Imagine getting into the shower, expecting hot water, and feeling ice-cold water instead…If your water heater’s pilot light keeps going out, you have probably had that happen.
It is frustrating for sure, but it is also not something that will fix itself if you leave it alone. Below, we are going to explain how a professional water heater repair company in Niles, Illinois can identify and repair this issue.
Why does this keep happening?
A bad thermocouple is one of the most common reasons your pilot light keeps going out. That is a small part inside your heater that senses the flame.
If the thermocouple does not sense a flame, it shuts off the gas. That stops gas from leaking when there is no flame to burn it. It is a good safety feature, but if the thermocouple is not working properly, it can shut off the gas even when there is a flame. That is when your pilot light goes out.
The small pilot tube (or pilot gas line) that brings gas to the pilot can also get blocked by dust or soot. That makes the flame weak or flicker, and a weak flame can’t heat the thermocouple properly. As a result, the thermocouple cools down, shuts off the gas, and the pilot goes out again.
These parts are hard to inspect just by looking. It takes a professional water heater repair company in Niles, Illinois to disassemble the heater, clean it, adjust the parts, or replace them to get the system working again.
Sometimes, the problem is not with the heater itself.
The room where you have installed the water heater can sometimes be why your water heater’s pilot light keeps going out.
Basements, closets, or laundry rooms can have drafts, and even a small draft from a door or window can blow out the pilot light. Sometimes, it makes the flame move around so much that the thermocouple does not stay hot enough. Loose ductwork nearby can also cause drafts that interfere with the flame.
Another thing you should watch for is the ventilation system. If the exhaust vent pipes that carry gases outside are cracked or loose, air can come in the wrong way. That can make the flame weak or blow it out completely.
Sometimes, the gas supply itself is the problem. The flame can be weak if the gas pressure is low or uneven. When that happens, the thermocouple does not heat enough, and the gas shuts off. You might notice this if other gas appliances are running at the same time or if the gas line is kinked or blocked.
Lastly, valves or regulators can stop working correctly as they age. That can make the flame weak or shut off the gas randomly. If that happens, relighting the pilot repeatedly will not solve the problem. Those parts need to be repaired or replaced.
What can you do?
If you feel comfortable, you can try to relight the pilot light yourself. Start by turning the gas knob to “Pilot.” Hold the knob down so gas can reach the pilot. Then, press the ignitor button or use a long lighter to light the flame.
Once the flame is lit, keep holding the knob down for about a minute to give the thermocouple time to heat up. It must get hot enough to make the electric signal that keeps the gas flowing. After about a minute, let go of the knob. If the flame stays on, turn the knob to “On,” and that is it.
But if the flame keeps flickering or goes out again, it is time to call a professional water heater repair company in Niles, Illinois. They will check the gas valve, the thermocouple, the pilot tube, and other parts to make sure nothing is affecting your water heater’s ability to light, stay lit, and operate safely.
Looking for a Water Heater Repair Company in Niles, Illinois?
If your water heater’s pilot light keeps going out, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. As the most trusted water heater repair company in Niles, Illinois, we have what it takes to make sure your system is safe and reliable. Contact us today at 847-864-5225 to get started.
