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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.
Why won’t my pilot light stay lit on my gas fireplace?
If the pilot light on your gas fireplace won’t stay lit, a very likely culprit is a component called a thermocouple. A thermocouple is a safety device and is a component of the ignition system. The thermocouple is a metal rod that sticks out right in front of the pilot itself. It senses if flame is present or not.
When I release the pilot button the flame goes out?
If you’re able to light the pilot light, but it goes out when you release the control knob, the thermocouple probably needs replacing. The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off gas flow if it senses the pilot light is out, but when damaged it loses its regulatory ability.
Why does my furnace pilot light keep going out?
The thermocouple on your heating system is a safety device that determines whether or not your furnace pilot light is lit. A thermocouple that is dirty or malfunctioning will often shut off your gas supply in error, causing the pilot light to go out and your furnace to stop working.
Can you clean a thermocouple?
Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple in a gas fireplace?
When replacing a thermocouple or thermopile with the help of a professional, you can expect to pay between $150 and $250.
How do I stop the wind from blowing out my pilot light?
You can prevent a faulty pilot light from wind by fixing your thermocouple, gas release, protecting against downdrafts, capping your chimney, and checking your firebox cover.
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.
How do I know if my thermocouple is broken?
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 long should thermocouple last?
How to Tell if You Have a Bad Thermocouple? Thermocouples can last up to 10 years if properly installed and maintained, while furnaces can last 15-20 years, although either may wear out sooner in multifamily units.
Why is my thermocouple not working?
If the appliance has a thermocouple, the problem may be a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple, which operates as a safety device, turns the gas supply off when the pilot light goes out. When a thermocouple fails, the pilot light won’t stay lighted. A burned out or broken thermocouple should be replaced.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my gas fireplace?
The Fix: Pilot Light to Gas Fireplace Won’t Stay Lit So you’ve checked your pilot light and even reset it, but still, it wont stay lit. This can be an indication that your fireplace thermocouple is either bad or worn out.
How do I clean the thermocouple on my gas fireplace?
How to Clean the Thermocouple in a Gas Fireplace Turn off the fireplace gas valve and remove the front panel from the fireplace. Find the thermocouple, which is located next to the pilot light and looks like a small straight pipe. Use a can of compressed air to gently blow away any dust and dirt from the thermocouple.
Can you light gas fireplace without pilot?
Natural gas appliances and fireplaces have traditionally used a standing pilot light to ignite the flame/heat source. Because these systems do not rely on external electricity, they work seamlessly even if the power goes out for an extended period of time. This does require electricity to start up.
How do I stop my furnace pilot light from blowing out?
Airflow. If it’s easy to restart your pilot light after it blows out overnight, it’s possible you have a draft you don’t know about. You may also have a leak in the furnace’s output duct that causes air to blow the pilot light out. To prevent this from happening, keep all the air registers in your home open and clear.
Why does pilot go out on hot water heater?
Your thermocouple senses when your pilot light is burning. If it senses that your water heater pilot light keeps going out, the thermocouple will shift off the gas supply to the heater. Over time, thermocouples can malfunction, accumulate dust buildup, or the device can get bent away from the pilot light’s flame.
Should the pilot light always be on in a gas furnace?
Most furnaces with electronic ignition have a device called a hot surface igniter. The difference is that the flame is only lit (by an electronic spark) when your furnace is ready for a heating cycle. When the pilot light is not needed, it is completely off, saving you money on gas.
