i can light the pilot and get hot water then by morning its out again. whats the problem?
2007-02-16 13:09:27 · 8 answers · asked by James R 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Bad thermocouple for the pilot light...have it replaced. The thermocouple is there to keep it from leaking gas if the pilot is not lit.
2007-02-16 13:19:14 · answer #1 · answered by Shaula 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are four possibilities. First is the thermocouple, (sometimes they get temperamental). Second is the gas valve itself. Third is a downdraft from the vent tube. Check to see where the vent tube for the gases formed from the burner is routed. If it goes straight up and out the roof, it's possible that the wind is coming down the pipe during the time when the burner is out and blowing out the pilot. Lastly, occasionally the vent tube is inserted into a furnace flue pipe that creates a vacuum when the furnace kicks on and all the hot air is rushing up the chimney, it can be strong enough to suck the air out of the burner area and put out the pilot. I guess it's up to you to determine which one. However, if the pilot goes out, there's no more gas coming out of the valve. That's it's function, to shut off the valve in the abscense of a pilot flame.
2007-02-16 21:56:50 · answer #2 · answered by Corky R 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Been through this myself. Get a replacement thermocouple at Lowes. They are easy to install. Then look at the enclosure that your water heater is in. Make sure that there is plenty of air flow into the enclosure otherwise when the heater kicks on, it can draw all of the oxygen out which puts out the pilot. In my case, I had to cut in 2 additional vent holes into the enclosure.
2007-02-16 22:20:41 · answer #3 · answered by harsuwind 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi, My suggestion is to contact your gas plumber urgently. Even though the pilot is out i believe there is residual gas still entering the line meaning that once it is out the house is filling with gas which you are breathing in that is if the hot water service is inside. The cause is probably dirty jets inside. A gas plumber will test this for you and make sure your home is safe.
Please call a Gas Plumber and ensure all are safe and well.
2007-02-16 21:23:31 · answer #4 · answered by Yulara A 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First, what kind is it? Two weeks ago, our three year old Whirlpool had the same problem. WE had to replace the gas valve and the thermal coupler. It's under warranty and hopefully we will reimbursed soon. It seems they have a problem with this.
2007-02-16 21:15:53 · answer #5 · answered by Ceci 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is the thermocouple. It is fairly easy to install and inexpensive. If you have any doubts about your ability to do this repair yourself, call a service tech. It is better to be safe than sorry!
2007-02-17 08:43:40 · answer #6 · answered by TPO 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is probably the thermal couple you can get universal ones at LOWES by the water heaters.
2007-02-16 21:13:22 · answer #7 · answered by whowantstoberich 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you need to change the thermo coupler.
2007-02-16 21:50:46 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋