There can be a few different explanations for why your pilot light goes out when you turn the knob to the “on” position. One possibility is that the thermocouple, which senses the heat from your pilot light, is failing.
If the thermocouple is weak, it can be unable to sense the heat from the flame and shut down the gas flow. Another possibility is that the thermopile, which is the device that actually turns on the gas-valve, has failed and is no longer functioning properly.
If the thermopile is damaged, the gas will not be able to flow through the valve and ignite the pilot light. Finally, the gas filter could be blocked, preventing the flow of gas. If the gas filter is dirty or blocked, the pilot light will not be able to get the necessary oxygen to burn.
In any case, if your pilot light is going out when you turn the knob to the “on” position, you should have a qualified technician inspect and diagnose the issue, as this could be a sign of a more serious problem.
How do you fix a pilot light that won’t stay lit?
If your pilot light won’t stay lit, there are a few easy steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. First, make sure the gas is connected to the appliance. Without a working gas supply, the pilot light can’t ignite and stay lit.
If the gas supply is connected properly, check to make sure no valves between the gas line and the appliance are closed, as this can also prevent the flame from igniting.
If the supply is correctly connected, you’ll need to check the thermocouple, which supplies power to the flame. The thermocouple is a thin rod with a junction at the end, and it converts heat from the pilot light into electricity, which keeps it going.
If this is damaged or worn out, the pilot light won’t stay lit. To replace the thermocouple, simply unscrew the old one and replace it with a new one.
If the thermocouple is in good condition, you’ll need to clean the pilot light orifice. This is the small hole where the flame sits, and any dirt or debris in the hole can prevent the flame from igniting.
To clean the orifice, use a toothpick or thin wire to poke out any build up and make sure that the hole is clear.
Finally, if none of these steps do the trick, there may be an issue with the gas pressure. Adjusting the gas pressure with a screwdriver can help alleviate this issue. If none of these solutions work, you should contact a professional for repair service.
Should the knob be on pilot or on?
The answer to this question is largely dependent on the cost and the type of furnace you have. If you have a pilot light furnace, it is actually important that the knob is kept in the “on” position because this helps to both ignite the gas and maintain the pilot light.
If you have an electronic ignition system furnance, however, the knob should usually be kept in the “off” position. This is because this type of furnace generally has an internal safety mechanism that will automatically turn off the gas if the flame fails to ignite or remain lit.
Because of the potential safety concerns associated with using a pilot light furnace with the knob left “on,” it is generally advised that all homeowners with electronic ignition furnaces set the knob to “off” when not in use.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after replacing thermocouple?
Replacing the thermocouple on your pilot light can be a tricky process, and it’s possible that it wasn’t done correctly, which is why your pilot light keeps going out. It’s important that the thermocouple is correctly positioned so that it can properly detect the heat generated by the pilot light flame.
If the thermocouple is not correctly positioned, or even if the thermocouple is not the right size or model for your furnace, it will not be able to detect heat as intended, and your pilot light will shut off.
It’s also possible that the pilot light flame is not hot enough to generate the required amount of heat. If the flame is not hot enough, the thermocouple won’t be able to detect it, and the pilot light will shut off.
This can be caused if the burner orifice is blocked, if the flame adjustment is not set correctly, or if the air inlet is too large.
Lastly, it’s possible that the thermocouple itself is bad and needs to be replaced. If the thermocouple is degraded or corroded, it might be unable to detect the heat from the pilot light flame, and the pilot light will go out as a result.
In conclusion, if your pilot light keeps going out after replacing the thermocouple, it could be due to incorrect installation, a weak flame, or a degraded thermocouple. It’s important to check each of these potential issues and fix or replace the necessary components in order to fix the problem.
How do I clean a thermocouple?
Cleaning a thermocouple is relatively easy and can be done with some basic tools.
First, inspect it to check for signs of damage or debris. If it looks damaged or dirty, then you should clean it.
If the thermocouple is not too dirty, then use some isopropyl alcohol combined with a soft cloth to clean it. Rub the cloth gently over the thermocouple until it shines.
If the thermocouple is heavily polluted, then you should use a combination of sandpaper and isopropyl alcohol. Start by wetting the thermocouple with the isopropyl alcohol and then gently rub the sandpaper over the surface in a circular motion.
Repeating this process will remove all the dirt and grime.
Once the thermocouple is clean, use some electrical contact cleaner to finish the job. Apply it directly on the thermocouple and then rub it off with a dry cloth.
It is important to ensure that all dirt and debris have been removed as this will help to ensure accurate readings from your thermocouple.
After cleaning the thermocouple, you should calibrate it to ensure that it is providing an accurate readings.
How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?
First, check whether the thermocouple is getting a voltage output by using a multimeter to measure the voltage between the thermocouple head and the body of the thermocouple. If the voltage is not registering, then it is possible that the thermocouple is broken.
If the voltage is registering, then it is possible that the wiring might be at fault. In either case, it is best to replace the thermocouple and test it again.
It is also possible to troubleshoot the thermocouple with a thermocouple reference table. This table allows you to compare the measured voltage output from the thermocouple to the expected voltage for a given temperature.
If the measured voltage does not match the expected voltage for a given temperature, then it is likely that the thermocouple has failed.
Lastly, you can use a calibration oven to test the thermocouple’s accuracy. This involves connecting the thermocouple to the oven and measuring the output voltage. The thermocouple should be set to a specific temperature and then allowed to sit for a certain amount of time.
At the end of this period, the voltage should be checked and compared to the expected voltage for that temperature. If the measured voltage is significantly different, then this could indicate that the thermocouple has failed.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
The cost to replace a thermocouple depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of thermostat, the brand and model of the thermostat, and the type and number of thermocouples needed. Generally speaking, an individual thermocouple can cost anywhere from $5 to $20.
If the thermostat requires multiple thermocouples, then the cost can add up significantly. Additionally, if the thermostat needs to be removed and reinstalled, or if the wiring needs to be replaced or updated, the cost of labor can further increase the cost to replace the thermocouple.
Why do I have to keep relighting my pilot light?
Pilot lights are the small flames which are kept burning at all times on a gas-fired appliance. If your pilot light keeps going out, it’s likely due to one of several common causes. Most likely, a draft or windy conditions can cause the flame to get blown out.
It is also possible that there may be dirt or debris clogging the pilot orifice, causing it to go out when it is shifted. You may also have an issue with your thermocouple or gas valve, or the gas pressure may be incorrect.
Whatever the cause, it is important to determine why your pilot light is going out, as it can be hazardous if left unresolved. Make sure to have it looked at by a certified professional if you are unable to diagnose the issue yourself.
Does a thermocouple control the pilot light?
No, a thermocouple does not control the pilot light. A thermocouple is a safety device used to sense when the pilot light has been lit. If the pilot light goes out for any reason, the thermocouple will shut off the gas flow to the burner, thus ensuring that the gas cannot accidentally ignite and cause a fire or explosion.
The thermocouple will keep the gas turned off until the pilot light is lit again. So while a thermocouple is used to detect the pilot light, it doesn’t actually control the pilot light.
What happens if a thermocouple is dirty?
If a thermocouple is dirty, it will affect its accuracy and calibration. Dirt, dust and other debris can accumulate on the thermocouple’s surface, preventing the proper transfer of heat from the process to the sensing element.
This makes it difficult for the device to accurately measure temperatures or detect changes in temperature. Over time, the dirt and debris can also cause corrosion of the components, resulting in an unreliable response.
It is also possible for the dirt and debris to damage the insulators between the junctions and cause an intermittent open circuit. Due to all of these issues, it is important to keep thermocouples clean, especially when used in a dusty or harsh environment.
Cleaning should be done regularly and a professional maintenance technician should check for proper calibration of the device.
How do you clean a clogged pilot light?
Cleaning a clogged pilot light can be somewhat of a complicated task, depending on the type of pilot light you have. Generally, you can follow these steps to help clean a clogged pilot light.
1. Start by turning off the gas to the gas furnace. If you’re using a wall heater, you can shut off the gas supply either at the wall heater or the gas meter.
2. Now, remove the access panel of the furnace and locate the pilot light. If the pilot light is clogged, it will be either black or covered in soot. Make sure to turn off the control knob of the heater as well.
3. Once you’ve located the pilot light, use a small wire brush or toothpick to clean off any debris or soot from the pilot light. Use a vacuum to clean up any debris or dust. Be sure to exercise utmost caution when cleaning the pilot light and avoid any contact with open flames.
4. Once the pilot light is cleaned, reattach the access panel, turn on the gas, and turn the control knob back on. Then, light the pilot light with a lighter or long match. You may need to adjust the length of the flame using a needle-nose pliers to make sure the pilot light is burning correctly.
5. If the pilot light still won’t stay on, you may need to replace the thermocouple and other components of the pilot light assembly. Make sure to refer to the specific instructions and precautionary measures listed in the user manual of your heater before attempting to replace any parts.
It is important to remember to put on safety goggles and gloves before attempting any cleaning or maintenance on the pilot light.
Why is the pilot light not igniting?
The pilot light not igniting can be caused by several things. First, it could be due to an issue with your thermocouple, which is the device in your furnace that detects heat from the pilot light and regulates the flow of gas.
If the thermocouple is faulty or out of position, it won’t detect the heat from the pilot and won’t allow the gas valve to open, thus the pilot won’t ignite. A second common cause the pilot won’t ignite is blocked air vents.
When the air vents are blocked, the furnace can’t draw in enough air to help the pilot light ignite. Lastly, it can be an issue with gas supply. If the gas supply is interrupted or shut off, the pilot light won’t ignite.
If you have ruled out these items and are still having issues with the pilot ignition, it may be an issue with the actual pilot light assembly and it would be recommended to have it serviced and replaced if necessary.
Should I worry if the pilot light goes out?
Yes, you should be concerned if the pilot light goes out. This usually happens as a result of a loss of power or a clogged gas line. If the pilot light goes out, the furnace will no longer be able to heat your home.
Depending on the type of pilot light, it may be either adjustable or locked away in a location that requires a professional to access. If you are able to adjust the pilot light, you should do so cautiously, following the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
If the pilot light won’t stay lit or you don’t feel comfortable adjusting it on your own, it is best to contact a qualified heating professional to repair the pilot light. The technician will be able to diagnose the cause of the problem and provide the proper repair.
In the meantime, you should avoid using any gas or electric appliances in your home.
Can a pilot light cause a fire?
Pilot lights are small, open-flame burners that are used to keep a furnace, water heater, or stove burning in order to provide heat. While the flame from a pilot light is relatively small and contained, it is still a potential risk for a fire.
When not properly maintained, the flame from a pilot light can overheat and ignite nearby materials. Additionally, the flame can blow out due to gusts of wind or poor ventilation, which can leave behind gas that, when paired with an ignition source, can cause an accidental fire.
To prevent a fire caused by a pilot light, it is important to regularly check and maintain the pilot light, ensuring that it is the correct size and that it is burning cleanly and evenly. Additionally, proper ventilation and installation will help to reduce the risk of fire caused by a pilot light.
Why does my thermocouple keeps burning out?
First, it could be due to poor connections in the wiring, which can create excessive heat and lead to burning out the thermocouple. It could also be due to a voltage differential between the two leads of the thermocouple, which can also lead to burning out the thermocouple.
In addition, it could be due to a dirty or contaminated junction box, as this can lead to inadequate grounding, interference, or poor insulation, which may cause the thermocouple to burn out. Finally, it could be due to a damaged or malfunctioning control panel, which can cause erratic readings and overheat the thermocouple.