No pilot light

RayH

I have a gas hot water heater with an electric spark igniter and no pilot light. When there is a demand for hot water it sparks and runs normally. The issue is, when it completes the cycle and shuts down, there is a faint smell of gas. Gas continues leaking by even though there is no need for a pilot light. It is such a small amount that I can manually light it and barely get a pilot light. It should only call for gas when there is a demand ???

nicholas bonham-carter

What age, make and model is this water heater?
I would test all the joints in the gas supply piping for leaks, using a soapy solution.—NBC

ratio

Sounds like it's time for a new gas valve to me.

RayH

When I light it there is a small pilot lite in the supply tube.

Fred

There should be no gas leaking past the gas valve when the water heater is idle. As ratio said, sounds like it's time to replace the gas valve.

RayH

Thanks. I'm going to give it a shot

Tim McElwain

Before you do any thing how about a picture and a Make Model and Serial number?