Reliance 501 water heater, pilot won't stay lit

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jmjav

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I have a Reliance 501 Gas water heater, approximately 6 years old, the pilot went out yesterday. When I try to light it, the pilot light will stay on until I release the knob, so I know there's no problem with the gas supply.

I keep the knob depressed for a good two minutes, and the thermocouple glows red hot as well. As soon as I let go, the pilot light goes out. Any help please??? Thanking you in advance...

Joel
 

Cass

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There is a small chance that the gas valve is bad but it is most likely the thermocouple.

Replace it and you should have hot water again.

Have fun!!!!!
 

jmjav

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thermocouple replacement

Thanks for the reply! I thought (and was hoping) that it might be the thermocouple. How hard is it to replace the thermocouple? Is there somewhere on the 'net to find the instructions on how to do so? Thanks again.
 

hj

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t'couple

You unscrew the nut from the gas valve, grab the thermocouple wire and pull it out if its bracket. Then you slide the new one into the bracket and connect it to the gas valve.
 

Scott M. Sherman

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I have a Master Plumber Reliance 501 water heater. Was kicking out cold water. Pilot is lit. Turning the temp control from B to C (VERY HOT), the burner kicks on just past C. Is this a control valve issue? Thoughts of what it could be? Thanks. Scott.
 
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