GE Water Heater Pilot Light Won't Light
On this page (5 sections)
The Short Answer: If a GE gas water heater’s pilot never lights at all, the cause is upstream of the thermocouple: no gas reaching the pilot, an igniter that isn’t sparking, a blocked pilot tube or orifice, or a control knob that isn’t in the pilot position. Follow the lighting label on the heater once, check the gas supply and the spark, and leave the pilot assembly to a technician.
Light, versus stay lit
These are different problems:
- Won’t light at all: no flame appears when you follow the lighting steps. This page.
- Lights, then goes out when you release the knob: usually the thermocouple or thermopile; see why won’t my gas water heater stay lit.
- Pilot stays on, main burner never lights: see pilot light lit but burners won’t ignite.
Many GE-branded gas tanks were built by Rheem and use the same gas controls as Rheem models. If your heater’s label or control matches a Rheem design, Rheem’s support resources may apply. Check the rating plate for the model and manufacturer.
Why the pilot won’t light
| What you see and hear | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No click when you press the igniter | Igniter button failed; see piezo igniter won’t spark |
| Click, but no spark visible through the sight glass | Igniter wire loose or the electrode cracked or out of position |
| Spark visible, but no flame | No gas to the pilot: supply valve off, knob not on PILOT, empty propane tank, or a blocked pilot orifice |
| Small, weak flame that barely appears | Partly blocked pilot orifice or low gas pressure |
| Status light flashing and the control won’t allow pilot | Lockout or fault; read the label on the control |
What you can check safely
- Smell first. If you smell gas, don’t press the igniter. Leave and call the gas utility from outside.
- Gas supply. The valve on the gas line should be parallel to the pipe. Check that other gas appliances work. On propane, check the tank level.
- Wait if the heater was just turned off. The lighting label tells you how long to wait before relighting. On controls with a status light, a solid light can mean you need to wait until it goes out.
- Follow the lighting label exactly, once. That usually means turning the knob to PILOT, pressing and holding it, and pressing the igniter while watching through the sight glass.
- Look for the spark. Do it in a dim room so the spark is easy to see.
- If it still won’t light, turn the control to OFF and arrange service. Repeated attempts let gas collect in the combustion chamber.
Don’t remove the inner burner door, poke the pilot orifice, or use a match on a sealed-chamber tank whose label says not to.
What the technician will check
A technician confirms gas pressure at the control, inspects the pilot assembly for spider webs, debris, or corrosion, and checks the igniter, electrode gap, and wire. On flammable-vapor-resistant tanks they also check the flame-arrestor screen and the flammable-vapor sensor, since either can prevent lighting. If the control is in lockout or won’t open the pilot valve, the gas control may need replacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I hear clicking but see no spark. Is the igniter bad? A: Possibly, but the wire or electrode can also be the problem. A technician can tell which by checking the spark at the igniter itself.
Q: My GE heater has no pilot window or igniter button. What then? A: It may be a power-vent or electronic-ignition model, which lights automatically. Check its power supply and read the status light against the label on the heater instead.
Manuals and supporting references
These links distinguish general safety information from model-specific documentation. A manual directory helps you locate your unit’s instructions; it does not establish that every model uses the same parts, codes, or test values.
- PG&E: recognizing and responding to a gas leak (opens in a new tab)Emergency actions for suspected fuel-gas leaks.
- Rheem: owner help and support (opens in a new tab)Identify the applicable model instructions or contact Rheem support.
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