Safety Advice of Water Heater Gas Valve

Gas can be extremely dangerous to work with if you're not sure about what your doing. At the same time, gas safety valves is safe to work with if you do know what your doing and follow all safety rules. If you do not feel 100 percent confident and understand safety precautions, please call someone to help you.
Always check gas lines for leaks after reinstalling them. Soap and water works well. Spray gas safety valve on all connections and watch for tiny bubbles to form. If you do see bubbles tighten the connection and test again.
Before lighting a pilot stand near the water heater to see if you can smell gas. Kneel near the gas valve and smell for gas.

If you smell gas, find the leak and repair it or call your gas supplier. Don't try to light the pilot.
Never fire a water heater burner with the access panels off.
Never tap or hammer on a water heater gas valve.