So, What Is Wrong With My Hot Water Heater?

The pilot light on my 40 gal. hot water heater in my condo keeps going out. I have had to light it 4-5 times in the past two weeks. It will remain lit for several days, and then, all of a sudden, it will shut off. What do I need to do to stop this from occuring?
P.S. The gas bill has been paid and has been current since moving into my condo, in case you think I didn’t pay the bill.

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Posted in: Water Systems Q & A Comments(4) November 2009


4 Responses to “So, What Is Wrong With My Hot Water Heater?”

  1. Tomcat Says:
    November 18th, 2009 at 12:15 am

    When you light the pilot, the flame impinges on the thermocouple. This creates a small voltage that energizes a magnet in the gas valve to keep a safety valve open so gas can flow. Your thermocouple is probably bad or weak. Turn the gas off and remove the nut of the thermocouple that is screwed into the gas valve. The part that is inside the water heater where the pilot is usually will just snap or pull out. Replacements are by length as they all do the same thing except some are longer then others. If you get a similar one it should go back in rather easily. Most come with an assortment of mounting hardware for different mounting applications.

  2. DoogieT Says:
    November 18th, 2009 at 7:08 am

    It sounds like you may have some trash in the line or in the hot water heater which is blocking the gas from coming through. It could be rust. I suggest you call a gas company to check it out.

  3. pinspeed Says:
    November 18th, 2009 at 9:42 am

    your pilot “Thermocouple” is dying. you need to replace it.
    be sure after replacing the thermocouple that the flame hits the “TIP” of the thermocouple.
    good luck!

  4. Wounded Duck Says:
    November 18th, 2009 at 1:11 pm

    May need a new thermocouple.

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