My American Water Heater thermal couple goes bad

by Kim Manuel
(El Paso, TX)

I have American water heater since 2004 when it was installed in the new home. Since that time I have had to replace the thermal couple four times.

The product was designed with the air intake at the bottom of the tank covered by a mesh screen that get dirty often. It is nearly impossible to clean as there is only a about a six inch space. Every time this part has gone bad I either have to go three days without hot water or pay a plumber to replace the part.

Day one: call the customer service line. Explain that the pilot light has gone out and either will not relight or will not stay lit. Agent says that the gas line is to blame and to call the gas company. Call gas company and schedule service.

Day two: Gas company confirms that the line is not the problem. Call customer service. Agent requires a voltmeter to test thermal couple. When shown that thermal couple is the problem agent offers to send new part out next day.

Day three: Replace part.
If you skip these steps and have a plumber replace the part American Water Heaters will only refund the price of the part and only if the plumber test the unit with a voltmeter.

The fact that replacing the part fired the heater is not proof enough. I will be buying a new water heater as soon as I can afford it. I have paid almost as much in repairs as this water heater now costs.