Hot water tank

drumstick

I have a regular hot water tank. I had the thermocouple and burner assembly cleaned. I notice that the pilot light stays lit as it should after the correct temp is achieved, but in the middle of the burner where the gas comes out there seems to be a little flame that stays lit as well. Is this correct? Thanks anyone.

AllanJ

Can you extinguish the pilot light without directing a blast of air from your mouth into the heater which might extinguish the other flame in the middle without proving anything?

For example can you reach in with a thin strip of metal and cover the nozzle that feeds gas to the pilot light,

Then if the other flame goes out of its own accord you know that it is being fed by the pilot mechanism and I do not think it is anything to worry about.

One purpose of the pilot light at the thermocouple is to keep the thermocouple hot which in turn keeps the trickle of gas going to the pilot light. A second pilot light in the middle of the burner cascading from the first pilot light may be what actually starts the burner.

On the other hand, the other flame could be from gas seeping past the main valve which would be considered a malfunction. If it gets bigger as the months go by, that could be a sign that the gas valve and control is deteriorating.

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NHMaster

The pilot line is totally separate from the main gas burner line. The fire should go completely out at the main burner in the off cycle. If it's still burning, the gas valve is not only bad but dangerous as well. Shut the gas valve off now and call the gas company.

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drumstick

NHmaster

I blew out the pilot light but the smaller flame stayed on in the middle of the burner. Shouldn't the thermocouple have shut off the main burner which should have closed the burner off?

drumstick

masteNHr

I blew out the pilot light but the smaller flame stayed on in the middle of the burner. Shouldn't the thermocouple have shut off the main burner which should have closed the burner off?

beenthere

Yes it should have gone out. Shouldn't have been there in the first place.
Your control is bad, and needs replaced.

drumstick

Thanks fellows. I guess time for a new gas valve.