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Lack of Combustible Air. Another reason your gas water heater pilot light won’t stay lit could be due to not having enough combustible air. Your water heater requires air to keep the pilot light burning. Ensure that the water heater is not surrounded by clutter, lint, or debris to increase the amount of combustible air May 13, 2021.
Why does my water heater flame keep going out?
The most common reason that your pilot light on your water heater keeps going out is a damaged, bent or dirty thermocouple.
How do you clean a thermocouple on a water heater?
Clean the thermocouple – using the emery cloth sandpaper, sand the ends of the thermocouple and then give it a finishing touch with the lint-free cloth. Hopefully, you can get to the ends of the thermocouple without having to detach it from the assembly, but you may have to do that.
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.
What would cause a pilot light to not stay lit?
The Buildup of Dirt or Debris Around The Pilot Light – Over the years it’s easy for dust, debris, and dirt to build up on the inside of the intake valve where the pilot light resides. This makes it difficult for the flame to breath and as a result causes the pilot light to go out suddenly.
What would cause a pilot light to keep going out?
A faulty, misaligned, dirty, or damaged thermocouple is often the culprit behind your pilot light going out. The thermocouple is an automatic safety shutoff device that prevents the gas valve from opening if the pilot light is out.
How much does it cost to replace a water heater thermocouple?
The cost to replace the thermocouple on a water heater is $100 to $325. The thermocouple detects whether the pilot light is lit and signals the gas control valve to turn on the gas flow. Thermocouple replacement is the most common repair needed for gas tank water heaters.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my water heater?
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.
Why does my pilot light keep going out after replacing thermocouple?
If your water heater pilot won’t stay lit even after replacing the thermocouple, you most likely have a faulty gas control valve. It is a sign that the valve is failing to open and allow gas to flow to the pilot. You could also be dealing with a tripped or faulty thermal switch.
How long does a water heater 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 know if my thermocouple is working?
Test the Thermocouple If the thermocouple is working, you should be able to measure 30 to 40 millivolts of voltage at the connection end of the tube when the pilot flame is on. You can test this yourself using a multimeter, but you may need a helper to keep the pilot flame burning while you do it.
How do you get dust out of 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.
Should the water heater be on pilot or on?
You should set the water heater to “pilot”. If, however, your water heater is also the boiler for your central heating, then you’ll want to leave the heating running as normal so that your house doesn’t get damp as a result of cold and condensation.
Why does the pilot light on my water heater keep going out?
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.
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.
What is the most common problem with water heaters?
Water leaks are perhaps the most common type of water heater issue you’ll face. Any water heater will start to leak eventually, as by nature water will eventually corrode your tank and create microscopic cracks or fractures. However, this isn’t always a sign that your tank is what’s leaking.
How much does it cost to fix a pilot light?
You can replace the thermocouple yourself for around $20. If you hire a contractor to do the work, it will cost $45 to $150. A contractor fixing the thermocouple and the pilot light will usually be able to replace both in one hour, meaning it will be $45 to $150 for both.
Where is a thermocouple located?
Your furnace’s thermocouple is usually located right in the flame of the furnace’s pilot light. Its copper tubing makes it easy to spot. The thermocouple is made up of a tube, a bracket, and wires.
How much does a thermocouple cost?
It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on.
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.
