Can't get water heater pilot re-lit

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Can't get water heater pilot re-lit

Author: ether (TX)

Hi all,

No-skills newb ....
the gas company recently turned the valve off to my AO Smith water heater to search for leaks. Apparently that caused the pilot to go out.

I turned the main valve back to the on (flow) position, but the pilot was already out. I read the instructions on the tank to re-light the pilot, but it just isn't working for me.

I turned the gas control knob from ON to OFF and then set the thermostat to the "Pilot" setting.

Then, I turned the gas control knob to the halfway "Pilot" position and then held it all the way down while rapidly hitting the pilot ignitor switch. I know it's striking a spark because I can see the spark through the burner window. I repeated these steps a few times and held the gas control knob down and struck for about 10 straight seconds last time.

But apparently the burner isn't getting any gas while I'm holding the gas control knob down. And I never smelled any gas.

I know I'm getting gas from the main house line because my A/C heater fires up and blows hot.

What could I be doing wrong? Am I just not holding the gas control button down long enough to let enough gas into the burner to strike? I'm definitely squeamish messing with gas and electric.

Thank you in advance!!

Edited 1 times.

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Re: Can't get water heater pilot re-lit
Author: packy (MA) turn the control valve button to pilot. hold the button down. be patient as you have to bleed all the air opilot ut of the pilot tubing before gas reaches the pilot area. push the spark button and watch for the blue flame. once lit keep the knob turned to pilot for about 60 seconds. then turn the button to "ON"..
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