Richmond
Gas Control Valve / Thermostat Failure
Richmond gas tank-type water heater has a lit pilot but main burner will not ignite; water remains cold.
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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
Faulty gas control valve, Thermostat sensor failure, Broken burner orifice, Sediment blocking burner ports
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn gas control knob to OFF before removing burner assembly. Allow the heater to cool.
- Check temperature setting: Ensure the thermostat dial on the gas control is set above the minimum setting.
- Inspect burner assembly: Remove the burner and check for heavy rust, debris, or spider webs in the burner ports. Clean with a soft brush and vacuum.
- Verify gas flow: With the burner removed and gas OFF, inspect the main burner orifice for blockage. Clean with compressed air only.
- Test operation: Reassemble and attempt to fire the burner. If the pilot stays lit but the main burner never opens, the gas control valve is likely defective and should be replaced by a licensed technician.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
Required Part
Gas Control Valve
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