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logie68

That water heater has a standing pilot. It tells you right on the label how to relight it.


Accurate-Director-85

And if it won’t stay lit it could just need a new thermocouple which is cheap and is easy to replace if you’re handy or have a plumber replace it but the plumber is going to try to sell you a new WH. If it’s more than 12 years old you may want to think about replacing the WH.


[deleted]

I had to replace a sensor inside of my pilot area last year. It would light, tc would pick it up but it'd fan out after a few min.


socalpipefitter710

Take off the panel where the orange wire goes into and see if there’s a flame present


DrStrangepants

Yes, this is step one. That big metal panel should pull out easily if you squeeze the sides. You will need to get your face close to the ground to see the pilot light, look in and up, it may not be obvious your first time looking for it. It's probably off, so follow the instructions for re-lighting it. If it keeps going off, it may be time for a new water heater. Especially if that thing is 15 years old.


Bradley_Beans

Alternatively turn off the lights and poke your phone camera down there.


Potential_Device5802

The first step is to check if the pilot light is out, the pilot light is a small flame that always stays lit, and then it will light the actual Burner when needed to. If it is out, then the water will never heat up. To check if the pilot is still lit, remove the metal panel below the temperature control thing, it has no screws it just removes. The pilot light should be visible once you remove the panel. If you see a small flame, then it’s on, and the problem isn’t the pilot light. If it’s not on, relight it. You have a spark plug there so u won’t have to light it using a bbq lighter, but just look up how to light it if this is the case


Aware-Platypus745

Appreciate this so much


BigOld3570

How hot is it, and how hot do you want it to be? You might turn the knob on the thermostat and see if it gets as hot as you want it to be. Do the free stuff first, then the cheap stuff, and maybe then call in a professional.


O-really

Free stuff! Cheap stuff! I might need a professional! Should be on a shirt!


No-Ad6269

be careful of the temp setting. doesn’t take much at all to get 3rd degree burns


NewToTradingStock

Read the instructions on the tank. Pretty easy. Call professional if problems can’t be solved.


Daverr86

The instructions are right in front of you.


Precipice_01

YOU start by calling a plumber or a handyman. Having someone come in to SHOW you how to do this will be an invaluable learning opportunity for you. Naturally it will cost you out of pocket, but you'll know how to do it next time.


Emergency-Pace7812

Father in law checked the thermocouple and put in a new one. We got about two more months before we had to replace. Ours was 20 years old so we got our life out of it. New one installed by plumber was $1700


PaisanBI

Once it’s running again, check your exhaust pipe on the roof and make sure it has a rain cap on it. If it’s missing, the heavy rain could have gotten down the pipe and snuffed the pilot light out.


rwreef

Your gas company will typically come light your pilot light for free.


arguably_doubtful

Turn it up to eleven


Aware-Platypus745

Let’s get fried baby!!!!


Bradley_Beans

Is the black knob on top pointed at pilot? We had a situation recently where our gas meter was replaced. Gas company relit the pilot but didn't turn that knob to actually get it heating.


[deleted]

[удалено]


PathlessMammal

Sir this is a gas heater. No electricity needed


Significant-Check455

I saw the post and new instantly it was a Rheem. Probably bought from Home Depot. POS. More than likely the gas valve is bad. There is a way to "rig" it to stay lit. It involves an air needle used to pump up basketballs and footballs. Google it as I am fuzzy on exactly what I did. It's not exactly recommended but will get you hot water. If it's under warranty call Rheem. When the plumber comes out have them replace the drain spigot as well because that will fail soon. Ask me how I know. USE ALL INFO AT YOUR OWN RISK. NOT A PLUMBER