Water Heaters - Water Heater won't stay lit

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feihin
09-28-09, 05:52 PM
Saw one post about this with no reply and the "search this forum" function not working.

I have a water heater where the pilot goes out after the water reaches temp.

The pilot and burners fire up fine after the water is cool (which is how I found the problem) and will stay on until the water heats up and then everything shuts off again!!!

If it is the thermostat/gas valve is it better to buy a new heater or replace the valve from a cost basis???

Thanks for any help.

Mad39er
09-30-09, 10:31 AM
Post up the make and model. Just going by what you've provided, I'm guessing it's a State, Kenmore or A.O. Smith HWT with a pizo ignitor(push button so you don't have to stick a match in there).
SeattlePioneer
10-02-09, 08:43 AM
Usually the pilot burner is being blown out when the gas burner shuts off.

I'd start by removing and disassembling the pilot burner and cleaning the pilot burner and pilot orifice.

Odds are that will correct the problem.

When the pilot orifice gets dirty, the pilot flame burns more like a candle than a small blowtorch and is easier to blow out.