As a follow-up to a previous review on June 24, 2018, Jeff S. from Mission Plumbing & Heating came to look at our hot water heater again as it seem to have an intermittent problem that was causing the pilot light to go out (most would think this is a simple fix). Jeff replaced the thermopile unit (State Water Heater's term for the thermocouple unit) under warranty. This did not resolve the problem, although State Water Heater customer service had indicated to me that is what should be checked based on the trouble lights displayed on the gas valve unit. Jeff performed diagnostic work after replacing the thermopile unit and determined that when the unit was plugged into the gas valve unit (as it should be) there was a very noticeable drop in voltage generated by the thermocouple. The voltage was within spec when not connected to the gas valve unit. With more diagnostic work it was determined that the gas valve was draining the voltage and therefore not allowing the pilot light to stay lit. The diagnostic work Jeff performed was the part of solving the problem. Not sure that technical support from State Hot Water heaters would have had the same diagnostic suggestion(s) that eventually solved the problem. Jeff replaced the gas valve unit and the hot water heater pilot light stayed lit and the unit worked great. Nice to have a technician such as Jeff who brings a lot of common sense and professionalism to the job. By the way, this work was done after 5:00 pm, and Jeff had already put in a full day's work prior to coming out to work on our hot water heater.
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