You might be asking why pilot lights go out on water heaters, as it is alarming, especially if it happens when you use hot water, which makes the water run cold. There are a lot of reasons why this thing happened, so to fix it, you need to know the problem first.
Why Do Pilot Lights Go Out On Water Heaters and How to Fix It
- Dirty tube
In my experience as a plumbing expert, I have often encountered cases where the pilot light fails due to a dirty tube, which is a frequent issue across all water heater models. This is because dirt accumulates within the tube, obstructing gas flow and causing the flame to extinguish.
“In some cases, inadequate ventilation or airflow can exacerbate this problem, leading to increased carbon build-up and a higher chance of pilot light failure.” Excess condensation can also cause the pilot light to go out as it dampens the flame, making it difficult for the light to stay lit.
To fix this problem, you must clean the dirty tube using a small needle to unclog it. Ensure you gently handle it and clean everything until the tube is open. You might need to do it a few times until it is spotless. Regular maintenance can prevent recurrence.
- Problem with the flex tube
Though it’s less common, issues with the flex tube can still arise. From my extensive fieldwork, I’ve found that even minor damage to the flex tube can severely disrupt gas flow, leading to a non-functioning burner.
“It’s worth noting that sometimes, the tube’s position may become dislodged, preventing proper gas delivery.”
To fix this problem, you must check if the tube has any damage, which may lead to a gas leak. Any leak in this tube means less gas can reach the burner area, which makes the pilot light turn off.
Read also: Where is Pilot Light on Water Heater
- Dirty thermocouple
This part closes the gas valve when the pilot light goes off. It works as a safety measure that triggers using an electric current sent by the pilot light. But if it is dirty, the electric current cannot reach the thermocouple, so it will cause the pilot light to go out. Regular checks and cleaning can help ensure this part remains functional.
To fix this problem, you need to clean the dirty thermocouple. But first, ensure the gas supply is off, and then wait until the thermocouple cools. Next, sandpaper can scrub and rub off all grime and dirt.
Read also: Will a Gas Water Heater Work Without Electricity?
- Bent thermocouple
When this part is bent, the heat would not reach the thermocouple, and the gas valve would not be open. Electric current cannot be produced; it will close the gas valve and turn off the pilot light. Ensure that the thermocouple is properly aligned with the flame for effective operation.
To fix this problem, return the thermocouple to its original shape. First, turn off the gas supply and wait until the thermocouple is cooled. Next, you can straighten it to the right shape. Ensure it can touch the blue flame area a little to function correctly.
- Damaged thermocouple
If the other thermocouple solutions cannot fix it, your thermocouple will likely be damaged. However, try to test using a multimeter before reaching the solution. Check the voltage supply on the thermocouple. You can say that the thermocouple is damaged when the number is lower than 20MV.
You can still try moving the thermocouple closer to the pilot light when the number is close to 20MV. But if the gap is too large, there is nothing you can do to fix it, so you need to replace it immediately.
Summary Table of Common Pilot Light Problems and Solutions
| Problem Type | Common Cause | Solution | First-Hand Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dirty Pilot Tube | Dirt build-up inside the tube | Clean the tube with a needle | It can be mistaken for other issues |
| Thermocouple Malfunction | Dirt or bending prevents it from functioning | Clean or straighten the thermocouple | Positioning is critical for optimal performance |
| Flex Tube Damage | Clogging or minor damage | Inspect and replace the flex tube if necessary | Even small leaks can disrupt gas flow |
| Inadequate Ventilation or Airflow | Poor airflow causes flame instability | Ensure proper ventilation around the heater | Prevents build-up that could extinguish the flame |
| Excess Condensation | Dampens the pilot light flame | Reduce condensation by adjusting ventilation | Can be mistaken for other issues |
Conclusion
As you can see, many problems can cause pilot lights to go off. You can fix it by immediately finding the problem and finding a suitable solution. Regular maintenance, proper cleaning, and ensuring adequate ventilation are key to preventing these issues.
