If your pilot light keeps going out, there are some things you can do to try and fix the issue.
First of all, you should check and make sure the pilot light is the right size flame for the appliance. If it is too small, it can quickly be blown out by a gust of air. The flame should be blue and around one to two inches in length.
If the flame is yellow or larger, then it may be too large and need to be adjusted.
Another potential cause of a pilot light going out is a dirty thermocouple. This is a copper wire that measures the temperature of the flame and shuts off the flow of gas automatically when the pilot light goes out.
If the thermocouple is dirty it may not sense the flame correctly and shut off the gas. Cleaning the thermocouple with a wire brush should help fix this issue.
Finally, if none of the above suggestions solve the problem, then you may need to call a professional to look at the issue. A qualified technician will be able to inspect the appliance for any other possible causes and repair them if necessary.
Should I worry if the pilot light goes out?
The short answer is yes, you should be concerned if the pilot light on your appliance goes out. This is due to the fact that the pilot light is a safety feature that helps prevent the main burner from igniting without the presence of the pilot light.
Without the pilot light, the risk of any toxic fumes accumulating in your home and causing a possible fire is much greater. If the pilot light does go out, you should turn off the gas to the appliance and call a licensed service technician to inspect it and re-light the pilot for you.
Never attempt to relight the pilot light on your own as this could result in a dangerous buildup of gas in your home.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
The cost of a thermocouple replacement can vary widely depending on several factors. First, the material of the thermocouple can affect the cost, as some materials are more expensive than others. Additionally, the type of thermocouple needed for the application will also affect the cost, as more complex and specialized thermocouples can be more expensive.
Finally, the price of the thermocouple will also be affected by the manufacturer and the quantity being bought, with bulk purchases often being significantly cheaper than single purchases. Generally speaking, a thermocouple can cost anywhere between $2 and $200 depending on the factors mentioned above.
Can I replace a thermocouple myself?
Yes, you can replace a thermocouple yourself as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take necessary safety precautions. Disconnect the appliance and turn off the gas supply before beginning the replacement.
If you are unsure how to properly disconnect the appliance, refer to the homeowner’s manual or contact a qualified technician. Once the appliance is disconnected, identify the thermocouple and remove it.
Verify the specifications of the replacement thermocouple and be sure it is compatible with your appliance. Also, determine the exact location of the thermocouple within the gas system. Install the replacement thermocouple and reassemble the appliance.
Test the finish product to ensure it is working properly. If you are not comfortable or familiar with working with gas, it is strongly recommended that you contact a qualified technician to complete the replacement.
Can you just clean a thermocouple?
Yes, you can clean a thermocouple. Depending on the level of contamination or damage. Generally, the steps involved include disconnecting the thermocouple from its circuit, checking the thermocouple for any visible signs of damage, wiping away any contaminants or debris, gently cleaning the thermocouple with isopropyl alcohol, checking the electrical contacts for any corrosion, then reconnecting the thermocouple to its circuit.
Depending on the severity of the contamination, you could also use an ultrasonic cleaner with an approved cleaning solution, or even a stainless steel brush for tougher materials. However, if the contamination or damage is too severe, you may need to replace the thermocouple entirely.
What causes a thermocouple to keep going out?
A thermocouple going out is caused by a faulty in the connection or wiring. The connection could be loose or corroded so the thermocouple is unable to complete its circuit. This could be due to poor installation or improper maintenance.
Additionally, the thermocouple itself could be faulty or have gone bad due to age. In some cases, the thermocouple might encounter an overload of current, leading to it going out. Finally, the wrong type of thermocouple could be used for the job, resulting in a faulty circuit and the thermocouple being unable to generate its desired signal.
To prevent it from going out, it is important to ensure that connections are secure and free of corrosion, thermocouple is the correct type and is in good condition, and that the circuit is not exposed to excessive current.
How often do thermocouples need to be replaced?
Thermocouples typically need to be replaced every one to three years, depending on the conditions in which they are used. If the thermocouple is exposed to extreme temperatures or vibration, it may need to be replaced at shorter intervals.
High temperature applications may require a longer life expectancy, such as up to five or even ten years. In corrosive environments, the thermocouple should be replaced every two years or sooner depending on the severity of the conditions.
Also, thermocouple junctions and wires may need to be replaced more often if they are exposed to extreme conditions. For the most accurate readings, thermocouples should be maintained on a regular basis and replaced when necessary.
What is the life expectancy of a thermocouple?
The life expectancy of a thermocouple depends on a few factors such as the type of thermocouple, the environment in which it operates, how it is installed, and how often it is used. Generally speaking, thermocouples have a lifespan of several years when installed correctly and in an appropriate environment.
However, the lifespan of a thermocouple can be significantly reduced if it is not installed correctly, or if it is exposed to severe environmental conditions. For example, thermocouples that are exposed to corrosive materials or high temperatures may have a shorter lifecycle.
Additionally, thermocouples that are frequently switched on and off may have a shorter life expectancy than one which is used only occasionally.
It’s important to remember that the life expectancy of a thermocouple is highly dependent upon its application, so it’s best to speak with an expert who can provide advice tailored to your specific needs.
Can a pilot light cause a fire?
Yes, a pilot light can cause a fire in certain cases. If the pilot light is not properly adjusted or maintained, it can become too hot and ignite a nearby combustible material. This can occur due to the incorrect installation of the pilot light, blockages in the chimney, expired warranty or maintenance, or the structural integrity of the appliance.
To prevent this from happening, the pilot light should be regularly inspected to make sure there are no blockages in the chimney and the appliance is in good working order. Additionally, the air and gas supply should be configured correctly to ensure the pilot light is operating at a safe temperature.
It is also important to call a qualified technician to service the appliance when the warranty is expired or if any maintenance is needed. Additionally, it is a good idea to keep any combustible materials away from the furnace.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light?
Yes, it is possible to get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light. A pilot light is a small flame that is used to ignite a larger flame when natural gas is turned on. If there is a malfunction in the gas system, such as a blocked flue pipe, this can cause carbon monoxide (CO) to be released back into the air.
CO is an odourless, colourless and toxic gas that can be deadly. Additionally, if the flame of the pilot light is too weak or the gas flow isn’t correctly adjusted, it can also result in the release of CO.
It is important to have a qualified technician inspect any gas appliances, including the pilot light, to ensure that it is operating safely and efficiently and not releasing any toxic gases. Regular maintenance, coupled with carbon monoxide detectors, will significantly reduce the risk of CO poisoning from a pilot light.
Will the gas company light my pilot?
No, the gas company will not light your pilot light. It is illegal for them to enter your home without prior permission from you. If you need assistance with your pilot light, you should contact a qualified heating professional to light it.
They will be able to answer any questions you may have, and provide a safe environment in which to light it. The technician will then explain the safety precautions that must be taken when operating a gas appliance.
It is important to remember that any gas appliance must be properly vented, and that the pilot light must be checked regularly.
How long does it take to get hot water after pilot light goes out?
It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple hours for hot water to start flowing out of a faucet after the pilot light has gone out. Unfortunately, this timeframe can vary greatly depending on the make and model of the hot water heater.
Generally, the process of relighting the pilot light, ensuring it is stable and then allowing the water to heat up can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. If you encounter any issues or find it difficult to relight the pilot light, it is often recommended that you contact a professional plumber to assess the situation.
Some hot water heaters also need to run a cycle after being relit, so you may need to wait an additional hour or two before having hot water flow out of the faucet.
Why did my pilot light randomly go out?
The first and most likely reason is that the thermocouple or thermopile may be dirty or defective. The thermocouple is responsible for keeping the gas valve open so that your pilot flame is able to stay lit.
If it’s getting a weak or incomplete signal due to dirt, corrosion, or if it’s is defective, the pilot flame will go out. Another potential cause is if the pilot tubing is blocked or if the tubing is clogged with soot.
This can also cause the pilot flame to go out. Lastly, insufficient gas supply or an open flame in the vicinity can also be a culprit. Be sure to check these areas first before calling a professional for help.
Can I relight the pilot light by myself?
Yes, you can relight the pilot light by yourself. However, before you do so, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the process and ensure that you take all of the proper safety precautions. First, locate the gas control knob and turn it to the “OFF” setting.
Then, locate the pilot light. Once you’ve found it, make sure it isn’t dirty or clogged, and then you can use a long lighter or match to try to ignite the pilot light. Hold the flame to the pilot light for about one minute, then press the gas control knob and hold it in the “ON” position for 10 seconds or so.
You should see the pilot light ignite – if it doesn’t then shut the valve off, wait 5 minutes, and try again. If you are still having trouble, you should contact a gas technician to get your pilot light lit.