Uh-oh, your water heater pilot light keeps going out. Don’t panic! You might be able to restore it yourself – a few easy steps can help. But watch out – the last thing you want to do is mess with gas, so tread carefully. And if you don’t feel up for it, there’s no point in risking it.
When using an older or cheaper furnace, fireplace, or water heater, you’ll need to keep an eye on the pilot light. This little flame will be on as long as your appliance is running; if it goes out, there’ll be no more gas in the main burner because the supply’s been cut off! Opening up the gas control valve allows that fuel to enter and get ignited by the pilot light – it’s that simple.
Say goodbye to dangerous gas leakages; the pilot light has your back! It first kicks off the main burner and then keeps everything running smoothly by keeping the thermocouple hot. Thanks to its hard work, our electromagnetic valve within the gas control valve stays open, letting ‘er rip with that sweet gas flow.
Here is a detailed overview of the pilot light’s function.
Function
Description
Ignition
The pilot light is responsible for igniting the burner that heats the water in the water heater.
Safety indicator
The pilot light serves as a safety indicator, signaling that the gas valve is open and ready for the burner to ignite.
Continous flame
The pilot light provides a continuous flame that ensures immediate ignition of the burner when the water heater is activated.
Temperature control
In some water heaters, the pilot light helps control the temperature by regulating the flow of gas to the burner.
Thermocouple
The pilot light heats the thermocouple – a safety device that senses the presence of a flame. If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple shuts off the gas supply to prevent gas leaks.
Standby mode
When the water heater is not actively heating water, the pilot light remains on to keep the system ready for use.
Troubleshooting
The pilot light can also be used for troubleshooting purposes, as its behavior (steady flame, flickering, or going out) can indicate issues with the gas supply or other components of the water heater.
Energy consumption
The pilot light consumes a small amount of energy to maintain the flame, contributing to the overall energy usage of the water heater. In some modern models, electronic ignition systems are used instead of pilot lights to reduce energy consumption.
If anything happens and the pilot light goes out or never was there in the first place – wham! The tip of your thermocouple cools down quick-smart, sayonara to power – not to mention those potentially hazardous leaks – meaning your appliance shuts down pronto. The good news is this safety mechanism is standard on all gas appliances – so you can stay nice and cozy without worry.
Why Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
Clogged Tube
Your water heater may go through the same issue every now and then – no need to worry, though! It’s totally normal and just an accumulation of dirt. Dirt and debris can clog the tube, which sends fuel to the pilot light, where it’s set ablaze. If that happens, The flame is out.
A quick scrub should fix the problem! Carefully use a thin needle to clear the tube, then give it a good scrub until it opens. Patience is key – if it’s really grimy in there, you may have to repeat the process.
Swap it out, then fire up the water heater when you’re done. The blue fire should stay steady and be a cool blue.
A Plugged Thermocouple
A thermocouple is the main object of a water heater, controlling everything it does. It’s kind of like that friend who always keeps the crew in check!
When the pilot light fizzles out, the thermocouple kicks in, detecting the lack of electric current and immediately shutting off the gas supply. Talk about a safety net – it’s there to nip gas escapes in the bud! Looks like the water pilot is all clogged up because of a nasty thermocouple! That’ll really throw a wrench in the works.
If there’s gunk on the thermocouple, electricity won’t be able to get through, and the gas will be shut down. Turn the main supply valve off and let the thermocouple cool down – then break out that sandpaper and give it another scrub.
A Broken Thermocouple
Alright, once you’ve spruced up the thermocouple, give it a thorough once-over to make sure it’s not bent out of shape. Easy does it!
The pilot light blazes and focuses its heat on the thermocouple, so nearby. It responds to the warmth, unlocking the gas valve and igniting the fire – all in an instant if they’re close enough!t.
Shut off the power to your heater, letting the thermocouple cool down. Then take it in hand, bending or straightening as needed until the blue flame just touches or envelops it.
Defective Thermocouple
Before writing off your thermocouple, run a diagnostic check with a multimeter. Check if the output voltage is much lower than 20 MV, don’t hesitate to swap it out!
If your output voltage is hovering around the 20MV mark, you may be able to fix it just by a simple re-positioning of the thermocouple closer to the pilot light. However, if it’s way off that mark, then you’ll definitely need a replacement component.
Flex Tube Problems
Thermocouple problems are far more common than flex tube malfunctions, so don’t worry about that until you’re sure the thermocouple is functioning properly. Chances are it won’t be an issue, so there is no need to panic!
Troubleshoot your heating system by ironing out any kinks in the tube and examining it for damage. If there are signs of leaks, less fuel will reach the burner – which is likely why your pilot light keeps flaring up or dying.
Poor Electrical Wires
In the majority of cases, electric water heaters are notorious for this issue. Why leave it to chance? Have a professional install your water heater, and don’t risk any disasters – if your system suddenly stops working, it could be a major sign of electrical issues. Believe me; you don’t wanna fool around with something as important as your hot water! Kill the power to your water heater ASAP and call up an expert pronto. Don’t go near the wiring – it could be dangerous!
FAQS
My water heater's pilot light keeps going out; what may be causing this?
When the water heater pilot light keeps going out, it’s in trouble– it’ll fizzle out if there’s not enough air. Direct vent gas water heaters are the main suspects when this happens, usually due to downdrafts or strong winds blowing up a storm around the unit. Keep an eye on it!
How can I tell if my thermocouple is malfunctioning?
Is your pilot flame turning off as soon as you turn on the gas? A totally gross or damaged thermocouple might just be to blame. On the other hand, if your gas is on and won’t light a match, chances are there’s a clogged-up pilot tube at fault. So don’t just sit there – get it fixed!
What to do when the water heater pilot goes out?
To relight the pilot, go to the bottom of the water heater and take off the access cover. It is recommended that you set both the control and water temperature knobs to the “Pilot” position. Light the pilot using a long match or wand lighter while holding down the control knob.
Can you clean a thermocouple?
A thermocouple may be cleaned, but it requires a delicate touch. Take the thermocouple out of its assembly and wipe the buildup off the tip with some steel wool or emery cloth. If your thermocouple is giving you erroneous readings, cleaning it won’t help.
Conclusion
Battling with freezing cold showers as your water heater pilot light keeps going out? Don’t worry; the pilot light in your gas or propane water heater has probably gone out. This little flame lights up the gas burner, so if it’s not working, you’re in for one chilly time in the shower! Take a look at the label for instructions on how to relight it.
But more often than not, the trouble lies with its buddy: the thermocouple. Thankfully, replacing one of these is scandalously cheap and fast – it can be done in less than an hour – so there is no need to wait around for a repairman or fork out ridiculous amounts of money to fix your hot water woes.
Hi everyone! My name is Jason, and I am the founder of HeaterWise.com. Having run my own business as a Heating Engineer for 21 years, I have picked up a few things along the way.
I wanted to create Heater Wise as a place where anyone could come, from far and wide, to find the information that they need.
I hope you will join us here at Heater Wise, to get started on your own journey, to expand your knowledge, and make the best heating choices for you and your family.
