Why Does My Water Heater Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

If your gas water heater suddenly stops producing hot water, the pilot light is one of the first things you may check. A pilot light can occasionally go out because of a temporary interruption or draft. But if you relight it and it goes out again, or it goes out as soon as you release the control knob, something isn’t working correctly. When a water heater pilot light keeps going out, repeatedly relighting it isn’t the solution. The underlying cause needs to be identified.

What Does the Pilot Light Do?

On a traditional gas water heater, the pilot is a small flame that remains lit and ignites the main burner when the water heater needs to heat the tank.

The water heater also has a safety device that monitors that flame. If the pilot goes out, the safety system should stop the flow of gas.

Newer gas water heaters may use electronic ignition, a hot-surface igniter, or another ignition system instead of a continuously burning pilot. If your unit has a status light or displays an error code, its owner’s manual can help explain what that code means.

Why a Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

Several different problems can cause a pilot to go out or prevent it from staying lit.

The Thermocouple or Thermopile May Be Failing

The thermocouple or thermopile senses whether the pilot flame is present. If it doesn’t detect a proper flame, the gas control valve shuts off the gas supply as a safety measure. When this component is dirty, damaged, misaligned, or failing, the pilot may light while you hold the control knob but go out as soon as you release it. A professional can test the component and determine whether it or another part is causing the problem.

The Pilot Flame May Be Weak

A healthy pilot flame should be strong enough to properly heat the flame-sensing device. A weak or irregular flame may result from:

• A dirty pilot assembly

• A restricted pilot tube

• Insufficient gas pressure

• A problem with the gas control valve

• Debris affecting combustion

The appearance of the flame can provide a clue, but it doesn’t confirm which component has failed.

The Water Heater May Not Have Enough Combustion Air

A gas water heater needs an adequate supply of air to burn fuel properly. Combustion air can become restricted when the water heater is installed in a confined space or when boxes, stored items, insulation, or other materials block the openings around it.

Don’t store items directly against the water heater or block combustion-air openings. Restricted airflow can interfere with operation and potentially allow unsafe combustion conditions to develop.

Drafts or Venting Problems May Affect the Flame

A strong draft may extinguish a small pilot flame. Problems with the water heater’s venting can also interfere with proper combustion. Possible issues include:

• A disconnected or damaged vent

• An improperly installed vent connector

• A blocked chimney or vent

• Backdrafting

• Pressure changes caused by exhaust fans

• A nearby door creating a strong draft

Venting problems can also allow combustion gases, including carbon monoxide, to enter the home. If you suspect a venting problem, leave the water heater off until it has been inspected.

The Gas Supply May Be Interrupted

A pilot light cannot remain lit without a steady gas supply. Possible causes include:

• A closed or partially closed gas valve

• Low propane

• A gas-pressure problem

• A damaged or restricted gas connection

• An interruption from the utility

• A problem with the water heater’s gas control valve

If other gas appliances are also not working, the problem may extend beyond the water heater.

The Gas Control Valve May Be Failing

The gas control valve regulates gas flow to the pilot and main burner. If the valve fails, the pilot may not light, may not remain lit, or may fail to send gas to the main burner. Because the gas control valve is an important safety component, it should be diagnosed and replaced by a qualified professional.

Can I Relight the Pilot Myself?

Many homeowners can relight a traditional pilot by following the instructions printed on the water heater or in the owner’s manual. The process varies by model, so follow the instructions for your specific unit rather than relying on general directions from another water heater. Do not attempt to relight the pilot if:

• You smell gas

• The control or burner area is wet

• The water heater is leaking

• The vent is disconnected or damaged

• Wiring or components appear burned

• You’re uncomfortable performing the procedure

If you smell gas, don’t operate switches or create a flame. Leave the area and contact the gas supplier or emergency services from a safe location.

What if the Pilot Lights but Won’t Stay Lit?

If the pilot goes out immediately after you release the control knob, the flame-sensing system may not be proving that a flame is present. That could involve the thermocouple, thermopile, pilot flame, gas control valve, or another safety component.

You can confirm that you followed the manufacturer’s lighting procedure correctly, including holding the control for the specified amount of time. If the pilot still won’t stay lit, stop repeatedly trying to restart it and schedule service.

Does a Pilot-Light Problem Mean I Need a New Water Heater?

Not necessarily. A failed thermocouple, pilot assembly, or another replaceable component may be worth repairing, particularly on a newer water heater in otherwise good condition. We consider:

• The age of the water heater

• The condition of the tank

• The component that failed

• The cost of the repair

• Whether parts are available

• Whether the unit has other problems

• Whether the tank is leaking or corroded

For a relatively new water heater, a reasonable repair may make sense. For a unit over 10 years old, especially one with additional problems, replacement may be the better use of your money. We’ll explain both options rather than assuming every pilot problem requires a new water heater.

Let Us Find Out Why the Pilot Keeps Going Out

A pilot light that goes out once may only need to be relit. A pilot that repeatedly goes out is telling you something isn’t operating correctly. Hot Water Solutions repairs and replaces gas water heaters throughout Kennesaw, Acworth, Marietta, Woodstock, Canton, Cartersville, Dallas, Hiram, Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming, and surrounding areas.

If your water heater’s pilot won’t stay lit, call 678-540-6164 to schedule service. Because a cold shower should be by choice.

Related Reading

• What Are the Signs Your Water Heater Is About to Fail?

• How Long Does a Water Heater Last?

  
  

FAQ Questions for Rich Results

Why does my water heater pilot light keep going out?

Common causes include a failing thermocouple or thermopile, a weak pilot flame, restricted combustion air, venting problems, gas-supply issues, or a failing gas control valve.

Why does the pilot go out when I release the control knob?

The flame-sensing system may not be detecting the pilot properly. The problem could involve the thermocouple, thermopile, pilot flame, or gas control valve.

Can I relight my water heater pilot myself?

Many homeowners can follow the lighting instructions printed on their specific water heater. Do not attempt it if you smell gas, see leaking water or damaged components, or are uncomfortable with the procedure.

Does a bad pilot light mean I need a new water heater?

Not always. Some ignition and flame-sensing components can be repaired. The water heater’s age, condition, repair cost, and availability of parts determine whether repair or replacement makes more sense.