How to Fix Gas Water Heater After a Flood

Co-authored by Dave Jones

Last Updated: December 30, 2024

Coming home to find your basement flooded with water is bad enough, but realizing that your water heater is also broken is even worse. But don't worry, this article will teach you how to fix a gas water heater after a flood.

Steps

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This is usually done with a submersible pump.^{[1]
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This will prevent a leak in the event a control valve is damaged by water.^{[2]
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Every water heater is a bit different. you may be able to get by with a small adjustable wrench, channel locks, air compressor, blowgun, and rags.
Thermocouples come in both right and left thread.^{[3]
X
Research source} Be careful to turn yours in the right direction as excessive tightening can damage the control.
The burner assembly should now pull out of the chamber.
Replace the entire burner assembly if damaged. Otherwise, clean the burner assembly with rags and blow out all orifices with air hose.
Replace the burner assembly in the burner chamber ensuring that locating features are aligned and clips are replaced (if applicable). This hold the burner in the center of the chamber.
(Do Not over-tighten --- brass fittings strip easily)
Turn gas supply on at valve and spray leak detector on all fittings. If you do not have leak detector use water and dish soap mixed at about 75% 25% respectively. Leaks will present by creating bubbles around fittings.^{[4]
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Usually a good teflon tape sealant does the trick.
The gas water heater should be ready to go.

Community Q&A

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Question

What's wrong if the pilot light will light, but when I turn on the heater it goes out?

Community Answer

Most likely it is due to a bad thermocouple, you'll need to replace it. It is a very cheap part to replace.

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Can I use paper to start a water heater with an igniter, and bypass using the igniter?

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No. The system is designed to not work at all if any component fails a checksum.

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How do I clean the gas valve on a hot water heater?

Community Answer

Replace it. It's not a serviceable part, and should never be tampered with.

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Tips

clean out the PILOT TUBE and PILOT ORIFICE even after suspecting the thermocouple (copper tube).

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clean your observation window and use your smartphone camera or mirror for a better view of the pilot light.

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add a comfortable 3/4" rubber floor mat or rug to work on for this repair.

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Warnings

Never service a gas appliance with gas line connected. Always disconnect gas lines before servicing. Clear the work area of any possible ignition sources.

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