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Some of the possible serious reasons for pilot lights to go out include loose or broken gas valves, thermocouples or heat exchangers, faulty venting, low gas pressure, or high winds. If you believe there is a serious problem, don’t hesitate to contact a professional.
How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?
This is and easy fix, simply let it cool down and brush off the dirt or debris. Your thermocouple might bend. The end that sits near the pilot light flame is what communicates with the gas valve and tells it to open or close. If it is bent away from the flame it won’t register heat and will keep the gas valve closed.
What is the risk if the pilot lights all go out?
Pilot lights have a safety valve, which should cut the gas when the light goes out. If the valve is functioning properly, it will close and gases won’t escape. But if it is not working, your home may be filling with a dangerous gas.
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.
Will gas shut off if pilot light goes out?
This is because all modern gas appliances with pilot lights have a fail-safe device that closes off the gas to the appliance in the case when the pilot may go out. If the pilot light goes out for any reason, the current stops, the valve closes, thus preventing any gas from leaking.
Does gas stop if pilot light goes out?
If your pilot light repeatedly goes out, this is a likely culprit. If this flame sensor should fail, gas will continue to flow even after the pilot light has been extinguished, causing a safety hazard, and requiring immediate repair.
Should my pilot light always be on?
Generally speaking, it is safe to leave your continuous pilot light on at all times, assuming it stays lit (more on this in a moment). While it does cost more to keep your pilot light on in between uses, it can actually have some benefits to your system.
Can I replace a thermocouple myself?
1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Then detach the thermocouple from the burner and take it with you to the home center or hardware store to ensure you buy the right replacement.
How long does a thermocouple last?
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.
How do I clean a thermocouple?
The best way to clean your thermocouple is to use either a piece of steel wool or the coarse side of a sponge to gently clean off any soot or other remnants. You can use a pencil eraser to clean between the threads of the screw that connects the thermocouple to the control valve of your system.
Can I bypass a thermocouple?
Can You Bypass Thermocouples on Patio Heaters? Constant heat supply ensures that your patio heater pilot light is lit at all times. If your unit is receiving no heat, this won’t be so. To temporarily sort the situation, you can bypass thermocouples until you have funds to replace them.
Why does my gas logs keep going out?
Drip Loop: moisture in the gas line can cause a failure in the drip loop. This could be the reason why your fireplace won’t stay lit. Moisture can dilute the natural gas, so you’ll want to have a professional see if this is the problem at hand.
How much does it cost to relight a pilot light?
Most service providers will charge a standard fee per visit that typically covers the cost to relight a gas water heater. This service call price can range from $80 to $100.
Is it normal to smell gas when pilot light is on?
If you think you smell gas and you have gas utilities, be safe. Note that it is totally normal on automatic pilots (pilots that do NOT stay lit all the time) to smell a little natural gas when the are first turned on. A little gas will escape as the pilot and burners light on your heat or appliance.
Can a pilot light cause a fire?
When the appliance is turned on, a valve releases more gas, which is ignited by the pilot light. If this leak continues, its concentration may reach a point where a spark – such as that from a cigarette lighter, static electricity, or even the pilot light itself as it is re-lit – will cause a fire or even an explosion.
Can I relight the pilot light by myself?
If your pilot light goes out, your furnace will not be able to produce heat because its burners will not ignite. Often, homeowners can relight the pilot themselves.
Can a pilot light cause carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is only produced when fuel of any type; oil, gas, wood or coal is burned. And a pilot light out of adjustment can produce carbon monoxide gas. The amount produced by even a badly maladjusted pilot is small because the flame size is also small.
Why won’t my gas fireplace light up?
If gas is coming out of the pilot, but it still won’t light, the spark igniter could be the problem. Alleyne says to look for and clear out any debris between the igniter and thermocouple. The pilot lighting, but not staying lit, indicates that the thermocouple is worn out, Worthen says.
Are thermocouples universal?
Honeywell, White Rodgers, and other manufacturers make universal replacement thermocouples, usually with a 30-millivolts (mV) rating for standing-pilot furnaces. Electronic flame sensors are much less universal, and you must find the exact part specified for your furnace model.
What can go wrong with a thermocouple?
Six Common Causes for Thermocouple Temperature Measurement Errors Selecting the Wrong Type of Thermocouple on the Transmitter. Problems Related to the Thermocouple Extension Wire. Inherent Variations in Alloys. Temperature Variations Around the Reference Junction Connection. Thermocouple Grounded at More Than One Location.
