The pilot on my water heater won't stay lit so I replaced the thermo-couple. Still won't stay lit. Anybody have any ideas?

Hello Chris_c, here are couple of tips to help you with your stubborn pilot light:

1. Make sure water heater is getting enough oxygen through the vents on the bottom of the heater. Remove all items around it and vacuum lint and dust form the inside of the vents.

2. Many times, the reasons for pilot not wanting to stay lit is that it is far away from thermocoupling which in turn has to transmit elec. Signal to the gas safety valve. Recheck your installation. Make sure the tip of the pilot flame is hitting upper third of the thermocoupling.

Lastly, follow the manufacturer's instructions pasted on the front of the heater.

Back to you. Milo

Thanks Milo. I went out to the garage this morning and with the help of the air compressor and my shop vac it is now staying lit. Thanks.

Glad I was able to help! Milo

I had the same problem. My water heater is a 3 year old State (AO Smith). It was fine until 3 weeks ago when the pilot went out - relit and all OK for 3 days - went out again. Relit and all OK for a day - out again. Checked the " troubleshooting" in the instructions - no help. Went to State website and found instructions on cleaning the FV screen. Cleaned the screen and has been OK for 2 weeks. The instructions are under " technical" on the website. Simple procedure but you have to almost stand on your head to reach it. Hope this helps.

If your vents are clean ( both, interior and exterior ) than your vent may be blocked, you may have bad thermo-coupling or gas safety valve is not faulty. Since your heater is only 3 years old it should be under warranty. Call A.O.Smith for help. Back to you. Milo

Just realized my pilot was out and no hot water, tried to light it and it stay lit for about 5 minutes and then goes out. The house is 6yrs old and scheduled the gas company to come out to do a inspection.
What would cause this?