The pilot light is responsible for lighting the main gas burners of your appliance, so if it’s out, you won’t be able to use the appliance. It’s important to keep your pilot light lit for safety reasons.
There are several reasons why your pilot light may keep going out.
One reason could be that the pilot light orifice is clogged or blocked. The orifice is a tiny hole at the end of the gas line that the gas flows through. If any debris gets inside the line, it can block the gas flow and cause the pilot to go out.
A simple cleaning of the orifice may fix the problem.
It’s also possible that the thermocouple (the small metal rod that connects to the pilot light and monitors its temperature) is faulty or needs to be replaced. This small device will shut off the pilot if it senses a decrease in temperature.
Over time, the thermocouple may degrade, so you may need to replace it to make sure the pilot stays lit.
Another common reason why the pilot light keeps going out is a gas leak. A gas leak can cause the gas pressure in the line to be too low, creating too little gas flow to keep the pilot lit. You may need to contact a licensed plumber or HVAC technician to help inspect for potential gas leaks or to help maintain or adjust the gas pressure.
Finally, it’s a good idea to check the battery in the thermostat. If the batteries are low or dead, they can cause the pilot to shut off. Make sure the batteries are fresh and replace them if necessary to make sure the pilot light remains lit.
How do you fix a pilot light that won’t stay lit?
If your pilot light won’t stay lit, you should first check to see if any of the burner orifice holes have become clogged with dirt or debris. If any of the orifices are clogged, you should use a pin or needle to clear them out.
Once you’ve cleared any clogs, turn the gas valve off and wait a few minutes before trying to relight the pilot light. You should then relight the pilot as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the pilot still won’t stay lit, you should check the gas supply and regulator to make sure that enough gas is flowing. If the gas pressure is low, you will need to adjust the regulator. If the pressure is fine but the pilot still won’t stay lit, you should replace the thermocouple on the gas valve.
The thermocouple is a safety device that detects heat from the pilot and keeps the gas valve open. If the thermocouple is worn out, the gas valve will not stay open for the pilot to stay lit. If you cannot replace the thermocouple, you should call a professional to replace it for you.
What happens if pilot light won’t stay lit?
If your pilot light won’t stay lit, it could be caused by a few different issues. The most common cause is a dirty or blocked sensor in the pilot light. This can be caused by a build-up of dirt, dust, or debris in the pilot light, which prevents it from staying lit.
Other potential causes include a faulty pilot light flame sensor or a break in the electrical wiring.
To address this issue, you should first clean or replace the pilot light sensor, as this is the most common issue. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you should check to ensure that the wiring connections are secure, and if they aren’t, you should replace them.
If the pilot light still won’t stay lit, you should contact a qualified HVAC technician to further diagnose the problem.
Why does the flame keep going out on my furnace?
It could be an issue with the pilot light, the thermocouple, or the gas valve. Each of these components must be functioning properly in order for your furnace to work correctly. The pilot light is responsible for providing a small, consistent flame to ignite the burners when the thermostat signals for heat.
The thermocouple, which is a metal probe connected to the gas valve, senses when the pilot light is lit, and tells the gas valve to release gas to the burners. The gas valve itself is responsible for controlling the gas flow to the burners.
If any of these components are malfunctioning or out of adjustment, then the flame may keep going out. Additionally, debris or dust may be blocking the air intake, disrupting air flow and preventing the flame from igniting.
If you’re having issues with your furnace, it’s always best to contact a professional HVAC technician for assessment and repair. They will be able to troubleshoot the issue and repair it quickly and safely.
Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?
When you release the pilot light knob, it interrupts the flow of gas to the pilot light. Without the flow of gas, the pilot light goes out due to a lack of fuel. This is a safety mechanism within all gas appliances; if the flow of gas is disrupted, the pilot light will shut off automatically to prevent any hazardous gas buildup.
If you find that your pilot light keeps going out, you should check for any leaks and make sure all the connections are secure. You should also check the flame of the pilot light to make sure it is strong, blue, and burning evenly.
If all of these are in order, but the pilot light continues to go out when you release the knob, it could be a sign that your thermocouple, the device that senses heat and tells the pilot light to stay lit, is defective and needs to be replaced.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
The cost of replacing a thermocouple varies depending on the type of thermocouple you need, the make and model, and other factors such as labour, but typically it can range from as little as $10 up to around $100.
For simpler models, the cost may be less than $10. Replacement thermocouples are available in the form of single units or multi-packs, so it makes sense to shop around for the best deal. Depending on the type of thermocouple and the complexity of installation, the labour cost may be only a few dollars or it could be as much as $50 to $100 or more.
If you are comfortable with basic DIY skills, you may be able to make the installation yourself and substantially reduce the cost.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after replacing thermocouple?
There can be a number of reasons why the pilot light keeps going out after replacing the thermocouple. If the thermocouple wasn’t installed properly or isn’t compatible with the device, that could be the cause.
Another common reason why the pilot light keeps going out is due to a faulty thermocouple. If the thermocouple is old or has been damaged over time, it may no longer be able to detect the flame like it should, causing the pilot light to go out.
Additionally, if the gas pressure is too low, the thermocouple may not be able to sense the flame, which causes the pilot light to go out. Lastly, if the pilot itself isn’t the right size and shape, it may need to be adjusted in order to allow the thermocouple to sense the flame.
A qualified technician should be consulted to assist with any of these issues.
How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?
In order to determine if your thermocouple is broken, you should first make sure that the thermocouple is securely connected to the device it is monitoring. If there are any exposed wires, they should be replaced with new ones.
Then, you should check the device’s operation manual to ensure that the setting is correct. Typically, a thermocouple should be set to a temperature that is slightly above room temperature.
Next, you should perform a standard performance test on the thermocouple. During this test, the thermocouple should be placed near a heat source, such as a torch or hot water and monitored for any changes in temperature.
If the thermocouple shows a steady temperature reading, then it likely isn’t broken and is working properly.
If, however, the thermocouple does not show any change in temperature, then it could be broken or malfunctioning. You should then try to check the resistance of the thermocouple using an ohmmeter. The reading should be higher than the normal reading range of the thermocouple, to indicate that the thermocouple has broken and will need to be replaced.
Finally, if the thermocouple does not show a change in temperature or resistance readings, then it could be damaged internally. If this is the case, then it will need to be sent to a qualified technician for repair or replaced entirely.
Why won t my flame stay lit?
The most likely cause is a problem with the air to fuel ratio. If the air is not flowing correctly, the fuel in the burner may not be burning completely and consequently, the flame will not stay lit.
Additionally, a clogged gas line can be the culprit if your flame continually won’t stay lit. If the gas line has excess build-up from either dirt, debris, insects, or other debris, then it may cause the flame to go out.
In some cases, the gas orifice may need to be cleaned to eliminate any build-up and restore the correct air to fuel ratio. Lastly, if all else fails, you may have to replace the burner assembly, which is typically the least expensive option.
How do you unclog a thermocouple?
Unclogging a thermocouple can be a tricky task, but is possible with a few steps. First, you will want to identify the source of the blockage. This can be done by disconnecting the thermocouple from the electric pilot assembly and inspecting it for blockage.
If you find any debris or dirt buildup, use a pipe cleaner or wire brush to carefully remove the blockage. After the thermocouple is cleaned of any blockage, reattach it to the electric pilot assembly, making sure it is firmly in place with no loose connectors.
If the electric pilot assembly is blocked, remove it and carefully examine the tubing for any obstructions. If you find any blockage, flush the tubing using a garden hose or pressure washer. Finally, reattach the electric pilot assembly and make sure all connections are secure.
Following these steps should help unclog your thermocouple and ensure your appliance works properly.
How do you clean a pilot light sensor?
Cleaning a pilot light sensor is an important maintenance task to keep your heating system in tip top shape and running efficiently. To properly clean your pilot light sensor, you’ll need tools such as a toothbrush, cotton swab, and a vacuum cleaner.
Begin by removing the sensor’s cover and examine the interior of the unit. Using a toothbrush, gently brush the accumulated dust and debris away. Once the dust and debris is removed, use a cotton swab to gently clean any soot or grime that has built up on the sensor.
Next, you’ll want to vacuum the inside of the sensor to remove any remaining particles. Be sure to use a vacuum with a flexible hose attachment that can be easily maneuvered to reach all of the nooks and crannies.
When finished, you can use a compressed air canister to remove any lingering dust and debris.
Finally, carefully replace the cover and make sure all of the screws are securely fastened. With regular maintenance, you can keep your pilot light sensor functioning properly.
Should the pilot light be touching the thermocouple?
No, the pilot light should not be touching the thermocouple. The pilot light should be only close enough to the thermocouple that it can heat the sensing area. If the flame is too close, there can be a risk of the pilot light scorching the thermocouple and creating an insufficient voltage.
In order to ensure the thermocouple is functioning properly, the pilot light should be kept securely in the proper position away from the thermocouple. If the pilot light is too far away, the thermocouple may be unable to detect a flame and could shut off the gas supply.
Why won’t my pilot light stay lit on my gas water heater?
It is important to determine the cause of the issue before attempting to fix it because attempting to fix the issue without correctly isolating the cause can lead to potential safety risks.
The most common causes of a pilot light not staying lit are: air flow blockage, thermocouple malfunction, or insufficient gas supply. If air flow is blocked, the pilot light may not have enough ventilation to remain ignited.
This can be a result of a dirty air control vent, obstructed vent piping, or clogged filters. You can check for these blockages by visually inspecting the area.
A malfunctioning thermocouple may also cause the pilot light to go out. This is a sensitive safety device that shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light is extinguished. If the thermocouple is worn out, damaged, or incorrectly positioned, it could be shutting off the gas supply before the pilot light can remain lit.
Finally, an insufficient fuel supply could also be the culprit. You can check the fuel supply by turning the knob to the pilot setting, noting the sound and smell of the gas. If there is not a loud gas-releasing sound or a strong gas smell, then the fuel supply may be insufficient.
The gas line connected to the pilot flame may need to be checked for blockages, cracks, or disconnections.
If the cause has been identified and the issue persists, it may be time to call a professional for assistance.
What would cause hot water heater pilot light to not stay lit?
The most common cause of a hot water heater pilot light not staying lit is a lack of gas flow to the pilot light. This is usually a result of a clogged gas line, or a failure in the gas control valve, often due to dirt or corrosion.
The gas control valve also includes a thermocouple, a safety device that detects if the pilot light is lit, and if not, it will shut down the gas flow. It’s possible the thermocouple has failed, or the pilot light orifice has become clogged.
Lastly, it’s possible that the pilot light flame is not adjusted properly, meaning that it is too close or too far from the thermocouple, and thus not supplying enough heat for the thermocouple to detect the flame and keep the gas flow open.
What makes pilot light go out frequently?
Pilot lights can go out for a variety of reasons, including drafts caused by air conditioning or ventilation systems, pilot light tubing that has become blocked by debris or dust, incorrect installation, dirt or dust buildup in the gas valve, or due to gas leaks.
It is also possible for the thermocouple, the part of the gas valve that detects when the pilot light is lit, to fail, which will cause the pilot light to go out.
In duct systems, if the ventilation system isn’t properly sealed, drafts can be created as air is pumped into the house. This can then cause a draft to blow on the pilot light, which will extinguish it.
If the pilot light tubing has become clogged with debris, dust, or dirt, this can also prevent the passage of gas to the pilot light.
If the gas valve isn’t correctly installed, this can also cause the pilot light to go out. If the gas valve has dirt and dust built up inside, this can prevent the thermocouple from sensing the pilot flame, which will shut off the flow of gas.
Finally, it is possible that a gas leak can cause the pilot light to go out, as the gas can mix with the air and become too diluted and the flow of gas will cease. Additionally, if the thermocouple fails, the pilot light won’t have a means to detect when it is lit, which will prevent gas from flowing, shutting off the pilot light.