If you’re experiencing problems with your water heater, one of the most frustrating issues can be a pilot light that won’t stay lit. There are several reasons why this might happen, but fortunately, there are also several things you can do to troubleshoot and fix the problem. In this article, we’ll take a look at some common causes of pilot lights that won’t stay lit and what you can do to resolve them.
Check the Thermocouple
One of the most common causes of a pilot light that won’t stay lit is a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device that senses when the pilot light is lit and allows gas to flow to the burner. If the thermocouple is faulty or dirty, it may not be able to sense the flame and will shut off the gas supply to the burner.
To check the thermocouple, first, turn off the gas supply to the water heater. Then, locate the thermocouple – it will be a small metal rod that is located near the pilot light. Remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated on the thermocouple, and then use a multimeter to test the voltage output. If the thermocouple is not producing enough voltage, it will need to be replaced.
Clean the Pilot Orifice
Another common cause of a pilot light that won’t stay lit is a dirty or clogged pilot orifice. The pilot orifice is a small opening in the gas line that supplies gas to the pilot light. If this orifice becomes clogged with debris, the pilot light may not be able to receive enough gas to stay lit.
To clean the pilot orifice, first, turn off the gas supply to the water heater. Then, locate the pilot orifice – it will be a small opening in the gas line near the pilot light. Use a small wire brush or a piece of wire to clean out any debris that may be blocking the orifice. Once the orifice is clean, turn the gas supply back on and try relighting the pilot light.
Adjust the Pilot Light Flame
If the flame on the pilot light is too weak or too strong, it may not be able to stay lit. A weak flame may be caused by a clogged pilot orifice, while a strong flame may be caused by a faulty gas regulator.
To adjust the pilot light flame, first, turn off the gas supply to the water heater. Then, locate the pilot light adjustment screw – this is usually located on the gas valve near the pilot light. Use a screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw until the flame is the correct size – usually about 1 inch in length. Once the flame is adjusted, turn the gas supply back on and try relighting the pilot light.
Check the Gas Supply
If none of the above solutions have worked, it’s possible that there is a problem with the gas supply to the water heater. There may be a gas leak in the supply line or the gas valve may be faulty.
To check the gas supply, first, turn off the gas supply to the water heater. Then, inspect the gas supply line for any signs of damage or leaks. If you detect a gas leak, turn off the gas supply immediately and contact a professional plumber or gas technician. If there are no visible signs of damage, turn the gas supply back on and try relighting the pilot light.
Replace the Gas Valve
If none of the above solutions have worked, it may be necessary to replace the gas valve on the water heater. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the burner and pilot light, and if it is faulty, it may not be able to supply enough gas to keep the pilot light lit.
To replace the gas valve, first, turn off the gas supply to the water heater. Then, locate the gas valve – this is usually located near the bottom of the water heater. Use a wrench to disconnect the gas line from the valve, and then remove the valve from the water heater.
Install the new gas valve by first attaching it to the water heater and then reconnecting the gas line. Be sure to tighten all connections securely. Once the new gas valve is installed, turn the gas supply back on and try relighting the pilot light.
It’s important to note that replacing a gas valve can be dangerous and should only be done by a licensed professional. If you’re not comfortable working with gas lines or don’t have experience with water heater repairs, it’s best to contact a plumber or gas technician to do the job for you.
Conclusion
A pilot light that won’t stay lit can be a frustrating problem to deal with, but it’s usually not a difficult one to fix. By checking the thermocouple, cleaning the pilot orifice, adjusting the pilot light flame, checking the gas supply, and replacing the gas valve if necessary, you should be able to get your water heater back up and running in no time.
Remember, though, that working with gas lines can be dangerous and should only be done by a licensed professional. If you’re not comfortable working with gas lines or don’t have experience with water heater repairs, don’t hesitate to contact a plumber or gas technician to do the job for you.
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