The gas to my home was shut off for a repair. After it was turned back on we re-lit the pilot on the water heater but the water does not get nearly as warm as before. We even increased the temperature setting but it did not help much at all. Any ideas? THANKS!

Hopefully you have the manual for the heater and can check the manufacturer's procedure for relighting the pilot. Or you may find it online. There are safety procedures built into these heaters and you may have missed a step. Was the repair work on your property or was the repair to the lines in the street? If on your property, was it done by a licensed worker?

It sounds like you got the pilot lit already and are having issues with regulating the temperature, correct Coldshowernow?

If so, I guess the first thing I would do is go to check that the gas main actually got turned on full open after the repair. If you can confirm that the gas main is on in the full open position then the next thing to do would be to check gas flow to the other gas appliances, for example, the stove (?). Does the stove have full flow gas? In other words, are the flames on the stove as tall as they have always been? If flames are as high as always then I'm going to figure gas flow is getting to the appliances and the next step would be back at the water heater.

At the water heater, shut the gas valve to the off position and set the gas valve to the "pilot lighting" setting (or vacation setting) and light the pilot again. After the pilot is lit, set the gas valve dial to approximately 120F. Look at the flame and see that it is blueish and full. Stick around for awhile and keep observing the flame... should not diminish in size, OK?

Try these things and post back on results...

Mark

Thanks for the reply! I guess it was just a matter of time working this out. After a few days, the water temperature seems to have returned to pre-shut off level. It was strange, but everything seems to be back or close to normal. Thanks again for taking the time to post. Much appreciated.

VA

Thanks for the update!