Reasons Water Heater Pilot won't Light

Water heater pilot won't light

Our hot water heaters aren't put through much stress. All we ask is that they supply us with hot water for showers, baths, laundry, and cleaning dishes. Even the most well-maintained water heater will eventually experience problems. The pilot light in your gas or propane water heater is probably out of service if it's not providing you with hot water. In this article, we discuss about water heater pilot won't light.

There are a few things you can attempt if you discover that your pilot light has gone out. Try reigniting it first; it might be all that's needed to solve your issue. Should the pilot fail to ignite or burn out quickly, there might be a more significant problem with your thermocouple or another part.

​You might need to contact a licensed plumber if your tankless water heater (or the hot water heater) is giving you serious or persistent problems. We are honored to be the best water heater repair company in Indianapolis, at AC Repair Burke. We invite you to call us if you encounter a pilot that is unlit while you're in the vicinity.

Replaced the Thermocouple

It can be annoying to discover that your pilot light won't remain lit, but fortunately, there's typically a rather straightforward answer. The most frequent reason why a pilot light won't ignite is almost always a thermocouple failure. The water heater has a built-in safety feature called a thermocouple. It permits gas to flow to the burner when it detects the pilot's heat. The pilot won't stay lit if the thermocouple malfunctions since it will cut off the gas to the burner and the pilot light.

​The thermocouple can usually be replaced in an hour and is a fairly straightforward process. This is one of the easiest water heater issues to fix, and a knowledgeable plumber can get your unit operating again quickly.

Major Reasons for Water Heater Pilot won't Light

A pilot light that won't stay lit most likely has a faulty thermocouple, but there are a few additional possibilities as well.

Residual Gas Trapped in Water Heater

​We advise leaving your pilot out for five to ten minutes in order to allow any remaining gas to exit the device. It's not always necessary to shut off the gas valve. Simply check that your pilot light's control knob is in the OFF position. Give it a few minutes to settle before attempting to relight it.

Problem with your Automatic Lighter

​The automated igniters included in most modern water heaters are akin to those found in gas grills. The button itself may eventually wear out and stop functioning, in which case a replacement will be necessary. You might still be able to light your pilot light using a match or cigarette lighter if the automated igniter isn't sparking.

​There is Blockage in your Pilot Tube

One more possible issue? You have a clogged pilot tube. This is the tiny tube that supplies the gas required to light and maintain your pilot flame. This tube could fill with trash over time. Using a needle or a little piece of wire, cleaning up the tube is typically rather simple. 

Age of your Water Heater

​Lastly, please remember that the majority of water heaters only survive ten to fifteen years. It might be more cost-effective to replace your heater rather than spend money on repairs if it is already past its prime. We are always pleased to provide an installation quote for tankless water heaters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Why won't my pilot light come on my water heater?

​A clogged pilot tube is frequently the cause of an inability to ignite your pilot light. This little metal tube provides the gas required to light the pilot and maintain it burning. Debris frequently clogs the pilot tube, which stops gas from getting to the pilot light.

Why is my gas water heater not igniting?

The first thing to do when a gas water heater won't ignite is to make sure the gas pressure to the water heater is sufficient. The thermocouple/thermopile assembly would then be examined. We would next examine the gas control valve to determine if it was malfunctioning after verifying that.​

Can you manually light a water heater with electronic pilot?

Today's water heaters rarely have standing pilots anymore. To light the gas, they use an electrical ignition device. Never try to manually start an electrical ignition system by hand.