Hiring a plumber to light a pilot light typically costs between $75 and $150. This covers a standard service-call or dispatch fee, which includes the first 15–30 minutes of labor to travel to your home and ignite the pilot.
6 Common Reasons Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
Manual Lighting
If your water heater needs to be manually lit, hold the lit tip of a long barbeque lighter up to the pilot while continuing to hold down on the regulator knob. Hold the lighter up to the pilot until it ignites, then remove the lighter.
Having a thermocouple replaced usually costs $125-200, while the part itself is about $15-25. If a bad thermocouple isn't to blame for a nonfunctioning water heater, the gas control valve may be to blame.
When the pilot light on a water heater will no longer stays lit, it typically means the thermocouple is bad. Thermocouples are little electric generators that create a magnetic current that holds open a magnetic gas valve inside the control unit on the front of the water heater.
The heat exchanger is often considered the most costly part of a furnace to repair or replace. It is a critical component that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that circulates throughout your home. Over time, heat exchangers can crack due to the constant heating and cooling cycles they undergo.
Any pilot lights on your appliances will go out if your propane tank runs out -– a problem that can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly.
Schedule Annual Inspections: A yearly HVAC inspection is one of the best ways to catch potential issues early. A technician will clean critical components, test the thermocouple, and ensure proper gas flow for reliable operation. Test the Thermocouple: Thermocouples can wear out over time.
Your tank size is the most significant determinant of how long you can have a hot shower: 30-gallon tank: ~5–7 minutes of hot water. 40-gallon tank: ~8–10 minutes. 50-gallon tank: ~10–12 minutes.
It's sometimes called the “flame sensor.” It shuts the gas off if the pilot goes out. Gas that flows through your furnace could enter your house if the thermocouple fails to turn it off. Protecting your home from gas buildup is the thermocouple.
Pilot Light Issues: The pilot light may go out due to a blocked or damaged thermocouple. Relighting is typically inexpensive unless the thermocouple requires replacement, which can range between $120 and $300.
Inspect the Circuit Breaker: Go to your home's electrical panel and check if the furnace's breaker has tripped. If it has, flip it completely off and then back on to reset it. Check the Furnace Power Switch: Look for a power switch on or near the furnace unit itself and make sure it is in the "on" position.
A furnace ignitor typically lasts 3–5 years and costs $30–$100 for the part, with professional installation running $150–$300 total.
Cheapest Option: A gas fire is significantly cheaper to run if you only need to heat the room you are currently using (zone heating).
Pilot lights will occasionally go out. Sometimes the cause is easily resolved, such as running out of propane or turning off the gas. However, if the pilot light needs to be relit more than once per season, it should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
Pilot Light Issues: If the pilot light is not burning efficiently or has gone out, it can result in the release of a small amount of gas, leading to a faint odor.
Typically, a furnace should cycle 3 to 8 times per hour, running for about 10 to 15 minutes each time. If it's cycling more frequently (short cycling) or running for 20+ minutes straight regularly, something's not right.
Turn the control knob to Pilot. While holding down the reset button or Pilot button, use a lighter or igniter to light the pilot light. Continue to hold the button for 30 to 60 seconds to allow the thermocouple time to heat up. Release the button and check that the pilot light remains lit.
In most cases, it's not a direct safety risk because modern water heaters have safety features like thermocouples, which shut off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. This prevents gas from leaking into your home, reducing the risk of a gas buildup.
A 250-gallon propane tank holds roughly 200 usable gallons (due to the 80% fill rule). Depending on your appliance load: Light use (stove, water heater only): 6–10 months. Moderate use (heat + cooking + water): 2–4 months in winter.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating a home with propane has cost far less than heating with electricity. Over time, propane water heaters can cost one-third less to operate and recover water twice as quickly as electric water heaters – saving you money!
The Average Furnace Lifespan
A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with furnace repairs can extend its life even longer.
Capacitors are used in nearly every heating system, from gas furnaces to electric furnaces to heat pumps. Even though other parts can fail, like the ignitor in a gas furnace or the compressor in a heat pump, the capacitor is by far the most common part to fail on a furnace because almost every system relies on one.
You may be able to improve efficiency by replacing a part, but if your furnace is 15+ years old, a new furnace will be more efficient and more cost-effective. You'll save money on repair bills and future energy bills. Learn about American Standard's Best Furnaces.