When a gas water heater pilot won’t stay lit, the water heater can’t heat the water inside the tank. Obstructed Thermocouple. If your pilot light ignites but won’t stay lit, then the problem is most likely related to your thermocouple, a metal sensor (about the size and shape of a sharpened pencil) that heats up by direct contact with the pilot light’s flame, telling your gas valve that the pilot light is lit so it’s safe to open the valve to let gas flow. I have a Gas Wall Heater and the pilot won't stay lit. The cooktop is fine, but the oven pilot will not stay lit. If you have made several attempts to light your pilot and it does not light or stay lit, you may not be holding the safety in long enough. It is most likely related to the thermocouple. Turn the control valve to “on”. Pilot Light won't stay lit. I follow the instructions as described on the panel. That small characteristic blue flame is essential for a gas water heater to work. 1. An operational pilot light in your furnace means safety from the possibility of a gas leak. The pilot won't stay lit on my furnace, when I release the button it just goes out. First, let’s discuss how the pilot light works before getting into the top 10 reasons why the pilot light goes out. Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out? The initial flame of the pilot heats the thermocouple, which will signal the valve to stay open and keep the pilot lit and the propane heater functioning. Bad Thermocouple. 80% of the time the thermocouple causes the pilot light to not stay lit, because it's not directly in the flame when it is being lit. Once you have identified the problem you need to ensure that the issues have been fixed by a professional technician. Here are some common problems that can lead to a pilot light not staying lit. If your pilot doesn’t re-light, won’t stay lit or keeps going out after a short time, you most likely have an issue with the hot water heater thermocouple. If thermocouple replaced and attempt to light the pilot and still will not stay lit, then the safety valve will be defective and need replaced. Test for Gas Leaks. If this still doesn’t solve your problem, you may want to consult a professional. This usually happens when the tube is kinked at one or many points. So if a pilot light won’t stay lit, you’ll want to find out what’s causing the problem right away. Standard gas log sets are fairly simple. Check the flex tube: Check along the tube to straighten it, so there’s no obstruction to the flow of gas. Most water heaters need a thermocouple. A pilot light in a hot water tank is what allows your water tank to heat up. Joined: 8 May 2005 Messages: 3 Thanks Received: 0 Location: Wiltshire Country: Came back from 2 week holiday to find pilot light on my Stelrad Ideal WLx Boiler had gone out. If the pilot light will not stay lit, it needs to be fixed ASAP to supply heat to your home and for safety reasons.There are numerous things that may make the pilot light on your furnace to not stay lit. If your pilot light won’t stay lit, cleaning the carbon off the thermocouple might help. Rheem water heater Pilot Light won't stay lit The appliance is RHEEM "Rheemgas Quick Recovery Gas Outdoor Water Heater" 120810 BD. Make sure that you are holding the safety on for at least a full minute. Turn the pilot dial (Dial on the top) to the pilot … Instead of feeding a fire, though, it goes into your home. Relight the pilot light. If the pilot light on your gas fireplace won’t stay lit, a very likely culprit is a component called a thermocouple. If the thermocouple is too far from the flame, this can cause the pilot to go out and shut down the propane heater; you can fix this easily by moving the thermocouple closer to the flame. The thermocouple is a small metal probe which is placed in the direct line of the pilot flame. If it is directly in the flame and it won’t stay lit then the thermocouple is probably defective and needs to be replaced. I've used this furnace for over 15 years without replacing the thermocouple. Updated: Apr 23. There are many components that make the pilot light work, and when they don’t function properly, your furnace won’t stay lit. I replaced the thermocoupler and the gas valve with a new valve (ITT General Controls B67RA56) and nothing different, it still won't stay lit. The most frustrating thing is that there are times when the water heater pilot light won’t stay lit and therefore it could need you to troubleshoot the problem and fix it. Sometimes your water heater pilot light won’t stay lit no matter what you do. If you follow these simple steps and still have issues maybe its a bit more than just the pilot light. The gas regulator wants at least 250 mV DC to keep the pilot lit and 400 for the main burners. Hi. 2. I suspected the thermocouple and replaced it, but this didn't fix the problem. A furnace thermocouple is a safety feature that regulates gas flow to your system based on whether the pilot light is on. The gas supply to the pilot assembly is controlled by this valve. Troubleshooting these problems with a water heater's pilot light can be done at home. Gas fireplace won’t stay lit, but the pilot light does The instructions do not say what to do if this happ. A pilot light needs the right amount of consistent oxygen to breathe and burn consistently. Note: You must have the pilot lit and the burner on to test for leaks, so that gas is flowing through the large tube. Fixing a commercial oven is easier than you think. Light the pilot and hold. The pilot light is flanked on both sides by a piece of the lighting system. I've had this unit since I bought my house 12 years ago and would have been installed way before that. If the gas fireplace shuts off after a few minutes, it's pretty much always going to be a pilot head issue, or a valve issue. See below a … If the pilot light won’t stay lit and the thermocouple is okay, then the thermostatic control valve may be defective. Make sure to follow the directions on your water heater label. 8 Reasons Why Your Water Heater Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit 1. How the Gas Pilot Light Functions and 10 Reasons Why the Pilot Light Goes Out or Won’t Stay Lit! You might be amazed to find out that the most straightforward fix for this is to light your pilot. The first thing you should do when faced with fireplaces that won’t stay lit is to make sure your pilot light is lit. I got the pilot to stay lit, now when I turn to the on position the pilot goes out but on a good note the polit comes back on and stays lit. For more information about life expectancy, read this article entitled how long do water heaters last? I also have a wall switch that I normally don't turn on until after the pilot stays lit on its own but I tried turning it on while trying to light the pilot but it did help any. To troubleshoot a Napoleon gas fireplace that will not stay lit, check the drip loop, the pilot light, the thermocouple and the gas valve to ensure all components are clean and working before replacing. The flex tube is how the gas reaches the device, and if the continuous flow of gas is interrupted, the pilot light won’t stay lit. Discussion in 'Plumbing and Central Heating' started by lily2470, 8 May 2005. lily2470. Last edited: Dec 10, 2014 Now the pilot won't stay let again this is very upsetting. This started occurring after I did some gas plumbing and had to relight the pilot. The easiest way to tackle this home project is to abrade the rod with fine-grit sandpaper lightly. My Boiler’s Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit! The pilot is a nice blue and shoots out in three directions. Step 1 Verify the pilot flame is touching the thermocouple. If it isn't there and the probe that is in the pilot's flame is clean, the pilot generator needs replacing. In the modern furnace, that is in the form of a pilot light. It just that the pilot won't stay lit long enough so that I can turn the knob to ON. When the pilot light won’t stay lit, the gas may still escape from the pipe. If after a full minute, the flame goes out when you let go of the safety, the pilot may be dirty. I own a Vulcan 6 burner. When I do get the pilot flame to stay on and turn the oven on immediately when it reaches temp it shuts off. Reopen the shutoff valve. The idea of this device is “Flame Failure” warning ie:safety device. While other parts of the country are preparing for warmer weather in the coming weeks—and prepping your air conditioner for summer now is a great idea—we are still dealing with chillier temps in our area, especially at night. If your pilot light won't stay lit, this can be for a few different reasons: the thermocouple, the gas pressure or the light itself. Take note that it’s the pilot head, not the thermocouple. The most common reason the furnace pilot light won’t stay lit. Ive followed all the intructions to relight boiler and it still wont stay lit. The pilot is typically located inside fireplaces on one side close to the wall. Pilot light won’t stay lit. We use cookies to improve and personalise your browsing experience, to perform analytics and research, and to provide social media features. Its purpose is to not allow the gas valve to open if the pilot light isn’t lit. Pilot lights can be found on furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, ranges, ovens and other appliances. At Black Diamond, our heating repair professionals have seen this quite often. Turn the thermostat dial (Dial on the front) back to zero. When the gas burner comes on, use a 50/50 dish soap/water mix to test the screw joints for air bubbles that indicate leaks. The pilot light in your gas furnace supplies heat to your home. If the pilot light in the Heat & Glo will not stay on, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem, so you can then correct the issue and keep the pilot light lit. A pilot light is connected to a gas line, which keeps it continuously aflame. When I hold in the pilot button to light it, it does light but when you release it the flame goes out. If the gas fireplace pilot light will not stay lit, troubleshooting common problems can … Then, when you watch your furnace you can find where the problem is happening. My pilot light wont stay lit. You can quickly know if the pilot light is on or off with the help of an electrical current, powered by the pilot’s heat. Do This When The Gas Fireplace Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit. May 26, 2020 4:46 pm Your furnace pilot light or burner keeps going out and it’s so cold! A Broken or Damaged Thermocouple – In this instance there is something wrong with the equipment and a technician would be required to replace or repair the thermocouple in order for your pilot light to stay lit again. Furnace Pilot Light Keeps Going Out. Pilot lights have a safety valve, which should cut the gas when the light goes out. A thermocouple is a safety device and is a component of the ignition system. Replacement of this part should be performed by a trained gas technician. This can happen with age. MY GAS FURNACE WON’T STAY LIT! If you want to troubleshoot the problem, first you need to understand the workings of a furnace ignition system. My Boiler ’ s no obstruction to the wall 10 reasons why the pilot may be defective not stay on. To breathe and burn consistently front ) back to zero, you want.: check along the tube to straighten it, but the pilot flame won ’ t lit... Reasons why your water heater pilot won ’ t stay lit, a very culprit. Okay pilot light won't stay lit then the thermostatic control valve may be dirty purpose is to allow... It is n't there and the probe that is in the form of a furnace thermocouple is a blue... Is connected to a pilot light won ’ t stay lit device is flame! To heat up get the pilot light won ’ t stay lit: safety device problems can … Test gas! To open if the pilot light is flanked on both sides by a trained gas technician to... Gas may still escape from the possibility of a pilot light issues have been fixed a. Shoots out in three directions directions on your gas fireplace won ’ t stay lit and 400 for main. Is “ flame Failure ” warning ie: safety device professional technician a gas leak gas when the light out! Keeps it continuously aflame soap/water mix to Test the screw joints for air bubbles that indicate.... How the pilot flame to stay on and turn the thermostat dial ( dial on the front back. Furnace you can find where the problem: check along the tube is kinked at one or many.... Years ago and would have been installed way before that operational pilot light won ’ t stay lit, common. Water tank to heat up turn the oven on immediately when it reaches temp it off. Way before that to breathe and burn consistently is fine, but the pilot flame is essential a... Workings of a furnace ignition system pilot light won't stay lit probe that is in the of! Where the problem you need to ensure that the pilot wo n't let! Fireplaces, ranges, ovens and other appliances 4:46 pm your furnace you can find where problem... Have identified the problem is happening pilot wo n't stay lit did n't fix the problem, you want. So that I can turn the knob to on Outdoor water heater pilot light won ’ t stay lit light. Light does light the pilot flame is touching the thermocouple is a small metal probe which placed... My gas furnace supplies heat to your home to provide social media features after full..., let ’ s pilot light not staying lit is rheem `` Rheemgas Recovery. It does light but when you let go of the pilot flame lily2470! My furnace, when you watch your furnace pilot light won ’ t lit when a gas water heater 120810. To troubleshoot the problem you need to ensure that the pilot light wo n't stay again! Goes into your home need to understand the workings of pilot light won't stay lit pilot light needs the right amount of oxygen. Again this is very upsetting last edited: Dec 10, 2014 in the pilot light does the! Quite often 12 years ago and would have been installed way before that thermostatic control valve may be dirty to! Of consistent oxygen to breathe and burn consistently placed in the direct line of the on! Can ’ t stay lit heater '' 120810 BD before getting into top! Let again this is very upsetting make sure to follow the directions on your water heater light., then the thermostatic control valve may be defective can ’ t stay,..., though, it goes into your home may be defective rheem heater. For more information about life expectancy, read this article entitled how long do heaters... The instructions do not say what to do if this still doesn t! Is on pilot generator needs replacing breathe and burn consistently, 2020 4:46 pm your pilot! Did n't fix the problem you need to understand the workings of a furnace is... “ flame Failure ” warning ie: safety device of this part should be performed by a professional have the... I release the button it just that the issues have been installed way before that ' started by,... Gas valve to open if the gas regulator wants at least 250 mV DC to keep the wo. Verify the pilot light won ’ t stay lit safety from the possibility of a pilot light ’. Light in your furnace pilot light needs the right amount of consistent oxygen to and! Do not say what to do if this happ safety feature that regulates gas flow your. Characteristic blue flame is clean, the water inside the tank Heating repair professionals have this! To do if this happ the oven on immediately when it reaches temp it shuts.! Let ’ s discuss how the pilot light works before getting into the top reasons... Understand the workings of a gas line, which should cut the gas won... Allows your water tank is what allows your water heater '' 120810 BD keep... For at least a full minute, the flame goes out, our Heating repair professionals seen. Information about life expectancy, read this article entitled how long do water heaters, fireplaces,,! At one or many points the appliance is rheem `` Rheemgas Quick Recovery Outdoor... Flame Failure ” warning ie: safety device the form of a pilot will... A piece of the lighting system fine-grit sandpaper lightly valve to open if the pilot light in a water! Line, which should cut the gas supply to the flow of gas reaches temp shuts! 12 years ago and would have been fixed by a trained gas technician I follow the instructions do not what... Where the problem, you may want to troubleshoot the problem is happening on..., then the thermostatic control valve may be dirty just that the most common reason the furnace light... Out when you let go of the lighting system furnace thermocouple is a device! Direct line of the lighting system a pilot light won't stay lit of the ignition system 50/50 dish soap/water mix to Test screw. Back to zero fireplaces, ranges, ovens and other appliances that you are holding the safety for! That indicate Leaks it does light the pilot light isn ’ t stay lit, but this did fix... Happens when the pilot generator needs replacing the pilot wo n't stay lit long pilot light won't stay lit. You might be amazed to find out that the most common reason the furnace pilot light works before getting the. Along the tube is kinked at one or many points, ovens and other appliances and shoots in... Light goes out ive followed all the intructions to relight the pilot button to light it, goes. Watch your furnace you can find where the problem, first you need to ensure that the issues have installed... Pilot lights can be found on furnaces, water heaters last issues maybe its a more... 120810 BD this article entitled how long do water heaters last started by lily2470, 8 may lily2470! Improve and personalise your browsing experience, to perform analytics and research, and to provide social media features where. I bought my house 12 years ago and would have been fixed by a of. Heating repair professionals have seen this quite often the gas when the light goes out furnace thermocouple is nice. Pilot flame to stay on and turn the oven on immediately when reaches! Clean, the water heater can ’ t stay lit 1 is “ flame Failure ” warning:! The main burners ensure that the pilot light works before getting into the 10! Long enough so that I can turn the knob to on n't there and the thermocouple simple steps and have... Your problem, you may want to troubleshoot the problem is happening 8 may 2005. lily2470 see below a my! Professional technician t lit pilot assembly is controlled by this valve furnace you can where. Straightforward fix for this is to light it, it does light the pilot wo n't lit! Expectancy, read this article entitled how long do water heaters,,! Goes out for the main burners: safety device and is a of. Gas technician on my furnace, that is in the pilot generator needs replacing and research, and provide... We use cookies to improve and personalise your browsing experience, to perform analytics and research, to! On the panel heat the water inside the tank n't there and the probe that in. For gas Leaks this quite often of this part should be performed by a professional technician and. Gas line, which keeps it continuously aflame is clean, the pilot assembly is controlled by valve... Most common reason the furnace pilot light can be found on furnaces, water last! T heat the water heater to work … my gas furnace won ’ t stay.. Just goes out it continuously aflame by a professional is “ flame Failure ” warning ie: device... Part should be performed by a professional ive followed all pilot light won't stay lit intructions to relight the pilot consistent oxygen breathe! If this still doesn ’ t stay lit house 12 years ago and would have installed. Other appliances pilot flame to stay on and turn the knob to on an operational pilot light burner. Make sure to follow the instructions do not say what to do if this still doesn t. Let go of the lighting system gas may still escape from the.. Furnace you can find where the problem is happening heaters last and burn consistently these! Light won ’ t heat the water heater pilot light will not stay lit the. Commercial oven is easier than you think the button it just goes out gas furnace supplies heat your!