Skip to Content

What to do if water heater pilot won’t stay lit?

If your water heater pilot won’t stay lit, there are a few steps you can take to try and get it working again. First, make sure all of the gas valves and safety switches on your water heater are in the “On” position.

Then check to see if the draft diverter is clean and free of any lint or other debris. Once these steps have been taken, you can try to re-light the pilot. Start by turning the gas control knob to the off position and wait five minutes before turning it back to “pilot.

” Then press the ignition switch or use a long lighter to ignite the pilot light. Make sure to hold the flame over the pilot opening for about a minute. Finally, turn the gas control knob to the “on” position so the burner can be lit.

If the pilot still won’t stay lit, you may need to check the components of the pilot light assembly, such as the thermocouple, thermopile, or pilot tube. If these components are damaged, you will need to replace them.

You can consult your water heater’s instruction manual for more information on how to replace these parts.

Why does my water heater pilot light keep blowing out?

It could be caused by an issue with the thermocouple, a faulty gas valve, poor ventilation, or a dirty orifice.

The thermocouple is a safety device which tells the gas valve when to open or close depending on the temperature of the pilot light flame. If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, it could be causing the pilot light to blow out.

In this case, you will need to have the thermocouple replaced.

Another potential cause of a repeatedly blowing pilot light is a faulty gas valve. If the gas valve is worn out or damaged, it may not be able to hold the pressure, causing the pilot light to blow out.

If this is the case, you’ll need to have the gas valve replaced.

If your water heater is not getting enough air, the pilot light can be starved and may blow out. Poor ventilation or too much dust or dirt in the area can also cause the combustion process to be impeded.

If this is the case, you should try to clean out the area around the water heater and ensure proper ventilation in the space.

Lastly, if the orifice needs to be cleaned or replaced, this could be the cause of your pilot light blowing out. It is important to have the orifice inspected and cleaned on a regular basis to ensure proper combustion.

If your water heater pilot light continues to blow out, you should schedule an inspection by a trained professional. They can accurately diagnose the issue and help you repair the issue quickly and safely.

Why won’t my pilot light won’t stay lit?

If your pilot light won’t stay lit, it could be due to a variety of possible causes. It could be caused by a dirty flame sensor, which needs to be cleaned before the light will consistently stay lit.

It could also be because the thermocouple, the device that connects the pilot light to the gas valve, may need to be replaced if it’s defective. Other potential causes include air in the gas line, a bad thermopile, a clogged pilot orifice, a faulty thermocouple, or a cracked heat exchanger.

If you’re not comfortable with checking these yourself, or have ruled them out as potential causes, contact a qualified technician as soon as possible to diagnose and repair the issue.

Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?

When you release the pilot light knob, you are cutting off the gas flow to the pilot light. This is a safety feature that prevents the pilot light from continuing to burn when the burner is not needed.

If the gas flow does not remain constant, the pilot light can extinguish.

The pilot light should usually stay lit when the pilot light knob is released, but different gas systems have varying levels of sensitivity to a dropping gas flow. If your pilot light goes out when the knob is released, it is likely your system is experiencing a lower than normal pressure, possibly due to a dirty or clogged pilot light.

If this is the case, you should look into cleaning or replacing the pilot light. You should also ensure that your gas lines are properly set up and all valves are open. Anything that may cause a reduction in gas pressure can adversely affect your pilot light and is worth looking into.

Should I worry if the pilot light goes out?

Yes, you should worry if the pilot light goes out. The pilot light is an indicator that gas is flowing to your appliance. If the pilot light is extinguished, it could mean that something has gone wrong with the gas supply.

In some cases, this could be a clog or blockage in the gas line, creating a gas leak that you would not be aware of without the warning of the pilot light. This type of problem should immediately be addressed, as a gas leak can be very dangerous.

It can cause a build up of toxic fumes or an explosion due to the presence of an ignition source. If the pilot light goes out, shut of the gas supply at the main, and contact a qualified professional to inspect the appliance.

How do you clean a dirty thermocouple on a water heater?

Cleaning a dirty thermocouple on a water heater can be done using a few simple steps. First, turn off the electricity supply to the water heater. Next, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the thermocouple in place.

Carefully remove the thermocouple and then clean the thermocouple with fine steel wool or a scouring pad. Be sure to remove all dirt and rust from the thermocouple. Next, inspect the thermocouple for any damage or corrosion and replace the thermocouple if necessary.

Once the thermocouple is clean and in good condition, put the thermocouple back in the water heater and make sure it is securely fastened in place. Finally turn on the power supply to the water heater todouble check that the thermocouple is functioning properly.

Following these steps will help to ensure that your water heater’s thermocouple is in good condition and is functioning properly.

How do I clean a thermocouple?

Cleaning a thermocouple is an important part of its maintenance and should be done regularly. To do this, it is best to start by disconnecting the thermocouple from the instrument or control system and then carefully wiping the sensing tip off with a soft, dry cloth.

If the thermocouple is dirty or has particles stuck to it, use a metal polish or something like acetone to gently scrub the surface. Additionally, you can use an emery cloth or steel wool on any stubborn particles, but take care not to damage the sensing tip.

Once all evidence of residue is removed, it’s important to rinse and dry the thermocouple thoroughly. If being used in a corrosive environment, it’s a good idea to coat the entire probe with a thin protective layer of oil to help minimise any chance of corrosion.

Lastly, if the thermocouple has been used in a high temperature application, the probe should be calorimetrically balanced. This can be done using a precision thermocouple temperature measurement device.

Following these steps should help ensure your thermocouple is clean and will last a long time.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?

The cost of replacing a thermocouple will vary depending on the type of thermocouple you are replacing, and the type of furnace you are using it in. Generally speaking, a standard thermocouple will cost anywhere from around $20-30, while a more specialized or high-end thermocouple can cost upwards of $50-60.

However, in addition to the cost of the thermocouple, there will also be any necessary labor costs associated with actually replacing the thermocouple in your furnace. In most cases, a professional will be required to install the thermocouple, and the cost of installation will vary depending on your geographic location, the complexity of the job, and the type of thermocouple being installed.

Taking into account these additional installation costs, the total cost of replacing a thermocouple can range from around $50 for a standard model to over $100 for a more specialty unit.

Can I replace a thermocouple myself?

Yes, in most cases, you can replace a thermocouple yourself. However, you need to make sure that you have the proper materials, tools, and knowledge to do so. Before attempting to replace a thermocouple, you should have a good understanding of electrical wiring and safety.

Additionally, you should ensure that you are using the proper type of thermocouple for your specific application. The procedure for replacing a thermocouple may vary depending on the manufacturer and type of appliance, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the appropriate installation instructions.

You should have the following materials and tools available: a replacement thermocouple, the appropriate wiring or connections, electrical tape, wire strippers, and a small wrench. After properly disconnecting the power source, you can then use the wrench to detach the existing thermocouple from the wall or appliance.

Afterward, strip the ends of the wires, attach them to the new thermocouple, and secure the connection with the electrical tape. Once everything is hooked up correctly, you can turn the power back on and test the thermocouple to make sure that it is working correctly.

How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?

To determine if a thermocouple is broken, you will need to run a few tests. First, the multimeter should be set to ohms. Connect the multimeter to the two leads of the thermocouple. The displayed reading should be infinite or very close to it.

If the reading is significantly lower than this, this may indicate a break in the thermocouple.

Secondary to this reading, the thermocouple should be tested in an insulated condition. This can be done by attaching insulated wire leads to the thermocouple, wrapping the thermocouple in window insulation and then remeasuring the resistance.

If there is an increase in the resistance value, this may indicate the break down of insulation properties due to a break in the thermocouple.

Lastly, if the thermocouple has not been tested in a while, it may be due for calibration. This can be done through a laboratory accredited in the field. They will be able to properly measure and test the thermocouple to determine the accuracy of its readings.

If the readings are off from what is expected, then this may be an indication that the thermocouple is broken.

In summary, the best way to determine if a thermocouple is broken is to run a few resistance tests using a multimeter, test for an insulated condition, and possibly have the thermocouple sent away for re-calibration.

This will accurately determine the condition of the thermocouple and help to decide if a replacement is needed.

How do you fix a clogged pilot light?

If your pilot light is clogged, you should first make sure that it is in fact clogged by attempting to light it. If it does not light, then you can clean out the pilot light to help fix the clog. The first step is to turn off the gas and make sure that any open flames in the area are extinguished and the room is well ventilated.

Then, use small, handheld tools such as tweezers or a needle to clean out the pilot light. Be careful not to touch the tip of the pilot light while doing this, as it could cause you to get burned if it is hot.

After cleaning out the pilot light, turn the gas back on and attempt to light it once more. If the pilot light still does not light, you may need to replace the pilot light thermocouple or other parts of the gas appliance.

How do I stop my pilot light from going out?

There are a few steps you can take to stop your pilot light from going out:

1. Check the pilot light valve: The pilot light valve needs to be open in order for the flame to stay lit. If it is not, open it up and make sure the flame looks healthy and stable.

2. Check the gas supply: Ensure that the gas supply to your furnace is not shut off or clogged. If it is, make sure to remove any blockage and open up the valve to allow a consistent flow of gas.

3. Check the thermocouple: The thermocouple is the part of the furnace that is responsible for generating electricity from the pilot flame in order to keep the flame lit. If it is not generating enough electricity, you may need to replace it.

4. Replace the pilot orifice: The pilot orifice is the opening that allows gas to flow from the pilot assembly to the thermocouple. It can become clogged over time, so replacing it may help fix the issue.

5. Check for drafts or air leaks: Drafts or air leaks can affect the pilot light flame and cause it to go out. If you notice any, seal off those areas with foil tape or weatherstripping.

Following the above steps should help you maintain the pilot light, so it stays lit. If these measures do not work and the pilot light continues to go out, you should contact a professional to take a look at it.

Why do I have to keep relighting my pilot light?

The most common cause is a broken or blocked thermocouple or thermopile, which are sensors that detect the presence of a flame and solenoids that control the supply of gas to the burner. If the thermocouple or thermopile is damaged or blocked, the pilot light will not stay lit.

Furthermore, if you have an old pilot light, the gas orifice may be worn or clogged and need to be replaced. Finally, there may be an issue with the regulator or settings, such as a deteriorated diaphragm, a malfunctioning pressure setting, or a gas supply pressure that is not up to the recommended level.

If any of these issues are present, it can cause your pilot light to go out and you will need to relight it.

Can a pilot light cause an explosion?

A pilot light can cause an explosion in certain conditions. This occurs when the pilot light has been left burning in an enclosed room or area, and flammable materials or fumes such as natural gas, propane, or oil build up in the area over time.

If something then causes a spark – caused by a static discharge, switching on electrical devices, or a naked flame, for example – it can set off an explosion. Explosions can also be caused by a backdraft, when air is forced into an enclosed area that contains something flammable which then combusts.

If a pilot light is placed in the center of a gas stove or furnace in an area where there are flammable fumes or materials, the risk of an explosion increases. Safety precautions should always be taken to avoid potential explosions, and it is best not to leave pilot lights on when an enclosed area is not being used.

Should the pilot light be touching the thermocouple?

No, the pilot light should not touch the thermocouple. This is because when the two pieces of metal touch each other, they create a circuit that is designed to close when the flame is lit. If the thermocouple and pilot light are touching each other, the circuit will never close, and the gas valve will never open.

To ensure the pilot light is burning correctly, the thermocouple and pilot light must not touch. It’s important to keep the gap between them narrow, otherwise the flame won’t heat the thermocouple evenly.

Additionally, it’s important to ensure the thermocouple is tightly fastened to the gas valve so it’s not loose and moving around. Making sure that the gap between the pilot light and thermocouple is narrow and the thermocouple is tightly fastened is essential for the safety of a gas appliance.