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Why does my water heater ignite then shut off?

Asked by Anonymous Oct 02, 2026 7 views 1 answers
Wondering Why does my water heater ignite then shut off? Explore possible causes, explanations, and answers.


1 Answers
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Administrator Accepted
Answered Oct 05, 2026
When a water heater burner ignites successfully but shuts off shortly afterward, the root cause is almost always a failing thermocouple or flame sensor that is failing to sustain a stable electrical signal. When the burner fires, drafts or improper combustion can cause the flame to pull away from the safety sensor, cooling it down instantly and tripping the automatic safety valve. Additionally, a restricted flue venting path can cause flue gases to spill back, tripping the thermal rollout switch. Verification: Inspect the pilot and burner flame quality to ensure steady, direct contact with the thermocouple tip.
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