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cfredlund · Dec 28, 2007, 08:34 PM

I have an American brand gas water heater. It is only 1 1/2 years old. The pilot light will go out, I will reset it, it will be fine for a few hours, then it will go out again. Sometimes it will work fine for months, but then repeat the process of it going out and then having to reset it. I know from a past experience that the pilot light can go out if an attic fan is on and there is not enough windows open. It's the middle of the winter and the windows have been closed for a while, so I doubt that the pilot is going out because of a back draft. Any ideas of why this is happening and what I can do to fix it?

ballengerb1 · Dec 28, 2007, 09:13 PM

Actually they can blow out during the winter too. When your furnace kicks in it pulls a draft unless you have a high efficient furnace that has an air intake. Even a fireplace can pull a draft down your water heater exhaust as well as bath exhaust fans. Have you checked to make sure your thermocouple is dead center in the pilot flame and both doors have been reinstalled on the chamber.

cfredlund · Dec 17, 2008, 12:13 PM

Just as a follow up on this issue: It turns out that American brand waterheaters, including some with the name Whirlpool, have a recall on the thermocouple, which was the cause of my issue. This particular thermocouple is a sealed thermocouple. Since the water heater is still under warranty, the thermocouple can be ordered for free. The shipping just needs to be paid. For someone that is comfortable with tools and shutting of the gas at the water heater, the thermocouple can be replaced by a non-plumber. It took me about 30 minutes to replace it. Just remember to spray soapy water on the connections to check for any leaks. Since the thermocouple has been replaced, I have had no other issues with it.

afaroo · Dec 17, 2008, 12:32 PM

Good Job, Thanks.

John

linkdude · Mar 2, 2009, 11:48 AM

If this is a Whirlpool brand, check the model number. The Flamelock water heaters apparently have problems with the thermocouple and the pilot light will not stay on. Check this web site if your model has this problem: Whirlpool - Talk To Us - Flamelocksupport.com

afaroo · Mar 2, 2009, 05:47 PM

Hello linkdude,

The issue is resoled long time ago he replaced the thermocouple and that fixed his problem, Thanks.

John