hot water heater

[sweatyspartan]

I just bought a "new" home and the hot water heater isn't working. It isn't getting any gas and the gas runs are all turned on (and the furnace and dryer are getting gas). I replaced the thermocoupler and still no gas. I followed the directions on the water heater trying to light it. Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this?

Anybody on here do this sort of work? Replacing the thermocoupler was pretty much the extent of my knowledge on this.

Thanks in advance

[roger23]

the lines probably have air in them sometimes it takes several attempts.are you sure the gas valve in the line is in proper position

[tinmarine]

Check and see if there is any gas coming to it before the gas valve. There should be a union right before the valve, just crack it open you'll smell it. If you are getting gas to that point, then I'd bet you have a bad valve. You should still get gas out of it when lighting the pilot even if the thermocouple is bad.

[jpollman]

How old is the water heater?

If it's more than eight or nine years old, I'd just replace it. (You just found out what owning a home is all about ;)) Where in Troy are you located? I'm in Rochester so if you don't figure it out give me a shout and maybe I could drop by and take a look. I'm still a bit disabled but may be able to do something.

Let me know

John

[sweatyspartan]

good tips...

I tried it probably 20 times so I don't think there is any air left in the lines.

I'll check to see if there is an access point right there and I'll see if I can smell anything.

John - I'll fool around with it tonight and see where that gets me. If I can't figure that out I'll be sure to give you a ring. I'm over at big beaver and Adams.

[jpollman]

good tips...

I tried it probably 20 times so I don't think there is any air left in the lines.

I'll check to see if there is an access point right there and I'll see if I can smell anything.

John - I'll fool around with it tonight and see where that gets me. If I can't figure that out I'll be sure to give you a ring. I'm over at big beaver and Adams.

OK no problem. As I said before, if it's pushing ten years old you'll be better off replacing it than fixing it. Because of my surgery and PT I'm limited in what I can do. But if it comes down to you having to replace it, give me a holler. I could meet you somewhere (HD or Lowes) to pick up a new one and I can haul it home for you. If you can get someone to give you a hand getting it into the basement I can install it for you. It's not hard to do and only take a couple hours. I'd suggest just getting a new one and an install kit. That makes installing the new one very quick and easy. I think I can handle the plumbing/venting portion of the work but just can't be moving it around. Drop me a line if it comes to this option. Always glad to help out a fellow M-S'er

Take care

John

[MSUICEMAN]

john, i figure i'll probably be calling you for a hwh install once you're up and going... mine is like 12 years old and still going strong, but i'd almost rather just replace it rather than let it go bad (and possibly get water everywhere).

[jpollman]

john, i figure i'll probably be calling you for a hwh install once you're up and going... mine is like 12 years old and still going strong, but i'd almost rather just replace it rather than let it go bad (and possibly get water everywhere).
That's a good plan. I tell people that it's better to replace an old heater at their convenience as opposed to the heater's. ;) Besides, when they do go it's usually at the most inopportune moment like a weekend, holiday, or when you have guests. :) Hopefully I'll be up and back to normal sooner than later.

CYA

John

[2PawsRiver]

Actually it's a water heater, if the water was already hot you wouldn't need it:lol:

Sorry couldn't resist, buddy of mine is in the plumbing business and that is his favorite line when somebody talks about Hot Water Heaters........and I finally got to use it.:D

[icecathound]

glad you said 2paws so i didnt have to.:dizzy:

[road trips]

mine is like 12 years old and still going strong, but i'd almost rather just replace it rather than let it go bad (and possibly get water everywhere).

Very wise.Most wait until it floods there basement and does alot of damage.

[Halffasthog]

I just replaced mine in the primary residence. It took close to 20 minutes of holding the pilot open and clicking the igniter before it would light. Same on the RV if I didn't use it for a few months.

[barry county jim]

There should be a pipe below the T where the gas line connects to the heater. Try unscrewing the cap and let the gas blow for a second to get the air out. Oh yea don't smoke while you're doing this.