Water Heater Pilot Wont Stay Lit

[Steven Woods]

I have a client that called and says his water heater pilot wont stay lit. They suspect its due to the gas furnace when it starts since they are installed right by each other. Is it common for this to happen or does it have to do with the burner being dirty or the thermocouple going out?

Thanks

[rmaday]

Without any additional info, I'd guess probably thermocouple.

Does it go out every time furnace comes on AND only when furnace comes on?

[Charley L. Bottger]

I vote thermocouple change it out

[Bob Elliott]

The other possibility is draft.

[Marc D. Shunk]

It's pretty classic for a marginal thermocouple. When the furnace fires off, the gas pressure may dip just enough to take the output from a marginal thermocouple below the threshold to keep the gas valve on. For the 6 dollars they cost, I'd replace it anyhow just to not have to consider it in my troubleshooting process, and it will probably solve the matter too. A thermocouple is a regular PM part for a water heater, almost like replacing the furnace filter or the brakes on your car.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

I would change the thermocouple First as Marc said gas will dip when the furnace kicks in

[Steven Woods]

They have had the water heater for about 6 years so I would imagine its the thermocouple going out because the pilot started going out a few days ago. I would think this would rule out the possibility of the furnace causing the pilot to go out.

[Charley L. Bottger]

Originally Posted by swoods

They have had the water heater for about 6 years so I would imagine its the thermocouple going out because the pilot started going out a few days ago. I would think this would rule out the possibility of the furnace causing the pilot to go out.

Do I get to vote twice

[Steven Woods]

Thanks Guys for all the input, I really appreciate it.

[Christopher Currins]

Originally Posted by cbottger

Do I get to vote twice

I'll vote for you. Thermocouple.

[Scott Gilligan, CMI]

Thermocouple...just changed one out for the same exact reason on my mother's water heater 2 weeks ago.

[Rick K. Kie]

Thermocouple for sure.

[Barry Adair]

as a licensed home inspector we are not qualified to recommend specific repairs unless we also hold a license for that trade.
do so at your own expense and possibly jeopardize your livelihood

i'd advise qualified seasonal servicing of both units (HVAC & WH) as there are possibly other issues present that we or they are not aware of...

others are possibly right

hth

[Wayne B. Wilson]

I held a gas Fitter Licence

[Barry Adair]

Originally Posted by wwilson3

I held a gas Fitter Licence

great, but were you onsite to actually diagnose the problem and any potential for other issues, is all i'm getting at

how are the fittings at my house