If your water heater pilot light won’t stay lit, it can be frustrating and leave you without hot water. The pilot light is a crucial part of the water heater, as it ignites the gas burner that heats your water. When the pilot light won’t stay on, it’s essential to troubleshoot the problem to restore your water heater to proper working condition. In this article, we will walk you through the steps to fix a water heater pilot light that won’t stay lit.
There are a variety of reasons why your water heater pilot light may not stay lit. These include a dirty pilot tube, a faulty thermocouple, a gas supply issue, or even a malfunctioning gas valve. In most cases, you can resolve the problem on your own without needing to call a professional. However, if you are not comfortable working with gas appliances, it is always a good idea to seek professional help.
1. Check the Pilot Light Assembly
The first step in fixing a water heater pilot light that won’t stay lit is to inspect the pilot light assembly. Over time, the pilot light tube can accumulate dust, dirt, or other debris. This can interfere with the flow of gas to the pilot light and cause it to go out. If the pilot light is out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it. Make sure you’re using the proper technique, as every water heater model may have slight variations.
If the pilot light keeps going out after you’ve relit it, the pilot tube may be dirty or clogged. You can clean the pilot tube by gently removing it from the assembly and clearing any debris using compressed air or a small brush. Once the tube is clear, try relighting the pilot light again.
2. Inspect the Thermocouple
A thermocouple is a safety device that detects whether the pilot light is on. If the thermocouple is malfunctioning, it can prevent the pilot light from staying lit. The thermocouple is a metal rod located near the pilot light flame, and it generates a small electrical current when heated. If this current is not sufficient, the gas valve will shut off the gas supply, causing the pilot light to go out.
To check the thermocouple, you will need to remove the front panel of the water heater and locate it near the pilot light. The thermocouple is usually attached to the gas valve with a small nut. Using a wrench, gently tighten the thermocouple’s connection. If the thermocouple appears damaged or corroded, it will need to be replaced. You can purchase a replacement thermocouple from a hardware store or online and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
3. Check the Gas Supply
If your water heater pilot light won’t stay lit, it could be due to an issue with the gas supply. First, make sure that the gas valve to the water heater is turned on. The valve should be in the “on” position, allowing gas to flow freely to the burner and pilot light.
If the gas supply is on and the pilot light still won’t stay lit, there may be an issue with the gas line or the gas supply to the home. This can be a more complex issue that may require a professional plumber or gas technician to investigate further. In some cases, there could be a gas leak or blockage that needs to be addressed. If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the gas supply immediately and contact a professional for assistance.
4. Inspect the Gas Valve
The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the burner and pilot light. If the gas valve is malfunctioning, it may not allow the gas to reach the pilot light properly. This can prevent the pilot light from staying lit. You can check the gas valve by looking for any visible signs of damage or corrosion. If the valve is damaged, it will need to be replaced. However, replacing the gas valve can be complicated and should be done by a professional if you are not experienced with gas appliances.
5. Replace the Thermostat
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, the thermostat could be faulty. The thermostat controls the temperature of the water and sends a signal to the gas valve to ignite the burner when needed. If the thermostat is not working correctly, it can cause issues with the pilot light.
To check the thermostat, first, turn off the power to the water heater and remove the access panel. Use a multimeter to test the thermostat’s continuity. If there is no continuity, it is likely faulty and will need to be replaced. Consult the manufacturer’s manual for instructions on how to replace the thermostat.
6. Relight the Pilot Light
Once you have completed the troubleshooting steps and made any necessary repairs, you can attempt to relight the pilot light. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid any mistakes. Here is a general procedure for relighting the pilot light:
- Turn the gas control valve to the “off” position and wait for a few minutes to allow any accumulated gas to dissipate.
- Turn the valve to the “pilot” position and press the reset button. Hold the reset button down while you use a long lighter or match to light the pilot light.
- Once the pilot light is lit, continue holding the reset button for 30 seconds to 1 minute to ensure the thermocouple registers the heat.
- Release the reset button and turn the valve to the “on” position. The pilot light should stay lit, and your water heater should begin to function normally.
7. Call a Professional
If you have followed all of these steps and your water heater pilot light still won’t stay lit, it may be time to call a professional plumber or gas technician. Sometimes, the problem may be related to an internal component that requires specialized knowledge or tools to repair. A licensed professional can inspect the water heater thoroughly and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements.
FAQs
Why does my water heater pilot light keep going out?
Your water heater pilot light may keep going out due to a dirty pilot tube, a faulty thermocouple, a gas supply issue, or a malfunctioning gas valve. It is essential to troubleshoot and address each possible cause to fix the issue.
How can I tell if my thermocouple is bad?
If your thermocouple is bad, it may prevent the gas valve from allowing gas to flow to the burner. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, even after cleaning the pilot tube and relighting the flame, the thermocouple could be faulty. It is often characterized by visible damage or corrosion, and it may need to be replaced if damaged.
What should I do if the gas valve is damaged?
If the gas valve is damaged, it should be replaced. However, replacing the gas valve can be a complicated process and should be done by a licensed professional. If you suspect the gas valve is faulty, contact a technician for assistance.
Can I fix a water heater pilot light myself?
Yes, in many cases, you can fix a water heater pilot light yourself by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article. However, if you are not comfortable working with gas appliances, it is always best to seek professional help.
Fixing a water heater pilot light that won’t stay lit requires a bit of patience and some basic knowledge of your water heater’s components. By carefully troubleshooting the issue, you can restore your water heater to full function and enjoy hot water once again.