A pilot light going out can be caused by a variety of things, such as a draft in the room, insect or bird nests blocking the air intake for the unit, a clogged air filter, blockages in the fuel line, or a defective thermocouple.
Drafts can be especially problematic, as they can cause the flame to cool down and extinguish. If you suspect that a draft might be causing your pilot light to keep going out, check for any open windows or vents that may be causing a current of air in the area.
If the amount of air being drawn in is too high for the level of burning fuel in the pilot light, it will cause the flame to extinguish.
Insect or bird nests can also block the air intake for the appliance, hindering the pilot light’s ability to draw in sufficient air, thus causing it to go out. Carefully inspect all of the exposed parts of the unit, such as the vents and chimney, and carefully remove any nests or foreign objects that may be blocking the air intake.
A clogged air filter can also cause a pilot light to go out. If the air filter is dirty or clogged with debris, it can restrict the amount of air that is being drawn into the appliance, causing the flame to become too weak and eventually go out.
To remedy this issue, simply remove the filter from the unit and clean or replace it, depending upon the severity of the blockage.
Blockages in the fuel lines can also be to blame for a pilot light that keeps going out. If there is a blockage, it can restrict the flow of fuel to the unit, causing the flame to become too weak and eventually go out.
Again, check the fuel lines for any blockage and have them cleared if necessary.
Finally, a defective thermocouple can cause a pilot light to go out. The thermocouple is a component that helps to keep the flame lit by ensuring that the flame is burning hot enough. If the thermocouple is faulty or not functioning correctly, it can cause the flame to become too weak and eventually go out – a situation that can only be rectified by replacing the thermocouple.
How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?
To know if your thermocouple is broken, you should first check that it is securely connected to the thermometer and the wiring is in good condition. Then, use a multimeter to conduct a simple voltage test.
Set your multimeter to the appropriate setting and connect it between the two thermocouple wires. If you get a reading within the expected range of 200 to 600 mV then the thermocouple is in good working order.
If no voltage is detected or the voltage is outside of the expected range, then the thermocouple could be broken and should be replaced. You should also check that the temperature on the thermometer is the same as the actual temperature of the environment or device being measured.
If you notice any significant discrepancy, the thermocouple could be broken or faulty.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after replacing thermocouple?
There could be several factors causing the pilot light to go out after replacing the thermocouple. The most likely explanation is that there is a problem with the air or gas pressure being too low. The thermocouple is designed to sense the heat generated by the pilot light and open the gas valve to allow fuel to flow from the line, so if the pressure is too low, it could be preventing the flame from staying lit.
Another possible explanation could be that the thermocouple is installed incorrectly. Improper installation could cause a misalignment between the thermocouple component and the pilot light valve, which might prevent the valve from opening and the flame from staying lit.
If the problem persists after replacing the thermocouple, it might be a good idea to call a professional to inspect your gas heater and determine what might be causing the issue.
How do you unclog a thermocouple?
Unclogging a thermocouple is not a difficult task. The first step is to turn off the gas or power to the appliance or heating system connected to the thermocouple. To physically unclog the thermocouple you will need to take off the pilot light orifice cap and remove the thermocouple.
This can be done with a pair of needle nose pliers. Once the thermocouple is removed, the clog must be eliminated. The clog can usually be removed by brushing the outer surface of the thermocouple with an acid-brush or a stiff toothbrush.
If the clog is of an unknown origin, then it will most likely need to be replaced. Once the clog has been removed, the thermocouple can be reinstalled correctly, the orifice cap tightened, and then the gas or power to the appliance (or heating system) turned back on so that the pilot light can be lit.
After lighting the pilot light, the thermocouple should now be functioning correctly.
What happens when thermocouple goes out?
When a thermocouple goes out, it means that it’s no longer able to accurately measure temperature, either because of a faulty connection, improper installation, or damage to the thermocouple itself. If the temperature reading is erratic or unreliable, it means that the thermocouple is no longer able to read and process an accurate temperature.
There may also be a discrepancy between the temperature reading on the thermocouple and a secondary heat source, such as an independent thermostat. Additionally, if the flame will not stay lit, it could be a sign that the thermocouple is malfunctioning and is unable to sense the flame and keep it lit.
Finally, if the pilot light goes out more frequently than usual, that could indicate that there is an issue with the thermocouple. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to have the thermocouple serviced or replaced before attempting any further troubleshooting.
How does a thermocouple get damaged?
A thermocouple can get damaged due to a variety of reasons. If the thermocouple comes into contact with extremely high temperatures, the components of the thermocouple, such as the metal lead wires or thermocouple sheath, can suffer damage, leading to decreased performance and accuracy.
The junction of the thermometer can also get damaged if there is improper installation, such as incorrect positioning of the thermocouple probes. If there is movement or vibration near the thermocouple, the junction can become damaged due to abrasion or breakage of the metal sheath.
Another way in which a thermocouple can become damaged is through electrical damage. If there is a power surge or voltage spike, this can cause the metal components of the thermocouple to fail, resulting in inaccurate temperature readings.
Finally, thermocouples can be damaged by using the wrong type of calibration gas. If the calibration gas has a lower or higher combustion temperature than the thermocouple, the thermocouple will become damaged and not be able to provide accurate temperature readings.
How often do thermocouples need to be replaced?
Thermocouples generally have a long service life and do not need to be replaced often. However, the frequency at which a thermocouple should be replaced depends on how it is being used. Generally speaking, thermocouples used in more demanding industrial applications will need to be replaced more frequently than thermocouples used in less demanding applications.
In addition, factors such as the environmental conditions and the type of thermocouple used can also influence its lifetime. For example, if a thermocouple is exposed to extreme temperatures or high vibration, it may need to be replaced more often.
In general, it is recommended to replace thermocouples every two to three years, or when the readings start to drift significantly from their original calibrated values.
How much should a plumber charge to replace a thermocouple?
The cost of a plumber to replace a thermocouple will depend on a few factors including the type of thermocouple, the difficulty of replacing it and the plumber’s rate. Generally, the cost for replacing a thermocouple should range from $50 to $400 dollars.
Factors such as the complexity of the project, the plumber’s experience and availability of needed replacement parts can greatly affect the cost. If you are replacing the thermocouple yourself then the cost can be significantly lower depending upon the parts and tools needed.
Replacing a thermocouple typically involves disconnecting the old one, connecting the new one, and then testing the new one to make sure it’s functioning properly. It’s best to have a qualified plumber do the work as a poorly installed thermocouple can result in serious problems such as a gas leak or fire.
What is the life expectancy of a thermocouple?
The life expectancy of a thermocouple varies depending on the type of application and environment in which it is used. Generally, a thermocouple with a protective sheath can last anywhere from several months to several years, while an unprotected thermocouple may last as little as a few days.
The life expectancy of a thermocouple can also be affected by several factors, such as the external environment (heat, light, and humidity), the composition and size of the thermocouple wires, the type of thermocouple protection sheath, and the connection type and integrity of the thermocouple.
To maximize the life of the thermocouple, it is important to ensure proper installation and regular maintenance is conducted. In some cases, conducting a calibration or inspection of the thermocouple can help to prolong its life expectancy by catching any potential issues before they become a problem.
Ultimately, a thermocouple’s life expectancy is completely dependent upon its environment and application.
What happens if the pilot light won’t stay lit?
If the pilot light in your furnace won’t stay lit, it could be due to several different issues. The first step is to check to make sure the gas to your furnace is on. It’s possible that it has become switched off, either accidentally or due to a power outage.
If the gas is on, the next step is to check the flame sensor. This is a device that signals to the furnace when the pilot has been lit and must be performing properly for the furnace to ignite. If the sensor is dirty, it may not be able to register the flame, so cleaning it is the recommended solution.
Lastly, the gas valve may be malfunctioning and not allowing enough gas to flow to the pilot. If the valve needs to be replaced, it is best to call a professional to do so.
What is the most common thermocouple failure mode?
The most common thermocouple failure mode is corrosion. The most common source of corrosion is condensation or ambient moisture, which can cause a short circuit between the two wires. Corrosion can also occur due to temperature differences between the thermocouple wires, leading to electrolysis of moisture which can cause issues with insulation and the integrity of the thermocouple.
Corrosion can also be caused by chemicals reacting with the wires, such as acids and salts, or by physical damage to the wires. In addition, oxidation due to high temperatures can accelerate the effects of corrosion, and once corrosion sets in, it can be difficult to reverse without replacing the thermocouple.
What causes pilot light to go out on water heater?
Pilot lights on water heaters can go out due to a variety of issues, such as a clogged pilot light orifice, a loose flame sensor, or a bad thermocouple. A clogged pilot light orifice can be caused by a buildup of dirt and dust, or a disruption of the gas flow coming to the pilot light.
A loose flame sensor can become dislodged over time due to heat expansion and contraction of the parts, resulting in an interruption of the electrical connection between the sensor and the thermocouple.
Finally, a bad thermocouple can be caused by general wear and tear from heat or age.
In order to troubleshoot the issue, you should first try to relight the pilot light by following the manufacturer’s instructions for relighting the pilot light. If the pilot light does not stay lit, you may need to clean the pilot orifice.
You should also check connections to make sure the flame sensor and thermocouple are properly connected and not loose or corroded. If your attempts to relight the pilot light fail, you may need to replace the damaged parts.
It is always recommended to contact a professional for assistance in checking and repairing a water heater pilot light system.
Can a pilot light on a water heater just go out?
Yes, a pilot light on a water heater can just go out. If your water heater is gas-powered, there is a small flame that needs to stay lit in order for the unit to heat water. This flame is the pilot light.
There are a variety of factors that can cause the pilot light to go out, including wind drafts, a faulty thermocouple, or a disruption in your home’s gas lines. If the pilot light does go out, you should not attempt to re-light it yourself; instead, you should contact a professional to do an inspection and repair the issue.
Otherwise, you could put yourself and your home at risk of a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning.
How long does a water heater thermocouple last?
The lifespan of a water heater thermocouple depends on several factors, such as the quality and type of the thermocouple, how much water passes through the heater, and the environmental conditions in which it is installed.
Generally, water heater thermocouples last between 5 and 15 years. In general, higher quality thermocouples tend to last longer than cheaper models. Maintenance is also key to extending the life of a water heater thermocouple.
It is important to periodically inspect and clean the thermocouple to keep it functioning in tip-top condition. Additionally, if you perform regular maintenance, you should be able to spot any developing problems before it puts a strain on the unit, leading to breakdown.
Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?
When you release the pilot light knob after lighting it, the pilot light may go out for several reasons. Firstly, it may be an air flow issue, meaning that the intake is being blocked by something, or there’s an exhaust leak.
If this is the case, you should check to make sure there’s nothing blocking the air intake vent, and check the area around the pilot light to make sure nothing has come loose and is blocking the air flow.
Additionally, you should check the pipes of the pilot light to make sure there is no gas leaking from any of them.
Another potential cause of a pilot light going out when the pilot light knob is released could be a thermocouple that’s gone bad. The thermocouple is a device responsible for detecting heat and providing an electrical signal to the gas pilot light.
If it is faulty and no longer sensing the heat of the flame, then the pilot light will turn off as soon as you release the knob. You would need to replace the thermocouple in this case.
Finally, the gas pressure may not be set appropriately. The gas pressure is incredibly important and needs to be set accurately in order for the pilot light to stay lit. If the pressure is too high, the pilot light may extinguish when the knob is released.
To adjust gas pressure, check your user manual or contact a professional.