A pilot light is a small blue flame that ignites the burner when you need hot water. This tiny flame plays a huge role in keeping your water heater running. When working right, it stays lit 24/7, ready to heat your water whenever you turn on your faucets.
But when your pilot light keeps going out, you’ve got more than just a cold shower problem to deal with. A faulty pilot light can signal serious issues with your hot water heater that could put your safety at risk. Gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, and other dangerous problems often show up first when the pilot light malfunctions. With these being very serious problems, it’s important that you know why your water heater pilot light goes out but also what to do if that’s the case.
Thermocouple Problems Lead to Pilot Light Failures for Akron & Northeast Ohio
Your thermocouple is basically a safety guard for your gas water heater. This copper rod sits right in the pilot light’s flame and controls your gas valve. When it’s working properly, the flame heats the thermocouple, which tells the gas valve to keep supplying gas to your pilot light.
Over time, thermocouples can get covered in debris or just wear out. When this happens, they’ll stop detecting the flame properly and shut off your gas flow. The result? Your pilot light goes out after a few seconds of burning.
A bent thermocouple can also cause problems. If it’s not positioned correctly in the flame, it won’t heat up enough to keep the gas flowing. This positioning issue often happens during routine maintenance or when something bumps the water heater.
Dirty Gas Lines and Burner Problems
Your water heater needs clean gas lines to function properly. Sediment and debris can build up in these lines over time, blocking the steady gas flow your pilot light needs to stay lit. Think of it like a clogged straw — if something’s blocking the path, nothing gets through.
The main burner can face similar problems. A dirty burner assembly means your pilot light won’t get the consistent gas supply it needs. This issue often shows up gradually. Your pilot light might stay lit for longer periods before going out, making it tricky to spot right away.
Inspecting your gas line and burner regularly can help prevent these issues. But when dirt and debris start causing issues, you’ll need professional cleaning to get things flowing smoothly again.
Ventilation Issues Affect Pilot Light Stability
Your water heater needs proper airflow to keep that pilot light burning strong. Poor ventilation can snuff out your pilot light faster than blowing out a birthday candle. This typically happens when your water heater site isn’t properly set up for good air circulation.
Blocked vents, nearby stored items, or even changes to your home’s air pressure can all mess with your pilot light’s oxygen supply. If your water heater sits in a cramped utility closet or a dusty corner of your basement, it might not get enough fresh air to keep the flame going.
Gas Supply and Pressure Problems
Sometimes, the issue is with your gas supply. Low gas pressure can’t keep your pilot light burning, no matter how well-maintained your tank might be. Gas pressure issues can pop up for various reasons. Maybe your gas meter isn’t working right, or there’s a problem with the main gas line connection to your house. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a partially closed gas valve restricting flow to your water heater.
These pressure problems can also impact your energy savings and how well your water heater heats your water. If your pilot light keeps going out and other gas appliances seem weak, gas pressure might be the culprit.
Age-Related Water Heater Issues
Just like any appliance, water heaters don’t last forever. As they age, parts wear out, connections get loose, and issues start popping up more often. A constantly dying pilot light often signals that your water heater is reaching the end of its life.
Older tanks may face multiple issues at once. The thermostat might act up, the heating element could be failing, and the overflow pipe might show signs of leaking. When these things stack up, they can affect how well your pilot light stays lit.
Newer water heaters, especially tankless models, often come with electronic ignition instead of traditional pilot lights. If you’re dealing with constant pilot light problems in an older unit, upgrading to a new water heater might offer the best long-term solution.
Draft and Temperature Changes
The location of your water heater can make it susceptible to drafts and temperature swings that influence the pilot light to turn off. Cold air rushing past your water heater can extinguish the flame, especially if the unit sits near windows, doors, or in uninsulated spaces. These environmental factors become more problematic during seasonal changes. As temperatures shift, the way air moves through your home changes, too. This can create new draft patterns that disturb your pilot light.
Modern electric water heater models skip the pilot light entirely, eliminating these draft-related headaches. But for gas models, protecting your water heater from sudden air movements helps keep that pilot light burning strong.
Get Professional Water Heater Help in Akron & Northeast Ohio
When your pilot light refuses to stay lit, you’re likely dealing with a serious problem that needs quick attention. A faulty pilot light could signal gas leaks or carbon monoxide risks that put your family in danger. So don’t take chances with your water heater safety. Apollo’s team knows exactly how to diagnose and fix pilot light problems. Call us today to schedule your water heater repair in Akron, OH!