Is it dangerous if your pilot light goes out?
Yes, if the pilot light goes out in your furnace, you are completely safe. This is because the tube which moves the gas into your main burner is fitted with a thermocouple. The thermocouple is there to stop the gas flow if your pilot light goes out so that it doesn’t build up in your furnace. It’s a standard feature that is there to keep you safe.
What is a pilot light and why is it important?
Pilot Lights – As the name suggests, these devices provide the visual indication about the operating status of a circuit. They are mainly used for ON/OFF indication, changing conditions, and alarm signaling. Pilot lights include a colored lens such as red, green, blue, yellow/amber, clear, or white. These colored lenses symbolize the ...
Why you should turn off your gas fireplace pilot light?
This could be that:
- Gas valve is off. The red valve from your gas source to the internal workings of your fireplace is off. Make sure it’s on.
- Empty Tanks. Is your propane or natural gas tank empty? Change them out or fill them up.
- Too much ventilation. If you suspect the pilot light is being blown out, close your flue or windows where too much air is coming in. ...
What to do if a pilot light fails to light?
- If your stovetop or other appliance has a ventilation fan, turn it on while lighting the pilot.
- It may take several attempts to light the pilot. If you run the gas for a couple of seconds without ignition, take a few minutes to let the gas clear ...
- If the pilot light won't light after multiple attempts, you may have a mechanical failure. ...
What do you do when your pilot light goes out?
Your Gas Has Been Shut Off Your pilot light relies on your natural gas to stay aflame, so if your gas is shut off, your pilot light will go out. Simply turn your gas back on and either relight your pilot light yourself or call a professional.
Do I need to turn gas off if pilot light goes out?
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.
What is the risk if the pilot lights all go out?
Can a Pilot Light Outage Be Dangerous? The worry here is that when a pilot goes out, the gas valve that supplies the fuel for the pilot flame could still be pumping gas. This can mean a buildup of gas, and when the pilot is relit or relights itself it could result in a very serious explosion.
Can I relight the pilot light by myself?
Turn the knob to “Pilot” and hold down the “Reset” button. Using a long lighter, bring the flame close to the pilot opening. This should ignite the pilot light. Once the pilot is lit, you can release the reset button. The pilot should stay lit at this point.
How much does it cost to relight a pilot light?
The Cost of Relighting the Pilot Light A plumber can help reignite the pilot light. They will charge you an hourly fee of $40 to $150. This is usually a fairly brief project, and may just take an hour.
Will water heater leak if pilot light goes out?
If the pilot light goes out on a storage or instantaneous hot water heater, space heater or a ducted heater, you will not have a gas leak. This is because all modern gas appliances with pilot lights have a fail-safe device that closes off the gas to the appliance in the case when the pilot may go out.
Can a pilot light cause carbon monoxide poisoning?
A yellow or orange pilot light will produce carbon monoxide – an odourless, colourless gas that can fill your home and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms of this condition include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, unconsciousness, brain damage and death.
Is it safe to turn off pilot light?
We recommend that you turn off your gas fireplace pilot light seasonally. Turning off your gas fireplace's pilot light can save a substantial amount of energy and money. It is important to remember that not all gas fireplaces have “standing” pilot light, or, a pilot light that is “always on”.
How much carbon monoxide does a pilot light produce?
Also, a typical pilot light can generate 450 pounds of carbon dioxide – a greenhouse gas -- over a six-month period. If an appliance isn't needed for a long period of time, its pilot light may be extinguished to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce the risk of fire or explosion.
How do I know if pilot light is out?
How to Tell If the Pilot Light Is OutLocate the front cover panel on your furnace. It should be a little door that's easily visible. ... If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame.If you don't see a flame, your pilot light is out.If there is a flame, check the color.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas furnace?
Should The Pilot Light Always Be On In A Gas Furnace? Yes, if the furnace is in operation, the pilot light will need to be on for it to be functional. However, some homeowners turn off their furnace's pilot light in the warmer seasons when the gas furnaces aren't in use.
Troubleshooting Problems With Your Furnace Pilot Light
You awake on a cold winter morning and cast the covers aside. A fierce, freezing draft sends shivers down your spine. Something's wrong. The furnac...
Fluctuating Natural Gas Availability Based on Demand
There could be nothing wrong on your end. When natural gas consumption peaks, the “gas grid” in your area may be nearing its capacity and lower the...
Improper Air Flow, Or A Strong Draft, Blows The Pilot 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 day...
Waukesha Furnace Repair Pros Help You Diagnose and Repair Pilot Light Problems
Do-it-yourself maintenance and repairs can only go so far, unfortunately. If your furnace is still malfunctioning after you’ve repaired or replaced...
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.
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 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).
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 ...
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.
Can you return to a gas station if the pilot light goes out?
Do not return to the building until a qualified service technician or EMT says that the building and gas system are safe. Having the pilot light turn off is not automatically cause for panic. If it goes out, follow your manufacturer’s instructions and determine whether relighting it is safe.
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 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.
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.
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 when natural gas consumption peaks?
When natural gas consumption peaks, the “gas grid” in your area may be nearing its capacity and lower the gas pressure intermittently. Even the slightest hiccup in gas supply to your furnace could be enough for the pilot to go out.
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.
Do furnaces have pilot lights?
Standing pilot lights are common in older furnaces, but many newer furnaces have intermittent pilot lights or hot surface igniters. In these systems, the pilot will only light (in the case of hot surface igniters, the igniter surface heats) when the thermostat makes a command for heat.
What happens when a water heater pilot light goes off?
Fortunately, the pilot light on modern water heaters is controlled by a valve that closes when the pilot goes off, shutting off the supply of flammable gas. Advertisement.
What is a pilot light on a water heater?
The pilot light provides a small flame to the water heater burner. When the gas goes on in response to the cooling tank water, the pilot light supplies the burner with a flame to ignite the gas. The pilot light is on all the time.
How do I light a gas water heater?
Nearly all gas water heaters with pilot lights are lit the same way. A button is pushed to temporarily supply gas to the pilot light. The pilot light is lit with a match or long lighter. Once the thermocouple is hot, the button may be released and the pilot light will stay on.
Appliances With Pilot Lights
A pilot light is more likely to be found in water heaters or in older furnaces and boilers. In the more recent years pilot lights are being replaced with a hot surface igniter or a spark igniter.
Water Heater Pilot Light: Where Is It And What Does It Do?
At the base of your gas water heater, you will find an access panel directly beneath the thermostat. Inside the access panel lies the gas water heater pilot light. There will be a gas panel where you can see if the pilot flame is lit. The pilot light is a small flame used to ignite the gas burner on your water heater.
What Makes Your Water Heater Pilot Light Go Out
The thermocouple detects when your pilot light is burning. This copper rod is a safety feature that will shut down the heater's gas supply if your water heater pilot light goes out. Due to natural wear and tear, a thermocouple can get bent out of position, malfunction, become damaged, or coated in dirt or a build up of carbon.
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.
Furnace Pilot Light: Where It Is And What Does It Do?
The pilot light on a gas furnace is very important for creating heat in old furnaces. This continuously burning flame will ignite the gas, when the gas valve opens. Then, this heat warms the air brought into your furnace, which will be redistributed throughout your home. If your pilot light is out, you may experience your furnace blowing cold air.
Why Furnace Pilot Light keeps going out
There are many reasons for why the pilot flame keeps going out in your furnace. Let's dive in!
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.
1. Flame Sensor Stops Working
It is the flame sensor that tends to go out in situations such as these.
2. Separate Gas Line
It is important to note, the reason gas may leak has to do with a separate gas line going into the fireplace.
3. Safety Mechanism Fails
There is a safety mechanism in place that would work when the pilot light is on. This is what keeps the small flame going throughout the day.
4. Lack of Detection
In a lot of homes, there is no sense of detection in place and that can do a lot of damage as time goes on.
1. Is An Unlit Pilot Light Dangerous?
An unlit pilot light is dangerous. This can cause the gas to start leaking from the fireplace. When this happens, it increases the chances of a significant gas leak that leads to an explosion or fire.
2. What Do You Do When Your Furnace Pilot LIght Goes Out?
When a furnace pilot light goes out, it’s recommended to consult with a specialist as soon as possible. They will take a look at the flame sensor along with whether or not a significant amount of gas has leaked into the home.
Does pilot light go out when power goes out?
The pilot light does go out when the power goes out. In every appliance, there is a safety mechanism that helps to prevent any kind of mishap. This feature is known as a thermocouple. When it detects a power outage, it will automatically turn off the pilot light for your safety.
How do I know if my heater pilot light is out?
A pilot light is crucial for a gas appliance to keep running properly. Without it, the appliance cannot provide the service you may require. The same goes for if the pilot light is in a heater.
Do I need to relight the furnace after a power outage?
Yes, you have to relight the furnace after a power outage. All gas appliances come with a safety feature that will prevent any kind of accident to happen and prevent any kind of wastage. That is where the safety feature thermocouple comes in.
What causes a pilot light to go out?
As pilot light is a necessary part of a gas appliance, it must work properly. But there are many reasons why a pilot light can go out. Here are a few causes that you need to know that causes this problem:
What do I do if my pilot light keeps going out?
There are many reasons why a pilot light may keep going off. Therefore, you may ask how you can solve this issue. Let us help you know some tips about what you can do if your pilot light keeps going out:
Is it OK to leave the pilot light on in a gas fireplace?
It is OK to leave the pilot light on in a gas fireplace but is not recommended. You may keep the pilot light of your gas fireplace on indefinitely. This will not cause any actual problems. But it is not recommended by anyone.
Final Thoughts
The pilot light goes out when there is a power outage. This happens because of the safety feature called a thermocouple. But there may be other factors that can cause this problem. So, you should investigate the issue properly to identify the actual cause of this.
