How to Fix Gas Water Heater After a Flood

Last Updated: October 21, 2021

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

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-1.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This is usually done with a submersible pump. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-2.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This will prevent a leak in the event a control valve is damaged by water. ^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-3.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-4.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-5.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

The burner assembly should now pull out of the chamber.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-6.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Replace the entire burner assembly if damaged. Otherwise, clean the burner assembly with rags and blow out all orifices with air hose.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-7.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-8.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-9.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e6\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-10.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

(Do Not over-tighten --- brass fittings strip easily)
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-11.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-12.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-13.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Usually a good teflon tape sealant does the trick.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-14.jpg\/aid651408-v4-728px-Fix-Gas-Water-Heater-After-a-Flood-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

The gas water heater should be ready to go.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Question

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

Community Answer

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

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 3

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

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

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
clean your observation window and use your smartphone camera or mirror for a better view of the pilot light.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
add a comfortable 3/4" rubber floor mat or rug to work on for this repair.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

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.

Thanks
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 3

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

Log in

How to Fix Gas Water Heater After a Flood

Steps

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

References

About This Article

Did this article help you?

About This Article

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories