I just drained my water heater yesterday to try and clean out the build up causing a popping sound.

Well now the burner won't stay lit and we have no hot water. It is a gas water heater but electric or pilotless as far as the ignitor is concerned. When I turn it on, the ignitor lights up and starts the burner in full but then the burner goes out right away on its own. After about 10-15 seconds, it will go through this again. (ignitor heats up, burner comes on in full, and then shuts off) After about 3 times, the whole water heater shuts off.

If I unlpug any of the wires or just flick the on/off switch on the water heater, it will go through this all again. There is no problem with the pilot or getting the burner to light up. I just need the burner to stay on to heat the water.

Please help.

Thanks,

Brand name of water heater?
Model number of water heater?
Brand name and model of gas control?

I am not at home so don't have that information right now. I know the brand is AO Smith. I was told by our gas company that it may have something to do with the flame sensor.

Yep flame sensor if so equipped can cause that. You might try cleaning it with sand paper/steel wool. Easy does it and keep your fingers off the ignitor (the part that glows).

I've attached what I have on my water heater. Is the boxed area what I need to clean?

Thanks,

It worked fine when I got back home. Something must have got wet so it didn't work for 1/2 day or so.

Thanks,

Interesting but glad you got it goping.