Why does the water heater keep going out?

The thermocouple is the brain of your water heater. 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 do you do when your pilot light keeps going out?

What do I do if my pilot light keeps going out?

Find the gas shut-off knob and turn to the “Off” setting.
Remove the access panel to access the burner.
Turn the knob to “Pilot” to start the flow of gas.
While still holding the gas knob, light the pilot with a long lighter.

Why does my electric hot water heater keep going out?

It’s most commonly a thermostat or heating coil issue, which can be verified with an electrical tester. Another sign a water heater component is going bad is when the unit triggers a shut down every time hot water is called. If the breaker is tripping, an electrician can determine why the unit is shorting out.

What happens to a thermocouple when it wears out?

The thermocouple can do this because, in its probe, it contains two different metals, and a voltage is generated when one of them is heated. This is the result of a phenomenon known as the Seebeck Effect. Nothing lasts forever, and when the thermocouple wears out, the pilot won’t stay lit and your appliance won’t work.

Can a thermocouple be replaced on a furnace?

I suspected the thermocouple and replaced it, but this didn’t fix the problem. I’ve used this furnace for over 15 years without replacing the thermocouple. Can someone recommend the next best course of action to keep my pilot lit?

Can a faulty thermocouple cause a water heater to go out?

The pilot can go out for a number of other reasons, however, so if you’re having trouble getting the pilot to stay lit, the thermocouple may not be at fault. Here are a few ways to pinpoint a faulty thermocouple as the culprit. The Pilot Lights But Won’t Stay Lit If a water heater pilot won’t light at all,…

When to replace a thermocouple or thermopile sensor?

When replacing a temperature sensing device like a thermocouple or thermopile, you should be sure to purchase the proper part. Thermopiles are made by combining multiple thermocouples together in series in order to produce more electrical current than a basic thermocouple. Externally a thermopile still looks like a single sensing device.

When does a thermocouple need to be replaced?

If the reading is less than 25 millivolts, the thermocouple is bad and needs to be replaced. Chris Deziel is a contractor, builder and general fix-it pro who has been active in the construction trades for 40 years.

Can a thermocouple go out when the pilot is on?

Nothing lasts forever, and when the thermocouple wears out, the pilot won’t stay lit and your appliance won’t work. The pilot can go out for a number of other reasons, however, so if you’re having trouble getting the pilot to stay lit, the thermocouple may not be at fault.

Why do I have to hold down the button when lighting a thermocouple?

Disengaging the thermocouple is why you have to hold down the button for the pilot when lighting it. Before the installation of a new thermocouple, check the line for obstructions. A blockage in the thermocouple or pilot tubes can cause the same symptoms as a failed thermocouple.