We have a rheem 30 gallon gas water heater (rn 1094a16941) the pilot lite won't stay lit more then a couple seconds - we changed the thermal couoplier about 2mths ago because it wouldn't lite at all then it worked just fine about a week ago it started going out all the time we don't believe it's the thermal couplier again - anyone have any ideas about what it could be?

Hi LA:

Double check that the thermocouple is sitting in the gas valve properly and make sure it hasn't been overtightened.

Otherwise, this could be a makeup air issue or a gas valve issue.

Tell me how old the water heater is or, if you know, tell me if this is an open or closed combustion chamber. An open combustion chamber means you had easy access to the thermocouple and a closed combustion chamber means you had to remove a door with nuts/bolts and the entire burner assembly to get to the thermocouple. Let me know more...

Thanks...

Mark