One of the most frustrating things you can have happen with your water heater is a faulty pilot light. You try to take a hot shower and all you are met with is ice cold water. If your pilot light won’t stay lit, it is important that you fix it immediately. There are a few reasons that a water heater’s pilot light won’t stay lit. Here are a few possibilities:
Dirty Thermocouple
If you can light the pilot light, but it keeps going out then you may have a dirty thermocouple. A thermocouple is a device that detects whether your pilot light is on by generating a current. If the current has cooled, it assumes that your water heater pilot light is off and your water heater will not stay ignited. Inspect your thermocouple to determine whether it is dirty. If so, allow it to cool and then lightly clean it with some fine sandpaper. Try to light it again.
Bent Thermocouple
If your pilot light still refuses to stay lit, you may have a bent thermocouple. This will prevent the light from heating it. The thermocouple will then turn off the supply of gas and your water heater will not light. To fix, bend the thermocouple so it is closer to the pilot light.
Dirty Pilot Tube
If your pilot light won’t ignite, it may be dirty. Use a needle to gently remove any dirt or blockages. Remember to always wait until it has cooled before touching it.
Damaged Thermocouple
If none of these techniques fix your issue, your thermocouple may need to be replaced or repaired by a professional.
If you are having issues with your water heater, call the experts at Dutton Plumbing. Call (805) 849-0965 to schedule one of our plumbing experts to your home today.
