Why does my gas water heater pilot light keep going out?

The most common reason that your pilot light on your water heater keeps going out is a damaged, bent or dirty thermocouple.

Why does my AO Smith water heater keep turning off?

If your gas water heater keeps turning off, the problem most likely lies with the thermocouple. A faulty thermocouple will shut off gas to the burner as well as the pilot. A bent or otherwise damaged thermocouple will prevent the pilot light from heating it. A buildup of dirt may also be to blame.

What would cause a pilot light to keep going out?

Usually, a problem with the thermocouple causes the pilot light to go out. The thermocouple is the small copper rod that the pilot light hits. The thermocouple’s job is to shut a gas safety valve if the pilot light goes out. That’s important because gas is always being supplied to the pilot to keep the flame lit.

How do you know if you have a bad thermocouple?

If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.

How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?

It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. It will shut the gas off if it’s not.

Will a pilot light stay lit with a bad thermocouple?

A thermocouple senses the heat of the pilot and allows gas to flow to the burner. A bad thermocouple will shut off gas to both the pilot and the burner so the pilot light won’t stay lit.

What do you do when your water heater keeps turning off?

What To Do If Your Gas Water Heater Keeps Shutting Off

1. Call Your Plumber. The first thing you should do is call your plumber.
2. Gas Supply Problems. Your gas water heater will turn off if it isn’t getting the fuel it needs.
3. Dirty Thermopile or Pilot Light.
4. Dirty Air Inlet.

Why does hot water heater keep shutting off?

If your gas water heater keeps shutting off, the thermocouple could be dirty, bent or damaged. The thermocouple is usually easily visible next to the pilot light. Inspect the thermocouple to determine if it is dirty or damaged in some way. If it is dirty, turn off the gas to allow the thermocouple to cool.

What do you do if your pilot light won’t stay lit?

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 much does it cost to fix a thermocouple?

What to do if your AO Smith water heater is not working?

You can also take a piece of tubing with a 90 and attach it to a shop vac. If an AO Smith water heater will not produce hot water you should first determine if it’s a 100, 200, or 300 series. The most common problem is with the 100 series. Usually the pilot light will go out will not stay lit without holding on the black gas valve control.

What does the gas valve indicator light mean on AO Smith?

One of the exciting features of the new AO Smith gas water heaters is the gas valve indicator light. The LED status indicator will let you know exactly what is wrong with the water heater. This means if you have a problem several years down the road you won’t have to guess when it comes to making a repair.

Why does the pilot light go out on my gas water heater?

As a result, the gas supply will be cut off and the pilot light will go out. No hot water on a cold Monday morning. The solution: Again, you’ll have to do some cleaning. First, turn off the main gas supply valve and wait for the thermocouple to cool.

Where is the filter on an AO Smith water heater?

The main filter or intake is located below the burner and can be cleaned with a long brush. You can also take a piece of tubing with a 90 and attach it to a shop vac. If an AO Smith water heater will not produce hot water you should first determine if it’s a 100, 200, or 300 series.