Our State Select Gas Water Heater won't stay lit. Is this a thermostat issue?

Question

We have to light it multiple times duing the day.

Answer 1

The thermocouple is bad. It is easy to replace and can be purchased at most hardware stores

Answer 2

In other words, the gas pilot light keeps going out? It may be something as simple as there being a bit of dirt around the oriface where the gas comes out. try using a small stiff bristle brush to rub around the opening and see if that clears it up.

The Thermocouple would likely be the component that is bad, if something needs replacing. Competent do-it-yourselfers can replace one, but you might want to call a plumber if you are unsure.

Ideally, if the unit is 12 to 15 years old, why not get rid of it and get a tankless water heater (heats on demand). These use much less gas, because they don't have to keep 35 or 50 gallons of water hot all the time.

If you do go with one of them, get the largest unit you can, and expect your water habits to change a little bit. Hot water flow from an on-demand heater is a little less than conventional tank heaters.

The main drawback to them is they are expensive $900 to $1,200. However, over the years, you save money on gas (or propane) and help the environment at the same time.

Rinnai or Bosch are currently the two main dealers. Rinnai has the "best name", and is the most expensive. Bosch has redesigned their line and is currently competitive with Rinnai - as far as we know. Time will tell if they can hold up over the years. They are less expensive.

Both of them currently offer as an option wireless thermostats that you can have at each water location. So you can set the unit to 104 degrees for example, but if you are at your kitchen and need 120 degree water, you can simply key the new number into the remote unit, turn on the hot water tap and have perfect 120 degree water.

Bear in mind these units raise the rate of the water they start with, so water flow at different times of the year will be differnt. In winter, typically the hot water will flow slower, because the heater has to raise the temperature say from 30 degrees up to 110 degrees. The water has to flow past the burners slower to get the colder water hot.
In the summer time, they water may be 65 degrees, so the heater does not have to heat the water as much. As a result, the water flows past the burners faster, and you have a higher rate of hot water flow.

Or get a new tank-type water heater that uses electronic ignition or piezoelectric ignition. Both of these don't use a pilot light of gas, but use a spark to ignite the flame. With these, you save a tiny bit of gas from the pilot (almost neglible on your bill), but they are much less expensive.

Mike

Answer 3

You may have something that is blocking the pilot light line so that it can't use the gas. If there's a blockage in the line somewhere, that would cause that problem. Since your water heater is gas, you should have a licensed plumber come out and check it.
It is most likely not a thermostat issue.
Good luck.

Answer 4

When you light the pilot are you holding down the button long enough to keep the pilot lit. When you light the pilot it heats a thermal sensor, and this sensor, when hot, keeps the gas valve open to keep the pilot lit. Make sure the sensor has not been moved so the flame is not heating it. If it needs to be repaired the you need to have it done by a professional. Don't risk your life or your family to repair a Gas appliance on the cheap.

Answer 5

No, it's not a thermostate failure. You may be thinking of thermocouple and it could very well need a new thermocouple. It's not something amateurs should fool around with because, if you don't want to meet your maker, you don't want gas accumulating in the house.

Answer 6

Either the pilot assembly is slightly dirty and blowing out when the gas valve opens, which causes a draft of air through the burner chamber, or your gas valve is failing.

Answer 7

sounds like either a bad or loose thermo couplemost likely a loose one it looks like a small tube or wire that ends up in the fire of the pilot lightcheck whereit connects to controls but dont get carreid awayshould be snug with a small wrench

Answer 8

change the thermocouple..it is the thin line that comes of the aquastat and goes to the main burner. if it is still under warranty the parts are sent out by state w/ htrs. but the fastest way is to purchase one and install it....inexpensive part...plumber is going to charge $250.00 ;-]

Answer 9

could also be an airflow problem, to much air blowing it out or not enough starving the flame.

I would have a repair tech check it out to be sure its not a problem with the gas lines or anything that might make your house go boom

Answer 10

The thermocouple is bad. It is easy to replace and can be purchased at most hardware stores