Hot water is something most people in Sidney rely on every day, whether it’s for showers, cooking, or washing up. When your water heater suddenly stops working, it can throw off your routine fast. One of the most frustrating issues homeowners deal with is a pilot light that keeps going out. This small flame has a big job. Without it, the heater can’t warm up water, which means you’re left with cold showers and an added household headache.
If your pilot light won’t stay lit, there’s a reason for it. Something is causing the flame to go out or preventing it from lighting in the first place. Figuring out what’s behind the issue can help you avoid repeat problems and save time and money. Whether you’re noticing flickering, no flame at all, or having to relight it often, it’s important to address this quickly and safely.
Common Causes of Pilot Light Extinguishment
There are a few common reasons your pilot light may keep going out. Some of these issues are easy to identify, while others may take a closer look. Each one can stop your water heater from working the way it should.
1. Drafts or Airflow Changes
A sudden gust of air from an open window, garage door, or nearby appliance can blow out the pilot light. Water heaters located in garages or basements are especially sensitive to shifts in airflow. If the flame keeps going out and you notice it happens when doors open or fans are running, this could be the cause.
2. Dirt Buildup Around the Pilot
Over time, dust, dirt, or debris can collect around the pilot light or burner. This buildup blocks the flame or affects the oxygen mix, which causes the light to go out. A dirty pilot assembly cannot stay lit for long. If you’ve had your water heater for many years and it hasn’t been cleaned or inspected recently, it may need proper servicing.
3. Worn-Out Thermocouple
The thermocouple is a small safety device that detects whether the pilot is lit. If it senses no flame, it stops the gas flow to avoid a leak. When functioning correctly, it’s an important safety feature. But if it becomes bent, dirty, or damaged, it can mistakenly shut off the gas even when the flame is present. This makes the light go out suddenly or prevents it from staying lit.
4. Age of the Water Heater
Older units are more likely to have worn-out parts or outdated components. As water heaters age, their thermocouples and pilot assemblies weaken or shift out of place. These small parts wear down from regular use and exposure to heat. If your system is over 10 years old, old hardware could be behind the issue.
Let’s say your water heater is located in an attached garage and every time the door swings open, the pilot light goes out. That could be a signal that the setup is exposed to drafts. On top of that, if your unit is over a decade old and hasn’t had regular maintenance, parts like the thermocouple could be ready to fail too. Both problems would cause the light to go out repeatedly.
How To Diagnose The Problem
Troubleshooting your water heater starts with a safe and simple look at the unit. While you should leave repairs to trained professionals, there are signs you can watch for that help point to the right issue.
Here’s how to begin a basic check:
– Turn off the gas supply to the water heater
– Let the heater cool down fully before touching it
– Remove the access cover to reach the pilot flame area
– Use a flashlight to inspect the pilot assembly and surrounding area
While you’re inspecting:
– Check for signs of dirt or buildup around the burner
– Look for any visible damage or misalignment in the thermocouple
– Try to see if the flame ignites at all or if it flickers weakly
If your heater doesn’t light or won’t stay on after several attempts, or if you smell gas, it’s time to stop and contact our professionals. Diagnosing gas-fired appliances involves serious safety risks, and improper handling can lead to further damage or dangerous leaks.
Spotting the difference between a dirty pilot assembly and a broken thermocouple can be difficult without testing equipment. Rather than guessing, it’s best to bring in our technicians for an accurate diagnosis and a dependable fix.
Importance Of Regular Maintenance
Having your water heater checked regularly can help prevent frustrating situations like a pilot light that won’t stay on. When basic parts such as the thermocouple or pilot assembly are cleaned and adjusted during routine maintenance, it reduces the risk of failure. Regular upkeep also means you’re less likely to be surprised by sudden breakdowns or safety issues.
A typical maintenance visit includes a full inspection of all working parts, testing the gas pressure and burner, checking for proper ventilation, and flushing the tank if needed. These checks help extend the life of your unit and keep it running safely through every season. For homes in Sidney, where water heater use can be steady year-round, those services are especially important.
Our professionals are trained to check for wear in parts people often overlook. We’ve seen many cases in Sidney where ignored build-up or a loose connection led to bigger problems later. In one case, an older unit had a failing thermocouple that hadn’t been noticed during past service calls. Once replaced and cleaned, the pilot light stayed lit without issue for months.
If your water heater is past its middle years or hasn’t had regular maintenance, reaching out for a professional inspection could save you from a cold-water surprise.
How To Relight The Pilot Light Safely
If your water heater’s pilot light goes out, it might be tempting to relight it yourself. While it’s possible to do so safely, it should always be handled with care. If you feel unsure, it’s best to leave the work to our professionals instead of taking a risk.
Here’s a general list of steps homeowners may follow when relighting a pilot light. Always read your manufacturer’s instructions carefully before trying:
1. Turn the gas control knob to off and wait for at least 5 to 10 minutes to let any lingering gas clear out
2. Locate the pilot light and gas valve, usually near the bottom of the heater
3. Turn the knob to pilot and press it down to let gas flow
4. While holding it down, press the igniter button (or use a long lighter if your model doesn’t have one)
5. Once the pilot is lit, hold the button down for another 20 to 30 seconds
6. Slowly release the button and check to see if the flame stays lit
7. If the flame holds, turn the knob to the on position
Be sure to keep children and pets away during this process and never force anything. If the flame won’t light after a few tries or seems weak, stop immediately. Repeated attempts can send unburned gas into the air, which is dangerous. If this happens, it’s time to call our technicians. They’ll inspect the unit for deeper issues that might be keeping the pilot from staying on.
Why It Pays To Act Quickly
Sometimes a flickering pilot light might seem like a minor issue, especially if you manage to get it going again. But if it keeps happening more than once, there’s a real problem behind it. Ignoring the cause risks more than just cold water. It can lead to damage in your gas line, a full loss of hot water, or even safety concerns depending on the fault.
Addressing the root of the problem now can save you time and cost later. Whether it’s an old thermocouple, loose connection, or just a dirty assembly, these are all manageable repairs that become more serious if left untreated. Plus, for homes planning water heater installation in Sidney, repeated pilot light problems are often a sign the system is nearing the end of its useful life.
Our professionals can take a closer look, safely identify the issue, and guide you through whether a repair or full system replacement makes the most sense. Regular care and prompt attention are the keys to keeping your hot water running without interruption. By staying ahead of the problem, your water heater will stay dependable for years to come.
Burkett’s Heating & Cooling understands that dealing with persistent water heater issues in Sidney can be challenging. If you face repeated pilot light problems or other concerns that disrupt your daily routine, getting professional help is essential. For reliable water heater installation in Sidney, our team offers expert diagnosis and service to ensure your unit functions safely and efficiently. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.