How did I break it?
Question:The other day, I was doing laundry and went to hang something up and I hit the metal cover on the hot water heater over the valve that protects the valve and such. No big deal because that's why they have it there. My gf's uncle came downstairs and tried to force the cover back on. I took a shower later that night and the hot water went out after 5 minutes. I noticed that the gas was turned off yesterday because its a gas heater and the repair people probably turned it off, or he did. I left a note for the uncle and he assumed my gf wrote it. He said I broke it. How on earth did I break it if I only knocked the cover off? I'm pissed off because that's what the damn cap is for: TO PROTECT THE VALVE! What else could be wrong?
Answers:
It's a little difficult to tell exactly what you knocked off. A gas water heater has a Unitrol valve which is the big grey box with a knob to adjust the temperature. This "box" is what the gas hooks up to. There is also a knob on top of the box that should have 3 settings. On, pilot, and off. A few things to check for. Make sure the gas is on at the gas valve. Follow the flex line from the unitrol valve to the gas valve that probably comes out of the wall and make sure that valve is on. then make sure that your pilot is lit. there should be two covers at the bottom of the heater. Remove those covers to make sure you see a pilot flame. The knob on top of the "box" should be in the "On" position if there is a pilot. If no pilot exists then turn the knob on pilot, hold down the red or black button that is beside the knob and light the pilot. Then turn the knob back to the "on" position. the knob on the front of the box should then be turned to warm or just past it. If everything works you should have hot water in about 45 minutes. Hope this helped and good luck
dont know what it could be from your description,
I have not seen a cover to protect the valve(s) on a water heater. The unit is gas so there is a burner in the bottom under the tank. Are you sure you didn't knock off the exhaust duct that takes the fumes out of the house? Thats probably what he is referring to. You cannot use the water heater without the duct in place.
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