Mystery Solved: Uncovering the Hidden Reason Behind Water Heater Pilot Outages

If you’ve ever found yourself shivering in the shower because your water heater has decided to take a break, you know that it’s a serious inconvenience. But before you call a plumber, there are a few things you can check to see if you can fix the problem yourself. One of the most common reasons for a water heater pilot light to go out is a draft. Drafts can come from open windows, doors, or even cracks in the walls or ceiling. If you think a draft is the problem, try closing all the windows and doors and sealing any cracks.

Common Causes of Water Heater Pilot Outages

• Drafts: Drafts can blow out the pilot light, especially if the water heater is located in a drafty area.
• Dirt and debris: Dirt and debris can accumulate on the pilot light assembly, blocking the flow of gas and preventing the pilot light from staying lit.
• Faulty thermocouple: The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply if the pilot light goes out. A faulty thermocouple can prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
• Faulty gas valve: The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the pilot light. A faulty gas valve can prevent the pilot light from getting enough gas to stay lit.
• Clogged burner: The burner is where the gas is burned to create the flame that heats the water. A clogged burner can prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
• Damaged pilot light assembly: The pilot light assembly is the part of the water heater that houses the pilot light. A damaged pilot light assembly can prevent the pilot light from staying lit.
• Loose or disconnected wires: Loose or disconnected wires can prevent the pilot light from getting the electricity it needs to stay lit.

How to Relight a Water Heater Pilot Light

If you’ve checked for drafts and there are none, the next step is to try relighting the pilot light. Here are the steps:

1. Turn off the gas supply to the water heater.
2. Wait five minutes for the gas to dissipate.
3. Locate the pilot light assembly. It’s usually located at the bottom of the water heater.
4. Push the reset button on the pilot light assembly.
5. Hold a lit match or lighter to the pilot light.
6. Turn on the gas supply to the water heater.
7. If the pilot light stays lit, you’re all set! If it goes out again, there may be a more serious problem that requires professional repair.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re having trouble relighting the pilot light, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Make sure that the gas supply is turned on.
• Check the thermocouple for damage. If it’s damaged, it will need to be replaced.
• Check the gas valve for damage. If it’s damaged, it will need to be replaced.
• Check the burner for clogs. If it’s clogged, it will need to be cleaned.
• Check the pilot light assembly for damage. If it’s damaged, it will need to be replaced.
• Check the wires for loose connections or damage. If there are any loose connections, tighten them. If there is any damage, the wires will need to be replaced.

When to Call a Plumber

If you’ve tried all of the troubleshooting tips above and you’re still unable to relight the pilot light, it’s time to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

Water Heater Maintenance

To prevent your water heater pilot light from going out, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. Here are a few tips:

• Inspect the pilot light assembly once a year and clean it if necessary.
• Check the thermocouple and gas valve for damage once a year.
• Have your water heater serviced by a qualified plumber every two years.

Final Thoughts

If your water heater pilot light goes out, don’t panic! In most cases, you can fix the problem yourself by following the steps outlined above. However, if you’re unable to relight the pilot light or if you suspect that there is a more serious problem, it’s important to call a plumber.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Why did my water heater pilot light go out?
A: There are many reasons why a water heater pilot light can go out, including drafts, dirt and debris, a faulty thermocouple, a faulty gas valve, a clogged burner, a damaged pilot light assembly, or loose or disconnected wires.

Q: How do I relight my water heater pilot light?
A: To relight your water heater pilot light, turn off the gas supply to the water heater, wait five minutes for the gas to dissipate, locate the pilot light assembly, push the reset button on the pilot light assembly, hold a lit match or lighter to the pilot light, and turn on the gas supply to the water heater.

Q: When should I call a plumber?
A: You should call a plumber if you’re unable to relight the pilot light or if you suspect that there is a more serious problem.