Water Heaters - Water Heater not working

Hi,
This is my first experience with a water heater. I have a Bradford White water heater (model # MI5036EN10) and I am not getting hot water from this morning.

What are all the things I should check first.

The model said it has a Pilot which needs to be lit manually. I am not sure how easy it is. Would I be able to do it or do I need to call a Plumber.

Thanks,

OK, lets pretend for a minute that you have gas:)

You will need to get down on the floor and remove the cover plate at the bottom, sometimes there will be another one once the first one is removed.Follow the tubes running from the gas valve into the base of the water heater and look for a small flame.
While I look up your heater, look and see if you have a pilot.

Thanks. Yes. I do have gas :)

Should I turn off the heater and gas supply before opening the plates.

The model said there is a pilot.

No, because if you do, you will not be able to tell if the pilot is lit.

How old is the water heater?
I could not find that model number

Okay. I will open it.

it is 5 years old.

Just opened both the plates. There is no light visible inside. I think the pilot is not lit.

this seems to be same as my model..

http://www.thegastonfamily.com/index.php?url=/house/appliances/waterheater/waterheater.htm

OK, you need to turn the knob on top of the control to pilot

You will know if you have it because you will be able to push the knob down further than if it were off or on.

You will want something to light the pilot with unless it has a sparker button.

Hold down the button while trying to light the pilot. Once pilot is lit, keep holding button for 60 seconds, do not let it up until then. If pilot is established, turn knob to on and see if heater fires up. If pilot is not established, you will need to replace the thermocouple. I recommend calling a professional at this point.

Thanks for the instructions. Should I turn off the gas supply prior to doing this.

No nice big label telling you how to light the pilot? Thats pretty odd I think.

No, the main gas valve will not light until the pilot is lit and the thermocouple sends a signal back to the valve. So all you will get is a small amount of gas only when pushing the button down, until the pilot is established.

Yes, there is usually a large sticker with instructions on the front of the heater.

Didn't find it. But, being a novice, I probably did not check it well too.

Is all this pretty risk-free?

Yes this part is not a large risk. I am looking for the manufactures pilot lighting instruction for you.

I got these instruction from the web site and water heater you sent to me.

http://www.thegastonfamily.com/house/appliances/waterheater/WaterHeater_Operation_Installation.pdf

I will try that now. Thanks a lot for all your help. I am new to this and very much appreciate you taking time to help.

Good luck :)

That is why we are here, to help you and keep you safe.

It worked perfect. Thanks.