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Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay On? Here’s How to Fix It

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Water Heater Pilot Light Won't Stay On Here's How to Fix It

Nothing disrupts your day quite like discovering you have no hot water. When you check your water heater and find the pilot light keeps going out, it’s frustrating and confusing. If you’re dealing with this issue in Peoria, you’re not alone—this is one of the most common water heater problems homeowners face.

The good news? Many pilot light issues have simple solutions you can handle yourself. However, understanding when to call a professional is equally important for your safety and your water heater’s longevity.

Understanding Your Water Heater Pilot Light

Your water heater’s pilot light is a small flame that stays lit continuously, ready to ignite the main burner when you need hot water. When this flame keeps extinguishing, your entire water heating system stops working.

The pilot light system includes several components working together:

  • Thermocouple: A safety device that detects whether the pilot flame is lit

  • Gas control valve: Regulates gas flow to both the pilot and main burner

  • Pilot tube: Delivers gas specifically to the pilot light

  • Pilot assembly: Houses the complete pilot light mechanism

When any of these components malfunction, your pilot light won’t stay lit, leaving you without hot water.

Common Reasons Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

Faulty Thermocouple

The thermocouple is the most frequent culprit behind pilot light problems. This safety device generates a small electrical current when heated by the pilot flame. If the thermocouple doesn’t sense heat, it shuts off the gas supply to prevent dangerous gas leaks.

Over time, thermocouples wear out, become dirty, or shift out of position. When positioned incorrectly, the thermocouple doesn’t get hot enough to generate the necessary electrical signal, causing the gas valve to close and extinguish the pilot.

Dirty Pilot Tube or Burner

Dust, dirt, and carbon buildup can clog the pilot tube, restricting gas flow and creating a weak flame. A weak pilot flame may not generate enough heat to keep the thermocouple activated, resulting in repeated shutdowns.

Similarly, debris on the burner assembly can affect how the pilot light burns, causing it to flicker or go out entirely.

Air Drafts

Water heaters located in garages, basements, or outdoor utility closets are particularly vulnerable to air drafts. Strong gusts of wind can blow through vents or gaps around doors, extinguishing the pilot flame.

Even forced-air HVAC systems can create enough air movement near the water heater to cause pilot light problems, especially if the unit is installed near return air vents.

Damaged or Bent Flex Tube

The flex tube carries gas from the control valve to the pilot assembly. If this tube becomes kinked, bent, or damaged, it restricts gas flow, creating an insufficient flame that can’t stay lit consistently.

Gas Supply Issues

Problems with your home’s gas supply or the water heater’s gas valve can prevent adequate gas flow to the pilot light. Low gas pressure won’t sustain a strong enough flame to trigger the thermocouple properly.

Malfunctioning Gas Control Valve

The gas control valve regulates all gas flow to your water heater. When this component fails, it may not supply consistent gas to the pilot, causing intermittent operation or complete failure.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Before attempting any repairs, turn off the gas supply to your water heater and wait at least five minutes for any accumulated gas to dissipate. Always prioritize safety when working with gas appliances.

Inspect and Clean the Thermocouple

Turn off your water heater and locate the thermocouple—it’s a copper rod positioned directly in the pilot flame’s path. Check whether it’s properly aligned with the pilot flame. If misaligned, carefully bend it back into position so the flame touches the sensor.

Remove the thermocouple by unscrewing it from the gas control valve and pilot assembly. Clean it gently with fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool to remove any carbon buildup or corrosion. Wipe it clean with a soft cloth and reinstall it securely.

Clean the Pilot Tube and Assembly

Use compressed air to blow out the pilot tube opening, removing any dust or debris. You can also use a thin wire or needle to carefully clear the pilot orifice, but be gentle to avoid damaging the opening.

Wipe down the entire pilot assembly with a damp cloth, removing visible dirt and grime. Make sure all components are completely dry before attempting to relight the pilot.

Check for Proper Ventilation

Inspect the area around your water heater for sources of drafts. Close nearby windows, seal gaps under doors, and ensure nothing is blocking the air intake or exhaust vents.

If your water heater is in a particularly drafty location, you may need to install a windbreak or relocate the unit to a more protected area. Never seal off ventilation completely, as water heaters require adequate air circulation for safe operation.

Test the Pilot Light

After cleaning and adjustments, try relighting the pilot light following your water heater manufacturer’s instructions. Most units have lighting instructions printed on a label near the gas control valve.

Hold down the pilot button while lighting the pilot with a long lighter or match. Continue holding the button for 30-60 seconds after the pilot ignites, giving the thermocouple time to heat up sufficiently.

Release the button slowly. If the pilot stays lit, the problem may have been simple dirt or misalignment. If it goes out immediately, you likely have a faulty thermocouple or gas valve that needs replacement.

Safety Considerations You Can’t Ignore

Working with gas appliances requires extreme caution. If you smell gas at any point, immediately turn off the gas supply, evacuate your home, and call your gas company or emergency services from outside.

Never attempt repairs if you’re uncomfortable working with gas systems. Water heater components can be delicate, and improper handling can create dangerous situations including gas leaks, carbon monoxide exposure, or explosions.

Always ensure proper ventilation when relighting a pilot light. Never use matches or lighters near gas valves until you’re certain the area is clear of accumulated gas.

If you’ve tried basic troubleshooting without success, don’t keep attempting the same steps repeatedly. Continuing to introduce gas into a system that won’t stay lit can create hazardous conditions.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Some pilot light issues require professional expertise and specialized tools. Contact a licensed plumber if:

  • The pilot light won’t stay lit after cleaning and basic troubleshooting

  • You smell gas around your water heater at any time

  • The thermocouple needs replacement (this requires specific knowledge of gas systems)

  • Your water heater is more than 10-12 years old and experiencing multiple issues

  • You notice yellow or orange pilot flames instead of blue (indicates incomplete combustion)

  • Water pools around the base of your water heater

  • You hear unusual noises like popping, banging, or hissing

Professional plumbers have the training and equipment to diagnose complex issues safely. They can test gas pressure, inspect internal components, and ensure all safety systems function properly.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance prevents most pilot light problems before they start:

Schedule annual professional inspections to catch potential issues early. A plumber can flush sediment from the tank, test safety components, and verify proper gas pressure.

Keep the area around your water heater clean and clear. Dust accumulation contributes to pilot tube clogs and burner problems. Vacuum around the base of the unit every few months.

Test your pilot light monthly by observing the flame. A healthy pilot flame should be blue with a yellow tip, steady, and about half an inch tall. Any changes in flame color, size, or stability indicate developing problems.

Consider upgrading to a newer, more efficient water heater if your current unit is approaching 10-15 years old. Modern units have improved safety features and better reliability.

Don’t Let a Pilot Light Problem Leave You in the Cold

A water heater pilot light that won’t stay lit disrupts your entire household routine. While basic troubleshooting can resolve simple issues, many pilot light problems require professional expertise to fix safely and effectively.

If you’re experiencing persistent pilot light issues in Peoria or the surrounding areas, Emergency Master Plumbing & Air provides expert water heater repair and replacement services. Our licensed technicians have the experience to diagnose and fix pilot light problems quickly, ensuring your family has reliable hot water.

Don’t struggle with a malfunctioning water heater or risk your safety attempting complex repairs. Call Emergency Master Plumbing & Air at 623-584-4706 for fast, professional water heater service. We understand the urgency of hot water problems and offer prompt, reliable solutions to get your system working properly again.