Water Heaters - Pilot won't stay lit with burner
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chadzeilenga
06-26-07, 10:15 PM
I've read around on these forums for my problem, but haven't been able to find my exact problem.
I have a 2-flat apartment building and got a call from a tenant about cold water on Sunday. Went over there and the pilot light was out on her hot water heater. I tried to light the pilot and everytime the burner came on the pilot went out. Checked over everything and it didn't look like anything was wrong. The water heater is 1 year old and is a Richmond 40 GAL unit.
I did some research online and found that a bad thermocouple is often the cause of this. Picked up a new one and installed it and still the same problem.
I called the tech line at Rheem and they walked me through diagnosing what was wrong with the heater. According to them the "safety shut-off" was tripped and they authorized a replacement water heater.
I pulled the old one out and brought it up to Menards and they gave me a brand new one which I brought back and installed. I followed the instructions and made sure I didn't miss any steps.
Went to light it, and still have the same problem...???? Can't figure this one out.
In the morning I'm going to call the gas company and see if they can come out and inspect, but that is the only thing I can think of. Does anyone have any ideas?
Chad
I have a 2-flat apartment building and got a call from a tenant about cold water on Sunday. Went over there and the pilot light was out on her hot water heater. I tried to light the pilot and everytime the burner came on the pilot went out. Checked over everything and it didn't look like anything was wrong. The water heater is 1 year old and is a Richmond 40 GAL unit.
I did some research online and found that a bad thermocouple is often the cause of this. Picked up a new one and installed it and still the same problem.
I called the tech line at Rheem and they walked me through diagnosing what was wrong with the heater. According to them the "safety shut-off" was tripped and they authorized a replacement water heater.
I pulled the old one out and brought it up to Menards and they gave me a brand new one which I brought back and installed. I followed the instructions and made sure I didn't miss any steps.
Went to light it, and still have the same problem...???? Can't figure this one out.
In the morning I'm going to call the gas company and see if they can come out and inspect, but that is the only thing I can think of. Does anyone have any ideas?
Chad
hankhill6018
06-27-07, 04:32 AM
It's possible it's starving for fuel. If you have low gas pressure, it will do this. There is enough pressure for the pilot but not enough for the main burner.