Rheem Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit – Troubleshooting Tips!

This ‘Rheem water heater pilot light won’t stay lit’ issue might have a number of causes, some of which are simpler to address than others, including a blocked gas line. You may learn how to clean the water heater’s combustion chamber using the instructions in this tutorial.

You may learn from this article whether the pilot light remains lit, what the potential causes might be, as well as how to fix the problem. Learn a few warning signs of broken gas valves and some particular repairs to make.

Why is the Pilot Light on my Rheem Water Heater not Staying Lit?

To start with, try illuminating the fluid heater’s pilot light by following the instructions on the appliance’s label.

A defective thermocouple represents by far among the most frequent reason why the pilot doesn’t relight, lights out immediately after illumination, or goes out many times.

Why can’t I light the pilot light on my water heater? It’s possible that a defective thermocouple has cut off the supply of gas connection to the pilot lamp when the hot water heaters cease to function out of the blue. Replacing is a simple DIY project.

What are the Possible Causes for the Pilot Light Repeatedly Going Out on a Rheem Water Heater?

A broken, bent, or filthy thermocouple is the most typical cause of the hot water heater’s pilot bulb frequently going out.

The most frequent cause of a failing pilot light is a defective thermocouple. A water heater is going to accumulate dirt, dust, and other types of material over time. The thermostat may malfunction if it accumulates buildup. What would cause a pilot light to keep going out?

A Dirty Pilot Tube

A pilot lamp receives gas through the pilot tube for burning. If the conduit is blocked with dirt and particles, the embers will extinguish.

The tube may occasionally be partially blocked, providing not much gas for burning.

A Thermocouple with Kinks

To accept heat while opening the valve that releases gas, the thermocouple must be close to the pilot lamp.

The absence of heat will prevent the production of a current of electricity if it is too far away.

Flex Tube Problems

The burner, which contains the pilot light, thermocouple, along with other components, is connected to the gas controller via a lengthy tube called the flex tube. In the event that the flex tubing is harmed or obstructed, gas cannot be provided to the flame for burning.

The Main Valve of Control is Broken

Gas, as well as water flow within the heater, are controlled via the main valve that controls it.

Suddenly shutting off the gas flow and closing the gas shutoff valve will result in a feeble flickering flame if the primary control valve is malfunctioning.

How to Resolve the Issue of the Pilot Light not Staying Lit on my Rheem Water Heater?

We should take off the flamer and pilot gear to easily clean the combustion tank.

Your Gas Line is Blocked

You can check for obstructions in the gas line when you are able to gain entry into it.

You may often use a plastic probe to manually remove a clog when it is not too severe.

However, clearing a clogged gasoline pipe can be risky. Therefore, we advise seeking help from a qualified expert in the propane piping business.

There is a Draft within the Space

Applying weatherproofing to windows that have air leaks will stop draughts from escaping through the gaps. Applying weatherstripping to outdoor doorways will help stop any wind.

The Pilot Feeding Tube Has a Problem

You may find the location of the clogged pilot feed tube by consulting the user handbook, and repairing it is simple. All dirt or debris may be taken out with a needle and an object of wire. Then, attempt igniting the pilot light once more to determine if there is sufficient gas supply.

A Thermocouple Needs to be Changed

Check the thermocouple using a gauge before replacing it. The thermocouple is functioning properly if it measures greater than 25 millivolts; otherwise, the pilot is being snuffed out by something else. Rather than a total substitution, the thermocouple could only require a thorough cleaning.

1. Switch off the oversight valve, the shutdown, and the gas supply.
2. Give your Rheem hot water heater some time to cool.
3. To access the heater, unscrew all necessary covers.
4. Take out the outdated thermocouple.
5. Recreate the previous thermocouple’s placement in the burner while installing the substitute one.
6. Put the burner tops back on.
7. Every line that you first unplugged should be reconnected.

Water Heater Pilot Light won’t Stay Lit After Replacing Thermocouple?

It’s Dirty in the Gas Tank

1. These are the processes of cleaning the gas chamber.
2. Gas, fluid, and electricity should all be shut off.
3. Remove the gas feed tube as well as the thermocouple connection.
4. You must remove all covering panels to gain access to this pilot.
5. Clean up any debris using a shop vac.
6. Rebuild the chamber’s structure and reattach all required lines.

Are there Specific Maintenance Tasks that Can Help Prevent Pilot Light Problems on Rheem Water Heaters?

The Water Heater Should Be Flushed Every 6 Months

The most crucial thing you are able to do to maintain your hot water heater in top condition is to cleanse it out on a regular basis. According to how frequently the water tank is utilized, this ought to be cleaned at intervals of six to twelve months.

You should Annually Cleanse the Gas Water Heating System

It’s crucial to maintain the area around the combustion chamber, pilot installation, and air inlet of your gas hot water heater cleaned. Your pilot light may go out as a result of dust and debris accumulation in this location.

What are the Signs of a Malfunctioning Gas Valve that May Affect the Rheem Water Heater Pilot Light?

Could the age of the Rheem water heater contribute to the pilot light not staying lit? Prior to replacing the old gasoline line, it is preferable to test the thermocouple. You must use a multimeter while testing the thermocouple directly.

After obtaining the multimeter, simply remove the thermopile wiring from the air valve that controls it. Then, connect the multimeter’s lead with the thermopile’s output.

At this point, hold press the gas controller knob while switching the gas to the pilot. Then continue simultaneously tapping the igniter lever. The output of a working thermopile should range from 650 and 850 millivolts. Repair the thermopile with another one if you can’t get a reading.

How to Clean the Thermocouple on my Rheem Water Heater?

To gently remove any accumulation of debris or dirt from the thermocouple’s conclusion, use Emery cloth abrasive.

If corrosion is present, it should be removed from the area where the power line attaches to the thermocouple connector.

Be advised that in order to completely clean the thermocouple itself, you might have to remove it from the burner unit. Clear the part of any lingering dirt by wiping it with a lint-free cloth. If necessary, attach the thermocouple to the burner component.

The burner installation, which is situated close to the bottom of the drinking water heating tank, is often where the thermocouple is installed. According to the kind of water heater, several actions may be required to access the thermocouple.

How Much does It Cost to Replace a Water Heater Thermocouple?

Replacement thermocouples may cost between $20 and $150. Thermocouples are commonly to blame when the pilot light of a water heater powered by gas goes out.

A gas regulator is activated by the thermocouple, a device that detects if the pilot bulb is lighted. Although a new thermocouple is priced at approximately $20 on a typical basis, repairs normally cost roughly 150 dollars to have done properly.

How To Relight Rheem Water Heater?

• Read the warnings regarding safety.
• The “l.” setting is reached by completely clockwise turning the gas adjustment knob.
• Allow five minutes to allow any accumulation of unburned gas to vent. If you later detect gas, halt and adhere to step “C” in the security instructions. Go to step 4 when you cannot smell gas.
• Achieve the “Õ” position by turning the knob.
• To light the pilot fire, completely depress the lever after thirty seconds have passed and then continually push the ignition button for a maximum of forty seconds while maintaining the knob squeezed.
• When the pilot’s flame appears, continue to push the knob for 20 seconds.
• Check to see if the pilot remains lit after releasing the knob.

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