Hot Water Heater Troubleshooting

Sakutian

So about two weeks ao the hot water heater in my house stopped workign for the first time since we moved in two years ago. I went downstairs and managed to figure out that the pilot light had gone out and got it to relight after some effort. Now it went out again today and I can't get it to relight. I've got insurance on it so if it needs to be replaced that isn't the end of the world but if there are any tricks for relighting it I'd like to do everything I can before calling the hve it replace. Any advice?

Seattle Thread

Replacing the entire water heater because the pilot light won't stay on is akin to replacing a television because the batteries in the remote are dead. Yes, you'll fix the problem, but you'll go about it in the most ridiculous way.

I'd replace the thermocouple first. It'll cost you about $5 and a 20-30 minutes of your time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGQngzqrIEE

Sakutian

Thanks for the advice. Yeah I'd rather not have to replace the darn thing but that is probably what the insurance guys would do,