Re: Hot water heater pilot light.

Posted by Herb Chin on November 23, 2002 at 08:59:18:
In response to Re: Hot water heater pilot light.
: I have gas water heater that is about two years old and when the weather turns cold (about 40deg in San Antonio Tx) my pilot light goes out. Works fine in hot weather.I replaced the water heater because the old one had the same problem with the pilot light. I can hear a dripping sound after the burner flame shuts off. The manf. said this was normal to hear the drip. : Have you ever heard of this and what is the cause. : Thanks for the HELP. : NC hj's reply makes sense. I have 3 suggestions to add: 1. Sudden updrafts can also blow out the pilot. This refunneling of basement air may occur when the windows are closed in winter. 2. Have the gas company check pressure. You can rough gauge it by monitoring the pilot light amplitude. Compare it between hot & cold times. 3. Clean out the gas appendage pipe that is T joined at the last turn to the gas heater. The short appendage pipe is below the gas run, designed to collect dirt from the incoming gas line. Good luck.

Posted by Herb Chin on November 23, 2002 at 08:59:18:

In response to Re: Hot water heater pilot light.

: I have gas water heater that is about two years old and when the weather turns cold (about 40deg in San Antonio Tx) my pilot light goes out. Works fine in hot weather.I replaced the water heater because the old one had the same problem with the pilot light. I can hear a dripping sound after the burner flame shuts off. The manf. said this was normal to hear the drip.
: Have you ever heard of this and what is the cause.
: Thanks for the HELP.
: NC

hj's reply makes sense. I have 3 suggestions to add:
1. Sudden updrafts can also blow out the pilot. This refunneling of basement air may occur when the windows are closed in winter.
2. Have the gas company check pressure. You can rough gauge it by monitoring the pilot light amplitude. Compare it between hot & cold times.
3. Clean out the gas appendage pipe that is T joined at the last turn to the gas heater. The short appendage pipe is below the gas run, designed to collect dirt from the incoming gas line.
Good luck.

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