Pilot Light Won't Stay Lit The issue could be: A dirty tube: If the pilot light tube is dirty, it can put out the light over time. You'll need to clean it with something abrasive to get it working again. Not enough gas: Sometimes, the gas valve will leak, or something else prevents gas from getting through the line.
The main reasons why a pilot light won't stay lit include: A dirty pilot light tube. Not enough gas or no gas at all. A faulty thermocouple.
The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.
If the pilot flame ignites but goes out after you release the gas control knob, the cause may be a dirty or defective thermocouple. If the gas is on but the flame will not ignite at all, a pilot tube obstruction is the most likely issue.
It's easy to replace, and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater's burning chamber, it's easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.
Clean the Thermocouple: Use a brush or compressed air to remove any debris or dust on the thermocouple. A soft-bristled brush works well for this. Handle with Care: Be gentle during cleaning to avoid damage.
Replacing the pilot light in a water heater should cost between $75 and $150. The pilot light might go out for various reasons on your gas water heater. It's rare for a heater to require a full replacement of the pilot light assembly.
The Pilot Lights But Won't Stay Lit
If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that's the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.
There's really just one telltale sign of letting you know when the thermocouple isn't working, and that's when the pilot light won't stay lit. If you experience this problem, it's important to have your thermocouple assessed as soon as possible.
Once you have replaced the thermocouple, turn on the furnace and check to see if the pilot light stays lit. If your pilot light doesn't stay lit, it may be due to something blocking the thermocouple. You can try cleaning or replacing it, but if that doesn't work, you may need to call a professional.
Calling a reputable HVAC company is usually the best way to fix a pilot light that keeps going out. Sometimes, there are causes you can fix yourself. If there is a draft nearby that is blowing out the light, for example, you can locate the source and find a solution. That can be as simple as closing a window.
Your water heater requires air to keep the pilot light burning. Otherwise, the flame goes out. Ensure that the water heater is not surrounded by clutter, lint, or debris to increase the amount of combustible air. Keep the surrounding area as clean as possible.
The pilot light might be going out due to a few reasons like a dirty or faulty thermocouple, a weak pilot flame, or a draft blowing it out. You can try cleaning the thermocouple or adjusting the pilot flame, but if the issue persists, it's best to have a professional technician inspect and repair it to ensure safety.
Failed Thermocouple Symptoms
The first is signs of contamination on the tube, which can include discoloration, cracks, or pinholes. Next, check the wiring for any signs of wear or corrosion like missing insulation or bare wire.
Is It Dangerous if The Pilot Light Goes Out? The worry here is that when a pilot goes out, the gas valve that supplies the fuel for the pilot flame could still be pumping gas. This can mean a buildup of gas, and when the pilot is relit or relights itself, it could result in a very serious explosion.
Furnace Thermocouple Replacement Cost
If you're comfortable handling small furnace repairs, you can purchase a furnace thermocouple for about $10 to $20 from a hardware store or online. Replacing the thermocouple requires some basic tools and familiarity with the furnace's inner components.
The issue could be: A dirty tube: If the pilot light tube is dirty, it can put out the light over time. You'll need to clean it with something abrasive to get it working again. Not enough gas: Sometimes, the gas valve will leak, or something else prevents gas from getting through the line.
If you are having trouble getting your water heater pilot light on, or you can't get it to stay lit for long, rely on a plumbing professional for water heater repair, maintenance, and replacement services.
An important part of your water heater, it moves cold replacement water to the bottom of the tank when you use hot water; otherwise, both will mix and reduce the water temperature. Anode Rod Replacement: While an anode rod costs between $20 and $50, a plumber can replace it for $50 to $150.
Clean the thermocouple - using the emery cloth sandpaper, sand the ends of the thermocouple and then give it a finishing touch with the lint-free cloth. Hopefully, you can get to the ends of the thermocouple without having to detach it from the assembly, but you may have to do that.
The Pilot Tube Is Clogged
Another common reason that a pilot light won't stay lit is because of a clogged pilot tube. Gas travels through the pilot tube to keep the pilot light burning. If the tube is completely clogged, no gas will flow, and you won't get the pilot to ignite at all.
If your pilot will not stay lit, try cleaning it. Use a can of compressed air, such as is used to clean a computer, to blow dust out of the pilot assembly. Sometimes just blowing air back through the pilot will get rid of the dirt.