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How do you fix an outdoor heater that won’t stay lit?
Lift the protective flame screen off the heater, unscrew the nut and pull out the thermocouple. With a water hose, rinse the inside of the thermocouple tube, let it air-dry, then reconnect it. With a clean thermocouple, gas can travel to the flame easier and the heater will stay lit.
Why does my propane patio heater keep shutting off?
If the thermocouple is too far from the flame, this can cause the pilot to go out and shut down the propane heater; you can fix this easily by moving the thermocouple closer to the flame. The thermocouple could also be worn out, in which case it needs to be replaced.
How do you clean a patio heater thermocouple?
Cleaning a patio heater thermocouple requires shutting off the fuel supply, removing the thermocouple from the pilot assembly and using a dry sponge or steel wool to clean accumulated debris and soot.
What does a thermocouple do on a patio heater?
The thermocouple of a gas patio heater is a safety component designed to prevent gas leaks when the pilot goes out. It’s a copper rod that sits next to the pilot tube on the other side of the spark igniter; it allows gas to flow through the pilot tube when it detects heat from the pilot light.
How do you override a thermocouple?
To bypass the thermocouple: Move the tilts switch wire aside. Remove your thermocouple from the heater using an 8mm wrench. Pull the valve housing aside using your 13mm socket wrench. Remove the valve using your pliers. Put your thermocouple back into position.
Why will my gas heater not stay lit?
Some common causes include issues with the thermocouple and pilot tube. The thermocouple detects the pilot light via sensors. A dirty pilot tube can also prevent the pilot from staying lit. If the pilot tube is dirty, let the furnace cool down and turn off the gas.
Why does my pilot light keep going out on my propane heater?
One of the main reasons your furnace stops working is because that pilot light goes out. A system leak – A weak or yellow pilot light flame usually indicates a leak somewhere in your system; as a safety measure, your furnace responds to that leak by shutting down. Drafts – Most pilot lights simply blow out.
Can you fix thermocouple?
Thermocouples are designed to detect a pilot light’s loss of heat and close the gas valve to prevent a gas leak. Replacing a thermocouple is a relatively easy fix that can take less than two hours.
Can I 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. Cleaning a thermocouple is not a fix for an issue, such as inaccurate readings.
How much does it cost to fix 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 you clean the pilot light on a propane heater?
How to Clean a Pilot Light Cut off the gas to your furnace. Remove the pilot light and thermocouple assembly. Use your pliers or wrench to remove the pilot light and thermocouple from the bracket. Using the wire brush, brush away the carbon buildup and soot from both components.
How do you troubleshoot a thermocouple?
Importantly, always make sure the tip of the thermocouple is directly in the pilot flame. If the tip is in the flame, you have held the nob on the gas valve down for longer than a minute, the pilot flame is strong and steady, and the pilot still does not stay lit, then you likely have a problem with the gas valve.
Do you need thermocouple on patio heater?
Without a pilot light, the gas valve will not work, and neither will your heater. Because the thermocouple serves as a safety device, you should not use the patio heater if it is not working.
What do thermocouples do?
Thermocouples are sensors used to measure temperature. A thermocouple consists of two wires, or wire legs, made from different metals. The legs are welded together at one end, into a junction, where the temperature is measured. A voltage is created when the junction senses a change in temperature.
Can you manually light a patio heater?
To manually light a patio heater with a pilot ignition system, all you have to do is push and turn the control knob and then press the stick button a few times. To light up a patio heater without a pilot ignition system, you will have to factor in the gas control knob as well.
What happens when a thermocouple fails?
In short, the heater needs help. The thermocouple regulates the flow of gas to the furnace. It detects when the pilot light is lit, and allows gas to be released into the burners to start the water heating process. Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isn’t working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater.
