How to replace the cement-like substance between the panels?

Replace the piezo electric igniter. (clicker)

Today's water heaters have sealed combustion chamber and piezo igniter.
If igniter is bad, then water heater will not light... replace igniter.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#pilot
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-light-gas-water-heater.html

Gene h

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Piezo igniter only needs 1 wire to cause spark.
The other wire might connect to electronic gas control to report error, but brand type and age of product is not described in question.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html#intellivent

Gene h

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

This is probably a subjective answer-- but I will give you my opinion-- OK?-- and the reasons for why I say so--

First off: You get: 3,413 btu in a KW HR from electricity-- either way!

So-- Do you prefer to feel the radiant heat from radiant heat-- or from the ceramic heater?

Do you like the looks of the ceramic, versus the radiant?-- do you prefer the portability and the safety features of one over the other?

And what about cost?-- is there a big difference?

I would let features and safety help me in the decision making process--
But either way--
you only get 3,413 btu's of heat from every Kilowatt of electricity you buy--


And if you are trying to heat a house with that-- it can get mighty expensive! :-)

Mack B

Check the gas line pressure before the heater then after the regulator. It sounds as if you are not getting sufficient gas pressure to the burners. Two possibilities bad regulator and or bad gas valve! Sorry I can not be absolutely sure on this one you can try blowing the ceramic burners with a compressor this will clean them rite out.

Your igniter may well be a Piezo Electric device... a spring loaded hammer strikes a crystal and the crystal generates a high voltage which causes a spark. They sometimes break down mechanically and the hammer no longer hits the crystal. You can sometimes repair them (rarely) and sometimes buy a replacement unit.

it must be a problem of spark distribution try to remove the spark plug from your piezo electric igniter and clean it throughly it must work otherwise it will have to be replaced

You may have a bad igniter on the oven manifold. The broiler and oven use separate igniters. So, if the broiler works, you don't have a gas problem. No ignition is most commonly attributed to an oven igniter that is going bad. As these igniters age, they become weak and require replacement. The following link explains some theory behind how they work and how to replace one:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r3575727-replacing_an_oven_igniter_on_a_gas_range

Replacements parts can be purchased at any of the following web sites:

searspartsdirect.com
pcappliancerepair.com
appliancepartspros.com
repairclinic.com

Prices vary, so shop and compare.

NOTE: If the replacement igniter comes with a connector plug that does not match the one on your range, you will be instructed to cut the old connector plug off and splice the wires together using a set of ceramic wire lugs that are included in the replacement kit. DO NOT attempt to use standard wires lugs. They will melt due to the extreme heat in an oven. The ceramic lugs and the wires on the igniter are heat resistant.

NOTE: If BOTH oven features do not work, these features are controlled by the Electronic Oven Control (EOC) board. This is the clock/timer assembly on the operator console. It is possible for the control board to fail and disable both oven features. If you have any questions about this repair, please let me know. I hope this helps you.

You will first need to turn the control knob to pilot. Then depress the control knob button and hold it. Then press the push button piezo igniter several times until pilot lights or open pilot inspection cover and manually light pilot with match/lighter. You may need to hold the control knob for at least a minute. Then release the control knob and if the pilot stays lit then turn the control knob to on. If it does not light then repeat the process again.

All new tank-type gas water heaters for the home are designed with Flammable Vapor Ignition Resistant systems. It sounds like the unit has shut down because of a venting problem. If it is a Rheem or Ruud (General Electric for Home Depot) you have to reploace the heater. Other brands alow for resetting this safety device. Don't take chances with gas if you are not absolutely sure of what you are doing - have a professional licensed plumber check out the problem.