Gas-powered appliances like water heaters, furnaces, and boilers are complex machines that rely on functioning pilot lights to perform. If the pilot light keeps going out, your hot water and warm air go out.

Not sure what to do if your furnace or water heater pilot light keeps going out? In this article, we will explain what causes a pilot light to go out and provide instructions for what to do when it won’t stay lit.

What is a Pilot Light?

A pilot light is an essential component of gas-fired appliances. When you turn on your furnace or water heater, you release gas into its main combustion chamber. The pilot light ignites the gas and creates the heat that will eventually warm your home.

How to Check if Your Pilot Light is Working Properly

You can perform a visual inspection of your pilot to ensure that it is working correctly. 

Here’s how:

Why Does My Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

Dirty Thermocouple

A dirty or damaged thermocouple compromises your heating system’s safety and performance. Over time, this critical safety device can collect dirt or carbon, preventing it from sensing the flame and maintaining gas flow.

How to Troubleshoot:

Start by turning off the main gas supply valve and waiting five minutes for the heat and gas to disperse. Carefully clean the thermocouple’s heat-sensing end and ensure correct alignment with the flame. If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue or if you notice any physical damage to the component, contact a certified HVAC technician.

Clogged or Dirty Pilot Orifice

A pilot light with a weak, flickering, or yellow-orange flame typically indicates a clogged or dirty pilot orifice. When the orifice is obstructed, it restricts gas flow, and your pilot light won’t stay lit.

How to Troubleshoot:

Again, start by turning off the main gas supply valve and waiting five minutes for the heat and gas to disperse. Carefully clean the pilot light’s tip using a thin needle. If the orifice appears severely corroded or if cleaning doesn’t improve the pilot light’s performance, contact a certified furnace repair technician.

Draft or Wind

If your furnace or water heater pilot light keeps going out, it may be installed too close to a window, doorway, or air vent. Unexpected drafts and wind from these openings can repeatedly extinguish your pilot light.

How to Troubleshoot:

Monitor the wind conditions around your home and check for potential draft sources near your heating equipment. If you cannot identify and eliminate the source of drafts causing pilot light issues, contact a professional who specializes in furnace and water heater service.

Malfunctioning Gas Regulator

A damaged or malfunctioning gas regulator can disrupt gas flow to your heating systems, causing your pilot light to go out. If you notice pilot light issues across multiple gas-powered appliances, the problem may lie with the main gas regulator.

How to Troubleshoot:

Contact your natural gas provider for assistance, as they are responsible for gas regulator maintenance and repair.

Contaminated Gas

A yellow or red pilot light flame could indicate gas contamination. Contaminated gas poses significant safety risks and prevents your pilot light from functioning correctly.

How to Troubleshoot:

Never attempt to troubleshoot gas contamination yourself. Call a professional heating technician at Eck Services to investigate and resolve the issue.

Damaged Flex Tube

Flex tubes connect gas controllers to burners. Damaged flex tubes prevent proper gas flow and lead to pilot light failure.

How to Troubleshoot:

Carefully inspect the flex tube for kinks or visible damage that might cause gas leaks. If you suspect flex tube issues are the reason your pilot light won’t stay lit, reach out to a certified HVAC technician.

Why Won’t My Pilot Light Stay Lit?

• Dirty Pilot Light Tube: A grimy pilot light tube can gradually suffocate the flame, causing it to extinguish shortly after ignition from restricted gas flow and contamination.

• Insufficient Gas Flow: Inadequate gas supply from a leaking valve or restricted line can cause your pilot light to go out.

• Damaged Thermocouple: A broken thermocouple can shut your pilot light off as a safety mechanism, preventing the flame from staying lit for long periods.

• Air Trapped in the Gas Line: Unwanted air trapped in the gas line creates intermittent disruptions that cause your pilot light to extinguish unpredictably.

• Thermostat Issues: A malfunctioning thermostat can send incorrect signals to your heating system, potentially affecting your pilot light’s performance.

• Compromised Gas Control Valves: Problems with the gas control valve can prevent your pilot light from staying lit and require professional resolution.

Why Is My Pilot Light Not Lighting?

• Wire Connection Issues: With no critical spark to start the flame, loose or faulty wiring will prevent your pilot light from igniting.

• Gas Supply Interruption: Interrupted or insufficient gas flow can leave your heater without a fuel source for combustion.

• Line Blockages: Obstructions in the gas line prevent gas from reaching the pilot light.

• Soot and Carbon Buildup: The accumulation of soot and carbon creates layers of interference that cause your water heater or furnace pilot light to go out and remain unlit.

Ensure Reliable Heating & Hot Water with Routine Maintenance

Now that you understand why your pilot light keeps going out, take preventative measures to prevent it from happening again. Schedule routine heating maintenance with Eck Services. We specialize in repairing, installing, and maintaining all your home’s gas-powered appliances, including furnaces, water heaters, and boilers.

Schedule an appointment today, and a member of our team will help you keep your systems’ pilot lights lit with proactive inspection and maintenance services.