Are you wondering why water heater pilot goes out? The thermocouples issues and lack of combustible air are the reason for this problem. It’s frustrating and annoying to have your gas water heater’s pilot light burn out.
Whenever your water heater’s pilot light fails to remain lighted, you’re left lacking heated water, making even the most basic tasks like showering inconvenient.
“Why does that occur?” you question. Were there some pointers or strategies for resuming it? I’m not sure how I’m going to get it resolved. Whenever your water heater pilot light burns out, don’t worry; it’s a common problem that many homes confront, and the replacement work is modest. So if you are interested in this article and want to learn more, keep reading it. It’s now time for you to wonder no more as we discuss the reasons below. So without further ado, let’s start reading!
Why Does Water Heater Pilot Go Out?
If the water heater pilot light keeps going out, it means something went wrong. But don’t be panic if you don’t know why water heater pilot goes out. Below we have discussed the reasons for this problem.
#1. Dirty thermocouple
A thermocouple is used in most newly produced water heaters. This component would be at the heart of your water heater’s operation; also, it detects whether the pilot light goes up or down by drawing electricity from the pilot’s heat. As soon as the thermocouple senses that the pilot light is not lighted, the gas is turned off as a precaution. A dirty thermocouple can potentially cause an inactive pilot by blocking the constant current, resulting in a gas blackout. You may be cleaning your thermocouple, but make sure the gas valve is turned off first because you will not let it leak. It is simple to identify and wipe the thermocouple. Find out how to clean hot water heater and how to clean calcium out of water heater.
#2. Bent thermocouple
The thermocouple can get twisted or distorted to the position where it loses the temperature signal out from the current, in addition to becoming dusty and filthy. The thermocouple may have bent much further away from the pilot in many situations, which is troublesome since it won’t register the heat signal. The spark should generally contact the thermocouple just enough to record the heat. If the thermocouple is twisted, you may remedy the situation by twisting it straight more towards the pilot. Remember to set aside some time to let it completely cool down.
#3. Damaged thermocouple
The most common reason a water heater pilot goes out is a damaged thermocouple. It may now be broken if the thermocouple isn’t dusty, grubby, or bent. Disconnect the thermocouple and check it using a multimeter to validate your concerns. Ensure the gas is shut off and the thermocouple was cooled while disconnecting it. It is harmed if the power it provides is less than 20 MV.
Trying to deal with a cracked thermocouple is a bit technical, but if you’re not a specialist, you might need their help. If the thermocouple is minimally broken, it may be restored. You may just have to replace it if that’s too severely injured.
#4. Issues with flex tube
The pilot light contains a flex tube that is a long tube that runs from the burner to the gas controller, where it holds the pilot light and thermocouple between other components. If the flex tube is broken or blocked, no gas will be delivered to the heat source for burning. On the other hand, Flex tube failures are less prevalent than thermocouple failures. And that is why, before focusing on the flex tube, you must first examine and ensure that your thermocouple is already in good working order.
Align any bends in the flex tubing as a remedy. Check for any apparent harm that might lead to a leakage. The volume of gas accessing the burner will be reduced due to gas leaks. This may be the cause of your furnace’s pilot light going out.
#5. Lack of combustible air
A lack of combustible air might also be the cause of your gas hot water system pilot light failing to remain lighted. To maintain the pilot light on your water heater, you’ll need air. The light will go out if this happens. To gain a lot of combustible air in the water heater, make sure this is not covered by dirt, dust, or trash. Maintain a clean environment around you.
#6. Electrical wiring issues
Electric water heaters are prone to this issue. Another causes you must consistently engage a professional to set up your water heater is this. If your water heater abruptly starts going down, this is the first indicator of a defective electrical system. Turn off your water heater right away and call a professional. Please do not tamper with the electrical system.
It’s A Wrap!
We hope that reading this article is just fun for you, and after reading this, you all will know why water heater pilot goes out. The leading cause of this problem is your defective thermocouples, and it’s better to replace thermocouples with a good quality ones. Thank you, friends, for being with us at the end!