I have a 7 year old Sears Gas Hot Water Heater. Several times when we have gone away for a day or more it seems as if the water heater went off and we only have luke warm water for a shower, etc. I go down to check the pilot lite and the burner is then working fine, and the hot water heater continues to work properly. Does anyone know what the problem might be?
2007-10-17 09:49:10 · 6 answers · asked by ecoblens 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It is going into "Energy Saver" mode. Just turn on a hot water tap for a few minutes when you first get home to "wake it up" and you will get a nice hot shower in 20 minutes or so.
Bert
2007-10-17 10:02:45 · answer #1 · answered by Bert C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might have a problem with the thermostat. If it isn't used much (you aren't cycling the water heater by turning on and off hot water) and there is some scale build-up in the thermostat mechanism, it may cause the thermostat to stick and not actuate the burner mechanism.
In any case, I would recommend calling an appliance repair technician. Call Sears if the unit is still under warranty. If not, some places (like Appliance Rescue in the San Diego area) charge a nominal (about $20) fee for them to come out and do diagnostics on an applicance to figure out what's wrong. If they can't find anything or it's beyond economical repair, you're only out $20. And, if they do the repair, you get your $20 applied to the cost of the work.
2007-10-17 10:00:49 · answer #2 · answered by Paul in San Diego 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With most hot water heaters, there is a specific process to turn it back on. Most stoves today work without pilot lights, the same goes for gas dryers. On the hot water heater, near the base, there is a grey box, usually with a red knob. The knob needs to be turned to "pilot", and held down, while the pilot light is lit. Continue holding the button down for about 45 seconds, to clear any air in the line, and to let the thermocouple warm up. When you release the read knob, the pilot light should stay lit. If it does not, try again. Once the pilot light is lit, and stays lit when you release the red knob, then you can turn the red knob to the "on" position, and this will allow the water heater to operate. When your gas was turned back on, the utility company SHOULD have offered to light the water heater for you. Most utilities WILL send someone out to light it, if you call them. IF there is something wrong with your pilot light, they can also diagnose it pretty quickly, because they work with them every day. Good Luck
2016-05-23 04:54:48 · answer #3 · answered by freeda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you said you need to go down to check it I assume it is in a basement, you need to have a fresh air inlet piped in for combustion. Or you may have too much air blowing out the flame. I would suspect the first one. Go to your local building department for information on installing one.
2007-10-17 09:59:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their is a large red knob on the gas valve turn it to HOT all the way till the arrow is pointing to HOT .
2007-10-17 10:51:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sears kenmore pilot is not staying on
2015-11-11 06:13:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anwar 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋