Why oh Why...WH pilot light going out.

[RustyKnuckles]

Why does my friend's natural gas water heater keep going out? It's 8 years old. I've re-lit it twice in the last 3 days. It's not overly windy. The water heater is in a separate metal closet outside the house. Any ideas?

 

[Jadnashua]

At 8-years old, it probably doesn't have the vapor flame prevention system, but make sure that there's not a buildup of dust or lint blocking the air intake. There's a thermocouple in there that tells the gas valve that the pilot light is on, and if it is dirty, corroded, or out of position, or the pilot itself is not generating the right-sized flame, that may mean the thermocouple isn't producing the required voltage for the gas valve to operate. It could also be the gas valve itself is shot. The owner's manual should give you some troubleshooting tips. If you don't have it, you can probably find a copy online.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

Its probably a WHIRLPOOL...

need I say more???

 

[Dj2]

Start with changing the thermo couple, keep in mind that a new one should sit in exact same position as old one with the same distance to the pilot flame.

 

[Widgit Maker]

Does this water heater have a thermocouple or does it have a flame sensor? Does it have a closed combustion chamber with filters for combustion air?

 

[Terry]

Recent pictures from a water heater.

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

Thats a mighty pretty flame you got posted there Terry....
makes me want to cuddle up in front of the computer with a hot
cup of chocolate.......

this guy does not care to give anyone enough information to figure out what he
has going on with his heater.....