Water Heater won't stay lit - Here's why

In this comprehensive video, join us as we delve into the intricacies of gas valve assemblies. We'll guide you through diagnosing common issues like determining whether you need a new thermocouple or a control valve replacement. Say goodbye to the guesswork as we equip you with the knowledge to tackle water heater problems like a pro.
Unfortunately, many plumbers resort to trial and error, swapping parts until something works without truly understanding the root cause. But not you! Learn how to wield a multimeter like a seasoned professional, measuring minuscule voltages to pinpoint issues accurately.
From Series 100 to 400 control valves, we dissect each type, demonstrating how to test for optimal performance. Follow along as we demonstrate on a rudimentary stand, shedding light on every component and its role in ensuring your water heater operates safely and efficiently.
Discover the importance of a clean temperature probe and how scale buildup can affect performance. We even take a humorous detour, cooking hot dogs on a water heater burner (don't try this at home!).
Whether you're a seasoned plumber or a curious homeowner, this video provides invaluable insights into gas valve diagnostics. Elevate your plumbing expertise and impress your customers with your newfound knowledge. Watch now and revolutionize your approach to water heater maintenance!
If you have any questions or insights, don't hesitate to drop a comment below. We're here to help you navigate the complexities of plumbing and heating systems. Stay tuned for more professional tips and tricks from our channel. Until next time, happy plumbing!

[@anonymousbaros4424]

Great video man. I've definitely come across more bad control valves because of overheating on the old style. Then the black plastic would crack and let in a minute amount of water and ruin the temp probe but the Thermopile countdown is the problem I've come across 5 and no one believes it unless I show the video readings of the Thermopile reaching normal voltage and countdown like a clock downward losing voltage and shutting the valve down. Anyhow man y'all keep it up!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Ironically, the Honeywell valves with a bare plastic tip are box store water heaters. The professional grade water heaters have a control valve with a metal cover on that plastic tip to prevent the failures you just described.

[@dogman8436]

@@SmedleyPlumbing Thanks for your informative video. You certainly know more than me, but I think the plastic vs metal covered probe is a question of the Honeywell design generation because I installed a Bradford White heater in my own house in 2015. It had a 300 series Honeywell black plastic covered temp probe which failed in 3 years because it would keep setting a “replace valve” code which I overcame repeatedly with the battery jumper trick. I got a metal covered probe complete valve from Amazon which is all working fine today with no resetting ever needed. There were a LOT of online complaints over that plastic covered probe type valve failing early on different brand heaters. Some Honeywell engineer must have figured out the problem with the first design.

[@djcip1]

Very concise informative video, thank you!

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

You're very welcome!

[@jamesrecknor6752]

This channel is fantastic

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks!

[@LTVoyager]

A thermopile is just several thermocouples in series. The voltages add together just as when you connect several batteries in series.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Yep. It's basically one giant thermocouple.

[@Barracuda48082]

Thermo pile generators and old 1950 gravity gas furnaces go together. !! I dismantled an obsolete 'match book' style powerpile and I found TEN mini thermocoupler heads inside !! Thanks for the extra tips on these troublesome tank controls..the first versions of the honeywell 400 series had no real diagnostics. I've had these fail under less than 4 years..another issue on most all burner assemblies is the flame guide ring fractures and allows flame flutter near thermal cutoff.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@@Barracuda48082 yep!

[@samabdelhadi3037]

Could you please do a video on all the hand tools and power tools plumbers use.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Here ya go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3qqdJtobLFroM0

[@ChrisWard64658]

Very cool thanks for sharing.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks for watching!

[@sunnyditta4810]

Thank you

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

You're welcome

[@LTVoyager]

Nice job. Now if we can just get young people interested in working in the trades, or working at all…

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

We're doing what we can but making the path to learning easier with these videos.

[@CommercialGasEngineerVideos]

Well done

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thank you!

[@waldoalfonso2002]

good job, thanks

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thanks for watching!

[@DavidRusniak-u3k]

Have a Bradford White unit. New gas valve and thermocouple and every time the heating cycle goes through and the burner kicks off, it then causes pilot to kick out. What could the cause be?

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Probably a dirty air inlet screen or a clogged/collapsed flue tube. Sounds like it's starving for air and getting too hot.

[@royrivas5008]

Very nice video, thank you very much. I will like to know if you have any E-mail to make you a question abuot my house water pressure.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Ask on here. We answer quickly.

[@rayvelasco2059]

Most Excellent ¿

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Thank you!

[@johncummings260]

My water heater is upstairs and in a tray. I can't get under it to clean it. Is there another way to clean the screen underneath. My heater goes out all the time and I got to push that reset back in everytime. It is a gas heater with the series 300-400

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

If the tray is metal, you can bend the edge down and then bend it back when your done.

[@johncummings260]

It's a big plastic bowl pretty much. Black in color. It's pretty deep.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

@johncummings260 you can probably use a flexible brush to get under there

[@sunnyditta4810]

Wow

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Good info!

[@anonymousbaros4424]

Hey you didn't cover the best of all safety devices. The Peanut Vile 😅

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

Lol. It's a solid design but the Rheem and Ruud units also use a series 100 control valve. If the TRD pops, that's no bueno.

[@billmagouirk]

So basically skip everything he talked about and just replace the thermocouple first if it doesn't fix it then replace the controle valve as well since he recommends replacing both if you have to replace the controle valve

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

But learn why it failed and how they work. Parts changers are not plumbers.

[@theabristlebroom4378]

Great info, excellent presentation, horrible background "music" and bad video. 3/10. Try again.

[@SmedleyPlumbing]

We'll make sure to get your input for the next one.