## What does not work in a gas water heater and how to fix it
A gas water heater is a common appliance in many homes. It provides hot water for showers, baths, and other household tasks. However, like all appliances, gas water heaters can sometimes malfunction. If your gas water heater is not working, there are a few things you can check before calling a plumber.
### Common problems with gas water heaters
There are a few common problems that can cause a gas water heater to stop working. These include:
No gas supply. The first thing to check if your gas water heater is not working is the gas supply. Make sure that the gas valve is turned on and that there is no blockage in the gas line.
Pilot light is out. The pilot light is a small flame that keeps the gas burner lit. If the pilot light goes out, the gas burner will not be able to ignite and the water heater will not be able to heat water.
Thermostat is set too low. The thermostat controls the temperature of the water in the water heater. If the thermostat is set too low, the water heater will not be able to heat the water to the desired temperature.
Burner is clogged. The burner is the part of the water heater that heats the water. If the burner is clogged with soot or debris, it will not be able to heat the water effectively.
Pressure relief valve is leaking. The pressure relief valve is a safety device that prevents the water pressure in the water heater from getting too high. If the pressure relief valve is leaking, it can cause the water heater to shut off.
### How to fix a gas water heater
If you have checked the gas supply, pilot light, thermostat, burner, and pressure relief valve and you still cannot get your gas water heater to work, you may need to call a plumber. However, there are a few things you can try yourself before calling a plumber.
Check the gas valve. Make sure that the gas valve is turned on all the way. The gas valve is usually located near the bottom of the water heater.
Relight the pilot light. If the pilot light is out, you can relight it by following the instructions in your water heater’s manual.
Adjust the thermostat. If the thermostat is set too low, turn it up to a higher setting.
Clean the burner. If the burner is clogged, you can clean it with a wire brush.
Replace the pressure relief valve. If the pressure relief valve is leaking, you can replace it with a new one.
### Safety precautions
When working on a gas water heater, it is important to take safety precautions. These precautions include:
Turn off the gas supply before doing any work on the water heater.
Do not attempt to repair a gas water heater if you are not qualified to do so.
If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call 911.
### Conclusion
Gas water heaters are an important part of many homes. However, like all appliances, they can sometimes malfunction. If your gas water heater is not working, there are a few things you can check before calling a plumber. By following the steps in this article, you may be able to fix the problem yourself and save money on a plumber’s visit.