Showering early in the morning is associated with cold, chilly water to most people. Luckily, water heaters are here to rescue us from the cold! This device helps bring warm water into your shower.
Summary
The most common reasons a water heater pilot light won’t stay lit & keeps going out are insufficient combustible air & issues with the thermocouple.
In this article, we’ll also look at the following topics:
- Issues with a Honeywell
- Dealing with wind
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Within a few months from installation, perhaps your unit breaks down, leaving you frustrated and disappointed. Do you think it is normal for it to die on you? Does it happen to several users, or is it an isolated case to some?
The short answer is no. It should last for several years! Several manufacturers claim their products will last at least ten years without major issues occurring.
There is probably a reason or two for it to die out on you. This article talks about all the possible reasons for the pilot light to turn off, effectively rendering your heater useless.
Table of Contents
- Reasons A Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
- It keeps going out every few days
- How to light the pilot light?
Reasons A Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
There are two possible explanations for this issue. You can either have one or both happening concurrently. Here are the reasons a water heater pilot light won’t stay lit and keeps going out.
Insufficient combustible air
The lack of combustible air can cause the pilot light to go out. The heater needs air to keep it burning. If it does not get enough supply, the fire will go out. Check and ensure the surroundings of the heater are free from:
- lint
- clutter
- and debris.
Keeping it clean and free from these artifacts increases airflow.
Issues with the thermocouple
Thermocouple malfunction may happen over time, especially during extensive use. It can also accumulate dust. When it happens, the thermocouple is unable to sense the pilot light. The gas supply stops, and the fire goes out.
It keeps going out every few days
Here are seven reasons why the water heater pilot is intermittently going out.
1. Debris or dirt in the pilot tube
- Several heaters have problems with the tube’s cleanliness. In most cases, the issue is because of dirt build-up, which happens over time.
- The tube is responsible for supplying gas, which it needs for combustion. A clogged one may cause the flame to go out unexpectedly.
- The only solution is to clean the tube. An ultra-thin needle should help you do it. This step takes patience, especially the ones that are very dirty. You can put it back after you finish cleaning. The blame should be steady this time.
2. Filthy thermocouple
- The thermocouple serves as the central unit of the entire heater. It triggers the delivery of electric current, and it closes the valve. It also prevents gas leaks from spreading.
- A dirty thermocouple may interfere with its duties. For example, thick debris may stop electric current from reaching its destination.
- The solution to this is again cleaning. Turn off the gas valve and wait until the thermocouple cools off. Scrub it using fine sandpaper.
3. Twisted or curved thermocouple
- After cleaning your filthy thermocouple, check if it is in the correct position. We also recommend checking for bent or twisted signs. Its ideal placement is near the pilot light, where it receives heat.
- What happens if it is too far? It will not effectively receive heat, so it cannot produce an electric current. It will conclude the pilot light is off and will close the valve.
- Fixing this issue involves cutting off the supply to the gas. Next, turn off the heater and wait for the unit to cool off, which takes a few minutes only. A kinked or twisted thermocouple requires manual straightening. Remember, it needs to have in close contact with the pilot light.
4. Broken thermocouple
- If the problem still occurs, your thermocouple is likely broken. Before replacing it, use a multimeter to do a diagnostic test.
- A voltage supply of less than 20 MV means it is useless. A replacement is the only fix.
5. Issues with the flex tube
- The flex tube connects the burner to the gas controller. The burner houses the thermocouple and pilot light.
- A clogged or broken flex tube hinders the gas supply to the burner.
- A flex tube issue is uncommon compared to a thermocouple issue.
- Look for damages in the flex tube. Get a replacement if you see the damage.
6. Defective main control valve
- The main control valve rarely gets defective.
- If you do not see issues with the flex tube, pilot tube, or thermocouple, the fault is likely with the main control valve.
- A faulty control valve randomly closes the valve, cutting the gas supply and leading to a flickering flame.
- The signs of a faulty unit include a malfunctioning control know, a button that does not pop up, and inaccurate water temperature.
- We recommend replacing the main control valve instead of repairing it. Some technicians may claim they can fix it, but we recommend avoiding that altogether and getting a replacement instead.
7. Electrical wiring issues
- Most electric water heaters encounter this problem.
- Hire a licensed technician with a good track record. These technicians should be able to correctly and neatly route your electrical wiring.
- Random shutdowns are a sign of electrical wiring issues. Switch off your unit and call a technician right away if this happens.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it. Most people can do it without requesting professional help.
How to light the pilot light?
Turn off the gas and wait at least ten minutes before proceeding to the next step.
Give time for gas in the surrounding area to clear out because it is highly flammable.
Access the pilot light, which you will find beneath the gas valve.
Most manufacturers cover it with a door. We recommend using a flashlight because this area may be particularly dark.
Set the gas valve to “Pilot” and press it down.
This action supplies gas to the valve.
Ignite the pilot.
You may not need manual lighting for gas water heaters manufactured in the past eight to nine years. These have a spark generator. Use a long lighter if you do not see an ignition button.
After igniting the pilot light, turn on the gas.
Do not hesitate to call a professional technician if you need professional help. Most providers will charge a service fee for offering their services.
It goes out after turning the temp control dial.
If you experience this issue, we recommend replacing the thermocouple. There are several reasons for a defective thermocouple, which we covered in the previous sections.
You will likely encounter this issue as soon as the pilot light ignites and after releasing the control knob.
| Issue | Reason |
| Lack of hot water | The water heater’s thermostat is not set high enough. Maybe the heating element is damaged. |
| Leaking water | The water heater’s tank or connections are damaged or loose. |
| No power to the water heater | The water heater’s circuit breaker or fuse has tripped. Maybe the power supply has been cut off. |
| Rumbling or popping noise | Sediment has built up in the water heater’s tank and is heating and expanding. |
| Rusty water | The water heater’s tank is corroded. |
| Big water heater manufacturers | Headquarters |
|---|---|
| A. O. Smith | Ashland City, TN, USA |
| Bradford White | Ambler, PA, USA |
| Rheem | Atlanta, GA, USA |
| GE Appliances | Louisville, KY, USA |
