Pilot Light Keeps Going Out? Causes & Fixes
A pilot light that keeps going out is frustrating and leaves you without heat or hot water. While older furnaces have pilot lights, many homes still have gas water heaters and other appliances that use them.
Signs & Symptoms
Possible Causes
- -Faulty thermocouple
- -Dirty pilot assembly
- -Draft blowing out flame
- -Clogged pilot orifice
- -Gas supply issues
- -Defective gas valve
- -Flex gas line kinked
- -Improper venting
DIY Troubleshooting Steps
Try these steps before calling a professional (unless it's an emergency):
- 1Clean pilot area with compressed air
- 2Check for drafts near appliance
- 3Verify gas valve is fully open
- 4Ensure pilot flame touches thermocouple
- 5Hold pilot button longer (60+ seconds)
- 6Check that vent isn't blocked
When to Call a Professional
- !Pilot won't stay lit after cleaning
- !You smell gas
- !Thermocouple needs replacement
- !Pilot flame is yellow or weak
- !Gas valve may be defective
- !You're not comfortable working with gas
Estimated Repair Costs
Diagnostic: $89-$129
Minor Repair: $150-$250
Major Repair: $300-$600
Thermocouple replacement is minor. Gas valve replacement is a major repair.
Prevention Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pilot light keep going out?
The most common cause is a faulty thermocouple - the safety device that detects the flame. When it fails, it shuts off gas to the pilot even when the flame is lit. Other causes include drafts, clogs, or gas supply issues.
Is it safe to keep relighting the pilot?
Relighting occasionally is fine, but if it goes out frequently, there's an underlying issue. Always wait for any gas smell to dissipate before relighting, and call a pro if it won't stay lit.
Need Help?
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