Usually, a problem with the thermocouple causes the pilot light to go out. The thermocouple is the small copper rod that the pilot light hits. The thermocouple’s job is to shut a gas safety valve if the pilot light goes out. That’s important because gas is always being supplied to the pilot to keep the flame lit.
Regarding this, what causes a pilot light to go out on a water heater?
Some of the most common reasons that water heater pilot lights go out include: A faulty thermocouple. Over time, thermocouples can begin to malfunction and shut off the gas supply to the pilot light even if it’s burning properly. A bent or dirty thermocouple.
Also Know, why does my hot water tank keep going out? A faulty thermocouple can cause problems with your water heater not staying lit. Dirty thermocouple: If you can light your pilot light, but the water heater pilot keeps going out, there are many possible causes. This will cause the thermocouple to turn off the supply of gas, and then your water heater won’t light.
Regarding this, is it dangerous if the pilot light goes out on water heater?
A device called a thermocouple is heated by the pilot light flame. As long as the thermocouple remains hot, gas is supplied to the pilot light. If the pilot light goes out, the gas is shut off and there is no danger of gas accumulating because the pilot light is out.
How do you clean a thermocouple on a water heater?
Turn off the lever handle gas valve to the water heater and turn the knob on the top of the temperature control valve to “Off.” Use open-end wrenches to unscrew the nuts that connect the burner gas line, the pilot gas line and the thermocouple. Pull the gas tubes and thermocouple down out of the gas valve.
19 Related Question Answers Found
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 on a water heater?
Thermocouple Replacement – $20-$150 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.
Can you clean a thermocouple?
If the Thermocouple is faulty it will cause the unit to shut down. How to clean? Remove Thermocouple from pilot assembly, using steel wool or emery cloth to lightly clean the tip removing any soot or build up that might have accorded due to an improper pilot flame.
Why does my pilot light go out when I release the pilot light knob?
The most likely of those is that the thermocouple needs to be replaced. The button you press to light the pilot bypasses the thermocouple. When you release the button, the thermocouple ensures that unburned gas doesn’t get released by shutting off the gas when it’s not heated by the burning pilot light.
How do you tell if the pilot light is out on a water heater?
The pilot gas line is a small metal tube below the burner assembly and distinctive by the slight upturn at the end. It will be apparent, if the pilot is lit, by the small blue flame burning at the end. If you do not see a small blue flame burning, the pilot light is out.
Can a pilot light cause carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced during burning fuel. It doesn’t leak from a pilot light that’s gone out, but if the light keeps going out even after you relight the pilot, it can indicate that you have other problems.
What do you do when the pilot light goes out on your water heater?
When the water heater pilot light goes out, first try relighting it, following the directions on the water heater label. If the pilot doesn’t relight, if it goes out right after lighting or if the pilot light keeps going out by far the most common cause is a bad thermocouple.
Why does my water heater pilot not stay lit?
If your gas water heater doesn’t stay lit, you may have a defective control thermostat. The gas supply to the pilot assembly is controlled by this valve. If the pilot light won’t stay lit and the thermocouple is okay, then the thermostatic control valve may be defective.
How do you test a thermocouple?
Turn your multimeter to millivolts to perform an open circuit test. Place one of the test leads of the multimeter on the side of the thermocouple and the other to the end that enters the gas valve. Ignite a lighter, or other heat source with a flame, at the opposite end of the thermocouple.
What happens if a water heater gets wet?
Ordinary electric water heater that got wet is probably OK. Do not touch water heater that is wet or was wet. If insulation is VERY wet it must dry out before service is resumed otherwise trapped moisture creates problems such as corroded electrical connections at thermostats and elements.
What does a thermocouple look like?
The thermocouple looks like a piece of metal tubing smaller than a soda straw. To find it, first locate the gas control box. This is the box that the main gas line enters, where you turn the gas on in the furnace. The other end of the thermocouple sits in the flame of the pilot light.
Will pilot light go out if gas is turned off?
Pilot lights will occasionally go out. Sometimes the cause is easily resolved, such as running out of propane or turning off the gas. However, if the pilot light needs to be relit more than once per season, it should be inspected by a qualified service technician.
How do you relight a pilot light on a water heater?
How to Light a Water Heater Pilot Light Open the door/cover over the pilot light access. Use a flashlight or a headlamp to find the burner inside. Turn the gas knob to “Pilot,” press and hold it down. While still holding the gas down, light that pilot. When the flame ignites, continue to hold the gas knob or button down for a full minute.
Is the pilot light always on water heater?
Your water heater does not have an ignitor. The pilot should always be burning on your water heater. Sometimes the pilot flame is hard to see through the viewing window. To be sure if the pilot is on or off, you need to remove the access door and shield and look at the burner and pilot through the opening.
Do I need to turn off hot water heater if I turn off water?
If the element gets turned on without water surrounding it, it gets too hot and burns up. In rare circumstances, you could also get a buildup of dangerous pressure if the relief valve were to fail. So, yes, please turn off your water heater when you turn off your water main.
How long does a thermocouple last?
Thermocouples can last several years, but they don’t typically last as long as the furnace itself. If the pilot remains lit, but the main furnace doesn’t stay lit, it’s time to replace the thermocouple.
How do you test a thermocouple on a water heater?
If the pilot light doesn’t stay lit, check the gas water heater thermocouple by keeping the pilot button depressed. Measure the current by using the multimeter device, set on millivolts. One probe of the meter should be connected to the copper sheath of the thermocouple and the other to the gas valve.
How do you replace a thermocouple on a water heater?
How to Replace a Water Heater’s Thermocouple Turn off the gas supply. Unfasten the three nuts that hold the thermocouple and the two gas tubes to the valve. Detach the thermocouple from the burner. Install the new one the same way that you removed the old one. Turn the gas back on and follow the lighting instructions on the water heater.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
Thermocouple Replacement – $20-$150 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.