After installing the new thermocouple, the hot water heater worked and heated the water in the tank. Thereafter, the pilot went out yet again. I contacted the retailer and they warrantied the gas valve but would have to charge me for labor to install. I decided to remove and replace the part myself and learned a few tricks along the way.

1. Turn off the gas supply to the hot water heater
2. Turn off the water supply to the hot water heater
3. Drain the water from the tank
4. Buy pipe dope (yellow) to seal the threads on the gas lines

After turning off the water and gas, disconnect the thermocouple, pilot and gas line to the burner. Also disconnect the main gas line and be sure to smell for any gas leaks. Then proceed to hook a hose up to the drain and empty the tank.

Most utility rooms will have a drain in the floor so route the hose to the drain and it may take 20-30 minutes to completely drain a 50 gallon tank. Be sure after you open the drain to turn on a hot faucet in the house to allow air to enter the system and the water to drain.

Using a pipe wrench, you can grip the top and side to get a grip and twist the existing valve counter clockwise until you can loosen it by hand. The new unit should be read to install and include Teflon tape. Make sure the tank threads are clean and twist the new unit in place.

Reconnect everything and replace the right side of the inner door. Then turn the water line back on, gas line back on and light the pilot. After a couple tries with the piezo ignitor, the pilot lit and so far, it heated up the new water in the tank and is staying lit.

(2 votes, average: 4 out of 5)

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