I recently bought a water heater on Dec 17 2013. The pilot won't stay lit. I tried putting it on high for a day it stayed on. I don't want it on high all the time, the water is scolding hot! When I turn it back down the pilot will last for 12 hours minimum. Why is it doing this and what do I need to do?

Who did the installation? This sounds like a backdraft down the exhaust or a defective thermocouple.

Hi Missydom

I'd call the installers back like Ballengerb1 was suggesting. Here, it could be a defective thermocouple, it could be a make-up air issue, or it could be a faulty gas valve. If your system is a power vented water heater, it could be even more complicated than chimney vented systems...;)

Check that the plastic around the nipples on top of the water heater aren't getting melted (a clear indication of poor draft at the chimney), and be sure the screens at the bottom of the heater are clean (if present).

Back to you...

Mark