[horsen]

Pilot won't stay lit.

[hkstroud]

Pilot won't stay lit.

Does that mean thet the pilot goes out when you release the button?

[massplumber2008]

Hey All:

Horsen... if you are following the directions listed on the front of the gas water heater and pilot still will not stay lit then most likely it is time to change the THERMOCOUPLE (see image below) to the heater.

Here, you shut the gas flow into heater, remove the old thermocouple by releasing the thermocouple nut at the gas valve and then loosen the thermocouple from inside the combustion chamber. Then bring that to local home supply store and purchase one with similar length.

Finally, replace the thermocouple... be sure not to KINK the tubing to the thermocouple.

THEN:

Turn gas on
Set to pilot setting
Depress pilot/on/off button

Light pilot (not the thermocouple... the pilot tubing next to the thermocouple... see picture below... thermocouple on top, pilot tubing outlet on bottom).

Hold pilot/on/off button for 30 seconds or so...
Release pilot/on/off button
Install metal doors to combustion chamber
Set pilot/on/off button to ON
Make sure temperature setting is set at safe temperature on gas valve.

And hopefully, you're all set!

PS: If this is a newer water heater with a closed combustion chamber and an automatic ignitor then you would need to purchase an entire thermocouple KIT with gasket (click on thermocouple kit2pdf. Below to see a picture)... these would only be available at a PLUMBING SUPPLY HOUSE that carries your brand of water heater.

Let us know if you have any more questions here...

MARK