Flooded Hot Water Heater

[carol l]

The basement recently flooded in our rental. I installed a new gas hot water tank last October. It was not high enough off the floor and got about an inch of water in the bottom. The pilot light is out and the electronic ignition is not working. Will it work again when it dries out? Can I light the pilot with a match? It's the weekend and no plumbers available.

 

[Randyj]

Most likely it will light with a match... personally I'd use a BBQ lighter...or propane torch.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[carol l]

The glass front on the pilot light window is on pretty good. Can I just pry this off?
The old heater had just match lit pilot light so I do know what I'm doing there. But if I put a fan on the floor and try to dry it out this way, will the ignitor eventually work again or does it need to be replaced?

 

[Cass]

NO. You should have a button that you press to create a spark to light the gas. Read and follow the ignition procedure on the side of the tank.

 

[carol l]

Cass,
I will try to use the electronic ignitor again but I need to know if I should try to dry it out, just wait awhile longer and try again or get it replaced. A match is my last resort but we do need hot water soon.

 

[Jimbo]

An inch of water should not have affected the pilot. If it was flooded above the level of the burner assembly, or if the gas valve was in water, the whole unit is scrap. You are not allowed to attempt any repairs, as such would be very dangerous.