Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out – Causes and Solutions
What to do when the water heater pilot light keeps going out? It is annoying, especially if you bought a new water heater a few months ago. Water heaters should last for a minimum of ten years, so what’s the problem?
Keep reading to find out potential reasons for the pilot light issue and if you can fix the problem at home. Also, let’s discuss when you should call the technicians.
The pilot light is the most important part of a gas water heater, so we’ll analyze it a bit more. That way, you’ll know what to do and how to prevent the water heater pilot light from malfunctioning!
Why Does the Water Heater Pilot Light Keep Going Out?
The lack of warm water caused by gas-powered water heaters is mostly because of the pilot light malfunction.
Below are some potential reasons why the water heater pilot light keeps going out:
- Dirty pilot tube
- Dirty thermocouple
- Damage thermocouple
- Broken thermocouple
- Flex tube issues
- Gas control valve issue
- Electrical wiring issues
What is a Pilot Light on Water Heater?
A pilot light is a part of any gas-powered appliance. In simple words, the pilot light ensures that the appliance stays lit. It is a small flame, and you can find it on a furnace, gas fireplace, gas-powered water heater.
The pilot light enables the process of heating the water. When your water heater is turned on, the gas is released to the primary burner, in charge of heat production. Then, the pilot light starts and lights up the gas, which provides heat.
So, if there is an issue with the pilot light, there is no heat available to warm the water and the purpose of the water heater is compromised.
Keep reading to find out what to do if the pilot light on your water heater keeps going out.
Watch this video to know more:
The Location of the Pilot Light
If you aren’t familiar with the structure of a water heater, you might not even be aware of the problem, or how to fix it.
When you look at your water heater, you’ll notice a cover on top of the water heater tank. Check around the cover for methods to lift the cover. You can also consult the instruction manual that came with the water heater.
A pilot light should be underneath the tank. If you don’t have visual access to the pilot light, take a flashlight to inspect the inside of the tank.
How to Tell if your Pilot Light is Out?
The first clue is the most obvious – there is no warm water!
Check the large dial on the water heater with a word pilot to see if you have an automatic or manual water heater. If you notice a button next to it, you’ve got an older water heater model with a manual pilot.
Water heaters without the button have an automatic pilot light.
Does Every Gas-Powered Water Heater Have Pilot Light?
Modern water heaters have electronic ignition. In simple words, the heater uses current and conductive metal to start the warming up process. These models don’t have a pilot light.
Other variations are appliances with intermittent pilot light and a small flame. But, the flame starts via electric sparks. Conventional gas-powered appliances start the flame via a change in the gas pressure, like in the conventional pilot lights.
Before we move on to the reasons why your water heater pilot light goes out, there is one more thing to discuss.
What is a Thermocouple?
The thermocouple is a part you can find in the modern water heaters that include pilot light. It is a flame sensor and the most common reason for the issues with the pilot light.
Thermocouple requires maintenance – cleaning and dusting, but if it is broken, you can find the replacement part in a nearby hardware store for less than $20. But, try to fix it first with the following solutions!
7 Potential Reasons for Pilot Light on the Water Heater to Go Out and Solutions
If your water heater light keeps going out, there could be several reasons behind it. Before you move on, please check if your water heater is under warranty.
If the warranty period hasn’t passed, contact the manufacturer to fix or replace the water heater due to malfunction.
If your appliance isn’t under warranty, you can keep reading to discover what you can do to fix the water heater.
But, the first step you have to do is to turn off the main gas supply valve. Wait for several minutes before you move on. It will stop allowing the heater to cool off and the gas to disperse, so you can continue without risk.
Dirty Pilot Tube
The easiest problem to fix that can cause problems with your water heater is the dirt in the pilot tube.
The flame needs to go through the pilot tube to induce the heat. But, if the tube is dirty, it can block the flame and cause it to go off. Dirt, debris, piled-up dust can clog the tube, so little to no flame at all goes to the burner. Therefore, the pilot light will go out over and over.
- How to Fix?
The dirty tube is the easiest to fix. You can use a slender needle to clean dirt and piled-up dust. Gently move the needle until you release the passage, but don’t rush, because you can damage the tube.
Once the passage is clean, try the water heater. If you fix the issues, you’ll notice blue flames!
Issues with Thermocouple
If your water heater doesn’t do its work and provides you with cold water only, check the thermocouple. There could be several issues that prevent the pilot light from staying out.
Dirty Thermocouple
Similar to the pilot tube, a dirty thermocouple can make the light go out. Thermocouple regulates the gas valve, closing it when it doesn’t detect the pilot light. Therefore, a thermocouple prevents gas leaks and has a major safety purpose.
Dirt and grime cut off the gas supply, which will kill the pilot light, so there won’t be hot water at all.
- How to Fix?
The simplest way to fix this issue is to clean the thermocouple with sandpaper.
But, don’t forget to turn off the gas supply valve and let the thermocouple get cold. Gently scrub until you clean all dirt and grime.
Test the water heater once you’re done, and if the cleaning doesn’t fix the issue, you can replace the thermocouple.
Damaged Thermocouple
Check the look of the thermocouple. If it is bent, it might not detect the pilot light to open the gas valve.
Bent, or damaged or moved thermocouple won’t detect pilot light and will wrongly conclude that the light is off. Therefore, the gas supply will be off for safety reasons.
- How to Fix?
You can try to straighten the thermocouple manually once it cools down and mount it in a good position.
Put it near the pilot light so the blue flame and thermocouple almost touch. If you can fix the position or the shape of a thermocouple, get a new one.
Thermocouple Malfunction
If you’ve done all the steps from above and your thermocouple still won’t detect the pilot light and keep the gas valve open, then it is time to conclude that your thermocouple is broken.
But, if you own a multimeter to measure the voltage, you can use it to run a diagnostic test.
The thermocouple needs to have a voltage over 20 MV.
- How to Fix?
At this point, there is no fixing. The only thing left is to purchase a new thermocouple and replace the broken one. It is still much cheaper than buying a new water heater.
Watch this video to know more:
Problem with Flex Tube
Problems with flex tubes are less likely to happen, but can still cause your pilot light to malfunction. A flex tube is just what the name suggests – a long, flexible tube. Its purpose is to connect various parts, such as the gas controller and burner.
If the flex tube is damaged or clogged, the gas controller won’t allow the gas to go to the burner, so the pilot light won’t be on.
The tube can get clogged, kinky, or pierced. Even the slightest hole in the flex tube can cause gas to leak, which will reduce the amount of gas that travels to the burner. Therefore, the pilot light won’t stay on due to the reduced amount of gas that supplies the burner.
- How to Fix?
Check the tube for any holes or kinks. Straighten it so there are no wrinkles. That should do it. Test the water heater and see if your problem is fixed. If not, check the next potential issues.
Main Control Valve Malfunction
The problems with the main control valve are even less common than problems with the flex tube. Therefore, before you start looking into it, make sure you’ve done all the checkups from above.
If nothing helps, then check the main control valve.
The main control valve regulates gas and water pressure. It is a very important part of the water heater that keeps everything else functioning properly.
The valve first releases a small amount of gas. Then, the gas lits so the valve opens and continues to supply the burner with the gas.
If the valve doesn’t work properly, it can shut off the gas supply without obvious reason.
The signs that tell you that the valve might be broken are sudden changes in hot water and the broken pilot button.
- How to Fix?
The issues with the main control valve aren’t designed for DIY fixing. You can call technicians, but almost every manufacturer advises against fixing the valve. Instead, you should replace it to prevent it from malfunctioning again and cause more damage to the water heater.
Electrical Wiring Issues
Ultimately, if your water heater hasn’t been connected well, problems with electrical wiring can occur. A safe clue that you’ve got an issue with wiring is the sudden shut-off of the water heater.
- How to Fix?
Call professionals to check the wiring and never do it yourself because of the risk of electric shock and injuries. Keep the water heater off until the technicians arrive and wait for them to fix the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dealing with water heater issues can make you wonder about various things. So, here is the section dedicated to the most common questions people have about pilot light DIY solutions!
Pilot Light Issues: Know to Call Technicians
Some minor issues such as dirty thermocouples or long tubes, you can easily fix at home. But, if you aren’t completely sure that you know what you’re doing, call the professionals. Always consult the instructions, because water heaters aren’t built the same.
Good luck getting your hot water back!
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