Whirlpool Pilot Ignition Failure

Gas Whirlpool water heater pilot will not light or stay lit (no electronic display)

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.

Possible Causes

Clogged pilot orifice, weak thermocouple/thermopile, insufficient combustion air, defective gas control valve

Safety first: Turn gas control to OFF and wait several minutes before relighting attempts.

Steps:

Follow Whirlpool lighting instructions exactly, holding the pilot knob down for the specified time.
If pilot will not light, clean the pilot orifice with compressed air.
If pilot lights but goes out when knob is released, replace the thermocouple/thermopile.
Ensure the combustion air openings around the base are not blocked by dust or storage items.

Note: If a new thermocouple/thermopile does not solve the issue, replace the gas control valve.

Medium 3/5

Thermocouple / Thermopile / Gas Control Valve

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