Brand new, richmond direct vent water heater, burner will not stay lit, any suggestions?
The pilot lights then heats/sends a signal to open gas for burner then(burner)should stay on but if valve shuts the gas off,then have your unit checked. What ever you do,DON'T MESS WITH IT IF GAS/FLAME ON!!!!!. These systems come with a safety feature that allows gas to go on only when safe!!!!
SOURCE: Burner on new Whirlpool gass water heater will not stay lit
One of the proper ways to light a gas water heater, is to turn the black knob to Pilot, put a match to the end of the pilot light, while holding the match there, push the red reset button down and hold the match & the reset button down for one full minute. Then, release the reset button and turn the black knob to On. This should keep the pilot light on.
SOURCE: i have a richmond gas hot water heater model
resetting your lock out for richmond power vent
SOURCE: Natural gas hot water heater not stying lit
Probably a bad solenoid in the gas valve. Higher voltage of a new thermocouple keeps it open longer but it still fails over a period of time. Look into a new gas valve for the water heater.
SOURCE: Richmond power vent water heater won't stay lit.
I have a 40 gal richmond water heater with power vent and had a similar roblem. I call to talk to a tech and he suggested the vacuum switch. I ordered on line. It was $43 plus shipping and I installed it and it did the job. I happy.
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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