Hot water heater help

[rosh]

Just got home from work, wife says there is no hot water and tank isn't on. Go down and go through the steps. Can't get it to ignite, don't even see a spark. The tank will be 5 in June. Anyone have any ideas or know someone in Calgary who won't charge a arm and leg? Thanx in advance

[sanjuanworm]

Sounds like you need a thermocouple. 10 bucks at Home Depot. Easy to replace.

[bubba 96]

Originally Posted by rosh

Just got home from work, wife says there is no hot water and tank isn't on. Go down and go through the steps. Can't get it to ignite, don't even see a spark. The tank will be 5 in June. Anyone have any ideas or know someone in Calgary who won't charge a arm and leg? Thanx in advance

CaberTosser is your guy, very knowledgable and reasonable..

[CaberTosser]

I responded to the OP's PM but will comment for the masses. Newer heaters can have powerpiles rather than thermocouples, and this is just referring to the conventional units rather than power-vented tanks which have an ignition system. the old "it's just the thermocouple" is less and less the case, especially when so few tanks actually have them anymore. I've had the occasional one where the powerpile was producing power just fine but problem was that the pilot flame was not impinging on it correctly.

[rosh]

Thanx all! And thanx caber tosser for responding.

[rosh]

Well thanx to caber, hit the nail on the head first shot. Much appreciated

[FishingMOM]

Please guys if your asking for help with a furnace, or water heater post the model number that helps someone like Caber or myself or any other technician help you.
If you post the serial number we even know how old it is.
OR PM it to CABER

I can run the parts list really quickly.

[Grizzly Adams]

Originally Posted by CaberTosser

I responded to the OP's PM but will comment for the masses. Newer heaters can have powerpiles rather than thermocouples, and this is just referring to the conventional units rather than power-vented tanks which have an ignition system. the old "it's just the thermocouple" is less and less the case, especially when so few tanks actually have them anymore. I've had the occasional one where the powerpile was producing power just fine but problem was that the pilot flame was not impinging on it correctly.

Just another case of New, Improved, being better. Rather than the quick old fix anyone could do, you gotta get a specialist.

Grizz

[CaberTosser]

Originally Posted by Grizzly Adams

Just another case of New, Improved, being better. Rather than the quick old fix anyone could do, you gotta get a specialist.

Grizz

You can thank the lawyers for the upgrade to flashback arrestors and other safety limit controls. It sure has not made them more affordable. I can recall supplying and installing 40US gallon heaters for half of my current wholesale purchase-only price on them.

Regarding the flashback arrestors, safety is a good thing there as when flammable vapors near a tank get ignited it isn't always the guilty party who gets burned...... There was often a bit of Darwin effect to that but the innocent parties need not suffer too.

[FishingMOM]

Back to our comments before... If you have an old one and can afford to put one aside for future use do it!
Otherwise you will be cursed with new technology you will hate!