Why is the pilot light flickering on my gas heater?

Author: Kyle Trantow  |  Last update: Sunday, January 4, 2026

An Irregular Flame If the flame of your pilot light is faint or flickering, you may need to find your pilot's adjustment screw and increase the flame's intensity. If it's yellow instead of blue, you probably don't have the pilot's temperature correctly set, which may also send a bad signal to the thermocouple.

What causes a pilot light to flicker?

Flame flickers or spits – A draft in the room can cause your flame to flicker. Spitting is often caused by a dirty gas orifice or tube. These can be cleaned with a stiff wire, but you'll need to remove the pilot light assembly to do so.

What does it mean when the pilot light is blinking?

The thermocouple is responsible for sensing the pilot light. If the pilot light fails, it results in a lack of hot water, so you want the sensor to continue to alert you when the pilot light goes out. If there is a problem with this sensor, the blinking lights will signal an issue, so you can get the sensor repaired.

Why does my gas heater keep flickering?

There are two main causes for a weak or flickering flame — dirt and airflow. Dirt in the tube can obstruct gas flow and cause the flame to flicker or weaken. Poor airflow starves the flame of oxygen, causing it to sputter and flicker as it tries to stay alive.

How do you clean a thermocouple on a gas heater?

How to Clean a Thermocouple
  1. Locate the pilot assembly and find the thermocouple. ...
  2. Use an adjustable wrench as needed to remove thermocouple from the gas valve.
  3. Detach the thermocouple from the pilot assembly. ...
  4. Gently scrub the thermocouple with the abrasive side of a sponge or scouring pad to remove the soot.

TOP 10 Reasons Why the Gas Pilot Light Goes Out & Won't Stay Lit!

How do I know if my thermocouple is dirty?

Once you've located the thermocouple, do a visual inspection. You're looking for a few things. 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.

Can you clean a thermocouple without removing it?

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.

What does flickering gas light mean?

The light flashes when you are going low on fuel (1 gallon left IIRC), and a solid light means get fuel now (1/2 gallon left). Now, if you have a full tank (i.e. > 1 gallon), and it is still flashing, the problem is most likely a stuck tank level float.

Why do my heater keep blinking?

An error with the gas, ignition failure, or flame can cause the red light to start blinking. This could be an indication that your flame sensor is dirty, and/or could also mean there is a problem with the gas valve or ignitors.

How do I know if my heater igniter is bad?

If you notice your home getting colder and colder, yet the Furnace never comes on, no matter how high you set the temperature, this could indicate a problem with the ignitor.

How do I know if my pilot light is bad?

How to Tell If the Pilot Light Is Out
  1. Locate the front cover panel on your furnace. It should be a little door that's easily visible. ...
  2. If your pilot light is on, it should be easy to see – your eyes will be drawn to the little flame.
  3. If you don't see a flame, your pilot light is out.
  4. If there is a flame, check the color.

Why is the light on my gas water heater blinking?

Four Reasons The Light On Your Water Heater is Blinking

A Thermostat Problem. The Pilot Light Is out. Empty Tank or Tank Won't Fill Up. Power or Electrical Issues.

Why is my furnace green light blinking?

Green: A green blinking light can indicate diagnostics mode or a problem with the furnace's control board. Also known as the circuit board or control panel, it manages and regulates the furnace's operation. This includes key systems like the ignition system, burners, blower motor and more.

Should pilot light be blinking?

If you have a gas water heater, there is supposed to be a pilot light running at all times. However, things like a draft can blow out the light. If this happens, your system might start blinking. Other signs of a blown pilot light include a lack of flame in the pilot light window and cold water in the tank.

Why does my pilot light keep flashing?

If your boiler pilot light isn't clear or keeps flickering, it could signal that there isn't enough oxygen in the system to power it. If it goes out completely, there might be a broken thermocouple stopping the gas supply or a built-up deposit behind the pilot light.

Why wont my pilot light stay lit on my gas heater?

If your pilot light won't stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.

Why is the flame flickering on my gas heater?

A flickering flame in a furnace typically indicates a potential malfunction within the heating system. This can be caused by a variety of issues ranging from minor concerns like a dirty burner to more severe problems like a malfunctioning gas valve or improper venting.

How do I know if my heater is bad?

Common signs that indicate a broken heater

One common sign is weak or no airflow coming from the vents. If you notice that the air coming out of your vents is significantly weaker than usual or there is no airflow at all, it could mean that your heater's fan or blower motor is malfunctioning.

Should the light on my furnace blink?

Typically you would see a solid amber or yellow light, indicating everything is fine and your furnace is in good working order. However, if you notice that the furnace light is blinking red multiple times, it's an indication that something isn't right with your system and furnace repair service could be in your future.

How to fix flickering light?

Loose bulbs can cause flickering. If it's tight and still flickering, try replacing the bulb. If the issue continues, it could be a problem with the electrical fixture or the electrical wiring. In that case, it's best to call a licensed electrician to diagnose and fix the problem safely.

How long does blinking gas last?

How much fuel is left in the fuel tank of a car after low fuel warning light starts blinking? Approximately 30 kilometers of fuel. It definitely varies from car to car and it also depends upon the driving style. It should always be considered that there is no such thing as a reserve fuel when it comes to cars.

What does a flickering light signify?

If you've ever experienced flickering lights in your home, you know how annoying and potentially dangerous it can be. Flickering lights can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty light bulbs, loose light fixtures, and overloaded circuits.

How to tell if a thermocouple is bad?

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.

Can I replace a thermocouple myself?

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.

Can you light pilot if thermocouple is bad?

If you try to relight a pilot light and the thermocouple is bent in a way that causes it to not make contact with the pilot light, the flame will instantly go out when you release the pilot control knob since the probe won't detect the heat from the flame.

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