Why does my gas water heater keep going out?

Question

I keep lighting it, theres no wind in my basement, i even replaced the thermocoupler

Answer 1

If you have replaced the thermocouple then you may need to replace the whole control valve on the water heater......the vent also could be the problem as previous answers state......more than likely though it's the control valve.....if your water heater is more than 9 or 10 years old you may want to start thinking about replacing the whole thing!! good luck

Answer 2

Make sure that there are no restictions in the venting. Hold a match by the top where the water heater vents, does it draw the flame in? Also, a common problem is the vent on the roof is too short and wind travels down the vent, blowing out the pilot. Try adding a foot or two to the vent on the roof.

Answer 3

It may be that your pilot flame is insufficient and even a slight draft can snuff it. If the flame is not full and doesn't impinge on the tip of the thermocouple, the pilot assembly may need to be removed and cleaned.

As mentioned by others, you may have a backdraft situation that your draft diverter is unable to handle.

Sometimes you can dislodge debris from the pilot assembly by tapping, firmly and rapidly, with the handle of a plastic screwdriver, on the small silver tubing that goes into the burner compartment. Don't get too rough with it though. Good luck.

Answer 4

I would check the drafts if this hasn't happen in the past. My draft vent in the chimney was sticking from negligence and when I cleaned the ends and made it open and close better the problem stopped. Good Luck.

Answer 5

CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY MORE THAN 1 45DEGREE BEND IN THE CHIMNEY.

NO WIND, CLOSE THE DOOR

OLD HTR, WTR IS LEAKING ON THE PILOT,

AIR IN THE GAS LINES