Nothing.
The third time I tried it, it started up after about fifteen seconds of clicking. So I probably clicked the igniter about 240 times before it started.
So be patient and keep clicking. It takes a LOT longer than one would anticipate.
+Steve Anderson Thank you. This approach worked for me.
THANK YOU STEVE. I assumed something was broken because it didn't light up immed. when i pressed down and clicked switch. Like steve said, you may need to hold for a little bit before clicking. I held it down for about 15-20 sec and clicked at it worked. TYVM Key take away from steve's comment was "it took me three attempts"
my red and white wires are reversed
Steve Anderson daaaaamn! lol im about to do what you just did 😅😅
Steve Anderson i
Hitting the reset switch worked for us! Thank you Navarro, Daniel, Randy, and everybody else! Red button at 1:40 in the video, small click when pressed.
I struggled to get my pilot light going. This video was helpful, but the KEY for me was: get your head low enough to the ground when looking through the looking glass. If you don't see flashes (sparks) when clicking the igniter, then get lower until you see it. You MUST see that spark so that you know when/if the pilot light takes hold. Once you see the flame (don't bother progressing if you don't see a flame) then let the flame sit for awhile while continue to hold the Red Button down. Then slowly let the red button out, then move to ON, then adjust your temperature. KEY: Make sure you see the spark and later the flame.
Thanks you Mr. Gupta, I did it and now I owe you lunch, dinner and breakfast. Thanks sir.
Mr. Gupta:
Thank you for this! I had the same problem yesterday after the gas co shut the gas of to install a new meter. When they turned it back on, I could not get the pilot lit despite repeated clicking. I saw your video, went back and unscrewed those two screws and gently pulled the flap back. It still took some work but the pilot finally lit.
Since I am not a scientist I cannot explain why that worked, only that it did. So, thank you again, you saved me the aggravation and cost of a service call.
- JRP
Video still helping in 2024. Holding down the button for about 90 seconds is what did it for me. Thanks everyone.
Same problem, but I did get ignition (blu light). You must hold that pilot red knob in for a good 30sec to a min. That will establish a good flame. My ROOT CAUSE was/is, there was about a 1/2 inch to inch of clear water at the bottom of my water heater. That water was blocking the “Jacket Air Inlet Slots” locates at the front bottom of the water heater. My blockage was water, I would suggest other may have dust, dirt, or debris cause the same-thing. Good luck.
how did you get rid of the water that was in the tray? Did you have to empty out the water before you could ignite the pilot again?
Thanks for the video the key for me was to turn the line off first and after about 10 clicks we were back in business!!
I did everything u guys said and the light never flashes...what could be tue problem?
QUITE
Yeah, me too.
Thanks for the awesome comments. Reading various tips helped me light my water heaters. Thanks community! Saved me some major $$$
How is this "Now solved?" You need to re-title your videos to NEED HELP LIGHTING BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATER.
Read the description: The issue has now been resolved. The problem was the pilot was not lighting for however long i pressed the red button.
There is a chamber at the bottom of the heater that has some screws and encloses the lighting electronics inside.
I opened the cmanber and tried to light again. I saw the spark this time, and the pilot lit.
No shit
Read the comments it is solved. Hold down the pilot button for at least 90 seconds. Thanks to R2 D2 for that!
Thanksgiving Eve 2022. I couldn’t hear gas (I’m 76) but tried again and held the red button down longer. “Whoosh”, it turned on. Thanks guys for the hints and encouragement.
I had the same problem. I fixed it by holding down the gas knob for about 2 minutes to release air in the gas line or possibly to release enough gas to light a spark. After two minutes of holding the gas knob in, I pressed the igniter button about ten times and finally the green light went on.
i have same honey well control system and it shuts off by itself
any help. i turn pilot on green light blinks then day or two goes by and its off. any help
too much air getting inside unit
What works for me is that hold the knob at PILOT position and keep pressing IGNITE, until the STATUS light is blinking every 3 seconds. It takes about 30 seconds for the status light started to blink (from completely off). IMPORTANT, you won’t be able to see the flame at this time, but have faith and turn the knob to normal heating position, then I heard a puff and saw the flame.
I see NO spark in window of brad white 50 gal. MI 5036FBN7 any sugestions wish they had left a way to lite witm a match
You can take off the right side of the panal. That will give you access to light the pilot with a match.
Worked for me after I took everything apart to expose where the spark was, and i held the pilot button in for about 30 seconds after it was lit. Thanks!
Hold the pilot AND the igniter down together. Do not let go of the igniter. This should give you a green 1 blink 3 second delay led light. If that happens, you are now working and can just turn the switch to whatever setting you need.
Fixed! I left it in the off position for ten minutes. Then moved the red knob to PILOT, pressed down that knob also, and clicked the red igniter about 20 times. After the 20th or so time I saw the LED blink and let go of the red knob. Then turned the red knob to my setting. It then lit up with a "whoosh" like normal. My problem was I was only hitting the igniter once or twice. I expected it to be instant like my propane grill.
Patience is the key! I'd been holding down the pilot button and clicking the igniter button just once and waiting a minute or so between tries. Once I started repeatedly clicking the igniter while holding the pilot button in it only took about 7 clicks. The light started blinking and I heard the whoosh. Now it's running just fine and already I can feel the side of the heater warming up. No more cold water sponge baths!
Am sure by this time you got to fix your water heater, but anyhow, I have that exact type of heater with that Icon= Inteligent control, 4 years old with the pilot off, I watched your video but to my surprise you did not offer a solution, hahahha, I found instructions on you tube from another person and wanted to share them with you for the next time this same problem happens to you. Here they go. 1) turn the red knob to off, wait 5 minutes. 2) turn the red knob to pilot and press down, (in) at the same time that you are pressing down push the red square button below 3 times, keep pressing the pilot button until you see the green LED light flicker intermittently, once you see the green LED light release and turn the knob from pilot clockwise to B, and it will work. Once the green LED light turns on it means the pilot is lit. It worked for me so I hope it works for you as well. It saved me $ 125.00 my gas company wanted to charge me. Namaste!!!
Thank you Kajova! It worked!
Worked for me too! Thanks!
+kajova Tried this method several times and it didn't work. No recourse now other than to call for service. I miss the old days when all you needed was a long match.
BINGO!!!! The key thing you said was looking for that green status light flickering. Once that started flickering I moved the red knob to the B position like you said and within a few seconds "poof", I heard the heater ignite and saw the flame in the window. THANK YOU THANK YOU. So can't wait to take a hot shower now. Namaste.
worked today for me. I think waiting 5 minutes in 'off' was what did it. Maybe hitting the 'reset' button also helped not sure.
Had the exact same problem with my Bradford water heater. Fixed it with the help of this video and comments. Thank you!!!!
Who ever did this video thank you so much
You saved me I haven't showered in ( ) days because hurricane IDA killed the flame on my heater in the basement I watched your video
In ten minutes I was taking a shower
Yaaaaaaaaay.
Having same issue and in tears. Is it safe to leave the button on "off" positron?
You have to wait at least 5 minutes in between moving it from off to pilot.
thanks!! I didn't know about the thermal switch. I followed your instructions pausing the video at 1:40 and found the switch on my heater. after pressing in the red marked knob to reset the thermal switch I followed the rest of the steps by turning the gas control knob to pilot and pressing it in, then pressing the igniter button four times. my pilot light came on, and 10 seconds later the green status light came on!!! then I turned the gas control knob to hot and the water heater works!! again thanks for the video and the extra post!! :) Merry Christmas.
ddn't work for me. Pilot comes on but won't stay on even after depressing the pilot button for more than 1 minute
Thank you for all your comments!
In my case, I removed the bottom plate and noticed that my pilot cable had melted so I proceeded to ignite the pilot with a long match and after a few seconds I released the red button and was able to turn the water heater on.
I will be replacing the cable in a few days but this is a temporarily solution.
How were you able to get the match in? What was it that you had to remove after removing the metal plate?
What is a pilot cable and what does it do? Thank you for this good video.
Bradford White model. I had to unscrew the plate with the pilot light window to get it to work. I only had to remove two screws (not all four) and left the plate partially open allowing air in. Then pressed firmly on the pilot button and hit ignite several times, before hearing it light and seeing the status light flash green. Pressing pilot and hitting ignite without the unscrewing the pilot window plate did not work for me as it did for others below. It clearly needed a source of oxygen and was not getting it when sealed behind the plate.
Omg ty for all the comments I am a new home owner and a single stressed mother ty so much because of your comments and Allah I have hot water💞
Nice, the comments in this vid solved my problem. I was not holding the red button down long enough. after you push the red button in along with the igniter and see the red flash through the sight glass, you have to continue holding down the red button until you hear a click and/or see the yellow status light blinking. Then i cranked up the red button to HOT and it started heating and the flame turned up.
You have to hold both pilot and ignitor down at the same time and when light starts flashing to the right choose your water temp.
Dan Garcia worked for me as well! Held both down at the same time and sudden a flicker... I then turned to the temp I wanted! Thank you!
If flooded, depending on the height of the flood line your lines in the ignition assembly may have water so take out blow it and clean the thermopile may need to replace the pill.
Video comments gave me info needed to get this thing working! Yes it's been an aweful water heater. The last one was same brand and no problems for 30 years! This thing lots of problems in the past 7 years!
How is this NOW SOLVED? This video didn't solve shit.
The man on the video was asking for help ...pay attention
***** Pay attention? I'm not sure who you are commenting to, but did you read the title of this video? It's says NOW SOLVED. Pay attention.
Learn to read other comments.
Bourne Accident 😆😆 i know lol
So yes read the comments he wrote pay attention//
If the water heater pilot light is not igniting, it may be the spark is not strong enough. There is a wire coming from the igniter. Disconnect this wire and spray contact cleaner on it and reconnect it. Then turn the dial to pilot. Wait at least 5 minutes. While the dial is pointing to pilot, press and hold the dial, and click the igniter every 10 seconds until you hear a subtle dull pop (which is an indication the pilot is lit). Keep holding the dial in and keep clicking every 15 seconds until you see the light start flashing every 3 seconds or so. If not lit within 3 minutes, stop and try again after 15 minutes.
Thank you Jesus it works here's the step process I took I first turned off my gas valve then I disconnected the gas line then I turn the gas valve back on to make sure the gas line worked you can hear it and smell it the second thing I did was turn the gas valve back off reconnect the gas line and then turn the gas line on the third thing I did was turn the red button 2 pilot hold it in for 10 seconds and then at the same time I'm holding it in Click the ignite button and then I seen through the glass bottom it ignited save me a lot of time and money God bless you all
Thank you for the video which led to the comments below that ultimately got me to see the light (ignite) and get some heat...Quick question, how long should it take to get the water back to normal heat (I am assuming "B")? Is it instant or will it be a few minutes/hours for the water to be normal "hot" again?
WOW
THANK YOU... I didnt know how to light it and u showed me how... Cant thank you enough!!!
Mine is a POS. This time it's piezo striker fail. No sparks. Save yourself some time. Remove the outer service cover by sliding up and prying out. Remove the POS viewing glass cover. The two white insulators in there hold the Piezo contacts at a set distance apart. That is where the gas will be flowing in a minute. Turn the red knob to pilot and push it in. Hold the button in for a few seconds. Strike a match and stick it in there where you spotted the piezo contacts. The pilot will light. It won't explode. It won't whoosh. But it will light. Keep holding the red button in. Once the thermo couple is hot enough the gas flow to the heater will turn on. You'll hear it. It will whoosh a little. Then and only then release the red knob and turn it to High. Then replace the POS viewing glass cover before everything heats up. Now replace the outer cover. Once the heater us up to temp adjust the heat to taste. That'll be $80 please.
worst advice i've ever seen. You are asking people to expose a full enclosed heater and possibly risk a house fire.
Thanks for the help. I had to manually light mine as you suggested. Removed the four cover screws and used a long fireplace match. Simple like the older water heaters :)
@@Goztepe-uf6si You obviously haven't worked on gas burners. The advice he gave was good and perfectly safe unless you do something really stupid. In fact, all he is saying is that you light the pilot the way all pilots were lit until recently. That is, with a match or lighter. He just bypassed a faulty piezo igniter, that's all. You should know what you're talking about before you criticize someone who does know what they're talking about. You just made a complete fool of yourself.
Thank you calartian95! It worked. Nothing else did it. It's old school. Manually lighting with a match is what we always did in the "old" days :)
Thank you! No status light... no flash on the ignitor switch. I smelled the gas - opened the glass door - reached in and lit it with a long match. Done and done. Green light on. Sheesh!!! @@bmfilmnut I feel like I saved 500$ easy!!!
I had to make about 9 attempts spaced out 5 or more minutes apart with some 90 or so strikes of the igniter per attempt before my pilot light ignited. Ridiculous.
Let me help EVERYONE with this...there's a small button under the cover at the bottom. Press that button, that resets the pilot. These heaters are Notorious for this issue. If the pilot keeps going out, then you have to replace it. I replaced everything in mine with no luck. That reset button is your problem though. Remove the metal part that covers the glass window, and you'll see the very small, black ignitor button. Hope this helps someone...mine kept going out a couple days after resetting it. Plumber replaced 5 parts under warranty, then finally replaced the entire heater.
Mark, I want to let you know that this was exactly the problem on our water heater too. Thanks for your comment! We were ready to go out and drop $800 for a new one.
Harley Badger Awesome man, thanks for coming back and letting me know.
Mark, is the reset button on the thermalpile connection? I pushed that but it won't bulge in. Other than that, I cannot find small black ignitor button. Where is it exactly?
couldn't find any button
Mark Price thank you based God!
Yes I need a answer as soon as possible please that little red button popped out of mine while trying to lite it and we can not put it back in can u please help me. Thank you and please respond as soon as possible. Thank you.
I had the same problem it wasn't turning on. The light wouldn't flicker but I tried it again and held the knob down for longer then all of a sudden the light flickering red. Then I turned the knob to B and it turned on after a few seconds. I had no blue light that I could see through the glass window but when I looked different angle the whole thing was lit. Thanks you !
He needs to turn on the gas, you can see in the beginning of the video that the gas line shut off valve is in the closed position. However I am having a hard time getting the pilot light lite, and I'm confuse as to why the status light is not blinking. Going to try some of the comments below.
What ended up happening
0:15 os the shut off valve close???🕵
Had to open the door. Scrape old white soot build-up on the igniter. Vacuumed it out. Got it lite!
Were you getting no spark from the ingiter??
Tonight i wasnt getting no pilot light on mine,replaced gas valve & it worked
I have same exact same heater and electric part. Same exact problem. What can I do.
Well, it has been 6 years since someone posted the solution - after you know how to push the pilot button and press the igniter (forget the rest does nothing). There are two screws to the right of the circular glass window top & bottom. Unscrew them. Don't waste time with a screwdriver. if you can use a small ratchet and they come right out. Pull the cover out gently. It bends nicely at the center so you can pull it about halfway and you should be able to get a very good look inside. Push the pilot button in and the igniter and it will light right up. My theory is that by opening up the flap, you are providing oxygen for the flame. When it is fully lit, the large flame is big enough to draw the needed oxygen in. Seriously try this. I read this advice far below in the thread and ignored it following instead all the other silly comments. Learn from me, just open the flap and light it up.
This worked for me too
I think Angela Stacey's synopsis was pretty accurate. There are so many videos on TH-cam of people lighting the pilot where it lights after pressing the igniter once or maybe 1-5 times. And when you try it at home and it doesn't happen like those examples you think you've done something wrong. After reading her comment I went back upstairs and just kept pressing that damn igniter...over 100 times...and then finally...I heard that hiss...music to my ears! Can't wait to take a hot shower. Thanks Angela...and Rahul!
Chris McCaskill
Pretty disconcerting that a company like Bradford White or any hot water heater company would make a product where you have to keep trying and trying. Why can't they make it so that it starts after the first try? Ridiculous we pay so much $$ for a product and the technology behind it stinks.
Try the reset button on the thermocouple, Follow the red and white wires down to the switch between the 2 wires you will see a small button, push it in and see if it clicks. This is just one of two problems it could be.
Your comment saved the day. Our water heater goes out every 4 weeks and our apartment has to call a technician out every time and depending on when it goes out (if during weekend) our family is without hot water. Your suggestion solved the problem. So thankful to have come across your comment. Thank you, thank you.
@@kellymedlen8854 Glad I could help!
The key if you've been doing work on the line is to push the pilot down for several minutes. Someone else mentioned that in the comments and it worked for me. Be patient!
I also have a Bradford White (12 yrs old) with a Honeywell controller and was up last night until 2 am trying to get the pilot light to stay lit - the igniter button worked sporadically and when it did ignite the blinking indicator light would not come on even if I held the pilot knob for 3 min. Called the plumber today... he came and got the water heater working in 3 min flat and told me not to waste money on parts, just get a new hot water heater installed for $1500. I am dumbfounded!
Holy shit it worked.!! Yes i removed 2 of th acrews by th round view window and pried my screw driver in between the heater and the metal panel to allow air to come in for about 5 mins..
Then i closed it up
(because i was afraid of gas leaking out)
And went back at it with the knob in pilot position and kept trying rhe ignitor button and then the green light started flashing.!!! I set it to B and am standing here listening to it come back to life..but it worked.!!
Wow!!!.. Thanks you guys for this great educative smart video. I had the same problem and for the past 3 days now. I was panicking and confused but browsing through You tube I saw this video and followed the steps. It WORKS!!!
Great job and thanks for saving me hundreds.
If you can't see sparker , your not going to see the pilot, look in window ,up and left ,for spark ,pilot is next to sparker
This is a brand new propane AO Smith water heater (propane conversion from natural gas) I can see a spark everytime I depress the igniter. I am depressing the pilot bottom the whole time, with the gas valves open, and still it doesn't ignite. I've done it 3-4 times at 90 seconds each time, waiting 10 minutes in between. What's left that might not be working?
Have the same water heater and was able to get the water heater on by holding the pilot button until the status light started blinking and instead of pressing in the small red button several times I just turned it to hot and it fired right up. Another thing I ran into was that the faucet I had turned on inside to relive the pressure had low water pressure after it was lit and I had to remove the filter on the faucet cause it was blocked with debris. Thanks for your video
Did you push the reset button? I had to do that to mine to restart it.
My one year old Bradford White water heater (M440T6FBN) had this issue. After reading the comment from Paul I held down the pilot button for much longer and that was the difference.
Thank you Rahul and Paul.
I was trying to light mine and it wouldn't light at first. The trick was to hold down the pilot button for 90 seconds first and then push the red button. It took a few times pushing the button before green started flashing.
Thank you thank you thank you!!!!! I've been resetting my pilot for years because it kept going off but always was able to reset the pilot. This time it wouldn't reset after many attempts until I read your post to hold it down for 90 seconds then press the igniter. I was all stressed out until you helped me fix it!! Thank you thank you!!
That worked for me, too, thank you!
Had exactly the same problem, tried a couple of things suggested in the comments (reset, pushing ignite 100 times, etc.) - what seemed to have worked is to unscrew the plate that covers the flame (as simple as that), then follow instructions to ignite, worked the first time around
Could you explain more pls
Thanks Rahul & Angela. 32 times did the trick!
The problem turned out to be the piezo-electric igniter on my 3-year old B&W water heater. I removed the cover plate adjacent to the view port and used a long match to light the pilot. Viola! FWIW... with the pilot depressed, I could NOT hear any gas hiss. I have mild tinnitus which may have masked it, but don't necessarily expect to hear gas.
I have the same unit and problem. the gas company sent a lady out and she pressed the sparker quickly many times and the pilot light turned on. I have done the same since.
yes, but does it stay on?
I have the same water heater and am having the very same problem. I think gas is getting through my line but the heat sensor (not sure if that is what it is called), it sits right beside the line that takes the gas in to the burner, I believe it is bad, but can't seem to find that part online. I have had cold water for a week now and am ready to get it fixed
I'm trying to get to 120 degree. Where should the arrow be?
Your video helped us with the simple task of turning it in on. Thanks
Dude I have the same problem I did the step but the status light didn’t turn on. What do I do help I’m stuck with cold water in the house. Can anyone help me!
Replace the thermal pilot assembly you can unscrew one corner and lighted lighted mop manually to make sure that's what the problem is
What did you end up doing?
This video will confirm model & type- but comments will solve your problem. I would tell you how I lit mine but I honestly don't know which of the suggestions worked. I think turning it off and then to pilot did the trick. Good luck.
Thank you soooooo much. I was that was my problem and my water heat is new! You saved me some bucks :-)
Also, I had no evidence of water leakage, like the floor & outside the water heater was/is “DRY” so it was a sneaky little thing.
make sure your gas is on i had the same problem when I went to light up my pilot on water heater I thought I had gas on and I didn't soon as I turned the knob the other way on gas then went back and tried to light the pilot it worked the pilot lighted up and the light started flashing on water heater just make sure your gas is on then try and light your pilot again
Holy crap this worked. I couldn't get the pilot lit for anything, ran through this sequence and voila, flame. I'll be damned.
It helps when you pin comments that are helpful to the rest of us.
Steve...you are sooo right!!! i did what you said and was patient and it lite!!! THANK YOU
The igniter went out, had to call Bradford service to replace igniter and vacuum out the chamber because the flame had some yellow in it. The flame should be blue. I also, had a 8 inch pipe put in front of the vent of the water heater for venting. I may need a water softener it is making a snap and crackling sound when heating up. I have a very small space 2-1\2 x 3" foot area.The only place it can go.