What does it mean when your water heater pilot light keeps going out?

What does it mean when your water heater pilot light keeps going out?

Thermocouple Issues If it senses that your water heater pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple will shift off the gas supply to the heater. Over time, thermocouples can malfunction, accumulate dust buildup, or the device can get bent away from the pilot light’s flame.

Why does my pilot light keep going out after replacing thermocouple?

If the pilot will lit but goes out after it reaches the temperature, it is the control valve. It happened to me. After the plumber replaced the control valve then it stays lit. You will have to order the control valve from the manufacturer.

Why won’t 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.

How do I clean my thermocouple?

Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.

How do you clean a dirty thermocouple?

Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.

How often should thermocouple be replaced?

Thermocouples can last up to 10 years if properly installed and maintained, while furnaces can last 15-20 years, although either may wear out sooner in multifamily units.

How often should a thermocouple be replaced?

How long should a thermocouple last?

How do you diagnose a bad thermocouple?

After about a minute, when you’re sure the probe has gotten hot, place one lead on the shaft of the thermocouple and the other lead on the connector. If the reading is less than 25 millivolts, the thermocouple is bad and needs to be replaced.

How do you know if a thermocouple is bad?

A working thermocouple will give a reading of between 25 and 30 millimeters. If the reading is less than 25 millimeters, it should be replaced.

Why does my thermocouple keeps burning out?

It’s Dirty. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction.

How do I reset my thermocouple?

Press the reset button on top of the box to turn on the pilot light. Hold the reset button between 30 to 60 seconds to give the thermocouple time to heat up. Release the button to see if the pilot light goes out. The pilot light should stay on after the reset.

Why does the pilot light go out when I Turn Off Gas?

Dirty Gas Line Dirty Gas Line is the first reason you should check if the pilot light runs out when you shut down the burner. You know that natural gas is pretty dirty, and it could block the gas line. Consequently, the pilot light may go out. Take a brush or scrubber and brush away the gas line thoroughly to suck away the dirt and dust.

Does the pilot light leak carbon monoxide when it goes out?

When the pilot light goes out, it does not leak carbon monoxide gas. However, if the light goes out frequently there could be other issues. Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure,…

What should I do if my pilot light goes out overnight?

Get in touch with your utility company if the problems persist. If your pilot light re-lights easily after going out overnight, it’s possible it was blown out by a draft. This can happen on excessively windy days or nights. A leak in the output duct of the furnace could cause air to blow into the area.

Why does the pilot light keep blowing out on my furnace?

Here’s Why Your Furnace Pilot Light Keeps Blowing Out 1 The thermocouple is bad. More >> 2 The pilot orifice is dirty. More >> 3 The gas regulator is bad. More >> 4 Gas availability is fluctuating. More >> 5 A draft is blowing the pilot out. More >>