We had the issue with the pilot light not staying on so we replaced the thermocouple ourself. A bit of a tedious but simple task. A few details like the length of the thermocouple and if you have an older water heater whether its left or right handed. A bit of a pain to go through at first. Anyway, so we got it replaced. Now we seem to have a related but different issue.

First, the pilot light just didn't want to stay on. I could get the burner lit and have a fierce fire started for a few seconds only to have it automatically shut off and the pilot light off again. I did that several times and the last time I could hear droplets of water on the burner and finally a little bit of a splash against the viewer window where you are supposed to look for the pilot. That made me turn everything off. What the heck? Also, I could almost swear I also smelled gas.

I did that several times and the last time I could hear droplets of water on the burner and finally a little bit of a splash against the viewer window where you are supposed to look for the pilot.

That is an almost certain sign of a leaking tank. No repair for a leaking tank.

If this heater has a sealed combustion chamber clean the air intake screen.


window where you are supposed to look for the pilot
Leave that off temporarily to see if the burner will stay lit.

That is an almost certain sign of a leaking tank. No repair for a leaking tank.


I do not believe that is what is happening here...;) Instead, when a lot of gas water heaters get lit they condensate and will drip on the burner assembly at first...usually NOT enough to put the pilot light out.

In this case, I think Josh has a make-up air issue...could be a clogged vent near the bottom of the water heater (nowadays usually screened), could be a clogged honeycomb filter inside the combustion chamber, or it could even be a broken FVS (flame vapor sensor).

With these newer water heaters I am advising people to contact the technical department of the manufacturer so they can work step by step with them to resolve the issue.

For now, Josh could certainly clean the air intake screen (as you suggested, Harold) and see if the water heater lights and stays lit...would strongly suggest the make-up air as an issue!! He could also loosen the combustion chamber door to increase air, but it is strongly frowned upon! The door cannot be left open long-term AND the manufacturer will advise/require that a new combustion door gasket be installed ASAP if this is done!!

Good day!

Mark

Check again and tell us if you continue to see/hear the drips.