Why would a water heater pilot light continuously go out?

[Grateful for Hope]

I live in a manufactured home, and, I was told that the hot water pilot light tends to go out in these homes more often than in other homes.

However, lately, the pilot light has needed to be relit every two or three days. I am wondering what could be the cause of this.

The water heater is fairly new (it passed inspection with flying colors about eight months ago).

Any help here would be greatly appreciated!

[NMDemDist2]

1. i'm assuming it's gas?

is it in an outside 'closet'?

I have an electric HWH so I can't help much :shrug:

[Grateful for Hope]

2. Oops, yes, it is gas

It is located in the master bedroom closet, within a wall between the laundry room and the closet.

BTW, I am sending positive vibes for Mr. Ketchup.

:)

[NMDemDist2]

3. LOL thanks Hope

I don't like the sound of that at all.

Is the closet vented? maybe it's burning up all the air in the closet and going out? it would be a cheap test to crack the door a bit and see if it clears up the problem, if it works you can get a vent thing for the door

we have one on our bedroom door, it's about 18" x 4"

[Grateful for Hope]

5. This is a good suggestion, AZ

No, the closet is not vented, and, the water heater is behind a panel that is not vented. I am thinking that maybe I can leave the panel off and see what happens.

Thank you very much for this suggestion!

[Whoa_Nelly]

4. Read here for info

Scroll down for residential troubleshooting

http://www.plumbingsupply.com/troubleshootingwaterheaters.html

[Grateful for Hope]

6. Thank you!

Am going to look over the info now.

[Whoa_Nelly]

7. Hope that the info helps

And also hope that if you detect the source of the problem that you call a pro to fix it. :hi:

[Grateful for Hope]

8. I am going to call plumber

I don't know enough about water heaters (I know absolutely nothing, actually) to trouble-shoot. I could be a number of things, and, I don't want to take any chances.

I very much appreciate the info you sent me. At least there can be solutions that sound relatively simple.

Thanks again!

[Kingshakabobo]

9. That website also has a forum.........

Professional plumbers hang out there. They are pretty good about answering questions.

http://www.plbg.com/forum/list.php?1


That said, calling a pro is probably a good idea when gas is involved.

[Grateful for Hope]

10. Thank you for the tip

I will definitely check it out.

[DawgHouse]

11. Sounds like it's the thermocouple.

A new one will cost less than ten dollars. DH has replaced these on several gas water heaters.

http://www.rd.com/content/openContent.do?contentId=10816