Richmond
Pilot Ignition / Thermocouple Failure
No hot water at any fixture; Richmond gas tank-type water heater pilot will not light or stay lit.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Failed thermocouple, Dirty pilot orifice, Weak pilot flame, Faulty gas control valve
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn gas control knob to OFF and wait at least 5 minutes to clear any accumulated gas. If you smell gas continuously, leave the area and call your gas supplier.
- Inspect pilot flame: Remove the burner access cover and observe the pilot while attempting to light it per the lighting instructions. The flame should be blue and envelop the thermocouple tip.
- Clean pilot orifice: Turn gas OFF. Remove the pilot tube from the gas control and gently clean the orifice with compressed air. Do not enlarge the opening with tools.
- Replace thermocouple: If the pilot lights but goes out when you release the control knob, replace the thermocouple with a Richmond-compatible unit. Route the new thermocouple exactly as the old one and tighten connections snugly.
- Test gas control valve: If a new thermocouple does not solve the issue, the gas control valve may be defective and should be replaced by a qualified technician.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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