Before and after
What the customer called about
A rental home in Collinsville had a gas water heater that wouldn't stay lit. The tenant called, and we checked with the landlord before coming out.
What our plumber found
Our crew tested the water heater and found the gas control valve was faulty. The valve was still under its own warranty. While we were there, we also noted that the temperature and pressure relief valve wasn't working, the hot and cold supply nipples on top of the tank were corroded, and there was sediment buildup from hard water.
When a water heater isn't heating, Michael's process is the same every time: "we'll get out our tester and we'll start testing the gas control valve, and if we need to, we'll call tech support, 'cause a lot of times the water heater's under warranty."
How we fixed it
The supplier required the old valve back first, so we drained the water heater down and disconnected the burner assembly to remove the gas control valve, picked up the replacement, installed it, reconnected the burner and tested for function and leaks. The burner assembly was replaced as well.
Valve and burner assembly together
In the tech's note: "talked with Michael about it, he said every time we change the gas control valve to change the assembly as well." That's our rule now. When we replace a gas control valve, the burner assembly goes in with it.
What this means for your home
- A heater that won't stay lit is usually the pilot, thermocouple or gas control valve.
- Ask whether your part is under warranty. A lot of times it is.
- Corroded nipples, a failed relief valve and heavy sediment are signs a tank is getting close to replacement. Plan on replacing around 10 to 15 years, sooner with heavy rust at the top fittings or in the combustion chamber.
- Hard water leaves sediment in a tank, so a yearly flush is worth it.
When a tank shows corrosion and sediment like this one, we will also tell you honestly when it is getting close to replacement.
More about this service · Plumber in Collinsville · How our pricing works · All job stories
Straight Answers
What causes a gas water heater to not stay lit?
On this job it was a faulty gas control valve. We test the gas control valve when a water heater isn't heating.
Is a gas control valve covered by warranty?
Often. On this job the gas control valve was still under its own warranty, so the part was covered.
Do you replace the burner assembly with the gas control valve?
Yes. Our practice now is to change the burner assembly every time we change a gas control valve.
Is my old tank close to replacement?
Corrosion, a failed relief valve and sediment are signs to talk about it.
