7 Reasons Why Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
- Thermocouple. If your natural gas water heating device trips off, again and again, you may have a faulty thermocouple.
- Burner. Burner is another important reason why a water heater pilot light keeps going out. ...
- Dirty Pilot Tube. If your water heater pilot will not light, then the dirty pilot tube can also be blamed. ...
- Flex Tube Problems. ...
Full Answer
Why won’t my heater’s pilot light stay lit?
These are the most common reasons why your heater’s pilot light won’t stay lit: 1. Obstructed Thermocouple Most recently manufactured water heaters function with the aid of a thermocouple.
What to do if your water heater does not have a pilot?
If your gas water heater has a closed burner chamber or doesn’t have a pilot light, it’s much more difficult to access. To do this replacement, you most likely need a professional to fix this type of thermocouple. Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit?
Is it possible to fix a water heater that won’t stay lit?
If this is the problem, in most cases, it’s easily resolvable with the above steps. If your gas water heater has a closed burner chamber or doesn’t have a pilot light, it’s much more difficult to access. To do this replacement, you most likely need a professional to fix this type of thermocouple. Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit?
What does the pilot light on a water heater do?
Let’s start by explaining the water heater pilot light so you can better understand how it functions. A pilot light is a small flame present to ignite the gas burner on your water heater. A functioning pilot light should appear blue in color, which can help you determine whether or not your pilot light is working.
Why is the pilot light on my hot water heater not staying lit?
Thermocouple Issues If it senses that your water heater pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple will shift off the gas supply to the heater. Over time, thermocouples can malfunction, accumulate dust buildup, or the device can get bent away from the pilot light's flame.
How do you fix a pilot that won't stay lit?
4:266:15My Pilot Light Will Not Stay Lit (5 Minute Fix) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then you want to adjust the setting. And that is how to replace a thermocouple.MoreAnd then you want to adjust the setting. And that is how to replace a thermocouple.
Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?
If you're able to light the pilot light, but it goes out when you release the control knob, the thermocouple probably needs replacing. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off gas flow if it senses the pilot light is out, but when damaged it loses its regulatory ability.
What would cause a pilot light to not stay lit?
The Buildup of Dirt or Debris Around The Pilot Light – Over the years it's easy for dust, debris, and dirt to build up on the inside of the intake valve where the pilot light resides. This makes it difficult for the flame to breath and as a result causes the pilot light to go out suddenly.
How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?
After about a minute, when you're sure the probe has gotten hot, place one lead on the shaft of the thermocouple and the other lead on the connector. If the reading is less than 25 millivolts, the thermocouple is bad and needs to be replaced.
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.
What do you do when pilot light won't stay lit on gas logs?
2:567:58Fireplace Won't Stay Lit? This Is How You Fix It! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf it's not been lit in a long time you're gonna have to let that that pilot in for a little toMoreIf it's not been lit in a long time you're gonna have to let that that pilot in for a little to allow some gas.
How do I clean my thermocouple?
2:055:18Furnace - Thermocouple | Repair and Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a soft abrasive pad or emery cloth to gently clean the outside of the thermocouple. Be carefulMoreUse a soft abrasive pad or emery cloth to gently clean the outside of the thermocouple. Be careful not to scratch the coating.
How do you clean a thermocouple on a water heater?
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.
Where is the pilot light adjustment screw?
0:271:25How To: Adjust the pilot flame - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow I will show you how to adjust the pilot flame the adjustment screw of the pilot flame is behindMoreNow I will show you how to adjust the pilot flame the adjustment screw of the pilot flame is behind this cover we can press through this cover. And find the adjustment screw.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after replacing thermocouple?
If the pilot will lit but goes out after it reaches the temperature, it is the control valve. It happened to me. After the plumber replaced the control valve then it stays lit. You will have to order the control valve from the manufacturer.
How do you clean a flame sensor?
1:022:39How To Clean a Flame Sensor - Furnace Troubleshooting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow there's the flame sensor. And all we have to do to clean this is just to take a little piece ofMoreNow there's the flame sensor. And all we have to do to clean this is just to take a little piece of Emery paper. And sand it slightly. So if you don't have any of the sand. Cloth.
Why does my gas fireplace light and then go out?
Drip Loop: moisture in the gas line can cause a failure in the drip loop. This could be the reason why your fireplace won't stay lit. Moisture can dilute the natural gas, so you'll want to have a professional see if this is the problem at hand.
How do I clean the thermocouple on my gas fireplace?
How to Clean a Thermocouple on a Gas Fireplace [3 Steps]Step 1: Leave the gas to cool first if it has been burning.Step 2: Polish the thermocouple.Step 3: Blow it out.Step 4: Light the gas.
Can a thermocouple be repaired?
Thermocouples are designed to detect a pilot light's loss of heat and close the gas valve to prevent a gas leak. Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours.
What does a thermal coupling look like?
0:161:42How Does a Thermocouple Work in a Water Heater? | Repair and ReplaceYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd will ignite the main burner whenever heat is needed next to the pilot is the thermocouple whichMoreAnd will ignite the main burner whenever heat is needed next to the pilot is the thermocouple which generates a small electrical current when heated by the pilot flame.
Main Thermostatic Control Or Gas Valve
The thermostatic control or gas valve can also be the possible reason for the pilot light tripping off repeatedly. It is also called the main control valve.
Lack Of Combustible Air
Lack of combustible air is another cause of pilot light won’t stay lit on water heater. Your appliance needs air to keep the pilot light igniting; otherwise, it trips off.
Electrical System Defect
Indecorous wiring can also prevent the pilot light from staying lit. This problem commonly occurs in electric water heaters compared to gas heaters.
What Should You Do If The Hot Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out?
All water heaters arrive with some guidelines. Before you try to fix your device, make sure to take safety precautions because you will be working with gas and electricity.
Why Won’t My Pilot Stay Lit on My Water Heater?
It is very frustrating when you are trying to light your water heater pilot light but as soon as you release the pilot light knob the pilot light goes out. Luckily, this problem has a solution and in most cases a simple, fast and very cheap one.
Why won't my water heater pilot light stay lit?
A water heater pilot light that won’t stay lit is almost always caused by a bad thermocouple. It fails to send a signal to the gas valve to open up, meaning gas does no flow to the pilot and burner. It could also be caused by a faulty gas control valve or tripped thermal switch. If your water heater pilot won’t stay lit even after replacing ...
How much power does a thermocouple need to keep the gas valve open?
In order for the thermocouple to keep the gas valve open and the pilot light on, there needs to be 20 to 30 millivolts of power flowing through it.
What does it mean when a water heater valve is not opening?
It is a sign that the valve is failing to open and allow gas to flow to the pilot. You could also be dealing with a tripped or faulty thermal switch. A gas water heater depends on natural gas to heat the water but needs a little bit of electricity to function.
What happens if a thermal switch is tripped?
With a tripped thermal switch, you will have an open circuit, and the gas valve will just not open, allowing air to flow to the burner. You will therefore find that the pilot light will not stay lit when you release the valve/button. Apart from tripping, the thermal switch could be faulty as well.
What happens if the thermocouple is dirty?
If the head of the thermocouple is dirty, it may affect the heat and signal transmission from the pilot to the gas control valve. Cleaning the head of the thermocouple (the one next to the pilot tube) can be enough to fix a pilot light to stay lit. To clean a thermocouple you will need an emery cloth.
What happens when the pilot light goes out?
When that happens, the gas valve closes to prevent build up of unburnt gases in the house which can cause an explosion.
Why does my water heater pilot light keep going out?
Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out? Make sure to follow the directions on your water heater label. If your pilot doesn’t re-light, won’ t stay lit or keeps going out after a short time, you most likely have an issue with the hot water heater thermocouple. This can happen with age.
What happens if a gas water heater doesn't have a pilot light?
If your gas water heater has a closed burner chamber or doesn’t have a pilot light, it’s much more difficult to access. To do this replacement, you most likely need a professional to fix this type of thermocouple.
How to fix a thermocouple that is not touching the pilot flame?
To fix this is also simple: bend the thermocouple back into its original position. Make sure to bend the thermocouple back so it’s close enough to the pilot flame so it lightly touches the thermocouple. If this is the problem, in most cases, it’s easily resolvable with the above steps.
How does a water heater pilot work?
When your thermocouple detects an unlit pilot, it automatically shuts off the gas to your water heater as a safety precaution.
What is a pilot light on a water heater?
A pilot light is a small flame present to ignite the gas burner on your water heater. A functioning pilot light should appear blue in color, which can help you determine whether or not your pilot light is working.
How to Replace Thermocouple on Water Heater?
While some perform this task, you’re better off calling a licensed plumber to help. If you’re local, we’re a plumber in Arlington TX and can routinely replace the hot water heater thermocouple for you.
What happens if the pilot light on a gas water heater doesn't stay lit?
When a gas water heater pilot won’t stay lit, the water heater can’t heat the water inside the tank.
Why does my water heater pilot light turn off?
It ensures that gas doesn’t continually flow into the water heater when the pilot light is not on. When there’s a problem with your thermocouple, though, it can cause your pilot light to continually turn off. Here are three common problems you may have with your thermocouple.
How to make sure the pilot light stays lit?
Slowly let go to make sure the pilot light stays lit. ONLY if you see that the pilot light is staying lit, turn the gas knob back to the On position. 2. Pilot Tube. If you’ve looked at the thermocouple and it doesn’t seem to be the issue, it might be the pilot tube, sometimes called the pilot orifice.
Why does my water heater cut off the gas?
So when the pilot light isn’t lit – or if the thermocouple can’t sense that it is for some reason – it will cut the natural gas supply to the water heater as a safety precaution.
Why won't my water heater stay lit?
A bent, dirty, or damaged thermocouple could be the reason your water heater pilot won’t stay lit. The thermocouple is an important component you’ll see in most modern gas water heaters. This part senses when the pilot light is on using an electric current.
What if the thermocouple is not in the pilot tube?
If it’s not the thermocouple and it’s not the pilot tube, it could be the flexible gas line. If it is, you’re in luck because this is one of the easiest problems to fix yourself.
What happens if the pilot light is bent too far?
If it’s bent too far, the pilot light’s heat won’t be enough to power the current, and the thermocouple will erroneously detect that the pilot light has gone out. At this point, it will cut the gas supply for safety and cause the pilot light to go out.
Why won't my pilot light stay lit?
The thermocouple has been damaged . There is a chance that your thermocouple has simply gone bad and is the reason your pilot light won’t stay lit. If you’re fairly certain this is the source of the problem, you will either need to have the thermocouple replaced or repaired.
What to do if pilot light won't stay lit?
If you have tried everything and you pilot light still won’t stay lit, you may want to consult with a professional plumber. On Great Pros, our network of plumbers are experts with gas water heaters and won’t have any problem assisting you. All professionals are properly licensed, bonded, insured, and background checked so trust will never be an issue.
What is a pilot light?
It is made of a small rod and copper wire and serves as a safety device to turn off the gas when a problem appears. When working properly, the pilot light will hit the thermocouple rod which generates a small electrical current to keep the gas valve open.
What happens if a thermocouple is dirty?
If the thermocouple is dirty, you may experience a decrease in the output of electrical current. Dirt and grime are not uncommon to experience and cleaning this should not be too difficult. Again, follow safety precautions by turning your gas off and make sure the thermocouple is cool to touch.
How to clean a pilot tube?
To start the process, turn off the gas and wait for the tube to cool. Once cooled, use a needle to clear anything that may block the flow of gas.
What happens if you bend a thermocouple?
If the thermocouple is bent too far away from the pilot, the entire water heater will not function properly. If you follow proper safety precautions and turn your gas off, you may be able to bend the thermocouple back into place. The thermocouple is too dirty.
Why Won't My Pilot Light Relight?
One easy-to-spot source that would cause this is if your propane tank was empty or very low on fuel. Low propane pressure will cause the pilot light to fail when you try to light it. As would an empty propane tank.
What Do I Do If My Pilot Light Won't Light?
The first thing you need to do is check your gas lines and source. get the easy to solve possible sources out of the way first. Make sure you have propane in the tank, there are no obstructions and the valves are open.
How do I Manually Light My RV Hot Water Heater?
The instructions are no different here than the ones we gave you a few sections back. Make sure the tank is full of water, then double-check to make sure all gas valves are open. Once that is done, turn the kn ob to pilot or light and light your match or lighter.
Why won't my water heater pilot light stay lit?
Another reason your gas water heater pilot light won’t stay lit could be due to not having enough combustible air. Your water heater requires air to keep the pilot light burning. Otherwise, the flame goes out. Ensure that the water heater is not surrounded by clutter, lint, or debris to increase the amount of combustible air.
Why does the pilot light on my water heater keep going out?
Your water heater pilot light keeps going out due to issues with the heater’s thermocouple or access to combustible air.
What do I do if my pilot light keeps going out?
First, attempt to relight the flame on your own. Take these general steps:
What happens when a thermocouple senses a pilot light?
If it senses that your water heater’s pilot light has gone out, the thermocouple will shift off the gas supply to the heater. Over time, thermocouples can malfunction, accumulate dust buildup, or the device can get bent away from the pilot light’s flame. In either case, the thermocouple will struggle to sense the pilot light and stop the gas supply.
What to do if your water heater pilot light won't work?
Our certified technicians are available 24/7 to come out, take a look, and recommend the best way to get your water heater working safely and efficiently.
Can a thermocouple be bent?
Over time, thermocouples can malfunction, accumulate dust buildup, or the device can get bent away from the pilot light’s flame. In either case, the thermocouple will struggle to sense the pilot light and stop the gas supply.
