I recently replaced the thermocouple on my gas water heater, but I'm still having issues. I can light the pilot when I hold down the switch, but as soon as I let go, the flame goes out. I've even cleaned the area underneath the water heater to improve airflow. What steps should I take next to fix this?
2 Answers
It sounds like the thermocouple isn't getting hot enough to keep the gas valve open after you let go of the pilot switch. You may need to hold the switch down longer. Sometimes, it requires several minutes for the thermocouple to heat up enough. Make sure you’re following that step carefully!
Double-check the thermocouple installation. If it’s not positioned correctly in the flame, it won't heat properly. Also, ensure that there’s no gas leaking anywhere, as that can affect how the pilot light stays lit. Lastly, check if the pilot flame is strong enough. Adjusting the pilot may help as well.
Good point! I’ll take a look at the pilot flame and see what I can adjust.
I tried holding it down for a few minutes and it still goes out. Any other suggestions?