Why does my pilot light keep going out on my water heater?
The pilot going out is a common occurrence for those that have water heaters or older gas furnaces. These types of heat appliances utilize pilot lights to light the main burner.
What happens when the pilot light goes out on a gas boiler?
A gas boiler with a faulty pilot light is very dangerous; when the pilot light is extinguished, the boiler may still be releasing mains gas into the air and, worse still, you could be at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
What should I do if my furnace pilot light keeps going out?
If you’re having trouble locating the pilot or thermocouple, double-check to make sure your unit actually has a standing pilot light. Standing pilot lights are common in older furnaces, but many newer furnaces have intermittent pilot lights or hot surface igniters.
Where is the thermocouple on a furnace pilot light?
No matter the pilot configuration, the thermocouple will be near the burners—look for a removable metal rod nearby. Locate the copper rod near the burners. This is the thermocouple. If you look very closely, you’ll find the thermocouple tucked in behind the burners.
Why does your pilot light not light all the time?
Common Reasons Your Furnace Pilot Won’t 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. Ongoing Draft. Over the years, your pilot light may blow out periodically due to a strong draft during storm activity, or during times when there is a high wind.
Why does your pilot light keep blowing out?
A draft might be the reason your pilot light keeps going out. The draft can come from under a doorway, through a window or even from under the floor. An easy way to check for drafts is to place a burning candle at the approximate location of the pilot. Watch the flame, and it will alert you to a blowing wind by bending with the wind’s direction.
Should I keep the pilot light burning on a gas fireplace?
Leaving the gas on keeps this compound moving out of the tubes. Keeping the pilot light on will also keep moisture out of the unit and in turn, help prevent corrosion. Plus, if the fireplace is located in the basement, it may also help to reduce humidity levels.
Why wont my pilot light stay lit?
The primary reason a pilot light won’t stay lit is simply equipment malfunction. If you’ve checked everything else and the light continually goes out, this is probably the cause. In this case, you may need to replace your pilot light. A pilot light can also keep going out because of a problem with the thermocouple.
