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You only need the thermocouple replacing. It is the safety valve that won't let the main burner light unless the pilot is fully lit. As it is gas, you should have a gas certified technician replace it.
There may be a draft blowing out the pilot. Place some fiberglass insulation inside the cover for the burner or pull down the insulation from inside the jacket just over the burner opening.
Well, let's start the trouble shooting process with trying to get the pilot lit... Have you removed the cover at the bottom of the heater?-- Can you see an pilot light inside?
If not, Can you try lighting the pilot-- and noticing how the pilot flam heats the little ThermoCouple (TC)? Note: In order for gas to flow thru the main control valve, the pilot light has to be heating the TC-- to generate a voltage, that in turn allows the main gas valve to open. Do you need help in getting the pilot light lit?-- do you understand the need to hold down the start button, until the TC gets heated up?
In my first 15 years as a plumber I never saw a pilot light issue on a gas WH that a new thermocouple didn't fix. Since the government mandated a redesign of the fire box, I've seen three that nothing ever fixed - two Whirlpools and one (my usually ultrareliable) AO Smith - including replacing the entire burner assembly and the regulator. And I've heard of many others.
Check the thermocouple connection for tight. (Don't strip.. threaded soft metals.) Check the microvents on the bottom ? of the burn box for dust, even if it is new. Call Reliant and demand new units until you get one that works. Try another model. Consider a 52gal electric.
I've always recommended gas over electric, and AO Smith and Rheem were my recommendations (and "Reliants" were "lumber yard" water heaters. Sorry.)
Since the mandated redesigns, I don't really have a "proven reliable" model to suggest. I increasingly believe the restricted air flow design is the ultimate culprit, including any changes to the thermocouple/regulator construct to accommodate the restricted air flow design. Just my hunch.
Offered for what its worth. -- plumber in Indiana.
On most water heaters there is no adjustment to pilot light. About the best you can do is clean pilot and burner. If you are having trouble keeping pilot light lit then I would replace the termocouple.
YOUR WATER HEATER HAS WHAT IS CALLED A STANDING PILOT-STAYS LIT ALWAYS WHEN THE PILOT GOES OUT YOU LOOSE EVERYTHING. YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE THERMOCOUPLE WHICH KEEP THE PILOT LIT. ONCE THE PILOT IS LIT THE THERMOCOUPLE SENDS IN MILLIVOLTS TO THE BURNER TO SAY ITS READY FOR BURNING
IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILURE WITH THIS REPLACEMENT PLEASE FIND SOME ONE WHO CAN. IT IS NOT HARD TO DO ASK A NABOR OR FRIENDS SOME HAS TO KNOW HOW. SERVICE COMPANYS ARE OUT FOR THE MONEY FOR A 10 MINUTE JOB
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