Water Heaters - A.O SuperMax Hot Water Heater WON'T STAY LIT!

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bennorthenor
05-01-08, 03:51 PM
I have a hot water heater that won't stay lit. I have to light it an hour or so before I shower and it won't kick back on when the hot water is gone. What could it be? Could I Do It Myself?

bennorthenor
05-01-08, 03:57 PM
My Hot Water Heater is a A.O. SuperMax and it won't stay lit. I have to light it an hour or so before I shower and it won't kick back on when the hot water is gone. What could it be? Could I Do It Myself?
plumbingods
05-01-08, 05:57 PM
Hey there, and welcome to DIY


First off, is the pilot staying lit all the time?
Approximate age of water heater?
What kind of vent system does it have? Chimney vented, or power vented through the wall.
Can you tell me more about the water heater? Model #, Serial#,size, another name on water heater?

I went on A.O. Smith's web site but could not find your SuperMax listed.

If it is a "plain jane", vented into a chimney, I would say the gas control valve is acting up. As long as the pilot is staying lit. But if it is a power vented type there are also other issues to look into. Also if it is fairly new, some of the newer water heaters have different sensors you may have to check. But we need more info first.

I'll be waiting a return reply, Mark

chandler
05-01-08, 07:04 PM
Does the pilot light stay lit, or does it extinguish after it fires up and turns off?
chandler
05-01-08, 07:05 PM
Does the pilot light stay lit, or does it extinguish after it fires up and turns off?