Replace water heater valve?

[David Morgan]

Can someone give me detailed instructions to remove and replace an older unitrol gas valve on a pilot light gas water heater? I think it's an old suburban or at wood.

Thank you!!!!!

[mszabo]

That's an expensive part to replace. What problems are you having?
May be something else less costly.

[David Morgan]

Originally Posted by mszabo

That's an expensive part to replace. What problems are you having?
May be something else less costly.

When it shuts off it still leaks gas out of the orifice and then there is a small unstable fire right at the jet orifice and when it re-opens I have a pretty large fire ball before the fire eventually moves back to the end of the mixing tube. Also the nobs are very stiff. It's a 1969 vintage so I was quite happy it works this good. I have no problem buying a 75$ valve and new pilot jet and thermo couple. It's worth it. I just have no idea how to pull the valve out... Does it unscrew with the thermostat connected on the back?

[Perry J]

If you make a mistake and have a leak it could be life threatening.
Unless you're very handy or mechanically inclined it's sometimes better to pay the money and let a pro do the job.

[David Morgan]

Originally Posted by Perry J

If you make a mistake and have a leak it could be life threatening.
Unless you're very handy or mechanically inclined it's sometimes better to pay the money and let a pro do the job.

I assume you mean a LPG leak? I am quite comfortable with fittings and gas lines, I have several leak detection systems that I am well trained in the use of.

All I am asking is how to remove the valve. I have replaced several water heaters, but I have never replaced just the valve. I believe it just unscrews but I want to make sure of this before I go wrenching on it!

[David Morgan]

My local service center showed me that it simply un-screws with a little bit of muscle required. They have a used unit for $30

Moving on.