So, your water heater’s pilot light keeps going out, turning your home into a cold and uncomfortable space. Now what? Well, there are a few things you can do. Here are several ways to ensure your pilot light works as it should. However, the best way to troubleshoot a faulty pilot light is to call a professional.
What Is a Pilot Light, and How Does It Work?
A pilot light is a small flame commonly seen in furnaces, fireplaces, and water heaters. This flame is responsible for igniting gas coming from the gas valve and main burner. The pilot light requires a steady supply of oxygen to maintain a stable flame. The pilot light always remains burning. When it’s time to heat, the gas control valve releases gas into the main burner. The thermocouple must sense enough heat from the flame to keep the gas valve open, ensuring safe operation. Proper gas pressure is also necessary for reliable ignition and operation.
That being said, pilot lights can go out—and when they do, it’s usually because of one of the following reasons.
5 Common Causes of a Pilot Light Going Out
Fixing a pilot light isn’t usually complicated, but it can be—and when it is, Randazzo is only a click away. Our team can provide on-site diagnostics and repairs for water heater issues. From pilot light problems to more complex water heater issues, our plumbing team offers comprehensive solutions for all your needs. Explore our plumbing services to learn more. If you’re having pilot light troubles, it might be because of the causes below.
1. Condensation
Condensation is a normal part of modern energy-efficient water heaters. Even though water heaters produce condensation, too much of it can actually drip into your pilot light’s tube. Of course, water and fire don’t mix, so the condensation will essentially water down your pilot light.
Other reasons for excessive condensation production could be traced back to an undersized heater.
2. Improper Venting or Airflow
A water heater needs a steady air supply. Otherwise, the pilot light will go out. This tends to happen in direct vent gas water heaters. When airflow affects your pilot light, it’s usually a sign that there’s a draft somewhere near the base of your water heater.
Blocked or improperly installed vents can also disrupt airflow and cause the pilot light to go out. Make sure vents are clear and properly installed to maintain stable operation.
A water heater placed in an attic can also cause your pilot light to go out due to extra heat. Take a look around your space and make sure you’re sealing any holes, cracks, or areas where drafts can enter.
3. Dirty Thermocouple
Sometimes, the cause may lie in your thermocouple. A thermocouple is a sensor used to measure temperature. If this is dirty, your pilot light won’t be able to ignite properly. Dust, corrosion, and rust buildup can interfere with the thermocouple’s function and should be removed during maintenance.
Upon discovering a dirty thermocouple, shut off your gas and let it cool. Then, grab a piece of very fine or superfine sandpaper and gently clean it with the grain. Using compressed air is another effective way to remove dust and debris from the pilot assembly. When you’re done, turn your gas, and the pilot light back on. If you scrubbed all the dirt off your thermocouple, you shouldn’t have a problem again.
4. The Pilot Doesn’t Light
A pilot light that won’t light can be caused by numerous reasons. Those reasons include:
- An insecure wire connection
- No gas supply to the unit
- A blocked pilot line
- A faulty thermocouple
- Broken electrode
- Carbon or soot buildup on the pilot light
5. The Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
If your pilot light lights but won’t stay lit, you could have a few different issues on your hands. The main reasons why a pilot light won’t stay lit include:
- A dirty pilot light tube
- Not enough gas or no gas at all
- A faulty thermocouple
- Air in the gas line
- An open ECO switch
- Malfunctioning gas valve or internal components
In some cases, it may be necessary to replace faulty components such as the thermocouple or gas valve to restore proper function to your residential water heater.
Have trouble troubleshooting your pilot light issues? That’s why we’re here. At Randazzo, you can count on our professional crew to handle your broken pilot light from start to finish. These troubleshooting tips are intended for residential water heaters. Contact us for a free quote.
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How To Tell if It’s Working Properly
Now that you know what causes a defective pilot light, you’re probably wondering how you can tell if it’s working properly. A properly functioning pilot light is essential for efficient water heating, ensuring your system delivers hot water reliably and cost-effectively. The easiest way to tell if your pilot light is working is to take a peek at the color. Is it blue? If so, it’s working correctly. Any other color, like yellow or red, indicates a problem.
These checks apply to both tank and tankless water heater models, as both rely on a consistent pilot light for optimal water heating performance.
Another way to check your pilot light is to observe the consistency of the flame. The flame should be a steady burn. Flickering or any other erratic movement means something is wrong.
Additionally, your pilot light should never split into two flames or have a weak burn. The light should be a single, strong-burning flame.
Safety Precautions and Professional Repair
When it comes to your water heater, especially a gas water heater, safety should always come first. If your pilot light keeps going out or you notice any unusual behavior from your hot water system, it’s important to act quickly to avoid risks like gas leaks, unburned gas buildup, or even fire hazards.
The first step is to turn off the gas supply to your water heater. This simple action helps prevent unburned gas from accumulating in your home, which could pose a serious safety risk. After shutting off the gas, wait at least five minutes to allow any lingering gas to safely ventilate from the area. Proper ventilation is crucial to ensure a safe environment before you attempt any inspection or repair.
If you’re not confident in handling water heater repairs yourself, or if the pilot light still won’t stay lit after basic troubleshooting, it’s time to contact a professional water heater service. Certified technicians have the expertise and specialized tools to safely diagnose and repair issues with your gas control valve, thermocouple, pilot flame, and other critical components. They can also check for leaks, inspect the burner area, and ensure your system is operating efficiently and safely.
Regular professional maintenance is key to keeping your water heater running efficiently and providing dependable hot water. Technicians can clean the burner area, check for mineral buildup—especially in tankless models—and make sure your system has proper ventilation. These steps not only improve energy efficiency but also help prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your unit.
If your water heater is nearing the end of its service life, a professional can guide you through replacement options. Whether you’re considering energy efficient tankless water heaters, traditional gas water heaters, or electric water heaters, an expert can help you choose the right model based on your hot water demand, available fuel source, and desired energy efficiency. Upgrading to a modern, energy efficient system can help you heat water more efficiently and lower your utility costs.
While some minor water heater issues can be handled with DIY fixes, prioritizing safety and relying on professional repair and maintenance is always the best approach. Regular service ensures your water heater operates efficiently, delivers reliable hot water, and minimizes the risk of leaks or other hazards. For peace of mind and long-lasting performance, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted water heater service provider whenever you need help.
Why Randazzo?
Your water heater is an essential part of your home, so when its pilot light goes out, things can go awry quickly. Since 1988, Randazzo Heating, Cooling, and Electrical has been helping Detroit and Ann Arbor homeowners keep their pilot lights on and fix pressing issues quickly.
Thanks to our five-star ratings and A+ BBB rating, you can feel confident about choosing Randazzo for your next service. Our hot water heater professionals are here to help; all you have to do is give us a call. Learn more about your water heater options, including tankless.
Hear It From Our Customers
We’re known for our superior customer service.
“I had a team of six men who were polite, professional, punctual, and cleaned up!” — Stacey
“The guys were amazing! Paid attention to detail and cleaned up after themselves, very impressed and completely satisfied with the work done today!” — Alyssa
“The entire team was professional, flexible, informative, and thorough from the first phone call to set up an appointment, all the way through to the installation. Our salesman spent tons of time making sure we had the best product for our home and still was in communication with us on the day of installation.” — Rachel
Expert Water Heater Services in Southeastern Michigan
Daily tasks like laundry, showering, and washing the dishes all rely on your hot water heater. If your hot water heater’s pilot light has gone out, you’re likely left scratching your head as to why it happened in the first place. Leave the hard stuff to us and contact Randazzo for everything from HVAC installations to water heater repairs. Schedule today for great services and hassle-free pricing.
