I have been using a short length of sisal rope with a frayed end to clean spider webs out of the gas tube for years. Very flexible and does the job well. I doubt that it would clear a wasp nest, in fact I am sure it would not.

Eyebrow brush attached to a piece of wire.

Gas burner tube brush:
http://www.camco.net/Menu.cfm?SupCategoryId=10000&SubCa...d=224&ProductId=2259

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AA4WP:
There seems to be a rash of water heater problems. I did obtain the thermal fuse in a package with the name Atwood on it. I replaced the (not diode) fuse and then read the instructions regarding installation and cleaning the gas tube. I'm OK on the extra brown wire (I ingnored it) but finding a flexible brush to clear out the spider or hornet nesting eludes me. I wonder if anyone knows where I can find such a flexible brush.

AA4WP: I got a brush from the Atwood Tech after he cleaned out the spider that I was too dumb to know about! Don't remember how much it cost, but I will clean the tube prior to using the propane!

For thos who have had spider problems, you can see how such a little obstruction could cause a big problem.
I have used moth balls in a old stocking or plactic container (tupperware) ith holes cut in it, and some even use a piece of cut Dor or cat flea collar, and it seems to keep the spiders away!