What to do if the pilot light won t light?
Check the Thermocouple 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 will the pilot light not light?
There are several possible reasons why your gas furnace pilot won’t light: an ongoing draft, a faulty thermocouple, an accumulation of dirt, or an inefficient supply.
What does it mean when your pilot light goes out?
A pilot light is a small flame inside the device that is lit at all times. This flame is used to restart the main burner and prevent gas leaks. If you have a newer appliance, don’t panic if you don’t see a pilot light. Many new devices use electric ignitions in place of pilot lights. Pilot lights will occasionally go out.
What to do if your furnace pilot light is not working?
If after turning the knobs on your furnace you still are not getting a solid flame, this is a good signal your pilot light is out. If you smell gas or detect a rotten egg smell, you will need to have your gas shut off entirely.
Why does my water heater pilot light keep going out?
Make sure to follow the directions on your water heater label. If your pilot doesn’t re-light, won’t stay lit or keeps going out after a short time, you most likely have an issue with the hot water heater thermocouple. This can happen with age.
Why do gas appliances have a pilot light?
Gas appliances have pilot lights that stay lit at all times to burn off excess natural gas coming through the system. If you need to perform maintenance, turning off the pilot light is as simple as turning off the gas supply to the appliance.
What should I do if my pilot light goes out?
If a pilot light goes out, you can relight it with a match, using the proper precautions. Related Articles. On some gas-powered appliances — such as gas ranges, water heaters, boilers and gas fireplaces — the pilot light works to ignite the main flame when the gas is switched on to the burner by the regulating valve.
What happens when there is no pilot light on a gas heater?
If there is no pilot light or is blown out, the tip of the thermocouple cools off and stops generating electricity so the gas valve closes and the unit shuts off. Every gas appliance is equipped with similar safety devices, prevent gas leaking inside the house.
How does the pilot light on a gas fireplace work?
It’s a safety device that delivers gas from the gas valve to the pilot light. The thermocouple also contains wiring that goes to the gas valve and makes electricity to light the pilot. To find out if you need a new one, turn the gas valve to pilot and then depress the override button.
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.
