If your pilot light won’t stay alight, it might be the thermocouple. Sometimes dust buildup collects on the thermocouple and blocks the sensor. Try cleaning the thermocouple and then relighting the pilot light. If it continues to go out, the thermocouple might need to be replaced.
Also, 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.
Besides, can you clean a thermocouple?
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.
Do I need to turn gas off if pilot light goes out?
If the pilot light goes out, you can relight it after the gas is shut off using a match or the unit’s electronic ignitor if it has one, following the proper safety precautions. If your gas is shut off, turn the gas shutoff valves on all gas appliances to the “off” position until the gas service is restored.
How do I know if my thermocouple is bad on my water heater?
A worn out thermocouple is one of the most common gas water heater problems. When thermocouples wear out, the pilot light goes out, the burner won’t light, and you will have no hot water.
How do you clean a pilot tube?
How do you fix a pilot light on a hot water heater?
How to Fix the Pilot Light of Your Water Heater
- The first step is to open the cover or door of the pilot light access. …
- With the help of a flashlight or headlamp, identify the burner inside. …
- Now, turn and press the knob to ‘Pilot’, and hold it for some seconds.
How do you get a pilot light back on?
Turn the gas regulator valve to the “pilot” position. If the water heater has a manual “ignite” button, press that to light the pilot. If it doesn’t have the button, or the button fails, press the regulator valve and hold a grill lighter or long match to the pilot light valve until the pilot ignites.
How long should a water heater thermocouple last?
In effect, new thermocouples were installed into contaminated tubes, causing the degradation of the sensors and generating greater than a 100°F shift in accuracy. In this scenario, thermocouple life, which should have been close to one year, was shortened to within a week.
How much does a thermocouple cost?
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 water heater thermocouple?
Thermocouple – $20 to $150
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.
What causes the pilot light to go out on a water heater?
A dirty thermocouple is the most common cause of malfunctioning water heater pilot light. Because the tip of the thermocouple is exposed to a direct flame, carbon can build up and cause the flame to malfunction or go out.
What does it mean when your pilot light won’t light?
Why is my gas heater not igniting?
The pilot light or ignition sensor is usually the most common issue when your furnace will not ignite. … Then, remove the front panel to find the ignitor or ignition sensor. This is typically located near the burners. If the sensor or ignitor is dirty, it will need to be cleaned.