I keep lighting it but it keeps going out
Question posted under Reliance tank-type gas water heater.
Look at label on side of unit and add comment with brand, model and type heater, because the answer depends on which brand and type water heater you have.
Information below is for Reliance tank-type.
First of all, you need to clean the air intake located on bottom of unit.
The fact that the pilot will light indicates that you are getting gas, but the gas control might be bad, or the unit suffered FV failure from overheated combustion chamber and might require part replacement.
To get a good gauge of situation, clean the air intake first, and then add a comment.
Look at image for inspecting air intake.
Then use feather duster and/or compressed air to clean flame trap, arrestor screen (air intake)
http://waterheatertimer.org/images/Flame-trap-inspection.jpg
ADD A COMMENT with more detail.
Additional resources:
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-troubleshoot-gas-water-heater.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-thermocouple.html
If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7
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SOURCE: Water heater pilot keeps going
the intake screen or as is called flame trap is located on the very bottom of the heater underneath. this is very important that you keep this clean or it will keep going out. this is the only way this heater has to get air to the burning chamber.
SOURCE: pilot light keeps going out
probably need to clean the pilot orfice out. You will have to pull the entire burner assembly to get it out. Pull the tube going to the pilot light out and the orfice will be in the end closest to the pilot light. Once you get it out there might be a white fuzzy substance on it, clean it off, the hole in the orfice is very small, DO NOT make it any bigger, find something to push thru it like a single strand off a wire brush. After cleaning re assemble and re light, this should cure your pilot problems.
SOURCE: Pilot won't stay lit in Reliance 606 gas water heater
The Reliance 606 has an enclosed thermal couple. Before you try taking that assembly apart take a wire brush to the bottom opening directly under the burner. There is a metal filter on the very bottom of the water heater. It could be that the filter has gotten filled with dust or animal hair. It took a serviceman 2 days to figure this out for me. The water heater has to have good airflow through that filter to work well.
SOURCE: I have a reliance 805pv
OK, make sure your ON-Pilot-OFF knob is turned to "ON" after you light the pilot. Then make sure the temperature dial is not set at vacation setting. It should be set to atleast mid range between low and high at the "A" or triangle symbol, depending on what dial you have. It will take 20-30 minutes for the water to get hot, but the burner should come on right away after it has been relit. If not, you may have to call your local gas co to look at it. Douglas
SOURCE: I have a Reliance water heater - 40 gal Model
In my first 15 years as a plumber I never saw a pilot light issue on a gas WH that a new thermocouple didn't fix. Since the government mandated a redesign of the fire box, I've seen three that nothing ever fixed - two Whirlpools and one (my usually ultrareliable) AO Smith - including replacing the entire burner assembly and the regulator. And I've heard of many others.
Check the thermocouple connection for tight. (Don't strip.. threaded soft metals.)
Check the microvents on the bottom ? of the burn box for dust, even if it is new.
Call Reliant and demand new units until you get one that works.
Try another model. Consider a 52gal electric.
I've always recommended gas over electric, and AO Smith and Rheem were my recommendations (and "Reliants" were "lumber yard" water heaters. Sorry.)
Since the mandated redesigns, I don't really have a "proven reliable" model to suggest. I increasingly believe the restricted air flow design is the ultimate culprit, including any changes to the thermocouple/regulator construct to accommodate the restricted air flow design. Just my hunch.
Offered for what its worth. -- plumber in Indiana.
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