[pattyq734]

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We have a gas hot water heater. We have no hot water, but our gas dryer has heat. Is it an element and if so how do you change it and are there two? Thanks.
Patty

[massplumber2008]

Patty...

Gas water heater that has no hot water is most likely due to a defective thermocouple (see 1st picture below). This is available at home depot in different lengths (comes coiled and then stretches out).

If you open up the door at the base of the water heater you should see a lit pilot... if no pilot then the thermocouple will need to be replaced.

Here, you shut the gas valve to off position (top button on gas valve below) and then reach into the heater and remove the thermocouple... it will be attached to a pilot tube assembly (see 2nd picture). Then you need to remove the other end from the gas valve (just spins out). Once removed, you take it to home depot and match up to the length... then return home and install it. Just don't overtighten the connection at the gas valve as no gas actually runs through this thermocouple.. it is a sensor and end is sensitive and can be crushed if overtightened... just snug it up about the same as when you unscrewed it from the gas valve.

Now you will need to turn the gas valve on to PILOT setting (top left button again), depress black button (same button depresses in once set to pilot) in and then light the pilot tube (not the thermocouple, but the pilot tube assembly in picture below)... once lit hold the pilot button in another 30 seconds and then release the button. The pilot should remain lit... now reassemble the door at the combustion chamber (put door you removed back) and then turn the gas valve dial to ON posisition.. gas will make loud WOOSH sound and water heater should be repaired!

Gas lighting instructions are on the front of your water heater...read these to understand your system best.

As you know, gas is dangerous... but the only scary part here is re-lighting the pilot so read all instructions carefully and should be fine.Don't hesitate to pop back here and ask as many questions as you need too to be comfortable doing this... ok?

Finally, there are other kinds of gas valves... they have red button on upper left and then a dial on top... this works same as above except you turn dial to on/off/pilot and when in pilot position you will depress the red button and light pilot, then release and turn to on as instructed above...

Do not kink/bend the thermocouple... if thermocouple gets kinked/bent beyond 135 degrees or so throw it out and start over... ;) You want smooth curves here!

Good luck...

MARK