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    ChemE's Avatar
    ChemE Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Mar 18, 2007, 11:14 AM
    The disappearing water heater pilot light.
    My water heater pilot light went out so I relit it with no problems, but it keeps going out. After about the 7th time I relit it, I decided to wait around to see how long it took to go out. I gave up after 10 minutes and walked away. When I checked again after about 10 more minutes it was out again. I would love a mechanical explanation for this because I am starting to think my water heater is possessed LOL.
    P.S. I am not sure if this matters but after each relight, when I would turn the thermostat back up, a large flame would appear in the pilot light area. However, the last time I relit, the pilot light remained unchanged when I turned the thermostat back up. Also, the water heater is only 2 years old.
    Any help is appreciated :-)
    speedball1's Avatar
    speedball1 Posts: 29,301, Reputation: 1939
    Eternal Plumber
    		  
    #2

    Mar 18, 2007, 11:54 AM
    Several things come to mind. Perhaps the flame wasn't close enough to the thermocouple and the thermocouple shut it down.**or** look out next to the house side of the meter. Is there a tee pointed down with a pipe with a cap on it. If there is it's purpose is to trap any stray moisture that comes in the gas line. The moisture builds up and allows it to get in the line to the pilot light and snufs it out. This is just off the top of my head but will give you a place to start. Good luck, Tom
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