The pilot light went out on my gas water heater. I followed the instructions and had it lit three times now for about 15 minutes each time but it wont stay lit. Not sure what to do at this point?
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It could be that the Thermocouple has failed or is failing. This would cause the system to think there is no flame present, and shut off the gas supply for safety (so it doesn't fill the house with gas). If you don't feel comfortable working on the heater; or you don't have the knowledge and/or tools to do so, call a trained professional to come take a look. |
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Several possibilities: There's a thermal shutoff that automatically stops the gas if the pilot light doesn't heat it up. This prevents you from leaking unburned gas into the home, which would be very bad. Check that the probe is in contact with the pilot flame. The fact that it stays on for 15 minutes makes me think this may not be the issue, but depending on the model, there may be a delay after lighting the pilot before this activates. The next concern is a lack of ventilation. Make sure fresh air can get to the water heater. Get out the vacuum and cleanup all those cobwebs and flammable dust balls. The location of the water heater should have a fresh air supply, either with a louvered door or a vent line that goes outside. Make sure these are open. Related to a lack of ventilation is over-ventilation, or a draft that is blowing out the light. Make sure the shields are in place on the heater and that the HVAC doesn't have anything blowing directly on the hot water heater. The last thing I can think of is a lack of gas coming into the line. This could be from a valve not being all the way open. It could also be from a condensation build up in the line. There should be a small bit of pipe leading to a dead end cap pointed down somewhere after the shutoff. I suppose it's possible for this to fill up, but have never seen it myself. Whether shutting off the gas, opening this up and allowing any moisture to drain is a DIY job, I don't know, maybe someone else will comment. |
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I currently had this issue with my Whirlpool water heater. It was under warranty so I called and they directed me to hotwater101.com. The problem turned out to be the gas control valve. It required removing the control valve (the front piece where you set temperature light it, etc.) It wasn't too bad to replace, but did take about 2-3 hours. You need to drain the water heater, turn off gas, etc. If it's not under warranty the part ran about $70 at Lowes. Since mine was still under warranty Whirlpool paid for it. So that's something you'll want to check in to. They have a video and pdf on the site on how to replace it. If yours isn't whirlpool I'm not sure how different it will be. Mine has worked great since I replaced it. Hope I have helped. (I should mention that they thought it was my thermocouple at first, but since it did light and would stay lit for half an hour that rules that out.) |
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