what causes the pilot light to go out on a boiler

Why the Boiler Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

Full Answer

Why does my boiler light keep going out?

Below is a list of reasons why this may be happening to your boiler. Your pilot light may be going out because it is simply dirty and filled with soot. Soot usually collects on the thermocouple. To restore the dirty thermocouple and pilot, take out a rag and a little warm soapy water and give it a good clean.

Why does my water heater pilot light keep going out?

7 Reasons Your Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out 1. An Unclean Pilot Tube It’s a common problem with almost all water heaters. Don’t worry, there is nothing wrong with... 2. A Dirty Thermocouple The thermocouple is the brain of your water heater. It’s responsible for closing the gas valve... ...

Can a pilot light go out on a gas boiler?

Owners of older boiler models may be familiar with pilot lights, but this doesn’t stop a number of issues arising which result in a boiler pilot going out. When it comes to flames, gas boilers and how to ignite a pilot light, you can never be too cautious.

What causes the pilot light to go out on a generator?

Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.

What do you do when the pilot light goes out on a gas boiler?

If the pilot light has gone out, you'll need to reset it following your manufacturer's instructions. Newer boilers will have an ignitor, whereas an older boiler pilot light may require you to light a match for ignition. If you still can't light your boiler, there could be debris blocking the jet.

Is a boiler safe if the pilot light goes out?

A boiler with a faulty pilot light can be very dangerous as the boiler may continue to release gas into your home when the flame is extinguished, putting you at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

How do I get the pilot light back on my boiler?

Relight the pilot light. Turn the knob to “Pilot,” and let gas to flow to the pilot. Light a lighter or match, then push in the reset button. Hold your flame to the pilot light's opening. Keep the reset switch depressed until the pilot light is burning steadily.

Why won't my pilot stay lit on my boiler?

If it's not staying lit though, then you're probably dealing with a thermocouple issue. The thermocouple of a boiler system is a long metal wire that acts as a heat sensor for the pilot light. One end of this wire is installed near the flame to be heated by it, and the other end is connected to the gas valve.

Do I need to turn gas off if pilot light goes out?

These important safety tips can be followed in both our workplaces and homes: If the pilot light of an appliance goes out, turn off the gas at the appliance for several minutes before attempting to re-light it. Instructions should be attached to the appliance.

How do I stop my pilot light going out?

Dirty Thermocouple If it's filthy shut your gas off so that the unit can cool down, then gently clean it by carefully rubbing it with fine grain sandpaper. When you're done, simply turn the gas back on and light the pilot again. If dirt or grime was the issue, your light shouldn't go out again!

What do you do when your boiler flame goes out?

If they are out, turn their gas control valves off too. Wait for the gas fumes to dissipate; this can take between 5-10 minutes. Once you are sure the gas has gone, remove the cover or open the door to the furnace or appliance. Locate the pilot light – you may need to use a torch for this.

Why is boiler not firing up?

If your boiler does not have enough pressure, it will be unable to fire up. Check the water pressure gauge on your boiler; this should be set around 1-2. All boilers lose pressure over time, but a sudden drop indicates that the system has a leak or that the radiators need bleeding.

Should boiler pilot light be on all the time?

The pilot light must always stay on or gas will easily escape. If the pilot light keeps turning off, then your boiler is not working. Older combi boilers may sometimes have pilot lights that flicker off, but can be restarted easily.

How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?

If you can't get the flame to light at all, and you're sure the gas is on, there's probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that's the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a boiler?

In cleaning a thermocouple, you need some steel wool or 60-grit sandpaper, and a cloth. First, turn off the gas supply, unscrew the thermocouple and then clean it with steel wool or sandpaper then wipe down with a cloth to remove residue. I clean our thermocouple every six months to avoid getting it coated with soot.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?

Thermocouple – $20 to $150 The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.

Should the pilot light always be on in a boiler?

When heat is required, the pilot light will inflame that gas and send it to the burners. The pilot light must always stay on or gas will easily escape. If the pilot light keeps turning off, then your boiler is not working.

How do I know if my boiler pilot light is out?

The most obvious sign of the failure of a pilot light will be a lack of hot water or warm air since the burner assembly can't light and do its job of heating these substances. In many systems, a broken pilot light will prevent the appliance from working at all.

Why is boiler not firing up?

If your boiler does not have enough pressure, it will be unable to fire up. Check the water pressure gauge on your boiler; this should be set around 1-2. All boilers lose pressure over time, but a sudden drop indicates that the system has a leak or that the radiators need bleeding.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?

Thermocouple – $20 to $150 The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.

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Why does my boiler light go out?

Alternatively, a draft could be causing the light to go out. If you think a draft is causing the issue you will need a Gas Safe Engineer to check how your boiler has been installed as they should not be exposed to drafts.

How do you relight the pilot light on a boiler?

If your boiler hasn’t got any clear instructions in the manual or on the appliance itself, try the following steps:

What do you do if the pilot light goes out?

First things first, ensure you turn your gas control valve is turned to ‘off,’ not ‘on’ or ‘pilot’ this will prevent the gas building up and becoming dangerous if anything more serious is wrong .

How can you tell if your pilot light is out?

On most modern models, the ignition is electric, so you may not have a pilot light at all!

Why does my pilot light keep going out?

If you find yourself regularly relighting the pilot light on your gas boiler, you may need to look into other causes .

How to reset a boiler pilot light?

How do you relight the pilot light on a boiler? 1 Turn the gas to ‘pilot.’ 2 Press and hold the reset switch for one minute and hold a flame to the pilot light at the same time. Ensure you only hold the switch down once the pilot light has ignited, to reduce the chances of any gas accumulating again. When you release the button, the flame should stay. If it goes out again, the re-ignition has not worked. 3 If all is working as expected, return any casing/doors and turn the gas from ‘pilot’ to ‘on.’

Why not relight a pilot light?

Do not attempt to relight a pilot light if there are devices that could cause sparks such as mobile phones or other electrics.

Why does my boiler pilot light go off?

This usually happens when your gas grid receives a lesser supply than the usual. Your boiler is sensitive to gas peaks. The slightest irregularity can enable your boiler pilot lights to go off unexpectedly. This happens in the winter months, where everyone uses their boiler to keep themselves warm inside their homes.

Why does my pilot light keep going off?

The thermocouple usually fails because it is either dirty, broken, or not lined up correctly. If your thermocouple is filled with soot, it would undoubtedly impact the overall performance of your boiler. Thus, your pilot light keeps on going off.

Why does my pilot light go off at night?

This is usually caused by a leak that can be found at the output duct of your boiler. Making an ample entrance where the wind enters and knocks the light out of your pilot light.

Can you fix a thermocouple?

You can contact a professional to fix your thermocouple problems if you are not confident doing it yourself. Consulting a professional who can fix it as soon as possible helps you save your house and your life from further disasters caused by faulty thermocouples.

Why won't my pilot light stay lit?

If your pilot light won’t stay lit, the thermocouple is very likely the culprit.

Why does my pilot light relight after going out?

If your pilot light re-lights easily after going out overnight, it’s possible it was blown out by a draft. This can happen on excessively windy days or nights. A leak in the output duct of the furnace could cause air to blow into the area. Keep every intake air register in your home open and clear to avoid a “vacuum” effect in the inlet.

What color is the pilot light?

If you can manage to get the pilot light lit for just a moment, inspect the flame. The pilot light is supposed to be a strong blue cone, not a weak yellow flame. A weaker flame won’t envelop the thermocouple properly. The pilot orifice may be full of dirt.

What is a flame sensor?

Sometimes it's referred to as the "flame sensor.". It's a safety mechanism that shuts the gas off should the pilot go out. If the thermocouple fails to shut off the gas, all the gas flowing through the furnace could get into your home. The thermocouple safeguards against a catastrophic buildup of gas.

What happens if the pilot light isn't lined up correctly?

If the thermocouple isn't lined up correctly, it won't read the flame, and will shut the valve for the gas.

Where is the thermocouple on a pilot?

No matter the pilot configuration, the thermocouple will be near the burners—look for a removable metal rod nearby. Locate the copper rod near the burners. This is the thermocouple. If you look very closely, you'll find the thermocouple tucked in behind the burners.

What happens if you have a bad gas regulator?

3) Bad Gas Regulator. A bad regulator in your natural gas meter outside your home will affect all of the gas appliances in your home, including your furnace, dryer, stove, etc. Your furnace may not be getting enough gas to keep the pilot lit.

How To Re-Light A Furnace Pilot Light ?

First and foremost, it is important to find the manual for your furnace. The manual will give you a better understanding of the inner workings of your specific furnace.

How Do I Re-Light My Gas Water Heater Pilot Light?

Find your water heater manual to get a better understanding where each part of your water heater is located .

How Do I Prevent My Pilot Light From Going Out?

Maintaining your water heater, furnace, and boiler will prevent those pesky pilot lights from going out. During a maintenance check, a professional will inspect the condition of the pilot light and thermocouple, as well as clean them both so they work at optimal efficiency. Additionally, depending on the appliance, a pro will evaluate the gas valve, all of the connecting piping and wiring, flue venting, and all other functioning parts of your appliance to ensure each part is operating at maximum efficiency. Learn more about a furnace tune- up here! Regular maintenance for your furnace, water heater, and boiler is a necessity so that you can ensure your heat or hot water never goes out!

Why does my boiler pilot light go out?

There are a number of things that can cause your boiler pilot light to keep going out. Below is a list of the most common reasons: 1. A Broken or Faulty Thermocouple. The thermocouple aka the ‘flame sensor’ is a copper rod that is directly hit by the pilot flame and is a safety mechanism that turns off the gas if it detects ...

Why Does My Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

There are a number of things that can cause your boiler pilot light to keep going out. Below is a list of the most common reasons:

What happens if you have a poorly working gas regulator?

If you have a poorly working gas regulator, your boiler may not be receiving enough gas to keep the pilot light lit. If you spot pilot problems in a number of other household appliances, it’s likely that the gas regulator is the culprit. In this case, you should contact your utility company straight away.

Is it worth getting a new boiler?

At iHeat, we install high quality, A-rated efficient boilers at an affordable price. Whilst you might think that it isn’t worth getting a new boiler over a few issues such as a broken thermocouple or a boiler that lets strong draughts in, purchasing a new boiler could actually save you money in the long run. Not only can a new boiler save you money on expensive repairs and callout bills, but The Energy Saving Trust estimates that you could save up to £380 a year by replacing your old inefficient boiler with a new A-rated one. Get a quote on a new A-rated boiler today.

Why does my furnace pilot light keep going out?

Gas leaks will reduce the amount of gas reaching the burner. It might be the reason why your furnace pilot light keeps going out or flickering. 6. A Faulty Main Control Valve.

Why does my water heater pilot light go out?

It acts as a safety device to prevent gas leaks. Therefore, a dirty thermocouple might be the reason why your water pilot keeps going out. A layer of dirt and grime can hinder the electric current from reaching the thermocouple. As a result, the gas supply will be cut off and the pilot light will go out.

How to clean a thermocouple?

First, turn off the main gas supply valve and wait for the thermocouple to cool. Take a new sand-paper and scrub off all the dirt and grime.

Why does my pilot light go out?

The flame will go out if the tube is clogged with dirt or debris. Sometimes, the tube might be partially clogged and supplying very little gas for combustion- No wonder your pilot light keeps going out. The Solution: Thorough cleaning should do the trick. Use a slender needle to gently unclog the tube.

How to fix a blue flame on a gas heater?

The solution: First, cut off the gas supply, switch off your heater, and wait for the thermocouple to cool off. You’ll have to manually bend or straighten the thermocouple back to position. It needs to be close enough to the pilot light that it slightly touches or wraps around the blue flame.

Why does my water heater flame out?

Don’t worry, there is nothing wrong with your heater. It’s just dirt build-up. The Pilot tube supplies gas to the pilot light for combustion. The flame will go out if the tube is clogged with dirt or debris.

What is the purpose of a dirty thermocouple?

2. A Dirty Thermocouple. The thermocouple is the brain of your water heater. It’s responsible for closing the gas valve when it senses the pilot light is off. The thermocouple is triggered by an electric current produced by the pilot light. It acts as a safety device to prevent gas leaks.

Why do pilot lights go out?

Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.

What is a pilot light on a propane stove?

Many propane appliances, especially older models, have a feature called a pilot light. A pilot light is a small flame inside the device that is lit at all times. This flame is used to restart the main burner and prevent gas leaks. If you have a newer appliance, don’t panic if you don’t see a pilot light. Many new devices use electric ignitions in ...

What to do if you run out of propane?

If you have run out of propane, then you will need to call and request for a propane delivery immediately. Be sure to contact SOS Xtreme Comfort for any help that you might need relighting your pilot light or for fast propane delivery. Give us a call: NJ (973-315-5851), PA (570-409-3528), NY (845-351-8929).

How to minimize the risk of a pilot light?

Safety Guidelines to Minimize the Risk: Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. All unnecessary people, especially children, should be evacuated from the building prior to attempting to relight the pilot light. This ensures their safety. Make sure your work area is well ventilated.

What happens if pilot light controls are sticky?

If pilot light controls are sticky, do not apply force or use oil. This can cause damage that may lead to gas leaks.

How to reach the end of a pilot tube?

You may need to use a long match or hold it with needle nose pliers to be able to reach the end of the small pilot tubing. These may be behind a small panel or metal door. After lighting the pilot light, continue to hold down the red button for 60 seconds longer.

Can you relight a propane pilot light?

If there is any gas odor or if there are any odors that could mask the smell of propane, such as musty or damp smells, do not attempt to relight the pilot light or use any flames, lights, or any other device that can cause sparks, such as cell phones, landline phones, or electrical appliances.