We have a state select power vent water heater. Last October it stopped working and the plumber replaced the ignitor as the wires had shorted out. Then it happened again in the beginning of January 2008 and he again replaced the ignitor. Well, our water heater stopped working again today and the ignitor wires have again shorted out (looks like they are melting). Does anybody know why this might be happening? The plumber does not have any idea. Thanks!

Hey BJS

At this point... maybe even before that... you or the plumber needs to call state water heater indusrtries TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT and ask them what is going on with the water heater electrical.

I have been working around all kinds of water heaters in my life... none have had melted ignition wires. Call the technical deppartment

18003658170

Or go to their website and try other contact information. Let me know how it works out... ok? State Industries - Solid. State. (http://www.statewaterheaters.com) Good luck.

Have model # and serial# handy!

Well the plumber refused to come out again even though the part was under warranty and told us we should just get a new water heater. So we bought a new water heater and a different plumber came out and installed it and... it would not work!! Well, he finally figured out that the outflow vent from the house was clogged and that was causing the ignitor wires to eventually short out. So, after all that we ended up with a new water heater that we did not need. Now we are very frustrated and feel that the problem should have been figured out in the first place.

I don't know.. sounds awful.

Cheers to the new plumber for checking power vent... he's a keeper... huh?

About the only thing you can do is report this plumber to the plumbing inspector in town or the attorney general's office in your state... BUT be clear, that this was an odd one. PRETTY RARE issue here. although real reputable companies follow protocol for these type heaters...*frown*...it is not something everyone would check for..ok? This plumber was on the ball.. knew his stuff... like I said... keep HIM!

Sorry was not easier. Take care. Thanks for letting us know what happened... one for my book.