Gas geyser lighter not sparking: piezo igniter problems and fixes
If pressing your geyser’s lighter button gives no spark, the piezo igniter, its wire or the electrode at the pilot has failed or moved. It is a cheap part to replace. Meanwhile you can light the pilot safely with a long gas lighter.
How a piezo igniter works
Pressing the button snaps a spring-loaded hammer onto a crystal, which produces a high-voltage pulse. It travels along a thin wire to an electrode beside the pilot and jumps a small gap as a spark. No battery or electricity is needed.
Common faults
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Button clicks, no spark | Wire loose, cracked or shorting to metal | Reconnect or replace the wire |
| Spark jumps somewhere else | Cracked insulation on wire or electrode | Replace the electrode or wire |
| Weak spark, pilot does not catch | Electrode gap too wide or dirty | Clean and set the gap a few millimetres from the pilot |
| No click at all | Button mechanism worn | Replace the igniter |
Lighting the pilot meanwhile
Turn the knob to Pilot and hold it down, then use a long gas lighter at the pilot through the access opening. Keep holding for 30 to 60 seconds after it lights. Never light if you smell gas.
Tired of pressing the button at all?
A piezo button still needs someone standing at the geyser each time it goes out. An automatic ignition kit lights the geyser by itself when gas returns after load shedding, with no button to press.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace a piezo igniter myself?
It is a simple part, but it sits near gas fittings. If unsure, ask a geyser technician.
Does an instant geyser use a piezo igniter?
Most instant geysers use battery pulse ignition instead. If they fail to spark, replace the batteries first.
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