What Causes a Water Heater Pilot to Go Out?
A water heater pilot light is a small flame that ignites the burners in a water heater to heat the water. When the pilot light goes out, it can cause issues with the water heater’s ability to function properly, leaving you without hot water. But what causes the pilot light to go out in the first place? In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons why a water heater pilot light may go out, and what you can do to prevent it from happening.
Common Causes of a Water Heater Pilot to Go Out
There are several reasons why a water heater pilot light may go out. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Dirty or Corroded Pilot Assembly: A dirty or corroded pilot assembly can prevent the pilot light from igniting properly. Check for any debris or corrosion in the pilot assembly and clean it out if necessary.
- Incorrect Water Temperature: If the water temperature is set too low, the pilot light may not be able to sustain itself. Check your water heater’s temperature settings and adjust them if necessary.
- Pilot Light Malfunction: The pilot light itself can malfunction and go out due to a variety of reasons, including a faulty pilot light assembly or a buildup of debris in the burner area. Check for any signs of wear or damage on the pilot light assembly and replace it if necessary.
- Gas Supply Issues: Gas supply issues, such as a faulty gas valve or a clogged gas line, can prevent the pilot light from igniting properly. Check your gas supply lines and valves for any signs of damage or corrosion and replace them if necessary.
- Faulty Thermocouple: A faulty thermocouple can prevent the pilot light from staying lit. Check your thermocouple for any signs of damage or corrosion and replace it if necessary.
Other Factors That Can Contribute to a Water Heater Pilot Going Out
While the above factors are the most common causes of a water heater pilot going out, there are other factors that can contribute to the issue. These include:
- Poor Maintenance: Failure to regularly maintain your water heater can lead to problems with the pilot light going out. Make sure to regularly check and replace the anode rod and drain sediment from the tank.
- Age: Water heaters have a lifespan, and as they age, they may become less efficient and more prone to issues with the pilot light going out. Check the age of your water heater and consider replacing it if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Hard Water: Hard water can cause lime scale buildup in the water heater, which can interfere with the pilot light’s ability to function properly. Consider installing a water softener to reduce lime scale buildup.
- Power Outages: Power outages can cause the pilot light to go out, especially if your water heater has an automatic shut-off feature. Check your water heater’s manual to see if it has an automatic shut-off feature and follow the recommended procedures for restarting the pilot light.
Table: Common Causes of Water Heater Pilot Going Out
| Cause | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty or Corroded Pilot Assembly | Debris or corrosion in the pilot assembly prevents the pilot light from igniting properly | Clean out the pilot assembly or replace it if necessary |
| Incorrect Water Temperature | Water temperature set too low prevents the pilot light from sustaining itself | Check and adjust the water temperature settings |
| Pilot Light Malfunction | Faulty pilot light assembly or buildup of debris in the burner area | Check for wear or damage on the pilot light assembly and replace if necessary |
| Gas Supply Issues | Faulty gas valve or clogged gas line prevents the pilot light from igniting properly | Check gas supply lines and valves for damage or corrosion and replace if necessary |
| Faulty Thermocouple | Faulty thermocouple prevents the pilot light from staying lit | Check and replace the thermocouple if necessary |
Preventing a Water Heater Pilot from Going Out
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of a water heater pilot going out, there are several steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of this happening:
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain your water heater to prevent issues with the pilot light going out. Check and replace the anode rod and drain sediment from the tank every 6-12 months.
- Hard Water Prevention: Consider installing a water softener to reduce lime scale buildup and prevent issues with the pilot light going out.
- Power Outage Procedures: Make sure you follow the recommended procedures for restarting the pilot light after a power outage, as specified in your water heater’s manual.
- Pilot Light Assembly Replacement: Replace the pilot light assembly if it’s damaged or showing signs of wear.
In conclusion, a water heater pilot light going out is a common issue that can be caused by a variety of factors. By identifying the cause of the problem and taking steps to prevent it from happening, you can ensure that your water heater continues to function properly and provide you with the hot water you need.
