Hot Water Help

After that long, what are the chances of getting the old one off? I assume that it threads into the tank. Is there a place to use a wrench?

Pilot flame lights off with re-ignitor and stays lit?????

Then when you turn control knob to 'ON' position main flame will not light?

First thing......is pilot flame engulfing the tip of thermocouple?
Thermocouple has to get hot in order to generate milivolt signal which holds magnet inside gas control so propane can flow.
If not getting hot enough no gas can flow.
Bad thermocouple, dirty thermocouple, loose connection between thermocouple and gas control (should be finger tight then 1/4 turn) can cause lack of main flame.

Dirty burner tube, plugged main orifice can disrupt propane flow. Orifice should be cleaned by soaking in alcohol and then blow out with compressed air........it is a metered orifice and you should not be sticking metal objects thru it to clean.

And last.........gas control could be defective

That is if LP Regulator is supplying 11" WC of propane pressure


Does main flame light at all?



ON Edit:

Just read your post.
Having to tap on gas control means it is time for a new gas control.
They are not 'serviceable'
It is sticking closed which means it can stick open.
After 15 yrs. you have gotten good service....get a new gas control

I tried cleaning the orifice, and no nhelp, so out of frustration, I tapped on the valve and it lit. Something must have been stuck. I let it burn a few minutes, shut it off, tried to restart it and had to tap it again. I wonder if removing it and cleaning would help? I am a bit hesitantto do so because the heater is 15 years old and you know what might happen. Any thoughts?

What model year WH?

I guess that the water heater is cold, and not already heated by the electric element? Once the electric element gets it up to 140, then the gas will not run at all.

IS there any flame being produced other than the pilot?

Perhaps the small oriface between the gas valve and the end of the burner tube is plugged. You can use a paperclip to clean it out. Spiders tend to make a web right there. You might have to remove the pipe, or sometimes can wiggle the paperclip into the end of the tube (the fire end) without removing it. Usually it is only held in place with 2 screws, so quick to remove and put back once clean.

Fred.