Does Your Pilot Light Keep Going Out?
A pilot light is just a tiny flame inside an appliance, but it’s an essential part of your entire water heating system. If your light keeps going out, your water heater won’t be able to start the main burner that heats all your water. To avoid freezing cold water at the most inconvenient times, you’ll need to find and address the cause behind your pilot flame going out.
How to Tell If Your Light Is Out
The first sign you’ll often have for an extinguished light is cold or lukewarm water. Since your light helps to start the burner for your heater, the water in your tank will get colder and colder once it goes out.
You’ll also notice a problem with your heater’s status light. Most modern heaters have a blinking LED that tells you the device is running normally, and when the pilot flame is out, the LED will turn off.
The final sign of an extinguished flame is the lack of a flame. Most water heaters will have a small window inside the device that shows your light. It should be burning a steady blue color. If the flame is flickering, dull yellow, or completely absent, the light is out.
Reasons Your Pilot Light Goes Out
Any time there is an interruption to the flow of air or gas to your pilot flame, the light can go out. This happens for a variety of reasons.
A Draft Blew Out Your Light
Just like a candle, a pilot flame can be blown out by a sudden gust of air. This is most common in cases where a homeowner has an outdoor heater and a storm sends strong winds through the area. However, it can happen indoors as well. If you have unusual drafts inside your home, it’s possible for the flame to go out.
The Pilot Opening Is Blocked
Your pilot flame should have a small opening that lets gas flow into the light. Over time, grime and debris can build up here and block the opening. When this happens, the flame will become weak and start to flicker. Eventually, the light can go out altogether.
There Is Buildup on the Thermocouple
Another area that can be affected by debris and buildup is the thermocouple. This is a small safety valve that automatically shuts off gas flow if the pilot light goes out. When there is soot or other buildup on the thermocouple, it can mistakenly think the light is off, and then it will shut down gas flow. Without gas, your pilot flame will then turn off for real.
Your Gas Is Leaking or Shut Off
A pilot flame can only run properly as long as it’s getting enough gas. If something happens to your supply of gas, your pilot light will go out. In some cases, this can be due to a harmless issue like forgetting to pay a gas bill. However, it can also happen if there is a leak that is causing your gas to dissipate before it can get to your heater. Gas issues can lead to fires and explosions, so getting them fixed promptly is essential.
Your Thermocouple Is Damaged
The thermocouple safety sensor is fairly small, so it’s easy for it to get damaged. Even a slight bend in the copper rod that makes up the thermocouple can keep it from detecting your pilot flame, and then it will shut down gas flow to the flame. In addition to being damaged in collisions, thermocouples can wear out over time. If your water heater is older and the light keeps going out, there’s a good chance the thermocouple needs replacement.
Your Burner Is Malfunctioning
Your water heater burners are supposed to be heating your water, but if they’re blocked, cracked, or otherwise broken, they can begin to malfunction. The fluctuating heat levels can mess with safety sensors inside your water heater and cause the pilot flame to shut off. If your burners are the culprit, you might find that your pilot flame lights up just fine, but it goes out once the burners start trying to heat water.
Do You Need to Worry About an Extinguished Light?
It’s fairly common for the light in a water heater to go out every now and then. You don’t need to panic and assume your heater is broken because the light went out once during a massive storm. However, if your light is turning off regularly, it’s a sign that something in your system isn’t working right. If your light is going out more than once every heating season, you need to get your heater checked. A plumber can examine your appliance and let you know if something needs repair.
It’s also essential to get professional help if you smell gas or see any visible damage to the areas around your pilot light. In some cases, a pilot light that goes out is a dangerous sign of a gas leak, and you’ll need prompt assistance. Make sure to call your utility company right away if you notice the smell of gas around your heater.
Any time you run into issues with the pilot light on your heater, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Miami can help. Our team has plenty of experience handling water heater issues like faulty thermocouples, cracked heat exchangers, and more. In addition to expertise with a variety of heater brands and designs, we also specialize in customer service. If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we’ll pay. You can count on us for prompt visits, professional attitudes, and helpful assistance. Call or contact us today to learn more.
