Why would a pilot light randomly go out?

If the pilot light goes out, the thermocouple senses the drop in temperature and signals for the gas valve to close. If you have a faulty thermocouple is the most common reason that your pilot light is malfunctioning. Over time your water heater will collect dirt, dust and other kinds of debris.

Who do you call if your pilot light goes out?

Having the pilot light turn off is not automatically cause for panic. If it goes out, follow your manufacturer’s instructions and determine whether relighting it is safe. If relighting is not safe, or if your pilot light keeps going out, call for help from a trained technician.

What does it mean when your pilot light goes out?

A pilot light is a small flame inside the device that is lit at all times. This flame is used to restart the main burner and prevent gas leaks. If you have a newer appliance, don’t panic if you don’t see a pilot light. Many new devices use electric ignitions in place of pilot lights. Pilot lights will occasionally go out.

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

Replacing the thermocouple usually does the trick. If your hot water heater suddenly stops working, chances are a bad thermocouple has shut off the gas to the pilot light. Replacement is an easy DIY repair. No hot water? If you have a natural or propane gas water heater, chances are the pilot has gone out.

Is it dangerous to light pilot light with match?

Using a lighter or a match can be extremely dangerous and may lead to the person lighting the pilot in getting burned. It can be especially hazardous since this space can be very tight, and that’s why you should use a wand lighter instead.

Why does the pilot light on my furnace keep going out?

The thermocouple is the copper rod the pilot flame directly hits. Sometimes it’s referred to as the “flame sensor.” It’s a safety mechanism that shuts the gas off should the pilot go out. If the thermocouple fails to shut off the gas, all the gas flowing through the furnace could get into your home.

What happens if the pilot light doesn’t stay lit?

If the pilot light won’t stay lit and the thermocouple is okay, then the thermostatic control valve may be defective. Replacement of this part should be performed by a trained gas technician. Need Help Finding Your Model Number? If your gas water heater doesn’t stay lit, you may have a defective 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.

What do you need to know about pilot light?

The pilot light flame needs to completely envelop the top of the thermocouple rod so it knows the flame is on. If the thermocouple isn’t lined up correctly, it won’t read the flame, and will shut the valve for the gas. I’m not touching it. Help me!

Using a lighter or a match can be extremely dangerous and may lead to the person lighting the pilot in getting burned. It can be especially hazardous since this space can be very tight, and that’s why you should use a wand lighter instead.