Water heater help please !!!

Question

My basement flooded, and also flooded the bottom of my water heater. The pilot light works, but when I try to turn the burner on, it won't fire up. It's a 4 year old Kenmore water heater. Please help, I don't like cold showers :(

Answer 1

You can also use a hair dryer to dry it out. Stick the hair dryer in the opening and leave it on high for an hour. Then try lighting it again.

Answer 2

The pilot assembly is clogged , it needs to be cleaned or replaced .If the water went over the gas valve on the water heater than it must be replaced,   it's an explosion hazard if so  . it might be less expensive to just get a new water heater .4 years is way to young of an appliance for to be replaced normally .

Answer 3

Do not replace this water heater. It is only four years old! Dry it out. Take an air compressor and point it in towards the burner and blast it to dry that out as well as the exterior of the gas valve. Lacking the compressor take several cans of dry air, like for a computer, and blow out the burner assembly. If you have a small hand held propane torch use that to dry the burner area. Turn off the gas to the unit and put the flame on the burner assembly. As long as the pilot light will light the water heater should eventually work again.  

Answer 4

I suggest you call a licensed plumber. Look up your local BBB to find a reputable one.

Answer 5

If it is four years old, it is probably time to get a new water heater anyhow, so just do it.

Answer 6

IF THE GAS CONTROL VALVE WAS UNDERWATER... DO NOT USE THIS WATER HEATER, UNTIL IT IS CHECKED BY A QUALIFIED PLUMBER!  YOUR SAFETY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN A WARM SHOWER!