Pilot light in water heater won't stay lit

[MuskieJunkie]

Here's what I know, the heater is about 9 years old, I've never had an issue with it in the 7 years I've owned the house, this morning no hot water.

The burner is not coming on. I can get the pilot light lit by holding the bypass button down and pushing the igniter but as soon as I let go of the button the light goes out (after holding the button for 1 minute +). Is there anything you guys know of I can try or replace before I change out the whole heater?

Thanks.

[Dave4760]

There is a pilot light sensor called a thermocouple that sits next to the pilot light. If that thermocouple is bad it will not keep the pilot light lit there for it will not let gas to the burner.

It sounds like the thermocouple is bad.

[grundy]

Sounds to me that your thermcoupler has gone bad. Easy, cheap fix.

[Surface Tension]

I'd suspect the thermocouple.

You could clean the end or just replace it.

[Archerysniper]

There is a pilot light sensor called a thermocouple that sits next to the pilot light. If that thermocouple is bad it will not keep the pilot light lit there for it will not let gas to the burner.

It sounds like the thermocouple is bad.

+1000 try cleaning it with scothbright or fine steel wool

[MuskieJunkie]

Thanks for the help guys, you were right, thermocouple. To anyone who hasn't taken an ice cold shower in January at 6am I wouldn't recommend it.

Frank, I think this is about the 5th time you've helped me out on something.