I bought this water heater ru-vid.comUgkx8G49mV71sAzUl9shXyLW-r3XgHH9EVh1 for use in my bus conversion. I installed it under my kitchen sink and it is fed by a high efficiency on-demand LP water heater. It is both a backup hot water source as well as a water saving device since we have hot water on demand rather than having to wait for the gas on demand water heater to finish its ignition cycle. I decided on this water heater due to the fact that it only draws 1300watts when it's ON instead of the 1500 watts that most Water heaters this size draw. In an RV a couple hundred watts can be a big deal. With very low standby losses, I don't have to worry about excessive power consumption. When propane is not available for our gas water heater, in conjunction with our low flow shower head there is enough hot water available to shower, albeit we won't be taking "hotel showers." Also very happy with the recovery rate of this water heater. Granted, it is quite small, but it does exactly what we need it to do.
This is by far and away one of the most helpful diy videos I've used. I'm incredibly appreciative and so is my family. Easy to follow, simple instructions and how to. Thank you so much. It was a comfort saver in the middle of the night.
Totally agree. Life saver! It solved my water heater issue. I got the same issue and it’s been three days and the part ordered from Rheem will not be here until Monday. I have a newborn at home and can’t wait no more.
Mine just failed after a year and half. My plumber took one look at my Rheem, turned around and went back to the truck and grabbed a new thermostat assembly. He keeps them stocked on the truck because he sees so many of these failed units. He told me that he so over replacing these thermostats. Fortunately it was under warranty and cost me nothing. Thanks for the great video.
I very much appreciate the thorough explanation including how the mechanisms actually work. I have the same problem going on, install date was almost exactly 1.5 years ago.
**update: I filled a complaint with the bbb and just before the 30 day respond window expired, someone from "rhymes with cream" contacted me by email and said they will reimburse me for the labor in both instances. While this is a good gesture on their part, I'm still at the mercy of this part failing again in 1 year. Exact issue. Mine was installed on Jan 11, 2021. Valve went bad one year later. Flash forward, one year from the replacement, the coupler has gone bad again.
Great video. My Richmond I bought from menards doing exactly same thing. Just about a year old as well. Too much safety junk in our lives these days. Bypass the SOB and let it eat. Ha. Even if u buy better quality crap, its all the same junk parts. Thanks again for the video.
This video really truly made my life so much easier and saved money as well. Purchased my Rheem water heater and installed it January 2021, here I am in April 2023 with no HOT water. WOW! Like many others, replaced the thermocouple but issue was not resolved. Called Rheem, agent said it was probably the Gas Control Valve not the thermocouple based on her experience. I thought maybe she was wrong so proceeded to install the thermocouple anyway. It was 11:48pm and I saw this video, I was tired and had to work very early the next morning, I removed the sensor (white wires-emergency shut off) from the top of the thermocouple, put a nail in and made certain contact was made with the top of the thermocouple and I am enjoying HOT water today. Thank you so much for this video!
The hero we didn’t know we needed…bypass worked first time- thank you so much! Rheem being called about warranty but I’ve got warm water in the meantime
Thank you for this information!! No hot water tank for 4 MONTHS. Changed everything on unit pilot igniter, thermocuople assembly. cleaned burner diffuser plate vacuumed inside bottom. Changed main gas line and installed new shut off valve. My ancient one snapped off at top then had to get gas company to shut off my main outside. Wish I had saw your video 4 months ago. Thank God for outdoor propane instant water heater for camping!! Thanks again !!! so relieved I don't need a brand new hot water tank. Again 😃
My 11 month old Rheem went out yesterday! Got ahold of Rheem and they are sending me a new control valve. But in the time being I have been looking for help online just to get the thing lit to take a shower. Did the nail trick and it fired right up! Thanks for taking the time to post and help a lot of us out. I called the plumber that installed the water heater last year and he told me he can't come by for service for over a week, but for $200 he could come out and bypass the system until he could! Thanks again Mudd Flapp!!
Happy to help. Once I made contact with Rheem, they did overnight the new gas control valve. The replacement appears to be identical to the one that failed, the nice lady I spoke with at Rheem did tell me they have upgraded the replacement valves. Time will tell
I just thought I'd just add this for info. I called Rheem this morning and placed an order (6yr warranty on parts) or if I could find the replacement locally (part # verified), they would reimburse me. Ten minutes later my service tech call and said the found the gas valve and would be here before 5pm today Please use your own discretion on this but Rheem told be that because my S/N ended in "RH" I should not execute this temp fix as it would void the warranty. I'm waiting a few more hours for a hot shower, but I'm close to executing the fix. As for my previous question, I've been told (by Rheem) that the replacement gas control valve is engineered to correct the issue and this should not recur. Still don't see how. I'll try to wait for the tech. Good luck all and thanks again Mudd Flapp.
I was also told that Rheem (or their gas valve supplier) have corrected the issue on the replacement valves. I have had several commenters say that they had a similar failure with their replacement. I guess time will tell.
@@MuddFlappRanch My replacement has been working fine so far although it doesn't look like my original (as depicted in the video). the replacement has separate ignition and temperature controls. I did not use the one sent by Rheem but let tech do his thing with his part. He did caution me that while holding the pilot button in during lighting he did get a bit of a shock when his finger brushed the metal cylinder of the water tank. Evidently there is some exposed circuitry while the plunger is engaged. After the fix, I returned the Rheem part without ever opening the package but now having second thoughts. Maybe I should have held on to it, just in case two years down the road, "Guess what"? But the contractor installation and part were no cost to me so I sent it back thinking maybe the next person may need it. I did take pictures of the replacement part if interested. Thanks again for the help.
I called Rheem today to ask about replacement parts. A plumber installed mine 2 years ago. They were willing to sell me a couple hundred dollars worth of parts plus shipping! And said 2-4 time for shipping. They were unwilling to pay for ANY of it! Nada. Said 1 yr. warranty on parts and 3 years on the tank neither of which do me any good. Basically I bought a lemon. Sounds liked planned obscilesense. Water heaters used to last 25 years. And it sounds like more American greed to me, esp. because the price of water heaters has almost doubled since COVID.
The wires are exposed on the side of the safety valve disk - I used a paperclip (held in place by electrical tape) to bypass the faulty safety valve with no need to loosen the therocouple nut.
Perfect! Same water heater, same problem, and fix that works as advertised. Cold showers might have been a necessity in my youth at times, but the old body now prefers the warm water. Thx for keeping my household comfortable until warranty parts arrive in next couple of days.
I have this exact problem. Rheem Water heater is a little over a year old . Haven't tried the connection test yet. But it's doing exactly the same thing as described in this video. The old water heater I had was over 20 years old. In my mind this is ridiculous.
Update: Called Rheem and they're sending me a new gas valve. There's an endemic problem with them. I can change it. I've changed water pumps, head gaskets, etc on cars before. Next time I see a discarded WH on the roadside I think I will take the gas valve. Never know when a spare would come in handy. Most WH's are discarded for leakage.
I have two units. One failed after a year. Second unit just failed. So I knew about this bypass. Problem is that yes the valve can be replaced under warranty but you still have to pay for the plumbers labor cost.
Thanks! The aluminum pop rivet bypass worked to keep the pilot light on. The thermocouple measured 10mv in the closed circuit and now the burner functions until I get a new valve from Rheem under warranty. I tested for continuity across the wires on the over temperature part and it measured less than 1 ohm, so in theory the over temp device is still ok, but the pilot did not work until I did the bypass with the rivet stem. My water heater is only 17 months old.
I have a Rheems that is about 3 years old. It would not stay lit after going out. Before following another video in which a little glass safety feature under the burner is replaced, I removed the thermocoupler but I think the model I have is more recent (has a Honeywell igniter/temp control). The thermocoupler did not have any obvious problem but I wiped it down (even though it looked clean) and put it back in 'snugly' as you suggested. Not sure why, but now it works again. Go figure...but thanks.
2 года назад
Hello friend, good idea. A nice solution to the geyser pilot light problem. Thank you for showing the details. You always do great work. see you later. Stay healthy and happy. Big Greetings.
Called Rheem's 800-number and they sent me a new valve. The new valve's number is SP21195C. It was an easy install. Only downside was having to "throw away" 40 gallons of water.
You are the real MVP 🙏🏻👏🏼 Thank you for this video. I was able to light my water heater. Out of all of the days in the week this has to happen on a Saturday night 😂
I raised my temp to hot and triggered the emergency cutoff. Putting the screw in the thermocouple fixed the problem. I will leave the screw in and never increase the temperature past medium heat
I’ve got a Honeywell unit on a Rheem. Still not sure exactly how it went out, but after three attempts to light the pilot and keep the burner on, it seems I’ve finally got it going and it’s staying on. And I didn’t blow myself to smithereens. 😂 Thank you!
I had this problem, contacted the local plumber and after fiddling around for over 2 hours, he gave up and told me to call the warranty number. Rheem overnighted a new gas control valve and gave me the number for the warranty plumber. Had hot water within 48 hours of calling. Plumber told me that Rheem had to switch manufacturers because of a high failure rate on units made during the pandemic. Mine is a Richmond brand sold at Menards. Turns out Richmond is actually Rheem.
Yes, I think they use Rheem/Ruud/Richmond for the same water heaters, depending on the market. In any case, all three brands are made by Rheem and use the same gas valves.
@@MuddFlappRanch Anybody remember the water heater fiasco Lowes had when the Whirlpool Flame lock units first came out? For a while, you could just walk in a lowes and they would hand you replacement parts after a class action lawsuit. That was 15-20 years ago. It was a mess if you had rentals.
@@ripvanrevs Sounds like a similar deal. I don't really fault Rheem, they seem to be sending out replacement parts with no questions asked. I have heard a few reports that they are covering labor (which they should). Not everyone is comfortable modifying a gas appliance based on some yahoo in a RU-vid video 😂
@@MuddFlappRanch I called Rheem today to ask about replacement parts. A plumber installed mine 2 years ago. They were willing to see me a couple hundred dollars worth of parts plus shipping! And said 2-4 time for shipping. They were unwilling to pay for ANY of it! Nada. Said 1 yr. warranty on parts and 3 years on the tank neither of which do me any good. Basically I bought a lemon. Sounds liked planned obscilesense. Water heaters used to last 25 years. And it sounds like more American greed to me, esp. because the price of water heaters has almost doubled since COVID.
Dealing with this issue as we see this video. Had the Rheem repair man out today and said it was a kinked thermocouple line. No parts on stock, had to order and wait 1 week before repair. Came out and installed pilot/burner assembly and said all good. One day later, no hot water. Attempted to light pilot three times and would go out after releasing. Water heater installed 1 year ago and under warranty. Was going to go and perform this repair but did not want to run the risk of voiding warranty die to "customer" tampering. Will call for repair again in the morning.
Great job Mudd Flapp detailing a temp fix. Having the same issue. Pilot goes out once I release the pilot button. W/H is only two years old. Had tech over two days ago and he indicated the gas valve needed to be replace. He gave no indication that he was aware of over temp sensor issue. Been without hot water for three days now and currently hosting out of town company. Getting frustrated and embarrassed. What I don't understand is if the sensor is inside the tank and all we do with this fix is bypass the sensor 's connectors (understand a temporary fix to get hot water), how does replacing the gas control valve correct the problem? Is it a different design? Read other post on another sight where control valves were replace two and three times on heaters less than two years old.
Happened to my sons 1 1/2 year old Rheem water heater, yesterday. The (new) subdivision plumbing company knew about, and came out. Replaced the valve under warranty (no charge). He says it’s a known problem (not if but when), they carry replacement valves on their trucks. He says they went cheap on the valve.
My thermo couple went out last summer and I had it changed by a friend. Here I am a year later and its going out again but I can still get it to light. Would it make sense to replace it again or just get a new water heater?
Thank you for all the information. We have the exact same issue, one year after installation. Rheem is not easy to get through to either. We were told by a plumber, better to junk current unit and start all over with another brand. Our previous tank lasted 25 years! So maddening.
I have the same issue. And of course it stops working on a Saturday afternoon so this was a life saver! Thank you! 🙏🏻I am keeping the nail in until Monday. Hopefully, our local plumber who installed it 1 year and 7 months ago will have the part.
You covered exactly what has been going on with the Rhemm tank, that is also a 2020 tank now after 1- 1½ yr ago. I'm going to try your suggestion, thanks I'll let you know if it works!
Thanks much! I have had the gas valve replaced twice on our 14 month old Ruud. Started going out again last week. I could relight it everyday until today it wouldn’t stay lit. Last time the tech charged my wife and then told her that if it goes out again they will have to replace the whole exhaust pipe through the house! >$1000. Did your bypass trick and it worked right away.
Yes, Happened on a Friday. about to give up Sunday after i replaced Thermalcouple and still couldn't get Pilot to stay lit. Found this video and yep . thats the same issue here. Able to use a screw and Get it to stay lit. Just finished my Hot shower and the rest of the family is ready for one too. Life saver Video. Mama not happy when the shower was cold. We have a Plumber coming to repair it. guess I did the troubleshooting work for him when he sees the sensor bypassed. lol
Just an FYI it is not safe to bypass the safety valve and in doing so you will void your warranty and then IF something bad does happen it will be on you and not the warranty. IF you having issues call Rheem they will help you.
Thank you for this video! I had the same issue, unit was just 2 years old and the gas valve had to be replaced. The service I called was Griffin out of St. Johns in Florida and they were wonderful. They were able to get the pilot lit so I had hot water for a shower that afternoon but then I had to use your fix (I used tin foil) from the video as the pilot light would not relight that evening. My serviceman, Jim, also called Rheem and had the part delivered, under warranty, in two days and then came out and installed it. I want to mention, they did not charge me for the first visit to light the pilot or make the call to Rheem which I thought was incredible service. Also, the replacement part is now metal and looks to be a much better part than before. Good luck everyone and thanks again for the video!
BROOO THANK YOU!!!!! I have the exact same issue!!! I did the exact same thing!! Now it works!! I’ll still contact rheem! While I was trouble shooting I did hear some “drops” sounded like something was leaking and stopped it. Didn’t wanna risk anything.
@@chel4783 The leak is in internal leak issue and it is extinguishing the pilot light. I had my heater warrantied for that reason a year ago and now I have the pilot light issue.
😢😢😢 Plumber installed my Rheem almost a year ago. He hasn’t returned my call yet, but it’s only been hours. I break everything I touch, but thanks for sharing this info. I can light the pilot on my furnace! And I guess I would’ve had this relit had it not been for a faulty part. Thank you
Thanks for the video mine just went out again it was installed in December of 2013 but the previous owner of the house replace it last year in April it looks like I’m hoping to have to replace it again! I replace the thermocouple thinking that was the problem nope!
Nope. I called Rheem today to ask about replacement parts. A plumber installed mine 2 years ago. They were willing to sell me a couple hundred dollars worth of parts plus shipping! And said 2-4 time for shipping. They were unwilling to pay for ANY of it! Nada. Said 1 yr. warranty on parts and 3 years on the tank neither of which do me any good. Basically I bought a lemon. Sounds liked planned obscilesense. Water heaters used to last 25 years. And it sounds like more American greed to me, esp. because the price of water heaters has almost doubled since COVID.
Question for you Mudd Flapp. When you replaced the control valve did you empty the water heater or no? I have seen some videos where they don't empty it, just wanted your thought about going that route!
I have actually not replaced the valve yet (hopefully tomorrow). I do intend to drain the tank. You "can" do it without draining the tank, but not without a mess. You have to try to put the new valve in with water coming out of the hole. As mine has been installed for a year, it is time to flush it anyway. I can't think of a good reason to try it without draining it, but there probably is a few.
@@MuddFlappRanch I was just hoping to save a couple gallons of water. Ironically I just drained it last week, but better safe than sorry, I will just do it again. Once again...thanks!
You are very welcome. When I finally got to talk with someone, (about 9:00am) they said they would send my request to the warehouse. I figured I would be calling back weeks later, but I got an email that afternoon that it shipped. Arrived the next day.
My pilot wouldn't stay lit, So I removed the ECO sensor and inserted a piece of copper in the gap. Then I reinserted the coupling coil and then low and behold we have action, Pilot stays lit Burners ignited and we have hot water. It even cuts off when hot and self ignites when cold like normal. Thanks
Thank you for this video!! I called three plumbers who all said I needed to replace my water heater ($1400-2200.00) I used the jump (I used a copper wire to replace the solenoid) which I never would have known if not for ur video and the water heater works perfectly!!
called the rheem number on the heater... the tech said they're sending me out a new gas valve as soon as she saw the serial number and my pilot light won't stay on. didn't have to do any troubleshooting. they only are reimbursing $150 in labor since its out of warranty.
I have the exact same water heater, same rough build date. Just went out today. Same exact issue... Oh boy should be fun to deal with this. Luckily 6 year limited warranty as well so I'll see how they will respond. Thanks so much for this video. I at least will get some showers while I figure this out. To add, Mine lasted 1 year 2 weeks. Installed 2 days apart from yours.
Thanks for watching and commenting! I had no issues once I finally got ahold of Rheem. I told the technician my issue and she said she would send the request to the warehouse. I had the part the next evening.
I called the 1800 number on the heater and they answered. They’re sending out a replacement gas valve. They said I should receive it in 4 business days.
Install July 2020. Fail July 2021. Menards replaced tank. New water heater failed August 2022. Took whole assembly off of an extra water heater I had that had a different control valve. Installed and fired right up. Hope this manufacturer is better!! What was interesting is that when I pulled apart the first time thinking it was a thermocouple, the thermocouple had a date on it of 2014. Why would there be a 6 year old thermocouple in a new water heater?
Good video. I had the same problem just before Xmas and took a week to get the replacement from Rheem. They did send me the White-Rodgers valve this time.
Hope it helped. I was finally able to reach the Rheem call center and they overnighted me a new gas control valve. It looks to be the same Sit Group valve that have been such a problem. Time will tell.
Mine worked for two years then quit working. When I relit it wouldn't stay on when the burner is on. I just leave it on pilot and it warms up the water. It is really a big issue. If the weather is very damp it won't stay lit.
Glad it helped! Hopefully you can contact Rheem in a timely manner. It took me multiple tries, but once I talked to the warranty department and told them I had a faulty gas control valve with a bad emergency cut off, then overnighted the new control valve. The trick is actually calling and getting ahold of someone.
THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!! I’m a very independent 57 yr old female that thinks I can do anything with You Tube and thanks to your video I FIXED IT!!! I haven’t been able to find anyone to come out and it’s been 2 weeks without hot water! Hallelujah!
I wish I had found your video first as it explains everything. My water heater cut off for the first time during a big storm so I am not sure if that is what caused it to turn off. My house and water heater are only a year old. I haven't had a chance to try and reignite it yet. I came here to learn how to do so.
@@MuddFlappRanch You had mentioned in the video if Rheem had fixed this problem and Rheem told me that they have. They said during covid they couldn't get the parts from the place they have always gotten them so they used another manufacturer and they are the ones that supplied the faulty parts. They are excellent at quickly sending me a replacement and reimbursing me for the labor cost.
@@awperonline6576 I am fairly certain that the replacement I was sent was manufacturer by SIT Group, which is the same one that made the faulty ones. But I was told that they had upgraded the faulty gas valves. I guess time will tell.
Have this same problem thank you! At least I’ll have hot water in a few hours. Called rheem they are shipping me a new gas valve but I will need to pay someone to install the new valve or do it myself. They did say they would reimburse me up to $175 for the install but who knows how long that could take. Thanks again for the great video
Thank you so much for posting this. Just got home from vacation and noticed my pilot light was out and came across this video as I began troubleshooting. Sure enough - stuck an allen wrench in place of the sensor and we're back in business until Rheem can get us the replacement valve.
Got another issue with this heater though. When I fill the bathtub, then drain it, I get a powder, like sand, in the bottom of the tub. The WH is only 4 years old. Is this the anode rod coming apart? Thanks.
Could be the anode rod, could be sediment in the WH tank. Drain and flush the tank, check the anode rode. Depending on your water conditions, the anode rods need to be replaced periodically.
Hello Sir, I was trying to shut down my water and by mistake switched off the gas connection. This switched my pilot and now not coming back ok.😢 any tips?
Thank you! the temp fix does work I called Rheem and they are overnighting a gas valve. After speaking to my builder this is a huge known issue. Still under warranty so it will be replaced.
I had the same problem and thought it was the pilot light assembly, put a new one in and still pilot light would not stay on so I assumed it was the gas valve but since the tank was 10 years old I trashed it 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️. I think Rheem hot water tanks are junk don’t buy them !!
Amazing video man. Very insightful thank you so much. Was able to get my water heater up and running with this tip. Just out of curiosity, what's the longest duration anyone has gone with the nail replacement working properly?
Glad it helped. I don't have a good answer for the durability of the bypass and for obvious reasons can't recommend its use for other than a troubleshooting step. I can tell you hundreds have reported using the bypass and none have reported any issues.
I have purchased one their water heaters. It is not working I've only had it for one day. This is what I found on the internet after I asked if Rheem was made in China: Answer: Rheem Manufacturing is owned by Paloma, a Japanese water heater manufacturer headquartered in Nagoya, Japan. The North American operation is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and is among the largest American HVAC and water heater manufacturers. I wish I had purchased an American-made water heater.
Let’s just say one was to leave the temporary nail trick for over two years and has had no issues ever since. What is the risk in leaving this long-term?
In theory: If your gas valve failed to shut off once the set water temperature was reached AND your temperature and pressure (T&P) valve was to malfunction AND the water in the tank reached boiling temperature; then the steam created would over pressurize your hot water system until the weakest part of the system ruptured. It could be the tank (not likely) or a pipe or valve anywhere in the hot water plumbing lines. The T&P valve is designed to be the weakest link in the hot water system, which is why codes in most areas require that it is piped to the outside of a residence. It is not impossible that it becomes so clogged and corroded that is is no long the weakest link.
Does anyone know what it’s for? I’m seeing some pretty scary warnings about bypassing the thing. Some people are acting like the very existence of humanity hangs in the balance of my water heater. 😱
The emergency cut off is designed to shut off the gas in the event that the thermostat fails. In theory, the thermostat could fail in such a way that the burner does not shut off, which would result in the water boiling. If this would happen, The T&P valve should open or in a total series of failures, the tank could rupture. The likelihood of all of those failures occurring simultaneously are small, but not zero. Best practice is to use this video as a troubleshooting tool and replace the gas valve assembly as soon as possible. I cannot recommend leaving the water heater unattended with the emergency cut off bypassed.
I just slipped that sensor out and repositioned the thermocouple and it's working for now. My issue began Christmas night. I noticed that the pilot was out, so i lit it and it stayed lit. Problem fixed, or so I thought, but I still looked for reasons that it might have gone out. I passed it off as a fluke until the next morning; it was out again. Lit it again, and it was good for a while. Around lunch, I checked again: out. That night, out again, and the next morning. Lunch time yesterday, it was out, and it wouldn't stay lit. Did some looking and found these Rheem videos, and I didn't have time to do anything with it until this morning.
very similar situation heater about 3 years old now. i replaced the thermocuple and gas valve about a year-1/2 ago . at my expense and now its doing a similar malfunction. it will re light enough to re-heat a couple of times but then pilot will go out again and have to be re-lit. i replaced the thermocuple a 2nd time (third one total) and it s the same . will relight but then goes out within a day or 2 , and have to be re lit.. one u-tuber suggests just removing the sensor "clip" and then threading the thermo-couple lead further into the gas valve . that didnt work. had to re-install the sensor "clip" to make the connection . then it would re light and work for a coup[e days again. didnt want to change out the gas valve again , but maybe i'll contact rheem to see if i can get one through them. havent tried jumping the sensor leads because it will work for a bit and then have to be re-lit.
I have a Honeywell gas valve, same problem different gas valve, I believe the problem is the heat sensor, which senses if too hot, shuts off the thermacoupler, thus pilot light keeps going out.. supposed safety thing.. the dreaded red blinking light on Honeywell gas valve. I believe you mentioned it as the emergency cut off, different gas valve-different wiring setup. Water heater worked fine for a couple years, going in today to clean the dirty burner to see if helps, Rheem heat sensors out of stock.. thx for posting this video.
Thanks for the video. I was at my wits end. I have less than 2-year-old Richmond, the same issue. How long can I use this trick until I get a replacement? Also, what is that safety shut off for?
The purpose of the emergency cut off is to shut off the gas flow in the event the thermostat fails and allows the heater to overheat. This video shows a troubleshooting technique and I do not recommend operating with the safety bypassed.
@Mudd Flapp yeah I understand. I reached out to them and they acknowledged the issue. Under warranty they're sending me a new part and cover some labor cost. Thanks for the video it helped me a lot.
That stupid sensor/circuit breaker thing is my problem. I removed it and I tightened the fitting on the thermo couple as much as I could and I wedged a wooden block under the thermocouple near the floor to push up and the pilot light works and I'm now heating water. I tried to put a short piece of copper wire into the gap but it wasn't making contact for some reason. I wasn't a fan of using an aluminum pop rivet - it felt like to many different metals. After I get the 40 gallon tank heated, I'll try again with the piece of copper wire. A new gas valve is being shipped by Rheem so I hope that I don't have this make-shift set up for more than a few days.
