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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 do you do if your pilot light won’t stay lit?
How to Light Your Furnace’s Pilot Make sure the thermostat is in heat mode. Locate the pilot valve. Always turn the valve knob to the off position and make sure to wait at least several minutes for any residual gas to clear away. Get your match ready. Once the pilot stays lit, turn the pilot valve to the on position.
Why does my pilot light keep blowing out?
If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, it’s likely you have a broken thermocouple in your gas furnace. The thermocouple is a rod that comes into physical contact with the flame in your system. When this component is not able to detect the flame, it will close the gas valve to prevent a gas leak in your home.
How do you 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.
How do you know if you have a bad thermocouple?
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 much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.
What color should my pilot light be?
The color of the pilot light should be blue because that means that only natural gas—without any other condensates—is reaching the pilot light through the gas main. The principal chemical compound found in natural gas is methane, and methane burns blue.
What should a pilot light flame look like?
Inspecting a Gas Furnace Pilot Light Flame A natural gas flame should be a bright blue color with a small amount of yellow at the very tip. A propane flame will have more of a bluish-green flame with a tinge of yellow at the tip. The flame should strong enough to cover about 1/2 inch at the end of the thermocouple tip.
How often should you replace a thermocouple?
The fireplace has thermocouples and switches. The thermocouples should last for a long time. According to experts, a four-year check cycle is all that is needed.
Can you fix a thermocouple?
If the pilot lights but the flame goes out as soon as you release the button after holding it for 60 seconds, then the thermocouple is bad. It’s possible to replace the thermocouple without removing the burner assembly, and many repair people do this.
Do thermocouples need cleaning?
The dust, rust, or debris that can form a crust around the thermocouple will also prevent it from detecting the heat that’s required to put it to work. The good news is that it’s easy to clean, and even better, if that doesn’t work, it’s simple to replace.
Why do thermocouples go bad?
It’s Dirty. Soot buildup on the thermocouple may block the flame. Under constant exposure to a hot flame, a thermocouple wears down over time. Even a slight residue can make the thermocouple malfunction.
Will a pilot stay lit with a bad thermocouple?
What is a Thermocouple? A thermocouple senses the heat of the pilot and allows gas to flow to the burner. A bad thermocouple will shut off gas to both the pilot and the burner so the pilot light won’t stay lit.
Can a thermocouple work intermittently?
a safety device that has started to go bad, or has failed permanently. In this client’s case, the thermocouple was initially working intermittently, and then finally failed. This allowed the gas to flow long enough to heat up the thermocouple and generate some electrical current flowing back to the gas valve.
Are thermocouples universal?
Universal Thermocouples. Universal thermocouples, as the name implies work on most water heaters. They are available online and in home supply stores for a reasonable cost. The length and the thread type are the two concerns when purchasing one.
Can I replace a thermocouple myself?
It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater’s burning chamber, it’s easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly. Then unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve.
How much does it cost for a plumber to replace a thermocouple?
Thermocouple Replacement Cost Calling a professional plumber to install a new thermocouple should only be up to $150. If you do the work yourself, you will only pay the price of the part which is about $20.
How do you troubleshoot a thermocouple?
Place one test lead on the side of the thermocouple and the other to the end that screws into the gas valve. If the thermocouple has proper continuity, a small resistance reading should be visible on the multimeter. Many multimeters also indicate continuity with an audio alert.
How do you adjust a thermocouple?
Adjusting the Thermocouple Correcting the first condition is a simple process. Simply shut off the gas, reach under the burner and push or pull the probe to reposition it. If the thermocouple is faulty, remove it by unscrewing it from the burner and pulling it out. Reverse the procedure to install a new one.
