How do you fix a pilot light that keeps going out?
This is and easy fix, simply let it cool down and brush off the dirt or debris. Your thermocouple might bend. The end that sits near the pilot light flame is what communicates with the gas valve and tells it to open or close. If it is bent away from the flame it won’t register heat and will keep the gas valve closed.
What would cause a pilot light to not stay lit?
The Buildup of Dirt or Debris Around The Pilot Light – Over the years it’s easy for dust, debris, and dirt to build up on the inside of the intake valve where the pilot light resides. This makes it difficult for the flame to breath and as a result causes the pilot light to go out suddenly.
How do I know if my thermocouple is going bad?
If you can’t get the flame to light at all, and you’re sure the gas is on, there’s probably an obstruction in the pilot tube. If the flame lights and goes out when you release the gas control knob after holding it in for the recommended 20 to 30 seconds, that’s the sign of a thermocouple malfunction.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my furnace?
A bad thermocouple itself can prevent a gas furnace or boiler from working – if you can light the flame at the pilot manually but then the flame goes out when you release the manual gas feed valve, the thermocouple is probably bad.
Why does the pilot light on my gas heater keep going out?
If your furnace pilot light keeps going out, it’s likely you have a broken thermocouple in your gas furnace. The thermocouple is a rod that comes into physical contact with the flame in your system. … When this component is not able to detect the flame, it will close the gas valve to prevent a gas leak in your home.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple?
It costs $150 to $250 to replace a thermocouple. It checks to make sure the pilot light is on. It will shut the gas off if it’s not.
How much does it cost to replace a thermocouple on a furnace?
Cost to Replace a Thermocouple on a Furnace
Replacing a thermocouple costs $150 to $250, mostly due to labor time. On older models without an ignitor, it checks to make sure your pilot light is lit. If it’s not, it’ll shut the gas off.
Can I replace a thermocouple myself?
The No. 1 cause of pilot lights that won’t stay lit is a worn-out thermocouple. It’s easy to replace and a new one costs $5 to $10. Rather than trying to unfasten the thermocouple inside the water heater’s burning chamber, it’s easier to remove the whole burner and thermocouple assembly.
Why does my furnace flame keep going out?
If your furnace keeps shutting off, it could be due to low airflow. There are several indirect issues that cause low airflow. Dirty Air Filters. If you don’t change your air filters often enough, the filters will become dirty and clogged, which means the heat exchanger retains heat and eventually causes it to overheat.
How often do thermocouples need to be replaced?
The fireplace has thermocouples and switches. The thermocouples should last for a long time. According to experts, a four-year check cycle is all that is needed.
How much does it cost to fix a pilot light?
The thermocouple is an apparatus that senses whether the pilot light is lit and triggers the gas control valve. Repairs typically cost about $150 to have it done professionally, though a new thermocouple itself only costs about $20 on average.
How long do furnaces usually last?
A furnace’s longevity depends on the type of furnace you own. A gas furnace on average lasts between 15 and 20 years. An electric furnace lasts between 20 and 30 years.
Can a thermocouple be cleaned?
Yes, you can clean a thermocouple, but the task must be done with a light touch. Remove the thermocouple from the process assembly, using a steel wool or emery cloth, lightly clean the tip removing any build up.
How do you trick a thermocouple?
The thermocouple always thinks the pilot is not lit, even if it is. To get hot water, I have to light the pilot, then hold the match on the thermocouple to trick it into thinking the pilot light is touching it. Once it’s warm enough, I pull the match out and turn the knob from “Pilot” to “On”.
What happens if a thermocouple fails?
A thermocouple is a sort of “co-pilot” to your pilot light, which allows the gas burners on your water heater to be lit. In a few cases, a malfunctioning thermocouple may allow gas to leak into your home, which is a major problem. …
Why won t the pilot stay lit on my wall heater?
The Pilot Won’t Stay Lit
A pilot that won’t stay lit could be the result of a blockage in the pilot tube. Turn off the gas, clear the tube with compressed air, and relight the pilot. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call a repairman to come and install a new thermocouple.
How do you clean a pilot tube?
How do you clean a thermocouple pilot light?
You’ll need a lint-free cloth, some emery cloth sandpaper, and a screwdriver. You should be done in under 20 minutes. Whatever you do, never use any cleaning products or liquid of any kind. All you need to do is scrape the thermocouple clean and then dry-wipe the residue.
Can a thermocouple work intermittently?
a safety device that has started to go bad, or has failed permanently. In this client’s case, the thermocouple was initially working intermittently, and then finally failed. … This allowed the gas to flow long enough to heat up the thermocouple and generate some electrical current flowing back to the gas valve.
Should a pilot light always be on?
Generally speaking, it is safe to leave your continuous pilot light on at all times, assuming it stays lit (more on this in a moment). While it does cost more to keep your pilot light on in between uses, it can actually have some benefits to your system.
How do you fix a pilot light on a gas heater?
Once the gas has had time to dissipate, turn the knob to “Pilot.” Then, hold down the “Reset” button and bring the flame of a long lighter close to the pilot light opening. This should light the furnace pilot light. Once you are sure the pilot light is on, release your pressure on the reset button.