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????
Water heater help!!
- Thread starter LongCut
- Start date
Caseknife
Well-known member
Plugged vent? Bad thermocouple?
I hope this helps.
Common Causes & Fixes
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]
kodiakisland
Well-known member
So pilot lights fine and stays on to light burner. Then after a little time burner goes out. Does pilot light stay lit when the burner goes out or does it go out as well?
Does your water heater have a separate flame sensor for the burner?
Does your water heater have a separate flame sensor for the burner?
Pilot does not stay lit when the burner goes out. I do not think there is a separate sensor for the burner.
I closed an open window that was nearby, and removed the airflow vent thing on the bottom of the unit. It seemed like it was going ok for a while, but shut off again.
pabearhunter
Well-known member
OUT of propane !
Wyomufhunter
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 27, 2026
- Messages
- 95
It could be your gas valve. The solenoid will stay open for a bit then close and shut the gas off.
Where did you buy the kit? Chinesium? Replacement part quality is horrible these days.
I got it from the jungles of the amazon!
After some more research, I started leaning towards an airflow issue. I just scrubbed/brushed/vacuumed out every crevice and surface I could. Seems to be running fine now. We shall see…
After some more research, I started leaning towards an airflow issue. I just scrubbed/brushed/vacuumed out every crevice and surface I could. Seems to be running fine now. We shall see…
EastTNHunter
Well-known member
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- Jun 13, 2018
- Messages
- 2,297
I had that problem once and the “filter screen” around the bottom wasn’t letting enough air into the bottom of the water heater. I cleaned the external screen and had to make a contraption out of PVC to hook to a shop vac and clean the bottom of the water heater
recon6036
Well-known member
Try this…..shut off the power and gas. Remove the burner and use some steel wool to clean off the flame sensor. Reinstall the burner and turn everything back on.
Works for me every time
Works for me every time
Wyomufhunter
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 27, 2026
- Messages
- 95
We are free "professionals"
The worst kind. mtmuley
