Water Heater problem...HELP!

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Dario

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Apr 14, 2005
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Austin, TX, USA.
I have Richmond water heater using natural gas...today it stopped working.

I tried to trouble shoot it but the pilot light won't stay lit when I realeae the red button (after a minute). I followed the lighting instruction well. Is there a cheap way to fix this or time to buy a new one?

I will check Home Depot tomorrow but hoping to know a bit more before I do.

Thank you for any help.
 
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How old is it? if its over 10 years old, I would not spend MUCH money (20 to 50 dollars) on repairing it, I would get a new and improved model. With your skills and a "how to do it book", I'm sure you can do it yourself..

I had to replace mine about two months ago and it was not hard at all.
 
It is about 5 years old. I replaced it by myself then and it wasn't fun. It is easier now since I added gate valves so we can have water even when it is out.

Just wondering if it is wise to just replace the control mopdule. I am thinking that the thermocouple just went bad.
 
Originally posted by Dario
<br />I have Richmond water heater using natural gas...today it stopped working.

I tried to trouble shoot it but the pilot light won't stay lit when I realeae the red button (after a minute). I followed the lighting instruction well. Is there a cheap way to fix this or time to buy a new one?

I will check Home Depot tomorrow but hoping to know a bit more before I do.

Thank you for any help.
Click to expand...
 
I don't know if this will help or not but it couldn't hurt. I have a gas fireplace and a couple years ago I couldn't get the pilot light lit. We had a guy come out and he took a can of air that I use to clean out my keyboard and he blew out the area around the pilot light. Apparently, even when lit it gathered dust and stuff and when it went out it wouldn't relight. Don't know if this will help or not. Good luck.
 
Only thing to a gas water heater is the tank, outer jacket, and the gas valve, with the pilot tube, burner, and the thermocouple. The thermocouple will cost about $6.00 real easy to install, that is what I would start with, than if that does not work then a gas valve.[:)]

you can call me if you have any Questions, I am a master plumber in Lincoln, Nebraska [8D]
 
Dario,
You are right in suspecting the thermocouple. Since the pilot light can be lit but goes out when you release the button it is 99% certain it is the thermocouple.

Paul in AR
 
FIXED!!!

Thanks all. It is indeed the thermocouple...glad it is only $7.55 (after taxes). A new one would have cost me close to $500.00 after taxes and truck rental to take it home.

THANKS AGAIN!!!
 
I have electric water heater but after reading all this I would agree it's probably the thermocouple . . . oh wait, you already fixed it? In that case I am SURE it's the thermocouple and I don't have an idea of what it even looks like [:)]

Any other adivce you need in the past tense? Just trying to help [;)]
 
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