Last night the basement flooded and I had the clear a drain. Then I mopped up the water. I went to go start the hot water heater and the gas builded up in the chamber and it went pop. Would that break the hot water heater or will it be OK?

No, it should not "break" hot water heater. What happened, there was some gas accumulated inside the burning chamber from un-lit pilot - and you ignited it. You should turn gas OFF, wait 10 minutes or so before you attempt to re-light. Read the lighting instruction on the sticker pasted on water heater before re-lighting

Milo

No, it should not "break" hot water heater. What happened, there was some gas accumulated inside the burning chamber from un-lit pilot - and you ignited it. You should turn gas OFF, wait 10 minutes or so before you attempt to re-light. Read the lighting instruction on the sticker pasted on water heater before re-lighting

Milo

Well I did that and I went over this morning and it has aired out more then an hour and I would not lite. I see that there was water on the bottom pan doesn't the water heater have something that prevents it to start if there is water around the chamber?

If water actually got in the chamber, then the manufacturer would tell you to replace the water heater entirely. In most states, warranty is void and the water heater is considered unusable and dangerous to use!

With that information, if you still intend to use the water heater then you should know that the water has probably clogged the gas ORIFICE of the burner and it will need to be removed and cleaned/dried. Some plumbers might do the job for you... many will not!

Good luck!

Mark

Good point, Mark....

I am not aware of any prevention mechanism built into water heaters to shut down when there is water standing in the pan. Yes, it may be difficult to light pilot, especially on older model water heaters or after a flood. Make sure you are getting spark with every push of lighting button and that you are pressing and holding the larger red button all the way down. If unsuccessful, replace thermocoupling. If leak comes from the tank itself, you will have to replace the heater.

Milo

Please tell us the brand/model number and the age of your water heater, Thanks.

John