Why would my water heater pilot light go out?

Why would my water heater pilot light go out?

If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple senses the drop in temperature and signals for the gas valve to close. If you have a faulty thermocouple is the most common reason that your pilot light is malfunctioning. Over time your water heater will collect dirt, dust and other kinds of debris.

Is it an emergency if the pilot light goes out?

If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, this is a likely culprit. If this flame sensor should fail, gas will continue to flow even after the pilot light has been extinguished, causing a safety hazard, and requiring immediate repair.

How do you relight a pilot light on a water heater?

How to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light

1. Open the door/cover over the pilot light access.
2. Use a flashlight or a headlamp to find the burner inside.
3. Turn the gas knob to “Pilot,” press and hold it down.
4. While still holding the gas down, light that pilot.

What happens when the pilot light goes out on a water heater?

If the pilot light goes out, it doesn’t warm the thermocouple, which then shuts to prevent unused gas from building up. But, if the thermocouple is dirty or worn out, it may not respond to the heat and then shut off the gas. With no fuel, the pilot light goes out. Water Heater Repairs in South Jersey

Why does my water pilot keep going out?

Therefore, a dirty thermocouple might be the reason why your water pilot keeps going out. A layer of dirt and grime can hinder the electric current from reaching the thermocouple. As a result, the gas supply will be cut off and the pilot light will go out.

What does it mean when your pilot light goes out?

The pilot light flame going out means that the burners won’t ignite, and you’ll suffer the wrath of freezing, cold water. So here are a few common reasons which could be the culprits for your pilot light going out.

Where is the pilot light on a gas heater?

The pilot light should be close to the gas burner tube, watch it closely. Ignite the flame with a long match while switching the knob to “pilot,” hold it in the position for 35 seconds. Once the pilot comes on, turn the knob back to “on.”

How does a pilot light go out on a water heater?

Some of the most common reasons that water heater pilot lights go out include: A faulty thermocouple. Your thermocouple is responsible for sensing when your pilot light is lit. If it senses that the pilot light has gone out, the thermocouple shuts off the gas supply to the flame in order…

Why is the water heater pilot light keeps going out?

There are several things that can cause your gas water heater pilot light to keep going out. One of the most common is your thermocouple. If you are unfamiliar with what this device does, the thermocouple is a device in your hot water heater that uses an electrical current to determine whether the pilot light is on or not.

How do I check the pilot light on my water heater?

Open the door/cover over the pilot light access. This will be located under the gas valve; some water heaters just have an open gap instead where you can see the pilot light burner. Use a flashlight or a headlamp to find the burner inside. Two small gas tubes will lead to it.

How do you light the water heater pilot?

Turn the gas knob to “Pilot,” press and hold it down. This will start the flow of gas so you can light the flame. Some water heaters have a separate button for pilot mode, usually a red one, which you’ll press and hold.