The most common issue is an issue with the thermocouple. The thermocouple is a copper rod located near the pilot flame that senses the heat from the pilot and turns the gas valve off if the pilot goes out.
It is the first line of defense in preventing too much gas from entering the tank. If the thermocouple is damaged, corroded, or worn out, it will not be able to sense the heat from the pilot flame, causing the main burner to not stay lit or even turn on at all.
Other potential issues include inadequate gas pressure, a clogged burner orifice, or an issue with the gas valve. Additionally, it’s possible that you have a leak in the line going to the water heater, causing the flame to be too weak to stay lit.
The best way to troubleshoot these issues is to turn off the gas and check the thermocouple first. If it seems to be in good shape, check the gas pressure, orifices, gas valve, and gas line for any potential issues.
If all of these items check out, you may need to get a professional to take a look at the water heater and identify any underlying issues.
Why does my hot water heater flame keep going out?
First, it is possible that the thermocouple, an important part of the pilot light assembly, is malfunctioning. The thermocouple is a small metal rod that detects whether the pilot light is lit and sends a signal to the gas valve to remain open.
If the thermocouple is not sending this signal, the gas valve will close, and the pilot light will extinguish. A quick test for this is to check for a spark near the tip of the thermocouple when the pilot light is lit.
If the spark is weak or no spark is present, it is likely that the thermocouple is malfunctioning and will need to be replaced.
Second, the flame may also be going out due to a clogged burner. Particles in the air, such as dust and dirt, can accumulate on the small metal tube that flashes the gas, causing the flame to go out.
This can usually be fixed by wiping away the dust and particles that have clogged the burner opening.
Finally, the problem may be due to a buildup of sediment. Sediment accumulates at the bottom of the hot water heater over time, and if it builds up too much, it can restrict gas flow and cause the flame to go out.
To fix this problem, you can flush out the sediment with a garden hose by disconnecting the hose from the bottom of the hot water heater and running the water until the sediment has been removed.
What to do if water heater pilot won’t stay lit?
If your water heater pilot won’t stay lit, the first thing you should do is check and make sure that the thermocouple or thermopile is in good condition. This is a metal sensor found just above the pilot flame and it can become corroded or damaged over time and prevent the water heater from staying lit.
If the thermocouple or thermopile is the issue, replace it with a new one that is the same model and wattage as the old one.
If the thermocouple is not the issue, you can try to adjust the air intake setting on the gas valve of your water heater, as it might be set too low. Adjust the setting until you hear the pilot light snap easily, then check to make sure that it is staying lit.
If none of the above solutions work, then a professional plumber should be called in to diagnose and repair the water heater. It is highly recommended to not try and repair it yourself, as the gas line could be the issue and gas lines can be very dangerous if handled incorrectly.
Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?
If your pilot light goes out when you release the pilot light knob, it could be due to a variety of reasons. First, make sure your gas valve is turned on and that adequate gas is flowing through the valve.
If the gas is turned off or not flowing through, the pilot light may go out when the knobs are released. Secondly, make sure the thermocouple and the thermopile are in good condition. The thermocouple and the thermopile need to be installed correctly and working properly in order to keep the pilot light lit.
If they are damaged or installed incorrectly, they will cause the pilot light to go out when you release the knob. Lastly, check the air/gas mix at the pilot light. If the mix is off, it will not be able to sustain the fire in the pilot light.
Make sure the ratio of gas to air is correct, which is typically 11 parts of gas to 1 part of air. If the ratios are incorrect, the pilot light will go out when the knob is released.
What would cause a pilot light to not stay lit?
The most common reason is an issue with the thermocouple and thermopile in the pilot system, usually due to dirt and other debris blocking the flame, which causes a weak flame. Other potential causes include incorrect gas pressure due to a blocked or clogged air shut-off valve, an issue with the gas supply line, or a bad flame adjustment.
In addition, if the pilot light is located near a draft, such as a window or door, the wind can blow it out. Finally, the safety shut-off valve, the part that senses the pilot flame and allows gas to the main burners, may not be working correctly and needs to be replaced.
How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?
In order to determine if your thermocouple is broken, there are a few tests you can perform. Testing the resistance of the thermocouple is the most common way to check for a fault. Use a multimeter to check the resistance across the thermocouple terminals.
This will vary depending on the type of thermocouple you are using, but typical readings should be between 25 and 600 ohms. If the resistance is higher than expected, it could mean your thermocouple is broken.
You can also check the continuity of the thermocouple itself. To test continuity, attach the positive and negative end of the multimeter to the wires of the thermocouple. When the probe is placed perpendicularly on the bridge, if a circuit can be made, then it shows the continuity is intact and the thermocouple is working.
Finally, if all else fails, you can also use a heat testing method – also known as an ‘open circuit test’. Place your thermocouple in water and heat, recording the temperature every 2 minutes. This way you can track how quickly the temperature increases – a broken thermocouple will not increase in temperature at a typical rate.
If you note any irregularities in the recorded temperatures, it could be a sign that your thermocouple is broken.
Is the water heater flame supposed to stay on?
The water heater flame should not remain lit all the time. If you are using a gas water heater, then the pilot light should be lit whenever you want to use the water heater. However, the pilot light should not remain lit all the time.
If the pilot light is staying on constantly, then this may be a sign of a malfunctioning water heater or an issue with the gas supply. If the pilot light is staying on, it is best to call a professional to inspect the water heater to determine the cause of the issue.
Additionally, you should call your gas supplier as certain components of a water heater must be checked and serviced by a certified technician.
How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple?
The cost of replacing a thermocouple can vary depending on several factors, including the material of the thermocouple, the experience level of the plumber and any additional supplies or fees. Generally speaking, a plumber can charge anywhere from $50 to over $150 to replace a thermocouple.
Lower end costs may include replacing a standard copper thermocouple with basic parts and materials, while on the higher end, a plumber may charge more to replace a thermocouple made of different materials, replace additional safety features or charge a diagnostic or travel fee.
Additionally, some local or specialized plumbers may also charge a higher rate for their services. Therefore, it is best to contact a few local plumbers for a quote on the job.
Can you just clean a thermocouple?
Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, though it is a time consuming process. Thermocouples can become dirty over time as dust, dirt, and other debris builds up on the surface. It is important to clean the thermocouple regularly in order to maintain accurate readings.
To do this, you need to start by turning off the power to the thermocouple. Then, using a cloth or a brush, you can gently clean off any dust or dirt that is accumulated on the surface of the thermocouple.
If necessary, you can also use a mild soap and warm water to clean the thermocouple. After cleaning, you should rinse the thermocouple and make sure it is completely dry before turning the power back on.
This should be done regularly (at least every month or so) to help ensure accurate readings.
How do you clean a clogged pilot light?
To clean a clogged pilot light, you will need to follow a few steps. First, make sure the gas is shut off completely and allow the furnace to cool down prior to doing any work. Once the furnace is cool, locate the pilot tube assembly and remove the pilot burner, using a screwdriver or pliers.
Next, clean any debris from the pilot tube assembly, such as dirt or dust that has accumulated, using a wire brush or a cloth. Then, re-install the pilot burner and test for any blockages or leaks. Finally, replace the pilot orifice if necessary and light the pilot using a match or long lighter.
Once the pilot is lit, adjust the flame to its proper size, allow the furnace to heat up, and then turn the gas back on.
What happens when a thermocouple goes out?
When a thermocouple goes out, it can stop functioning, meaning that it will no longer measure the temperature of a given surface or environment. This can have serious implications, as the temperature of the area being measured is an important factor in many industries.
For example, an industrial furnace that is not heated properly can cause manufacturing delays or even major safety concerns due to the high temperatures involved. Without a functioning thermocouple, the furnace will not reach the desired temperature.
In addition, other equipment, such as water heaters, will not operate properly due to their reliance on the thermocouple to accurately measure the temperature. Ultimately, thermocouples are an important piece of safety equipment and their failure can lead to major issues if not dealt with immediately.
Therefore, if a thermocouple goes out, it is necessary to find a suitable replacement as soon as possible in order to avoid potential problems.
What causes a Atwood RV gas water heater to not fire up?
A Atwood RV gas water heater not firing up can be caused by a few different things. First, the burner might not be functioning properly or there may be a blockage in the gas flow preventing it from igniting.
Additionally, the thermocouple may be defective, the temperature selector switch might be broken, the limit switch may be bad, the thermostat might be faulty, or there could be a faulty wiring connection.
Furthermore, if the water heater is powered by propane, it may be that the propane supply is low or even empty. Lastly, the pilot orifice may be clogged and therefore in need of cleaning or replacement.
In any of these cases, it is best to consult a certified RV repair professional for diagnosis and repairs.
Why is my RV hot water heater not igniting?
There could be a few reasons why your RV hot water heater is not igniting. First, ensure that you have adequate fuel in the tank. Also, check to make sure that the fuel is reaching the ignition, which can be done with a flashlight.
If this does not work, the problem could be with the igniter coil. Make sure that you remove any dirt or debris that could be blocking the igniter from generating the spark. If the problem still persists, then the igniter may need to be replaced with an identical model.
Finally, if none of the above steps work, then it is possible that the issue is with the thermocouple. This can also be replaced with an identical model.
Does an Atwood RV water heater have a thermocouple?
Yes, an Atwood RV water heater is equipped with a thermocouple, a safety device that detects whether the pilot light is lit or not. If the thermocouple senses that the pilot isn’t lit, then it will shut off the flow of gas to the burner.
This prevents accidental gas leaks, which can result in dangerous situations, including the potential for fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s important to check and maintain the thermocouple regularly on your Atwood RV water heater to make sure it’s working properly and to replace it if needed.
How do you test an Atwood water heater element?
Testing an Atwood water heater element requires understanding of electricity and taking proper safety precautions. It is best to consult a trained professional to do this type of test to ensure the utmost safety.
Equipment and Materials Needed:
• Volt-ohm meter
• Wire strippers
• Screwdriver
• Safety glasses
Steps:
1. Turn off the main power supply switch to the water heater.
2. Put on safety glasses and locate the element assembly near the back of the heater, which will have a metal tube with wires coming out either side.
3. Test the element for any visible damage and broken wire connections.
4. Strip the wires that are connected to the element assembly with a wire stripper.
5. Set the volt-ohm meter to RX1 and touch both wires from the element assembly to the probes of the volt-ohm meter. The reading should be between 10-30 ohms.
6. If the reading is not in that range, then the element needs to be replaced.
7. After replacing the element, the same steps should be followed to double check the new element’s readings.
8. If the readings check out, turn the power supply back on and enjoy hot water!