how to turn on water heater?

Question

Looks like flame stays on as long as i hold reset buton and keep setting on Pilot but as soon as i turn it to ON setting flame goes off..any ideas so that i can keep flame going while i am changing setting from pilot to ON.

Answer 1

A gas water heater with a pilot light has a thermocouple to sense that the pilot light is lit. When you light the pilot, you should be able to see the flame touching or very near the thermocouple (looks like a piece heavy wire sticking out into the flame). First read the instructions for lighting that must by law be attached to all gas devices with pilot lights. There are certain steps which must be performed in sequence. You may not be holding the reset button down long enough to heat up the thermocouple, in which case the pilot will go out as soon as you release the button.
If you can't get the pilot to remain lit after following all instructions call a qualified service technician. The last thing you want is a gas leak!!!!!

Answer 2

Frozen gave you a pretty good explaination of what your problem is. This is a very common problem and inexpensive to remedy. Usually just takes a few turns of a wrench to fix. Shut off the gas at the valve and remove the copper wire that goes between the gas regulator (where the on button is) and the end that sits in the piolet light when it is lit. (usually held on by a clip ) take it to a home improvement/ hardware store and get a replacement. You may want to write down the info off the label on your heater, size, btu's, and bring it with you incase there is variation in the one you have. Install the new one according to the manufacturers instructions, usually the same way you took it out. turn the gas on and try lighting the heater again. it should work fine.

Answer 3

It could be the valve but it is probably the thermocouple.

Answer 4

It is probably a faulty regulator valve. Bummer.

Answer 5

you will have to replace the thermocouple. It is pretty easy to replace yourself.