Water heater help!!

[LongCut]

On my way home from elk camp I get a call that there is no hot water at home. I replace the entire pilot system. Get it lit and it starts heating. After a few minutes it shuts off. Wait a bit, fire it up again, same result. What could be the issue now????

 

[Caseknife]

Plugged vent? Bad thermocouple?

 

[LongCut]

Thermocouple, pilot, and igniter are brand new.

 

[jimh406]

I hope this helps.

Common Causes & Fixes

• • Bad Thermocouple / Thermopile: This small metal rod sits in the pilot flame and generates a tiny electrical current to keep the gas valve open. If it is coated in carbon soot, bent out of position, or worn out, it will not register the heat and will shut the gas off. Fix: Clean the tip with fine sandpaper or replace the thermocouple. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
  • Not Holding the Knob Long Enough: When relighting, you must hold down the pilot control knob for 30 to 60 seconds after the flame ignites. This gives the thermocouple enough time to heat up and generate voltage. [1, 2, 3, 4]
  • Clogged Air Intake Filter: Dust, lint, or debris around the bottom screen or flame arrestor can starve the burner of oxygen, causing the flame to snuff out. Fix: Remove the screen and gently brush or vacuum out accumulated dust. [1, 2, 3, 4]
  • Tripped Thermal Cutoff (TCO) or Overheat Switch: Safety switches near the combustion chamber trip if the temperature gets too high or if there is a backdraft. Fix: Check if a reset button has popped out on the switch and press it to reset. [1, 2, 3, 4]
  • Drafts or Low Gas Pressure: Strong air currents from a nearby door, window, or HVAC vent can blow out a small pilot flame. [1]