I have a water heater problem. The pilot keeps going out sometimes after 1 burn, sometimes after few hours, sometimes after few days. I replaced the thermocouple and still the same problem continues. I called GE and they sent a whole new valve. Replaced it and still no solution. Water heater was made in 2007. Is my problem not related to the water heater but maybe the gas line? I have another water heater somewhere else from the same meter and that works fine. The gas dryer from the "bad" line works fine. What else can I try next?

Hi Rhxk and welcome, if the heater is a FVIR you can check and make sure the screens are clean, should have a wrap around band on the bottom and a screen underneath slightly off center. Also check the vent pipe to ensure its clear. Good luck

GE hot water heaters are known for this type of problems... We stopped installing them several years ago...

Make sure your vent is clean, unobstructed. Also, make sure water heater intake screens are clean and nothing blocks them. Replace thermocouple. If all OK, than you will have to replace entire Thermostat including Gas Safety Valve.

Back to you. Milo

Thanks for the input fellas.

I have no idea if it's a FVIR (yeah I googled it to learn what it is and I'm not that much of an expert on water heaters to identify what type of a combustion chamber it has). If it helps, it has an igniter on it and it looks very much like the Robertshaw valve. It has the 2 ventilation screens on the bottom for fresh air intake and the outgoing air from the top of the heater all the way up to the roof.

The vent to through the roof is clean. But I haven't checked the intake screens. From what I understand it's beneath the burner inside the chamber. -this'll be interesting to dig for & clean...

I've replaced the thermocouple already (but will try again) and GE sent me a whole new valve. I believe you're calling this the "Thermostat including Gas Safety Valve". It's just like the Robertshaw gas valve.

Thanks again for your input... if this doesn't work I'll just buy a new water heater.
It seems to me that this is a water heater issue and not a gas-line issue.

Much appreciated for your input.