Why does the pilot on my water heater 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.

What to do if your water heater pilot light goes out?

You must check this. If the pilot light in your gas water heater keeps going out, the first thing you should do in such a situation is check for a gas leak. This is not a difficult task, and you can find out if there is any gas leak quickly enough.

Why does my water heater light keep going out?

Dirty Pilot Tube If your water heater light goes out every few days, dirt buildup in your pilot tube can be one of the very reasons. It is a very common problem with water heaters to have a clogged pilot tube due to long-time usage. As time passes by, dirt may build up in the pilot tube and cause blockage to the gas supply.

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.

What happens when the pilot light goes out?

Otherwise known as the flame sensor, the thermocouple automatically shuts off the gas if the pilot light goes out. When the thermocouple is dirty, broken, or misaligned, it can’t see your flame. As a result, it is continually assuming that your pilot light is out.

How does a pilot light go out on a water heater?

Some of the most common reasons that water heater pilot lights go out include: A faulty thermocouple. Your thermocouple is responsible for sensing when your pilot light is lit. If it senses that the pilot light has gone out, the thermocouple shuts off the gas supply to the flame in order…

How do I check the pilot light on my water heater?

Open the door/cover over the pilot light access. This will be located under the gas valve; some water heaters just have an open gap instead where you can see the pilot light burner. Use a flashlight or a headlamp to find the burner inside. Two small gas tubes will lead to it.

How do you light the water heater pilot?

Turn the gas knob to “Pilot,” press and hold it down. This will start the flow of gas so you can light the flame. Some water heaters have a separate button for pilot mode, usually a red one, which you’ll press and hold.

Why water heater pilot does not stay on?

When it will not stay lit it is a sign of a defective ‘thermocouple’. The thermocouple senses heat from the pilot light and sends a signal back to the gas valve. When they fail the gas valve will not open. See the discussion on ‘gas water heater thermocouples ‘ for more information.