A pilot light can go out for a variety of reasons including an interruption in the gas supply, a malfunctioning thermocouple, a defective pilot light valve, or an issue with the pilot light’s flame. If an issue with the gas supply is to blame, the solution is often as simple as turning off the gas supply, waiting a few seconds, and turning it back on.
If the issue is related to the hardware, it’s best to have a professional take a look at the pilot light and associated parts to verify the cause and ensure the repairs are done safely. When it comes to the flame, sometimes it needs to be manually adjusted to ensure it doesn’t burn up the thermocouple or other parts.
In some cases, corralling the flame can help prevent it from blowing out on windy days. If you’re unable to figure out the cause of why the pilot light is going out, it’s best to consult with a professional for troubleshooting and repairs.
Should I worry if the pilot light goes out?
Yes, you should worry if the pilot light goes out in your gas appliance. The pilot light provides a continuous supply of small flame which ignites the gas when you turn your appliance on. Without this flame, gas may build up in your home and become a potential hazard.
If your appliance has a pilot light that won’t stay lit, you should contact a qualified HVAC technician or plumber immediately. These professionals should be capable of safely relighting the pilot or repairing any underlying mechanical fault.
If you are unable to safely get the pilot light back on, you should not attempt to use the gas appliance and contact a qualified professional to repair it. Additionally, you should avoid the area around the appliance and keep all doors and windows in the home open until the repair is complete.
How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?
If you have a pilot light that keeps going out, there are a few things you should do to try and fix the problem.
First, check the thermocouple to make sure it is clean and in the correct position. It should be pointed towards the pilot light, not away from it. You may need to clean it with compressed air or a damp cloth if it has become clogged.
Second, make sure that the pilot light is getting sufficient air. Check the vent to ensure that it is not blocked, and that it is open and clear.
Third, adjust the knob that controls the pilot light so that it is lower or higher. You may also need to adjust the gas pressure.
Fourth, clean the area around the pilot light. This could mean dusting the area or wiping it down with a cloth.
Finally, if all else fails, you may need to replace some parts. This could include the thermocouple, igniter, or the pilot light itself. If you decide to replace these parts yourself, make sure you use the correct parts for your appliance, and carefully follow the instructions in the manual.
Why is the pilot light not igniting?
In furnaces, for instance, the problem could stem from a faulty thermocouple, a device which is designed to detect the heat from the pilot flame, or an obstructed gas valve. Other reasons could include an absence of fuel to ignite the flame, a blockage of the gas line, a broken thermopile, or a defective thermocouple.
Furthermore, a clogged burner orifice may cause a faint pilot flame that doesn’t stay lit, and dirt buildup can also prevent the pilot light from burning more brightly. It’s important to inspect, clean, and adjust all the parts of a furnace before troubleshooting.
If the problem persists, it’s best to contact a certified technician to properly diagnose and fix the issue.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
The cost to replace a thermocouple can vary depending on several factors including the type of thermocouple needed, the size of the replacement part, and the location of purchase. Generally speaking, a basic thermocouple measuring 1-2 inches can cost anywhere from $5 to $35.
If your particular unit requires a specialized thermocouple, the cost can be significantly higher. It’s also important to factor in geographical location and the type of store or online retailer you purchase from.
Certain locations may be able to offer a lower cost due to varying taxes, while online retailers may be able to provide better deals due to their larger inventories and lower overhead costs. As a result, it’s important to compare prices from multiple locations before you make a purchase.
Why won t my pilot light spark?
First, the most common reason is improper ignition of the burner. This can be caused by a clogged pilot orifice, a malfunctioning thermocouple, or a defective control valve. To correct this issue, the pilot orifice needs to be cleaned, the thermocouple replaced, or the control valve replaced.
Additionally, a dirty pilot light assembly or other buildup in the gas line can also prevent the pilot light from sparking. To clear this issue, the pilot light assembly may need to be replaced or the gas line cleaned out.
If the gas line is clogged with dust or other particles, the gas flow may be interrupted and the spark will not light the pilot. Finally, it could be an issue with the spark electrode itself. If the spark electrode is damaged or corroded, it may not ignite the pilot light.
In this case, the spark electrode will need to be replaced. If none of the aforementioned issues are the culprit, then you may have a more complicated problem such as a faulty ignition transformer or ignition control module that needs to be replaced.
Can you get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light?
Yes, it is possible to get carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light. Natural gas or propane pilot lights are used to light water heaters, furnaces, or other appliances that use these fuels. However, if these appliances are not properly maintained or ventilated, they can release carbon monoxide into the living space.
This can be dangerous, as carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas, and can build to deadly levels in indoor spaces where it is not able to escape outside.
One common cause of carbon monoxide poisoning from a pilot light is for the pilot light to become blocked. This can happen when dirt, soot, or grease builds up in the pilot light, causing it to become obstructed.
As a result, the burning fuel doesn’t get enough air to burn cleanly, and more carbon monoxide is produced instead. Other issues can cause similar issues, such as a draft coming into the combustion chamber that reduces the oxygen levels and can lead to an incomplete combustion of the fuel.
To make sure that your pilot light is safe, you should ensure that the appliance is properly maintained and serviced regularly. Additionally, any vents recommended by the manufacturer should not be blocked, and you should make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector installed to alert you if dangerous levels of the gas are present.
Following these safety tips is key to make sure that your pilot light does not lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Will the gas company light my pilot?
No, the gas company should not be lighting the pilot of your gas appliance. Many gas companies will provide advice and assistance but will not light the pilot of a gas appliance for safety reasons. To ensure that your appliance is functioning properly and safely, you should contact a qualified professional to light the pilot.
If you are comfortable and knowledgeable with the task, you can also light the pilot yourself by following the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re unsure of how to complete this task or would rather an expert handle it, we recommend finding a licensed and trusted gas technician, as they have the right equipment and skills to complete the task safely.
How long does it take to get hot water after pilot light goes out?
The amount of time it takes to get hot water after the pilot light goes out depends on the type of system you have. Generally speaking, if you have an electric water heater, it will take a few hours for the water to heat up again.
Gas water heaters may take anywhere from a few minutes to up to an hour for the hot water to return. One way to speed up the process is to check that all the valves are in the correct position and then relight the pilot light following the manufacturer’s instructions.
You should also ensure that the tank is filled with the correct amount of water before starting the process. Additionally, if you have a larger tank, it will take longer for the hot water to return due to the larger capacity the tank requires to fill.
Will gas shut off if pilot light goes out on water heater?
Yes, the gas will shut off if the pilot light on a water heater goes out. The pilot light is what ignites the main burners that heat the water within the tank. Without the pilot light, the water heater will not be able to push warm or hot water throughout your home.
The pilot light will shut off when the thermocouple near it senses no heat. The thermocouple is a device that monitors the pilot flame and will shut it off if the flame is not present. In order to get the gas turned back on and to have the pilot light lit, you will have to hire a professional plumber or gas technician to come out and reset the thermocouple.
Can I relight the pilot light by myself?
Yes, you can relight the pilot light by yourself. However, before attempting to do so, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Be sure to read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions when relighting the pilot light.
Additionally, if you do not feel comfortable relighting it, you can contact a local, certified professional to do the job for you.
Here are some general steps to relight the pilot light:
1. Turn off the gas supply, then wait for a few minutes to ensure gas has been cleared.
2. Locate the main control valve, which can typically be found near the base of the furnace or attached to the gas line.
3. Look for a red or yellow reset button – this will be labeled “pilot.” Push down and hold the reset button and turn the control knob to the “pilot” setting.
4. Use a lighter to light the pilot and hold it for about 30 seconds.
5. Release the reset button after the pilot stays on.
6. Turn the main control valve to the “on” setting.
7. Test to make sure the pilot is burning correctly by turning the main control valve to the “pilot” position briefly and then back to “on.”
If you successfully relight the pilot light, be sure to check the area around the furnace every month to ensure safe operation.
What do you do if your pilot light won’t stay lit?
If your pilot light won’t stay lit, there are a few different things you can do to try to fix the problem.
1. Make sure your gas valve is turned to the “On” position.
2. Make sure your thermocouple is properly aligned by adjusting it as necessary.
3. Check the air shutter, which controls the amount of air flow to the pilot light, to make sure it is in the correct position.
4. Check that there is no buildup of dust, dirt, or other debris in the pilot tube, as this can prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
5. Check your gas pressure, as too much or too little can cause the pilot light to go out.
If none of these steps work and your pilot light still won’t stay lit, then you should contact a qualified technician to take a look. It’s important to have a professional inspect the gas line, pilot light, and thermocouple to make sure everything is functioning correctly and safely.
How do you clean a thermocouple?
Cleaning a thermocouple is an important part of its maintenance and will help ensure an accurate and reliable temperature reading over time. When cleaning a thermocouple, it is important to use the proper equipment, such as a small, soft-bristled brush for debris, and a soft cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol for any stubborn grime.
Begin by removing the thermocouple from the thermowell, and then removing any surface debris. Next, carefully brush the thermocouple to clean out any particles or clogs that may have built up, being careful to not contact the leads of the thermocouple or break the delicate wires.
Finally, moisten a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe away any remaining dirt or grime on the thermocouple. Once the cleaning process is complete, allow the thermocouple to air dry before reinstalling into the thermowell.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after replacing thermocouple?
One reason could be that the thermocouple is not properly seated in the pilot light assembly. The thermocouple should be positioned as close as possible to the flame so it can sense the heat from the flame, and it should always be placed with the bulb tip facing the heat source.
Additionally, the thermocouple should not be touching any metal surfaces; even a small gap in the thermocouple seating can cause the pilot light to go out.
Another possible reason why the pilot light is going out could be the flame setting on the gas valve. The flame should be adjusted such that there is a stable, even blue flame. A flame that is too low will not generate enough heat for the thermocouple to sense and may also cause the pilot light to go out.
Finally, the air shutter on the gas valve might need to be adjusted. If the air shutter is too closed, the pilot light will not stay lit. Proper adjustment of the air shutter can be accomplished by observing the colors and intensities of the flame, and then slightly opening and closing the air shutter until the flame is the right size and intensity.
It is important to make sure that no gas is leaking in the area and always ensure correct ventilation when lighting the pilot light, as an accumulation of gas in an enclosed space can be dangerous.
How do I know if my thermocouple is dirty?
The best way to tell if your thermocouple is dirty is to inspect it visually. Look for any signs of dirt, soot or dust that may have accumulated on the thermocouple head, connector or any other parts.
If dirt is present, it may be causing the thermocouple to malfunction by creating a barrier between the thermocouple head and the mass of metal it is mounted on, which could affect the readings you get.
In addition to visual inspection, you can also use a multimeter to test your thermocouple and ensure proper operation. Set the multimeter to read resistance, attach the probes to the thermocouple head, and check the resistance reading.
If the reading is different from what is listed in the user manual, then your thermocouple may be dirty and needs to be cleaned.