Hot water tank question...Help please

[Lisa L from MI]

My water heater tank thingie is old...I know we probably need a new one.....but here is my problem...

The pilot light always has to be lit. I can do it no problem. I had to do it earlier today and it worked just fine.

I just went down now for the laundry...and for some reason decided to check the water heater. And it was out again. I went to light it the same as always...the pilot lights but when I turn it on the burner thing will not ignite...


Does this mean it finally died for good????

Any suggestions.......

Thanks!!
Lisa

PS...now I am going to have to ask a friend if I can come use their shower in the morning....

 

[JasonLyons]

asking a friend to use there shower means your "open" to bring the relationship to another level

 

[Lisa L from MI]

LOL!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

What you are describing is a failed thermocoupling, a fairly simple replacement.

 

[RNMOM]

Yeah, like Dan said!

{Like I would know }

 

[Lisa L from MI]

I did some searching last night and ran across a site that said if your burner doesn't ignite.....to run hot water from a tap for a few minutes...and it worked!!!!!

I know this is a temporary fix...I know we need a new one considering ours is from 1957!!

There goes even more money out of our tax refund....I swear, when you get a little money from something.....expenses suddenly arise!!! I hate that!!!

Thanks for the suggestion Dan....maybe I will check that out before going to buy new.....

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by Lisa L from MI
.......I know we need a new one considering ours is from 1957!!.....

1957???? If you get more than 15 years on a hot water heater, that is good. http://www.realgoods.com/renew/shop/list.cfm?dp=2200&sd=2202 We have had 3 I think, since '71. Hope you get it taken care of, Lisa.

 

[dandave]

1957?? Wow. That's pretty impressive. The new ones are so much more energy efficient, that the savings will probably add up before too long.

 

[BarbN.]

DH and I have learned,never mention tax refund in front of major appliances, vehicles, or children.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

Barb!! LOL!!! I know what you mean....our suburban is acting up too...my DH says he thinks it is the front end and we may need new brakes too!!!!